Featured Publications
Endothelial Cell-Pericyte Interactions in the Pathogenesis of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations (CCMs).
Min W, Zhou JH. Endothelial Cell-Pericyte Interactions in the Pathogenesis of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations (CCMs). Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives In Medicine 2022, 13: a041188. PMID: 35667709, PMCID: PMC9760308, DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041188.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCerebral cavernous malformationsCCM lesionsEndothelial cellsCavernous malformationsEndothelial cell-pericyte interactionsEC-specific deletionBrain vasculatureMice resultsLesion formationParenchymal cellsCCM formationLesionsPericytesPrimary defectFunction mutationsMalformationsUnexpected findingCell typesUbiquitous expressionCellsPatientsCCM3 Loss-Induced Lymphatic Defect Is Mediated by the Augmented VEGFR3-ERK1/2 Signaling
Qin L, Zhang H, Li B, Jiang Q, Lopez F, Min W, Zhou JH. CCM3 Loss-Induced Lymphatic Defect Is Mediated by the Augmented VEGFR3-ERK1/2 Signaling. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis And Vascular Biology 2021, 41: 2943-2960. PMID: 34670407, PMCID: PMC8613000, DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.316707.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsApoptosis Regulatory ProteinsCells, CulturedEndothelial CellsEndothelium, LymphaticFemaleGene DeletionHemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous SystemHyperplasiaMaleMAP Kinase Signaling SystemMice, Inbred StrainsModels, AnimalNF-kappa BTranslocation, GeneticVascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3ConceptsLymphatic ECsLymphatic defectsCerebral cavernous malformationsPan-endothelial cellsGrowth factor receptorTranscriptional levelTransport assaysLymphatic hyperplasiaCCM genesLymphatic dysfunctionNuclear translocationGenesFactor receptorVEGFR3ERK1/2Nuclear factorDeletionEC proliferationInhibition of VEGFR3Dependent mannerVascular endothelial growth factor receptorEndothelial growth factor receptorEC deletionAbnormal valve structureKPNA2Caveolae-mediated Tie2 signaling contributes to CCM pathogenesis in a brain endothelial cell-specific Pdcd10-deficient mouse model
Zhou HJ, Qin L, Jiang Q, Murray KN, Zhang H, Li B, Lin Q, Graham M, Liu X, Grutzendler J, Min W. Caveolae-mediated Tie2 signaling contributes to CCM pathogenesis in a brain endothelial cell-specific Pdcd10-deficient mouse model. Nature Communications 2021, 12: 504. PMID: 33495460, PMCID: PMC7835246, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20774-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCerebral cavernous malformationsCCM lesionsSmooth muscle actin-positive pericytesEndothelial cell lossRegions of brainCCM pathogenesisPost-capillary venulesCerebral hemorrhagePharmacological blockadeVascular abnormalitiesEC-specific deletionCavernous malformationsMouse modelCell lossMicrovascular bedGenetic deletionLesion formationLesionsVascular dynamicsBarrier functionMicrovascular structureTwo-photon microscopyTie2PathogenesisMiceEndothelial exocytosis of angiopoietin-2 resulting from CCM3 deficiency contributes to cerebral cavernous malformation
Zhou HJ, Qin L, Zhang H, Tang W, Ji W, He Y, Liang X, Wang Z, Yuan Q, Vortmeyer A, Toomre D, Fuh G, Yan M, Kluger MS, Wu D, Min W. Endothelial exocytosis of angiopoietin-2 resulting from CCM3 deficiency contributes to cerebral cavernous malformation. Nature Medicine 2016, 22: 1033-1042. PMID: 27548575, PMCID: PMC5014607, DOI: 10.1038/nm.4169.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAngiopoietin-1Angiopoietin-2AnimalsApoptosis Regulatory ProteinsBrainEndothelium, VascularEnzyme-Linked Immunosorbent AssayExocytosisFluorescent Antibody TechniqueGene Expression ProfilingHemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous SystemHumansIntracellular Signaling Peptides and ProteinsMembrane ProteinsMiceNerve Tissue ProteinsProto-Oncogene ProteinsReceptor, TIE-2Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein 3Mitochondrial dysfunction induces ALK5-SMAD2-mediated hypovascularization and arteriovenous malformations in mouse retinas
