Ximeng Han, Yi Li, Enci Wang, Huan Zhu, Xiuzhen Huang, Wenjuan Pu, Mingjun Zhang, Kuo Liu, Huan Zhao, Zixin Liu, Yufei Zhao, Linghong Shen, Yan Li, Xiao Yang, Qing-Dong Wang, Xin Ma, Ruling Shen, Kathy Lui, Lixin Wang, Ben He, Bin Zhou
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: The developmental diversity among smooth muscle cells (SMCs) plays a crucial role in segment-specific aortic diseases. However, traditional genetic approaches are inadequate for enabling in vivo analysis of disease susceptibility associated with cellular origin. There is an urgent need to build genetic technologies that target different developmental origins to investigate the mechanisms of aortopathies, thereby facilitating the development of effective therapeutics.
Methods: To address this challenge, we developed an advanced dual recombinase-mediated intersectional genetic system, specifically designed to precisely target SMCs from various developmental origins in mice. Specifically, we used Isl1-Dre, Wnt1-Dre, Meox1-DreER, and Upk3b-Dre to target SMC progenitors from the second heart field, cardiac neural crest, somites, and mesothelium, respectively. This system was combined with single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate the impact of TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) signaling in different segments of the aorta by selectively knocking out Tgfbr2 in the ascending aorta and Smad4 in the aortic arch, respectively.
Results: Through intersectional genetic approaches, we use the Myh11-Cre(ER) driver along with origin-specific Dre drivers to trace cells of diverse developmental origins within the SMC population. We found that a deficiency of Tgfbr2 in SMCs of the ascending aorta leads to aneurysm formation in this specific region. We also demonstrate the critical role of Smad4 in preserving aortic wall integrity and homeostasis in SMCs of the aortic arch.
Conclusions: Our approach to genetically targeting SMC subtypes provides a novel platform for exploring origin-dependent or location-specific aortic vascular diseases. This genetic system enables comprehensive analysis of contributions from different cell lineages to SMC behavior and pathology, thereby paving the way for targeted research and therapeutic interventions in the future.
期刊介绍：
Circulation is a platform that publishes a diverse range of content related to cardiovascular health and disease. This includes original research manuscripts, review articles, and other contributions spanning observational studies, clinical trials, epidemiology, health services, outcomes studies, and advancements in basic and translational research. The journal serves as a vital resource for professionals and researchers in the field of cardiovascular health, providing a comprehensive platform for disseminating knowledge and fostering advancements in the understanding and management of cardiovascular issues.
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