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van der Laan, S. W.

Publications and source records attributed to van der Laan, S. W..

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Desert hedgehog enhances endothelial resilience and prevents atherosclerosis by mitigating PAI-1 signaling

BACKGROUNDAtherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Most current pharmacotherapies target conventional risk factors that promote atherosclerosis (e.g., hyperlipidemia) rather than intrinsic resilience factors that protect against atherosclerosis in the face of risk factors. Here, we investigated the role of desert hedgehog (DHH), a canonical ligand of the hedgehog signaling pathway, as a novel resilience factor that restrains endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and protects against atherosclerosis. METHODSSingle-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed on atheroprone and atheroprotective regions of the ApoE knockout mouse aorta to identify mechanoresponsive genes associated with atherosclerosis. Endothelial cell-specific Dhh knockout mice were subjected to partial carotid ligation and hypercholesterolemic conditions to investigate the role of endothelial Dhh in atherosclerosis progression. scRNA-seq, bulk RNA sequencing, endothelial lineage tracing, immunoprecipitation-coupled mass spectrometry, and surface plasmon resonance were used to in-vestigate the role and mechanism of DHH in EndoMT. Pharmacological interventions and recombinant DHH administration were performed in vivo to evaluate therapeutic potential of DHH targeting. DHH expression was also examined in human atherosclerotic arteries and serum samples from patients with coronary artery disease. RESULTSDHH protein expression was enriched in arterial endothelium from mice, porcine, and humans. However, DHH expression was significantly reduced in atherosclerotic arteries and serum from patients with coronary artery disease. scRNA-seq of atheroprone and atheroresistant region of mouse aorta identified Dhh as a novel mechanoresponsive gene enriched in aortic regions exposed to unidirectional laminar flow. Endothelial cell-specific Dhh knockout (DhhecKO) mice exhibited increased atherosclerotic lesion area, large necrotic cores, and reduced collagen content following partial carotid ligation. Similarly, under hypercholesterolemic conditions, both male and female DhhecKO mice showed aggravated atherosclerosis progression. scRNA-seq of DhhecKO mouse aortas revealed an increased proportion of endothelial cells undergoing mesenchymal transition, indicating enhanced EndoMT. These findings were corroborated by bulk RNA-sequencing of DHH depleted HUVECs and endothelial lineage tracing in inducible DhhecKO mice. Mechanistically, DHH directly interacted with plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and suppressed PAI-1-induced EndoMT. PAI-1 promoted EndoMT in ECs through activation of canonical TGF-{beta} signaling (SMAD2/3) and noncanonical AKT/ERK1/2 signaling via interaction with low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP1). Neutralization of PAI-1 or inhibition of LRP1, AKT/ERK1/2, or SMAD3 signaling abolished DHH deficiency-induced EndoMT. DHH competitively inhibited PAI-1 binding to LRP1, thereby attenuating downstream pro-EndoMT signaling. Intriguingly, treatment with PAI-1 inhibitor TM5275 mitigated endothelial Dhh deficiency induced EndoMT in vivo. Of translational relevance, recombinant mouse DHH protein administration reduced atherosclerosis progression, stabilized plaque, and decreased the expression of EndoMT markers in ApoE knockout mice. CONCLUSIONSDesert hedgehog (DHH) is an intrinsic endothelial cell-enriched resilience factor that protects against EndoMT and atherosclerosis by preventing PAI-1 signaling. The present study implicates endothelial DHH as a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=163 SRC="FIGDIR/small/729715v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (50K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@194c8a3org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1004d52org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@d47c73org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@368866_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG Desert hedgehog (DHH) is an intrinsic endothelial cell-enriched resilience factor that protects against EndoMT and atherosclerosis by preventing PAI-1 binding to LRP1 and downstream AKT/ERK, as well as SMAD2/3 signaling. Clinical PerspectiveO_ST_ABSWhat Is New?C_ST_ABSO_LIDHH was identified as a flow-responsive resilience gene that is downregulated by disturbed flow in endothelial cells. C_LIO_LIEndothelial-specific deletion of Dhh promoted endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (En-doMT) and atherosclerosis. C_LIO_LIDHH directly interacts with PAI-1 and preclude PAI-1 mediated pro-EndoMT signaling. C_LI What Are the Clinical Implications?O_LIDHH maintains endothelial homeostasis during atherosclerosis. C_LIO_LITargeting endothelial DHH-PAI-1 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce EndoMT and limit plaque progression. C_LIO_LILower circulating DHH level may serve as a potential biomarker of endothelial dysfunction and plaque vulnerability in atherosclerotic disease. C_LI