Zhang H, Li B, Huang Q, López-Giráldez F, Tanaka Y, Lin Q, Mehta S, Wang G, Graham M, Liu X, Park I, Eichmann A, Min W, Zhou J. Mitochondrial dysfunction induces ALK5-SMAD2-mediated hypovascularization and arteriovenous malformations in mouse retinas. Nature Communications 2022, 13: 7637. PMID: 36496409, PMCID: PMC9741628, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35262-w.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMitochondrial dysfunctionThioredoxin 2Single-cell RNA-seq analysisRNA-seq analysisMutant miceNuclear genesMitochondrial proteinsMitochondrial localizationHuman retinal diseasesTranscriptional factorsGene expressionMutant retinasMitochondrial activityExtracellular matrixNovel mechanismVascular maturationArteriovenous malformationsGenetic deficiencyVessel growthSmad2Mouse retinaVascular malformationsMechanistic studiesBasement membraneRetinal vascular malformationsSUMOylation of VEGFR2 regulates its intracellular trafficking and pathological angiogenesis
Zhou HJ, Xu Z, Wang Z, Zhang H, Zhuang Z, Simons M, Min W. SUMOylation of VEGFR2 regulates its intracellular trafficking and pathological angiogenesis. Nature Communications 2018, 9: 3303. PMID: 30120232, PMCID: PMC6098000, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05812-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsCorneaCysteine EndopeptidasesDiabetes MellitusEndopeptidasesGene DeletionGene Knock-In TechniquesGene SilencingGolgi ApparatusHuman Umbilical Vein Endothelial CellsHumansIntracellular SpaceMaleMice, Inbred C57BLMice, KnockoutNeovascularization, PathologicProtein TransportRetinaSignal TransductionSUMO-1 ProteinSumoylationVascular Endothelial Growth Factor AVascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2ConceptsPathological angiogenesisPotential therapeutic targetRegulation of VEGFR2Non-sumoylated formEndothelial-specific deletionDiabetic miceHindlimb ischemiaTherapeutic targetDiabetic settingControl of angiogenesisEndothelial cellsAngiogenesisVEGFR2Surface expressionVEGFR2 activityTissue repairSENP1Thioredoxin-2 Inhibits Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Apoptosis Stress Kinase-1 Activity to Maintain Cardiac Function
Huang Q, Zhou HJ, Zhang H, Huang Y, Hinojosa-Kirschenbaum F, Fan P, Yao L, Belardinelli L, Tellides G, Giordano FJ, Budas GR, Min W. Thioredoxin-2 Inhibits Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Apoptosis Stress Kinase-1 Activity to Maintain Cardiac Function. Circulation 2015, 131: 1082-1097. PMID: 25628390, PMCID: PMC4374031, DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.114.012725.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMitochondrial reactive oxygen species generationReactive oxygen species generationOxygen species generationASK1-dependent apoptosisMitochondrial reactive oxygen species productionPhosphorylation/activityKey mitochondrial proteinsSpecies generationMitochondrial membrane depolarizationKinase 1 activityMitochondrial proteinsReactive oxygen species productionCellular redoxMitochondrial Trx2Inhibition of ASK1Apoptotic signalingOxygen species productionThioredoxin 2Protein expression levelsKinase 1ATP productionASK1 inhibitionKnockout miceMitochondrial ultrastructureASK1 inhibitorsAIP1 Mediates Vascular Endothelial Cell Growth Factor Receptor-3–Dependent Angiogenic and Lymphangiogenic Responses
Zhou HJ, Chen X, Huang Q, Liu R, Zhang H, Wang Y, Jin Y, Liang X, Lu L, Xu Z, Min W. AIP1 Mediates Vascular Endothelial Cell Growth Factor Receptor-3–Dependent Angiogenic and Lymphangiogenic Responses. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis And Vascular Biology 2014, 34: 603-615. PMID: 24407031, PMCID: PMC3952062, DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.113.303053.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdaptor Proteins, Signal TransducingAnimalsCarrier ProteinsCells, CulturedCorneaEndocytosisEndothelial CellsEndothelium, VascularEye ProteinsGuanylate KinasesHumansLymphangiogenesisMiceMice, KnockoutMicroRNAsNeuronsRas GTPase-Activating ProteinsReceptors, NotchRecombinant ProteinsRetinal NeovascularizationRNA InterferenceRNA, Small InterferingVascular Endothelial Growth Factor CVascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3ConceptsLymphatic endothelial cellsASK1-interacting protein-1VEGFR-3 signalingHuman lymphatic endothelial cellsVEGFR-3Vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptorEndothelial cellsReduced expressionDevelopmental lymphangiogenesisScaffold proteinAIP1 functionsGrowth factor receptorLymphangiogenic signalingNovel functionVEGFR-2 activityRNA knockdownCell growth factor receptorLymphangiogenic responseSimilar defectsFirst insightProtein 1Vascular endothelial cellsPathological angiogenesisSpecific deletionFactor receptor
2024
