Platelets and stromal cell-derived factor-1 in progenitor cell recruitment

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a CXC chemokine that binds to its sole counterreceptor, CXCR4. It is well reported that the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway is of vital importance to human development and to various pathophysiological phenomena, including hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, cancer growth, metastasis, and human immunodeficiency virus infection. SDF-1 promotes mobilization of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to the circulation in response to vascular injury. Recently, we found that platelets express and release SDF-1 into the microcirculation upon activation and we observed that platelet-derived SDF-1 is functionally involved in recruitment of EPCs to arterial thrombi in vivo. This review discusses the unique functions of this chemokine and the newly discovered impact of platelet-derived SDF-1 into the recruitment of progenitor cells to vascular injury areas, and its subsequent effects in atherosclerosis, vascular repair, and angiogenesis.     

基质细胞衍生因子-1及其受体对大鼠主动脉血管平滑肌细胞增殖与凋亡的影响

目的研究基质细胞衍生因子-1(SDF-1)对氧化低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)诱导的血管平滑肌细胞(VSMC)增殖与凋亡的影响。方法选用体外培养的大鼠主动脉VSMC,并分为正常对照组、ox-LDL组[动脉粥样硬化(AS)模型]、SDF-1组(AS模型+SDF-1)、SDF-1+12G5组(AS模型+SDF-1+CXCR4单克隆抗体)和12G5组(AS模型+CXCR4单克隆抗体),应用MTT法测VSMC细胞增殖,TUNEL法测细胞凋亡率,RT-PCR法测凋亡基因bax、bcl-2mRNA的表达。结果ox-LDL组的增殖率0.38±0.01,明显高于正常对照组0.28±0.02(P<0.01),明显低于SDF-1组0.44±0.02(P<0.01),与SDF-1+12G5组和12G5组比较差异无显著性(P>0.05);ox-LDL组的凋亡率24.2±2.4,高于正常对照组19.8±2.7和SDF-1组20.7±2.8(P<0.05),而与SDF-1+12G5组和12G5组比较差异无显著性(P>0.05);ox-LDL组bcl-2和bax的比值明显低于正常对照组和SDF-1组(P<0.01),而与SDF-1+12G5组和12G5组差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论SDF-1可明显促进ox-LDL诱导的VSMC增殖,并抑制细胞凋亡;SDF-1及其受体CXCR4构成的生物学轴可能通过bcl-2/bax途径影响VSMC凋亡。     

Circulating smooth muscle progenitor cells in arterial remodeling

The proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the media toward the intimal layer are key components in vascular proliferative diseases. In addition, the differentiation of circulating bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMMCs) into SMCs has been described to contribute to lesion progression in experimental models of atherosclerosis, transplant arteriosclerosis, and neointima formation. In vitro, CD14⁺ BMMCs from peripheral blood acquire a spindle-shaped phenotype and express specific SMC markers in response to platelet-derived growth factor-BB. However, the ‘trans-differentiation’ capacity of BMMCs into definitive SMCs in vivo remains a highly controversial issue. Whereas SMCs within atherosclerotic plaques have been demonstrated to be exclusively of local origin, more severe injury models have shown a wide diversity of SMCs or smooth muscle-like cells derived from BMMCs. In hindsight, these discrepancies may be attributed to methodological differences, e.g., the use of high-resolution microscopy or the specificity of the SMC marker proteins. In fact, the analysis of mouse strains that express marker genes under the control of a highly specific smooth muscle-myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) promoter and a time-course analysis on the dynamic process of neointima formation have recently shown that BMMCs temporarily express α-smooth muscle actin, not SM-MHC. Additionally, BM-derived cells disappear from the neointimal lesion after the inflammatory response to the injury has subsided. Although CD14⁺/CD68⁺ have important paracrine effects on arterial lesion progression, BMMCs account for more of the ‘SMC-like macrophages’ than the highly ‘trans-differentiated’ and definitive SMCs in vivo. This article is part of a special issue entitled, "Cardiovascular Stem Cells Revisited".     

Chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha modulates VLA-4 integrin-dependent adhesion to fibronectin and VCAM-1 on bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells

Stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha) is a potent chemoattractant for hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC), suggesting that it could play an important role during their migration within or to the bone marrow (BM). The integrin VLA-4 mediates HPC adhesion to BM stroma by interacting with CS-1/fibronectin and VCAM-1. It is required during hematopoiesis and homing of HPC to the BM. As HPC migration in response to SDF-1alpha might require dynamic regulation of integrin function, we investigated if SDF-1alpha could modulate VLA-4 function on BM CD34(hi) cells.CD34(hi) BM cells and hematopoietic cell lines were tested for the effect of SDF-1alpha on VLA-4-dependent adhesion to CS-1/fibronectin and VCAM-1, as well as to BM stroma. CD34(hi) BM cells that adhered to VLA-4 ligands after SDF-1alpha treatment were characterized in colony-forming and long-term culture-initiating cell (LTC-IC) assays.SDF-1alpha rapidly (1 minute) and transiently upregulated the adhesion of CD34(hi) BM cells and hematopoietic cell lines to both CS-1/fibronectin and VCAM-1, and to BM stromal cells. The upregulation of VLA-4-dependent cell adhesion by SDF-1alpha targeted primitive LTC-IC as well as committed CD34(hi) cells. SDF-1alpha-triggered enhancement in VLA-4 function was inhibited by pertussis toxin (PTx) and cytochalasin D, indicating the involvement of G(i) protein downstream signaling and an intact cytoskeleton. Instead, activation of p44/42 MAP kinases by SDF-1alpha did not functionally correlate with enhancement of VLA-4-dependent cell adhesion.Modulation of VLA-4-mediated CD34(hi) BM cell adhesion by SDF-1alpha could play a key role in their migration within and to the BM and therefore influence their proliferation and differentiation.     

SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 axis is instrumental in neointimal hyperplasia and recruitment of smooth muscle progenitor cells

Recent evidence infers a contribution of smooth muscle cell (SMC) progenitors and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1alpha to neointima formation after arterial injury. Inhibition of plaque area and SMC content in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice repopulated with LacZ+ or CXCR4-/- BM or lentiviral transfer of an antagonist reveals a crucial involvement of local SDF-1alpha and its receptor CXCR4 in neointimal hyperplasia via recruitment of BM-derived SMC progenitors. After arterial injury, SDF-1alpha expression in medial SMCs is preceded by apoptosis and inhibited by blocking caspase-dependent apoptosis. SDF-1alpha binds to platelets at the site of injury, triggers CXCR4- and P-selectin-dependent arrest of progenitor cells on injured arteries or matrix-adherent platelets, preferentially mobilizes and recruits c-kit-/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-beta+/lineage-/sca-1+ progenitors for neointimal SMCs without being required for their differentiation. Hence, the SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 axis is pivotal for vascular remodeling by recruiting a subset of SMC progenitors in response to apoptosis and in concert with platelets, epitomizing its importance for tissue repair and identifying a prime target to limit lesion development.     

Plasma elevation of stromal cell-derived factor-1 induces mobilization of mature and immature hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells

The chemokine, stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1), is produced in the bone marrow and has been shown to modulate the homing of stem cells to this site by mediating chemokinesis and chemotaxis. Therefore, it was hypothesized that elevation of SDF1 level in the peripheral circulation would result in mobilization of primitive hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. SDF1 plasma level was increased by intravenous injection of an adenoviral vector expressing SDF1alpha (AdSDF1) into severe combined immunodeficient mice. This resulted in a 10-fold increase in leukocyte count, a 3-fold increase in platelets, and mobilization of progenitors, including colony-forming units-granulocyte-macrophage to the peripheral circulation. In addition, AdSDF1 induced mobilization of cells with stem cell potential, including colony-forming units in spleen and long-term reconstituting cells. These data demonstrate that overexpression of SDF1 in the peripheral circulation results in the mobilization of hematopoietic cells with repopulating capacity, progenitor cells, and precursor cells. These studies lay the foundation for using SDF1 to induce mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in in vivo studies. (Blood. 2001;97:3354-3360)     

