Vincent Lemaître

ApoE knockout mice expressing human matrix metalloproteinase-1 in macrophages have less advanced atherosclerosis

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), or interstitial collagenase, has been hypothesized to contribute to the progression of the human atherosclerotic lesions by digesting the fibrillar collagens of the neointimal ECM. The apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE0) mouse model develops complex atherosclerotic lesions, but mice do not possess a homologue for MMP-1. To provide an in vivo evaluation of the role of MMP-1 in atherogenesis, we created a transgenic mouse model that expresses this enzyme specifically in the macrophage, under the control of the scavenger receptor A (SCAV) enhancer/promoter. The MMP-1 transgenic mice were crossed into the apoE0 background and fed an atherogenic diet for 16-25 weeks. Surprisingly, the transgenic mice demonstrated decreased lesion size compared with control littermates. The lesions of the transgenic animals were less extensive and immature, with fewer cellular layers and a diminished content of fibrillar collagen. There was no evidence of plaque rupture. Our data suggest that remodeling of the neointimal extracellular matrix by MMP-1 is beneficial in the progression of lesions.

Matrix metalloproteinases, a disintegrin and metalloproteinases, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinases with thrombospondin motifs in non‐neoplastic diseases

Cellular functions within tissues are strictly regulated by the tissue microenvironment which comprises extracellular matrix and extracellular matrix‐deposited factors such as growth factors, cytokines and chemokines. These molecules are metabolized by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), a disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAM) and ADAM with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS), which are members of the metzincin superfamily. They function in various pathological conditions of both neoplastic and non‐neoplastic diseases by digesting different substrates under the control of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) and reversion‐inducing, cysteine‐rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK). In neoplastic diseases MMP play a central role in cancer cell invasion and metastases, and ADAM are also important to cancer cell proliferation and progression through the metabolism of growth factors and their receptors. Numerous papers have described the involvement of these metalloproteinases in non‐neoplastic diseases in nearly every organ. In contrast to the numerous review articles on their roles in cancer cell proliferation and progression, there are very few articles discussing non‐neoplastic diseases. This review therefore will focus on the properties of MMP, ADAM and ADAMTS and their implications for non‐neoplastic diseases of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, central nervous system, digestive system, renal system, wound healing and infection, and joints and muscular system.

Transgenic expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 causes adult-onset emphysema in mice associated with the loss of alveolar elastin

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 has been consistently identified in the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, its role in the development of the disease remains undefined. Mice that specifically express human MMP-9 in their macrophages were generated, and morphometric, biochemical, and histological analyses were conducted on the transgenic and littermate control mice over 1 yr to determine the effect of macrophage MMP-9 expression on emphysema formation and lung matrix content. Lung morphometry was normal in transgenic mice at 2 mo of age (mean linear intercept = 50+/-3 littermate mice vs. 51+/-2 transgenic mice). However, after 12 mo of age, the MMP-9 transgenic mice developed significant air space enlargement (mean linear intercept = 53+/-3 littermate mice vs. 61+/-2 MMP-9 transgenic mice; P<0.04). Lung hydroxyproline content was not significantly different between wild-type and transgenic mice, but MMP-9 did significantly decrease alveolar wall elastin at 1 yr of age (4.9+/-0.3% area of alveolar wall in the littermate mice vs. 3.3+/-0.3% area of alveolar wall in the MMP-9 mice; P<0.004). Thus these results establish a central role for MMP-9 in the pathogenesis of this disease by demonstrating that expression of this protease in macrophages can alter the extracellular matrix and induce progressive air space enlargement in mice.

Cigarette Smoke Components Induce Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 in Aortic Endothelial Cells through Inhibition of mTOR Signaling

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, but the molecular effects of cigarette smoke on vascular cells are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), a collagenase expressed in atherosclerosis and aneurysms but not in the normal vessel wall, is induced in the aortic endothelium of rabbits exposed to cigarette smoke. In vitro cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and one of its components, acrolein, inhibit the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70S6K pathway in human endothelial cells, and chemical inhibition of this pathway by rapamycin resulted in elevated MMP-1. Moreover, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases-3 (TIMP-3), a major regulator of angiogenesis, is significantly downregulated in aortic endothelial cells treated with CSE, acrolein, or rapamycin. These data indicate that inhibition of mTOR by cigarette smoke components is a key event in the modulation of endothelial MMP-1 and TIMP-3 expression. Our study suggests that circulating smoke components, including acrolein, contribute to vascular diseases through enhanced MMP-1 and decreased TIMP-3 secretion in the endothelium, potentially leading to impaired angiogenesis, matrix disruption, and vessel injury.