SRF SUMOylation modulates smooth muscle phenotypic switch and vascular remodeling
Xu Y, Zhang H, Chen Y, Pober J, Zhou M, Zhou J, Min W. SRF SUMOylation modulates smooth muscle phenotypic switch and vascular remodeling. Nature Communications 2024, 15: 6919. PMID: 39134547, PMCID: PMC11319592, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51350-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsVascular smooth muscle cellsSerum response factorCardiovascular diseaseVSMC synthetic phenotypeVascular remodelingNeointimal formationSENP1 deficiencySerum response factor activitySmooth muscle phenotypic switchingPhenotypic switchingPathogenesis of cardiovascular diseaseSmooth muscle cellsPost-translational SUMOylationTreatment of cardiovascular diseasesInhibitor AZD6244Phospho-ELK1Increased nuclear accumulationLysosomal localizationGene transcriptionNuclear accumulationMuscle cellsCoronary arteryCVD patientsVSMC phenotypic switchTherapeutic potentialmTORC1 Signaling in Brain Endothelial Progenitors Contributes to CCM Pathogenesis
Min W, Qin L, Zhang H, López-Giráldez F, Jiang N, Kim Y, Mohan V, Su M, Murray K, Grutzendler J, Zhou J. mTORC1 Signaling in Brain Endothelial Progenitors Contributes to CCM Pathogenesis. Circulation Research 2024, 135: e94-e113. PMID: 38957991, PMCID: PMC11293987, DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.324015.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCerebral vascular malformationsEndothelial progenitor cellsBlood-brain barrier integritySingle-cell RNA sequencing analysisDisruption of blood-brain barrier integrityBarrier integrityResident endothelial progenitor cellsRNA sequencing analysisTissue immunofluorescence analysisEndothelial cellsEPC clustersStem cell markersFocal neurological deficitsBrain's neurovascular unitMTOR signalingHuman CCM lesionsMTORC1 signalingBlood-brain barrierCapillary endothelial cellsCCM pathogenesisVascular malformationsLesion signaturesNeurological deficitsCell markersClonal expansion
2022
Brown adipose TRX2 deficiency activates mtDNA-NLRP3 to impair thermogenesis and protect against diet-induced insulin resistance
Huang Y, Zhou JH, Zhang H, Canfrán-Duque A, Singh AK, Perry RJ, Shulman G, Fernandez-Hernando C, Min W. Brown adipose TRX2 deficiency activates mtDNA-NLRP3 to impair thermogenesis and protect against diet-induced insulin resistance. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2022, 132 PMID: 35202005, PMCID: PMC9057632, DOI: 10.1172/jci148852.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBrown adipose tissueBAT inflammationInsulin resistanceMitochondrial reactive oxygen speciesReactive oxygen speciesAberrant innate immune responsesDiet-induced insulin resistanceSystematic metabolismDiet-induced obesityNLRP3 inflammasome pathwayWhole-body energy metabolismCGAS/STINGInnate immune responseFatty acid oxidationExcessive mitochondrial reactive oxygen speciesMetabolic benefitsImmune responseInflammasome pathwayAdipose tissueInflammationInhibition reversesLipid uptakeLipid metabolismThioredoxin 2Adaptive thermogenesis
2021
ATPIF1 maintains normal mitochondrial structure which is impaired by CCM3 deficiency in endothelial cells
Wang K, Chen H, Zhou Z, Zhang H, Zhou HJ, Min W. ATPIF1 maintains normal mitochondrial structure which is impaired by CCM3 deficiency in endothelial cells. Cell & Bioscience 2021, 11: 11. PMID: 33422124, PMCID: PMC7796565, DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00514-z.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchActivation of mitophagyHuman umbilical vein endothelial cellsNormal mitochondrial structureMorphology of mitochondriaRNA-seq screeningMitochondrial membrane potentialCRISPR-Cas9 SystemCerebral cavernous malformationsEndothelial cellsExpression of KLF4Destruction of mitochondriaUmbilical vein endothelial cellsMitochondrial structureSignaling pathwaysVein endothelial cellsMitochondriaATPIF1MitophagyEndothelial progenitor cellsProgenitor cellsCell proliferationMembrane potentialKLF4PathwayProtein
2020
Mitophagy-mediated adipose inflammation contributes to type 2 diabetes with hepatic insulin resistance