biochemistry↗

Autoimmune-like CD8⁺ T Cell Responses Drive Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability and Predict Cardiovascular Events

Background and aimsAtherosclerotic plaque rupture is a major cause of myocardial infarction and stroke. However, the precise drivers of plaque destabilisation remain elusive. We hypothesised that antigen-driven, autoimmune-like T cell responses are central to the destabilisation and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. MethodsTo dissect T cell responses specifically in unstable compared to stable plaques, we leveraged near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) imaging-guided dissection of human carotid plaques. We also used our tandem stenosis model reflecting plaque instability as seen in patients to differentiate between unstable and stable plaques in mice. To explore T cell involvement, we studied T cell differentiation states and T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires by single-cell multi-omics. Then, testing if antigen-driven CD8+ T cell responses drive plaque instability in mice, we applied a combination of AAV8-PCSK9-induced atherosclerosis, tandem stenosis and TCR transgenic mice. Finally, we leveraged data from the AtheroExpress Biobank Study to link T cell immunity to histology-defined instability and cardiovascular outcomes. ResultsT cell responses in unstable versus stable atherosclerosis were distinct. Unstable human plaques contained highly expanded, autoimmune-like CD8 T cells with markedly increased cytotoxic signatures, reduced exhaustion and distinct clonal repertoires compared to stable regions. Most plaque CD8 T cells exhibited a pronounced tissue-resident transcriptional program. Moreover, the transcriptional signature of these plaque resident T cells was distinct from multiple other human tissues. Autoimmune-like cytotoxic and tissue-resident CD8+ T cell responses were also evident in murine atherosclerosis, where restricting the activation of antigen-driven CD8+ T cells prevented plaque destabilisation. Importantly, analysis of carotid endarterectomy samples from >1000 patients identified that intraplaque cytotoxic CD8 T cell gene signatures strongly correlated with histological instability and predicted future strokes. ConclusionsIntegrated human, murine and clinical analyses demonstrate that autoimmune-like, cytotoxic CD8 T cell responses are central drivers of plaque instability and major cardiovascular events. Targeting pathogenic CD8 T cell responses may thus offer a compelling immunomodulatory strategy to stabilise plaques and reduce the risks of stroke and myocardial infarction. Graphical AbstractO_ST_ABSKey QuestionC_ST_ABSRupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaques is a typical cause of myocardial infarction and stroke. To understand the underlying cause and to prevent plaque rupture, we addressed the central hypothesis that autoimmune-like T cell responses drive plaque destabilisation and rupture. Key FindingsCD8+ T cells are clonally expanded with increased cytotoxic signatures in unstable versus stable plaques (mice and humans) and require antigen recognition to drive plaque instability. Cytotoxic CD8+ T cell signatures in excised plaques correlate with increased future cardiovascular events. Take Home MessageAutoimmune-like adaptive immune reactions, dominated by CD8+ T cells, are a major driver of plaque instability/rupture. Therefore, targeting pathogenic CD8 T cell responses offers a compelling immunomodulatory strategy to stabilise plaques and reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=139 SRC="FIGDIR/small/720043v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (58K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@bd83dcorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1bee3borg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1b56bc0org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1b5176f_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

immunology↗

Disturbed Flow Induces Reprogramming of Endothelial Cells to Immune-like and Foam Cells under Hypercholesterolemia during Atherogenesis