辛伐他汀抑制血管平滑肌细胞增殖及对PTEN、p27蛋白表达的影响

目的：观察辛伐他汀（simvastatin）对血管平滑肌细胞（VSMC）增殖的抑制作用及其对细胞周期和周期蛋白依赖性激酶抑制物p21、p27，细胞G1－S期转换重要调节基因PTEN、c-myc蛋白表达的影响，并进一步观察simvastatin是否通过抑制脂质代谢的中间产物－甲羟戊酸的合成而上调PTEN、p27蛋白的表达及PTEN和p27是否存在上下游关系。方法：[^3H]－胸腺嘧啶核苷酸（[^3H]-TdR）掺入测定VSMC DNA合成，流式细胞仪检测细胞周期情况，Western印迹杂交法检测p21、p27及PTEN、c-myc蛋白表达，人工合成PTEN反义寡核苷酸，并以正义寡核苷酸为对照，以脂质体介导转染细胞，以Western印迹杂交流检测转染效率并观测其对PTEN、p27蛋白表达的影响。结果：simvastatin以剂量依赖关系抑制血清诱导的VSMC[^3H]-胸腺嘧啶核苷酸掺入，使G0／G1期细胞比例明显增多，S期细胞比例显减少，并上调p27及信号通路中常位于p27上游的PTEN的蛋白表达，但不影响p21、c-myc蛋白表达，PTEN反义寡核苷酸下调PTEN蛋白的表达后并不影响p27蛋白表达，200μmol/L甲羟戊酸能显抑simvastatin诱导的PTEN、p27蛋白表达升高。结论：simvastatin能抑制VSMC增殖，使细胞周期停滞于G0／G1期，这一过程可能通过不同的信号途径分别上调PTEN、p27这两个调控G1－S周期转换的基因而实现，而非通过PTEN－p27这一经典通路，simvastatin对PTEN、p27的调节与其抑制甲羟戊酸的合成有关。     

Human embryonic stem cell-derived vascular smooth muscle cells in therapeutic neovascularisation

Ischemic diseases remain one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. In recent clinical trials on cell-based therapies, the use of adult stem and progenitor cells only elicited marginal benefits. Therapeutic neovascularisation is the Holy Grail for ischemic tissue recovery. There is compelling evidence from animal transplantation studies that the inclusion of mural cells in addition to endothelial cells (ECs) can enhance the formation of functional blood vessels. Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and pericytes are essential for the stabilisation of nascent immature endothelial tubes. Despite the intense interest in the utility of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) for vascular regenerative medicine, ESC-derived vascular SMCs have received much less attention than ECs. This review begins with developmental insights into a range of smooth muscle progenitors from studies on embryos and ESC differentiation systems. We then summarise the methods of derivation of smooth muscle progenitors and cells from human ESCs. The primary emphasis is on the inherent heterogeneity of smooth muscle progenitors and cells and the limitations of current in vitro characterisation. Essential transplantation issues such as the type and source of therapeutic cells, mode of cell delivery, measures to enhance cell viability, putative mechanisms of benefit and long-term tracking of cell fate are also discussed. Finally, we highlight the challenges of clinical compatibility and scaling up for medical use in order to eventually realise the goal of human ESC-based vascular regenerative medicine.     

Multiple actions of the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha on neuronal activity

The chemokine SDF-1alpha and its cognate receptor CXCR4 are expressed in several neuronal populations. This review focuses on our current knowledge about the actions of this chemokine on neuronal excitability, through CXCR4 or other yet unknown pathways. In various neuronal populations (CA1 neurons of the hippocampus, granular and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, melanin-concentrating hormone neurons of the lateral hypothalamus, vasopressinergic neurons of the supraoptic and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, and dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra), SDF-1alpha can modulate the activity of neurons by multiple regulatory pathways including and often combining: (i) modulation of voltage-dependent channels (sodium, potassium, and calcium), (ii) activation of the G-protein-activated inward rectifier potassium current, and (iii) increase in neurotransmitter release (gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), glutamate, and dopamine), often through Ca-dependent mechanisms. The possible mechanisms underlying these effects and their consequences in terms of modulation of neuroendocrine systems and physiopathology are discussed.     

