Bioactive lipid mediator signaling systems evolved coincidently with complex vascular, immune and nervous systems of vertebrates. My laboratory discovered the sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor and have contributed to our knowledge of how this lipid mediator regulates the vascular and immune systems. S1P receptor is now a target for a drug (Fingolimod/ Gilenya) that is approved for the treatment of relapsing, remitting multiple sclerosis. Much effort is directed towards developing second generation S1P receptor- targeted therapeutics for several immune, oncologic and vascular diseases. However, our understanding of how S1P signaling contributes to various diseases is limited and S1P receptor-based therapeutic agents suffer from significant mechanism-based adverse events. This proposal aims to fill the gap in our knowledge about how S1P signaling regulates vascular disease and develop novel therapeutic strategies to reduce vascular disease progression and restore endothelial function, an important factor in cardiovascular health. Specifically, we will focus on the S1P chaperones, protein molecules that bind to S1P and target receptor signaling complexes to activate specific biological responses. In particular, we will explore the mechanisms by which HDL-bound S1P suppresses endothelial injury and promote vascular homeostasis by the activation of S1PR1 signaling complexes. Second, we will explore how the S1PR1 signaling system regulates shear stress- induced vascular endothelial cell homeostasis. Mechanistic details of receptor signaling complexes that translate biomechanical forces that result from homeostatic laminar shear stress and pathologic disturbed shear into intracellular biochemical signals and transcriptional output will be elucidated in endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Third, mechanisms by which autoimmunity-associated cytokines (type-I interferons) to exacerbate endothelial injury and accelerate vascular disease will be explored in mouse models and correlated with endothelial cells isolated from normal and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Finally, we will develop stabilized recombinant ApoM fusion protein to deliver S1P to endothelial S1PRs to promote vascular homeostasis and reduce endothelial injury. The use of this biological therapeutic in animal models of hypertension, myocardial ischemia/ reperfusion injury, abnormal angiogenesis and tissue fibrosis will be examined. These studies are anticipated to lead to comprehensive understanding of how S1P signaling promotes vascular homeostasis and lead to the development of novel approaches to control vascular injury and disease using cardiovascular targeted S1P therapeutics.

Public Health Relevance

Endothelial injury is a key event in cardiovascular disease, which is accelerated in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. This project will investigate a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor on endothelial cells which is activated by normal blood flow as well as high density lipoproteins, with the aim of better understanding vascular diseases and to develop new therapies.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Unknown (R35)
Project #
1R35HL135821-01
Application #
9244438
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHL1-CSR-I (O3))
Program Officer
Gao, Yunling
Project Start
2017-01-18
Project End
2023-12-31
Budget Start
2017-01-18
Budget End
2017-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$926,656
Indirect Cost
$335,078
Name
Boston Children's Hospital
Department
Type
Independent Hospitals
DUNS #
076593722
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
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Swendeman, Steven L; Xiong, Yuquan; Cantalupo, Anna et al. (2017) An engineered S1P chaperone attenuates hypertension and ischemic injury. Sci Signal 10:
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