BackgroundAtherosclerosis occurs preferentially in the arteries exposed to disturbed flow (d-flow), while the stable flow (s-flow) regions are protected even under hypercholesterolemic conditions. We recently showed that d-flow alone initiates flow-induced reprogramming of endothelial cells (FIRE), including the novel concept of partial endothelial-to-immune-cell-like transition (partial EndIT), but was not validated using a genetic lineage-tracing model. Here, we tested and validated the two-hit hypothesis that d-flow is an initial instigator of partial FIRE but requires hypercholesterolemia to induce a full-blown FIRE and atherosclerotic plaque development. MethodsMice were treated with adeno-associated virus expressing proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 and a Western diet to induce hypercholesterolemia and/or partial carotid ligation (PCL) surgery to expose the left common carotid artery (LCA) to d-flow. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was performed using cells obtained from the intima and leftover LCAs and the control right common carotid arteries at 2 and 4 weeks post-PCL. Comprehensive immunohistochemical staining was performed on EC-specific confetti mice treated with PCL and hypercholesterolemic conditions at 4 weeks post-PCL to validate endothelial reprogramming. ResultsAtherosclerotic plaques developed by d-flow under hypercholesterolemia at 2 and 4 weeks post-PCL, but not by d-flow or hypercholesterolemia alone, as expected. The scRNA-seq results of 98,553 single cells from 95 mice revealed 25 cell clusters; 5 EC, 3 vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC), 5 macrophage (M{Phi}), and additional fibroblast, T cell, natural killer cell, dendritic cell, neutrophil, and B cell clusters. Our scRNA-seq analyses showed that d-flow under hypercholesterolemia transitioned healthy ECs to full immune-like (EndIT) and, more surprisingly, foam cells (EndFT), in addition to inflammatory and mesenchymal cells (EndMT). Further, EC-derived foam cells shared remarkably similar transcriptomic profiles with foam cells derived from SMCs and M{Phi}s. Comprehensive lineage-tracing studies using immunohistochemical staining of canonical protein and lipid markers in the EC-specific confetti mice clearly demonstrated direct evidence supporting the novel FIRE hypothesis, including EndIT and EndFT, when d-flow was combined with hypercholesterolemia. Further, reanalysis of the publicly available human carotid plaque scRNA-seq and Perturb-seq datasets supported the FIRE hypothesis and a potential mechanistic link between the genes and FIRE. ConclusionWe provide evidence supporting the two-hit hypothesis: ECs in d-flow regions, such as the branching points, are partially reprogrammed, while hypercholesterolemia alone has minimal endothelial reprogramming effects. Under hypercholesterolemia, d-flow fully reprograms arterial ECs, including the novel EndIT and EndFT, in addition to inflammation and EndMT, during atherogenesis. This single-cell atlas provides a crucial roadmap for developing novel mechanistic understanding and therapeutics targeting flow-sensitive genes, proteins, and pathways of atherosclerosis.

cell biology↗

Integrative single-cell meta-analysis reveals disease-relevant vascular cell states and markers in human atherosclerosis

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerosis are characterized by plaque formation in the arteries wall. CAD progression involves complex interactions and phenotypic plasticity within and between distinct vascular and immune cell lineages. Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) studies have highlighted lineage-specific transcriptomic signatures, but the reported cell phenotypes in humans remain controversial. Here, we meta-analyzed four scRNA-seq datasets, creating the first map of human cell diversity in atherosclerosis. We generated an atlas of 118,578 high-quality cells, characterized cell-type diversity and provided insights into smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic modulation, transcription factor activity and cell-cell communication. We integrated genome-wide association study (GWAS) data and uncovered a critical role for modulated SMC phenotypes in CAD and coronary calcification. Finally, we identified candidate markers of fibromyocyte and fibrochondrogenic human SMCs (LTBP1 and CRTAC1) that may serve as proxies of atherosclerosis progression. Altogether, we created a unified cellular map of atherosclerosis informing cell state-specific mechanistic and translational studies of cardiovascular diseases.