Transgenic expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 inhibits myocardial fibrosis and prevents the transition to heart failure in a pressure overload mouse model.

Hypertension induces dysfunctional matrix remodeling that results in the development of myocardial fibrosis. Myocardial fibrosis adversely affects compliance, electrical activity and cardiac function in patients with hypertensive heart disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a class of enzymes that regulate the remodeling of the matrix in response to pressure overload. Several studies have shown that the MMP-1/TIMP (tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase) ratio is decreased in hypertensive heart disease. However, the exact role that MMP-1 has in modulating the fibrotic response to hypertension is largely unknown. We hypothesized that cardiac expression of MMP-1 in mice would protect against the development of dysfunctional matrix remodeling during pressure overload. To investigate this, a suprarenal aortic banding model was utilized. Banded and unbanded MMP-1 transgenic mice were compared with appropriately matched wild-type mice. The banded mice were examined at 2 and 5 weeks after banding. MMP-1 attenuated the development of cardiac fibrosis, prevented left ventricular dilation and preserved cardiac function in mice that were exposed to pressure overload. Thus, MMP-1 protected the heart from the dysfunctional remodeling that occurs in response to chronic hypertension. In conclusion, these results suggest that strategies aimed at improving the MMP-1/TIMP balance in the myocardium may help to prevent the onset and progression of hypertensive heart disease.

The Intermediate Conductance Calcium-activated Potassium Channel KCa3.1 Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation via Controlling Calcium-dependent Signaling

Background: The mechanism by which KCa3.1 regulates cell proliferation remains elusive. Results: KCa3.1 regulates the expression of transcription factors and cyclins by controlling intracellular calcium levels in activated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Conclusion: KCa3.1 is an important regulator of the calcium-dependent proliferation machinery in VSMCs. Significance: KCa3.1 modulation constitutes a therapeutic target for cell proliferative diseases such as atherosclerosis. The intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channel KCa3.1 contributes to a variety of cell activation processes in pathologies such as inflammation, carcinogenesis, and vascular remodeling. We examined the electrophysiological and transcriptional mechanisms by which KCa3.1 regulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF)-induced proliferation of human coronary artery VSMCs was attenuated by lowering intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and was enhanced by elevating [Ca2+]i. KCa3.1 blockade or knockdown inhibited proliferation by suppressing the rise in [Ca2+]i and attenuating the expression of phosphorylated cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), c-Fos, and neuron-derived orphan receptor-1 (NOR-1). This antiproliferative effect was abolished by elevating [Ca2+]i. KCa3.1 overexpression induced VSMC proliferation, and potentiated PDGF-induced proliferation, by inducing CREB phosphorylation, c-Fos, and NOR-1. Pharmacological stimulation of KCa3.1 unexpectedly suppressed proliferation by abolishing the expression and activity of KCa3.1 and PDGF β-receptors and inhibiting the rise in [Ca2+]i. The stimulation also attenuated the levels of phosphorylated CREB, c-Fos, and cyclin expression. After KCa3.1 blockade, the characteristic round shape of VSMCs expressing high l-caldesmon and low calponin-1 (dedifferentiation state) was maintained, whereas KCa3.1 stimulation induced a spindle-shaped cellular appearance, with low l-caldesmon and high calponin-1. In conclusion, KCa3.1 plays an important role in VSMC proliferation via controlling Ca2+-dependent signaling pathways, and its modulation may therefore constitute a new therapeutic target for cell proliferative diseases such as atherosclerosis.

Spontaneous Atherothrombosis and Medial Degradation in Apoe−/−, Npc1−/− Mice

Background— The formation of an occluding thrombus on a ruptured or eroded atherosclerotic plaque is the hallmark event leading to acute coronary syndromes, myocardial infarction, and sudden death in humans. However, other species are highly resistant to plaque complications, and the specific processes predisposing to plaque destabilization and thrombosis are poorly understood. Methods and Results— Mice carrying a null mutation of a gene regulating intracellular cholesterol transport (the Niemann-Pick C1 [Npc1] gene) were crossed with apolipoprotein E (Apoe) knockout mice to examine the effect of Npc1 on atherosclerotic lesion formation. Double-mutant mice showed greater lesion area compared with Apoe−/− littermates. Remarkably, the double mutants also developed large, protruding thrombi associated with the plaques and prominent medial degradation with inflammatory cell infiltration into the adventitia. Genetic studies suggested that the BALB background was permissive for plaque complications compared with C57BL/6J, and a BALB susceptibility locus was mapped by linkage analysis to chromosome 6. Examination of clotting parameters in double-knockout mice revealed that native clotting times were shortened and thrombin-antithrombin complex and soluble CD40 ligand levels were elevated compared with wild-type controls. In addition, cathepsin K was induced in Npc1−/− macrophages, and cathepsin K immunostaining and elastase activity were increased in proximal aortas of double-mutant mice compared with controls. Conclusions— A defect in intracellular cholesterol trafficking caused by the Npc1 null mutation predisposes to increased lesion formation, atherothrombosis, and medial degradation. Plaque complications may require a procoagulant state and an increased protease activity, leading to plaque destabilization.

Activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway and abnormal cholesterol efflux lead to emphysema in ApoE-deficient mice

Smokers with airflow obstruction have an increased risk of atherosclerosis, but the relationship between the pathogenesis of these diseases is not well understood. To determine whether hypercholesterolemia alters lung inflammation and emphysema formation, we examined the lung phenotype of two hypercholesterolemic murine models of atherosclerosis at baseline and on a high-fat diet. Airspace enlargement developed in the lungs of apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe(-/-)) mice exposed to a Western-type diet for 10 wk. An elevated number of macrophages and lymphocytes accompanied by an increase in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity and MMP-12 expression was observed in the lungs of Apoe(-/-) mice on a Western-type diet. In contrast, low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (Ldlr(-/-)) mice did not exhibit lung destruction or inflammatory changes. Most importantly, we revealed augmented expression of the downstream targets of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway, interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, in the lungs of Apoe(-/-) mice fed with a Western-type diet. In addition, we demonstrated overexpression of MMP-9 in Apoe(-/-) macrophages treated with TLR4 ligand, augmented with the addition of oxidized LDL, suggesting that emphysema in these mice results from the activation of the TLR pathway secondary to known abnormal cholesterol efflux. Our findings indicate that, in Apoe(-/-) mice fed with an atherogenic diet, abnormal cholesterol efflux leads to increased systemic inflammation with subsequent lung damage and emphysema formation.

Role for Cathepsin K in emphysema in smoke-exposed guinea pigs

The protease-antiprotease imbalance in the lung plays an important role in the pathogenesis of smoke-induced emphysema. The aim of this study was to characterize the proteolytic responses leading to emphysema formation in the guinea pig smoke exposure model. Guinea pigs were exposed to cigarette smoke for 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Age-matched guinea pigs exposed to room air served as controls. Cigarette smoke induced inflammation after 4 weeks and generated emphysematous changes in the guinea pigs after 12 weeks of smoke exposure. Increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases was demonstrated post cigarette smoke exposure. A decrease in elastin and collagen and the loss of type III collagen were observed in the alveolar wall of smoke-exposed guinea pigs. Interestingly, no change was seen in the expression of collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinases. Furthermore, the authors observed a 3-fold increase in cathepsin K activity in the lungs of smoke-exposed guinea pigs. The significance of this finding was supported by human studies that demonstrate increased expression of cathepsin K in the lungs of patients with emphysema. Elevation of cathepsin K in guinea pig lungs after smoke exposure likely constitutes a critical event leading to the disruption of lung extracellular matrix in this model.

Transgenic expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 modulates collagen deposition in a mouse model of atherosclerosis

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been proposed to be an important modulator of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability. We generated a transgenic (tg) model expressing human proMMP-9 in macrophages, using the scavenger receptor enhancer/promoter A. This model was crossed into the double Apoe/Timp-1 knockout background. After 16 weeks of a high-fat diet, there were no significant changes in plaque size in the proximal aortas between the four groups of the study population (Apoe(-/-), Apoe(-/-)/MMP-9tg, Apoe(-/-)/Timp-1(-/-), and Apoe(-/-)/MMP-9tg/Timp-1(-/-)), and, in the Timp-1 knockout background, MMP-9 transgenic mice and control littermates had similar micro-aneurysm formation. However, lesions in Apoe(-/-)/MMP-9tg/Timp-1(-/-) mice contained significantly more collagen compared to the three other groups (P<0.005). Culture supernatants from elicited Apoe(-/-)/MMP-9tg/Timp-1(-/-) macrophages contained higher levels of active TGF-beta than the three other groups (P<0.05), suggesting that augmented collagen deposition resulted from an increase in TGF-beta activation due to transgenic MMP-9 in the Timp-1(-/-) background. This study indicates that, in human atherosclerosis, increased MMP-9 activity could up-regulate collagen deposition, possibly through TGF-beta activation.