基质细胞衍生因子-1对糖尿病患者外周血内皮祖细胞功能影响的研究

目的 观察基质细胞衍生因子-1 （SDF-1）对糖尿病患者外周血内皮祖细胞（EPCs）功能的影响. 方法 选择糖尿病患者（DM组）20例和健康体检者（NC） 10名,获取外周血单个核细胞,培养4 d后鉴定EPCs.将两组随机分为NC1、NC2、DM1和DM2亚组.NC1、DM1亚组采用SDF-1进行干预,第7天检测EPCs迁移能力和血管形成能力. 结果 （1）DM2亚组EPCs迁移和血管形成能力均低于NC2亚组[（15.500±2.224） vs （21.200±1.304）个,（113.870±15.198） vs （181.800±9.202） μm,P＜0.001];与NC2亚组比较,NC1亚组EPCs迁移能力和血管形成能力均增强[（24.600土1.517）vs（21.200±1.304）个,（197.980±10.855） vs （181.800±9.202） μm,P＜0.05];与DM2亚组比较,DM1亚组EPCs迁移能力和血管形成能力增强[（19.300±1.337） vs （15.500±2.224）个,（140.520±10.622）vs （113.870±15.198） μm,P＜0.001];（2）加入SDF-1干预后,DM组EPCs迁移能力和血管形成能力增强的幅度均高于NC组,比较差异有统计学意义（P=0.036,0.006）;（3） SDF-1与EPCs迁移能力及血管形成能力呈正相关（r=0.488、0.428,P=0.006、0.018）. 结论 SDF-1可增强外周血EPCs迁移能力和血管形成能力,对于糖尿病患者效果更为明显.     

Blood-derived nurse-like cells protect chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells from spontaneous apoptosis through stromal cell-derived factor-1

A subset of blood cells from patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) spontaneously differentiates in vitro into large, round, or fibroblast-like adherent cells that display stromal cell markers, namely vimentin and STRO-1. These cells also express stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), a CXC chemokine that ordinarily is secreted by marrow stromal cells. Leukemia B cells attach to these blood-derived adherent cells, down-modulate their receptors for SDF-1 (CXCR4), and are protected from undergoing spontaneous apoptosis in vitro. Neutralizing antibodies to SDF-1 inhibit this effect. Moreover, the rapid deterioration in the survival of CLL B cells, when separated from such cells, is mitigated by exogenous SDF-1. This chemokine also results in the rapid down-modulation of CXCR4 and activation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein-kinase (ERK 1/2) by CLL B cells in vitro. It is concluded that the blood of patients with CLL contains cells that can differentiate into adherent nurse-like cells that protect leukemia cells from undergoing spontaneous apoptosis through an SDF-1-dependent mechanism. In addition to its recently recognized role in CLL B-cell migration, SDF-1-mediated CLL B-cell activation has to be considered a new mechanism involved in the microenvironmental regulation of CLL B-cell survival. (Blood. 2000;96:2655-2663)     

Towards the therapeutic use of vascular smooth muscle progenitor cells

Recent advances in the development of alternative proangiogenic and revascularization processes, including recombinant protein delivery, gene therapy, and cell therapy, hold the promise of greater efficacy in the management of cardiovascular disease in the coming years. In particular, vascular progenitor cell-based strategies have emerged as an efficient treatment approach to promote vessel formation and repair and to improve tissue perfusion. During the past decade, considerable progress has been achieved in understanding therapeutic properties of endothelial progenitor cells, while the therapeutic potential of vascular smooth muscle progenitor cells (SMPC) has only recently been explored; the number of the circulating SMPC being correlated with cardiovascular health. Several endogenous SMPC populations with varying phenotypes have been identified and characterized in the peripheral blood, bone marrow, and vascular wall. While the phenotypic entity of vascular SMPC is not fully defined and remains an evolving area of research, SMPC are increasingly recognized to play a special role in cardiovascular biology. In this review, we describe the current approaches used to define vascular SMPC. We further summarize the data on phenotype and functional properties of SMPC from various sources in adults. Finally, we discuss the role of SMPC in cardiovascular disease, including the contribution of SMPC to intimal proliferation, angiogenesis, and atherosclerotic plaque instability as well as the benefits resulting from the therapeutic use of SMPC.