genomics↗

PolarMorphism enables discovery of shared genetic variants across multiple traits from GWAS summary statistics

Pleiotropic SNPs are associated with multiple traits. Such SNPs can help pinpoint biological processes with an effect on multiple traits or point to a shared etiology between traits. We present PolarMorphism, a new method for the identification of pleiotropic SNPs from GWAS summary statistics. PolarMorphism can be readily applied to more than two traits or whole trait domains. PolarMorphism makes use of the fact that trait-specific SNP effect sizes can be seen as Cartesian coordinates and can thus be converted to polar coordinates r (distance from the origin) and theta (angle with the Cartesian x-axis). r describes the overall effect of a SNP, while theta describes the extent to which a SNP is shared. r and theta are used to determine the significance of SNP sharedness, resulting in a p-value per SNP that can be used for further analysis. We apply PolarMorphism to a large collection of publicly available GWAS summary statistics enabling the construction of a pleiotropy network that shows the extent to which traits share SNPs. This network shows how PolarMorphism can be used to gain insight into relationships between traits and trait domains. Furthermore, pathway analysis of the newly discovered pleiotropic SNPs demonstrates that analysis of more than two traits simultaneously yields more biologically relevant results than the combined results of pairwise analysis of the same traits. Finally, we show that PolarMorphism is more efficient and more powerful than previously published methods.

genetics↗

LoFTK: a framework for fully automated calculation of predicted Loss-of-Function variants

MotivationLoss-of-Function (LoF) variants in human genes are important due to their impact on clinical phenotypes and frequent occurrence in the genomes of healthy individuals. Current approaches predict high-confidence LoF variants without identifying the specific genes or the number of copies they affect. Moreover, there is a lack of methods for detecting knockout genes caused by compound heterozygous (CH) LoF variants. ResultsWe have developed the Loss-of-Function ToolKit (LoFTK), which allows efficient and automated prediction of LoF variants from both genotyped and sequenced genomes. LoFTK enables the identification of genes that are inactive in one or two copies and provides summary statistics for downstream analyses. LoFTK can identify CH LoF variants, which result in LoF genes with two copies lost. Using data from parents and offspring we show that 96% of CH LoF genes predicted by LoFTK in the offspring have the respective alleles donated by each parent. Availability and implementationLoFTK is an open source software and is freely available to non-commercial users at https://github.com/CirculatoryHealth/LoFTK Contactj.vansetten@umcutrecht.nl Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

bioinformatics↗

Sex-dependent gene regulation of human atherosclerotic plaques by DNA methylation and transcriptome integration points to smooth muscle cell involvement in women.

Sex differences are evident in the clinical presentation and underlying histology of atherosclerotic disease with women developing more stable atherosclerotic lesions than men. It is unknown whether this is explained by sex differences in gene regulation in cellular compartments of atherosclerotic plaques. To study sex differences in gene regulation we performed genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptomics analysis on plaques of 485 carotid endarterectomy patients (31% female). Sex-differential DNA methylation at 4,848 sites in the autosome was enriched for cell-fate commitment and developmental processes, and its deconvolution predicted more smooth muscle cells in females, as compared to more immune cells in males. RNA-sequencing of the same plaques corroborated the sex differences in DNA methylation predicted cell-types, in which genes that were higher expressed in females were enriched for TGF-beta signaling and extracellular matrix biology. In addition, female-biased genes were enriched for targeting by regulatory loci based on sex differential methylation. Lastly, by using single-cell RNA sequencing we showed that these female-biased genes are mostly expressed in smooth muscle cells, and higher expressed in smooth muscle cells from female (predominantly stable) plaques as compared to male (relatively unstable) plaques. Our approach identified female-biased genes in smooth muscle cells in fibrous atherosclerotic plaques. This points towards new mechanisms in smooth muscle cell biology of stable atherosclerotic plaques and offers new directions for research to develop new sex-specific therapeutics for atherosclerotic disease.

genomics↗

Exploring the Causal Effects of Shear Stress Associated DNA Methylation on Cardiovascular Risk

Background and aimsAtherosclerosis is a lipid-driven inflammatory disease presumably initiated by endothelial activation. Low vascular shear stress is known for its ability to activate endothelial cells. Differential DNA methylation (DNAm) is a relatively unexplored player in atherosclerotic disease development and endothelial dysfunction. Literature search revealed that expression of 11 genes have been found to be associated with differential DNAm due to low shear stress in endothelial cells. We hypothesized a causal relationship between DNAm of shear stress associated genes in human carotid plaque and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. MethodsUsing Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis, we explored the potential causal role of DNAm of shear stress associated genes on cardiovascular disease risk. We used genetic and DNAm data of 442 carotid endarterectomy derived advanced plaques from the Athero-Express Biobank Study for quantitative trait loci (QTL) discovery and performed MR analysis using these QTLs and GWAS summary statistics of coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke (IS). ResultsWe discovered 9 methylation QTLs in plaque for differentially methylated shear stress associated genes. We found no significant effect of shear stress gene promotor methylation and increased risk of CAD and IS. ConclusionsDifferential methylation of shear stress associated genes in advanced atherosclerotic plaques in unlikely to increase cardiovascular risk. Highlights- Plaque-derived DNA methylation in shear stress associated genes shows no significant effect on cardiovascular disease - Genetic variants in shear stress associated genes affect DNA methylation in human carotid plaque - Human validation of atherosclerotic associated genes in murine models

genetics↗

Alternate approach to stroke phenotyping identifies a genetic risk locus for small vessel stroke

Stroke causes approximately 1 in every 20 deaths in the United States. Most strokes are ischemic, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain. While neurologists agree on the delineation of ischemic stroke (IS) into the three most common subtypes (cardioembolic stroke (CES), large artery stroke (LAS), and small vessel stroke (SVS)), several different subtyping systems exist. The two most commonly-used clinical subtyping systems are TOAST (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) and CCS (Causative Classification System for Stroke), but agreement between these two systems is only moderate. Here, we have compared two approaches to combining the existing subtyping systems for a phenotype suited for a genome-wide association study (GWAS).\n\nWe used the NINDS Stroke Genetics Network dataset (SiGN, 13,390 cases and 28,026 controls), which includes cases with both CCS and TOAST subtypes. We defined two new phenotypes: 1) the intersect, for which an individual must be assigned the same subtype by CCS and TOAST; and 2) the union, for which an individual must be assigned a subtype by either CCS or TOAST. The union yields the largest sample size while the intersect may yield a phenotype with less potential misclassification.\n\nWe performed GWAS for all subtypes, using the original subtyping systems, the intersect, and the union as phenotypes. In each subtype, heritability was higher for the intersect phenotype compared to the union, CCS (alone), and TOAST (alone) phenotypes. We observed stronger effects at known IS variants with the intersect compared to the other phenotype definitions. In GWAS of the intersect, we identify rs10029218 as an associated variant with small vessel stroke. We conclude that in the absence of a golden standard for phenotyping, taking this alternate approach yields more power to detect genetic associations in ischemic stroke.\n\nAuthor summaryAround one in five people will have a stroke at some point in their life. Most strokes (~80%) are ischemic, caused by a blockage of blood supply to the brain. Ischemic stroke risk is partly influenced by lifestyle, and partly by genetics. There are different ischemic stroke subtypes, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) indicate that the genetic risk for these subtypes is influenced by different genetic factors. Genetic studies of ischemic stroke are therefore typically performed by analyzing each subtype separately. There are several methods to determine someones subtype based on clinical features. To find more genetic factors that influence ischemic stroke risk, we aimed to find a group of patients that are phenotypically similar by using information from all subtyping methods. We compared a group of patients assigned the same subtype by all subtyping methods (the intersect) to a group of patients assigned that subtype by at least one subtyping method (the union). Even though the intersect sample size is smaller, we find genetic factors in the intersect GWAS have stronger genetic effects, likely explained by the fact that we are more certain of the subtype in the intersect. Using the intersect, we find new risk-associated genetic factors.

genetics↗

Polygenic Susceptibility of Aortic Aneurysms Associates to the Diameter of the Aneurysm Sac: the Aneurysm-Express Biobank Cohort.

PurposeAbdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) have a multifactorial pathology with both genetic and environmental risk factors. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have discovered ten genetic risk loci for AAA. To what extent these genetic loci contribute to the aneurysm pathology is yet unknown. This study aims to investigate whether genetic risk variants are associated with three clinical features: diameter of aneurysm sac, type of artery and symptoms.\n\nMethodsWe used aneurysm tissue from 415 patients included within the Aneurysm-Express biobank. A best fit polygenic risk score (PRS) based on previous GWAS effect size estimates was modeled for each clinical parameter by comparing model predictions across different p-value thresholds. Next, the established 10 risk variants for AAA were tested individually for association with selected clinical phenotypes. Models were corrected for age, sex, ancestral background, smoking status and diameter of the aneurysm sac or artery type if applicable, and data was normalized.\n\nResultsThe best fit PRS (including 272 SNPs with PT=0.01015) showed a significant correlation with diameter of the aneurysm sac (R2 = 0.019, p = 0.001). No association was found with clinical symptoms or type of artery. Individual variant analysis showed no clear associations with any of the clinical features.\n\nConclusionsWithin the Aneurysm-Express Biobank Study, a weighted polygenic score of AAA susceptibility explained 1.9% of the phenotypic variation (p = 0.001) in aneurysm diameter. Individual risk variant analysis showed no clear associations. Given our limited sample size, future biobank collaborations need to confirm a potential causal role of individual SNPs on the pathology of aneurysms.

genetics↗

Common variants in OSMR contribute to carotid plaque vulnerability

Background and aimsOncostatin M (OSM) signaling is implicated in atherosclerosis, however the mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the impact of common genetic variants in OSM and its receptors, OSMR and LIFR, on overall plaque vulnerability, plaque phenotype, intraplaque OSMR and LIFR expression, coronary artery calcification burden and cardiovascular disease susceptibility. Methods and resultsWe queried Genotype-Tissue Expression data and found that rs13168867 (C allele) was associated with decreased OSMR expression and that rs10491509 (A allele) was associated with increased LIFR expression in arterial tissues. No variant was significantly associated with OSM expression. We associated these two variants with plaque characteristics from 1,443 genotyped carotid endarterectomy patients in the Athero-Express Biobank Study. After correction for multiple testing, rs13168867 was significantly associated with an increased overall plaque vulnerability ({beta}=0.118 {+/-} s.e.=0.040, p=3.00x10-3, C allele). Looking at individual plaque characteristics, rs13168867 showed strongest associations with intraplaque fat ({beta}=0.248 {+/-} s.e.=0.088, p=4.66 x 10-3, C allele) and collagen content ({beta}=-0.259 {+/-} s.e.=0.095, p=6.22 x 10-3, C allele), but these associations were not significant after correction for multiple testing. rs13168867 was not associated with intraplaque OSMR expression. Neither was intraplaque OSMR expression associated with plaque vulnerability and no known OSMR eQTLs were associated with coronary artery calcification burden, or cardiovascular disease susceptibility. No associations were found for rs10491509 in the LIFR locus. ConclusionsOur study suggests that rs1316887 in the OSMR locus is associated with increased plaque vulnerability, but not with coronary calcification or cardiovascular disease risk. It remains unclear through which precise biological mechanisms OSM signaling exerts its effects on plaque morphology. However, the OSM-OSMR/LIFR pathway is unlikely to be causally involved in lifetime cardiovascular disease susceptibility.

genetics↗