He F, Huang Y, Song Z, Zhou HJ, Zhang H, Perry RJ, Shulman GI, Min W. Mitophagy-mediated adipose inflammation contributes to type 2 diabetes with hepatic insulin resistance. Journal Of Experimental Medicine 2020, 218: e20201416. PMID: 33315085, PMCID: PMC7927432, DOI: 10.1084/jem.20201416.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdipocytesAdipose TissueAnimalsDiabetes Mellitus, Type 2Diet, High-FatEnergy MetabolismFatty LiverGene DeletionGene TargetingGluconeogenesisHomeostasisHumansHyperglycemiaInflammationInsulin ResistanceLipogenesisLiverMaleMice, Inbred C57BLMice, KnockoutMitochondriaMitophagyNF-kappa BOxidative StressPhenotypeReactive Oxygen SpeciesSequestosome-1 ProteinSignal TransductionThioredoxinsConceptsHepatic insulin resistanceWhite adipose tissueInsulin resistanceAdipose inflammationType 2 diabetes mellitusLipid metabolic disordersNF-κB inhibitorAdipose-specific deletionWhole-body energy homeostasisAltered fatty acid metabolismFatty acid metabolismT2DM progressionT2DM patientsDiabetes mellitusReactive oxygen species pathwayHepatic steatosisMetabolic disordersNF-κBP62/SQSTM1Adipose tissueHuman adipocytesEnergy homeostasisExcessive mitophagyOxygen species pathwayInflammationMural Cell-Specific Deletion of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation 3 in the Brain Induces Cerebral Cavernous Malformations
Wang K, Zhang H, He Y, Jiang Q, Tanaka Y, Park IH, Pober JS, Min W, Zhou HJ. Mural Cell-Specific Deletion of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation 3 in the Brain Induces Cerebral Cavernous Malformations. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis And Vascular Biology 2020, 40: 2171-2186. PMID: 32640906, DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314586.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsApoptosis Regulatory ProteinsBrainCell CommunicationCell MovementCells, CulturedCoculture TechniquesEndothelial CellsFemaleFocal AdhesionsGene DeletionGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseHemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous SystemHumansMaleMembrane ProteinsMice, KnockoutMicrovesselsMyocytes, Smooth MusclePaxillinPericytesPhenotypeProtein StabilityProto-Oncogene ProteinsSignal TransductionConceptsCerebral cavernous malformationsBrain mural cellsCCM lesionsMural cellsCavernous malformationsSevere brain hemorrhageCCM pathogenesisSmooth muscle cellsWeeks of ageCell-specific deletionMural cell coverageBrain pericytesBrain hemorrhageNeonatal stageBrain vasculatureLesionsEntire brainMuscle cellsCerebral cavernous malformation 3Endothelial cellsMicePericytesSpecific deletionAdhesion formationPathogenesisBMX Represses Thrombin-PAR1–Mediated Endothelial Permeability and Vascular Leakage During Early Sepsis
Li Z, Yin M, Zhang H, Ni W, Pierce R, Zhou HJ, Min W. BMX Represses Thrombin-PAR1–Mediated Endothelial Permeability and Vascular Leakage During Early Sepsis. Circulation Research 2020, 126: 471-485. PMID: 31910739, PMCID: PMC7035171, DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.119.315769.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPAR1 internalizationPuncture-induced sepsisCecal ligationVascular leakageEndothelial permeabilityExpression of BmxThrombin-PAR1Early sepsisEndothelial cellsPuncture modelSignal inactivationPAR1 antagonist SCH79797Negative regulatorLung epithelial cellsTransendothelial electrical resistanceAdult stageEmbryonic stagesCultured endothelial cellsPulmonary leakageCellular analysisLung injuryPathological stimuliEndothelium dysfunctionPlatelet dysfunctionSepsis
2019
Mitochondrial thioredoxin-2 maintains HCN4 expression and prevents oxidative stress-mediated sick sinus syndrome
Yang B, Huang Y, Zhang H, Huang Y, Zhou HJ, Young L, Xiao H, Min W. Mitochondrial thioredoxin-2 maintains HCN4 expression and prevents oxidative stress-mediated sick sinus syndrome. Journal Of Molecular And Cellular Cardiology 2019, 138: 291-303. PMID: 31751569, DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.10.009.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsBradycardiaCardiomyopathy, DilatedEnhancer Elements, GeneticHistone DeacetylasesHyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated ChannelsMEF2 Transcription FactorsMice, KnockoutMitochondria, HeartModels, BiologicalOxidative StressPhenotypeProtein BindingReactive Oxygen SpeciesRNA, MessengerSick Sinus SyndromeSinoatrial NodeThioredoxinsConceptsSick sinus syndromeSinus syndromeHistone deacetylase 4Lower heart rateHeart rateHCN4 expressionConduction systemSinoatrial nodeNormal heart rateCardiac conduction systemHistone 3 acetylationMitochondrial oxidative stressSinus bradycardiaCardiac functionLox/SyndromeHeart rhythmMyosin heavy chainHistological analysisMiceDeletion miceOxidative stressWhole heartProtein levelsUnderlying mechanismNuclear localization of the tyrosine kinase BMX mediates VEGFR2 expression
Liu T, Li Y, Su H, Zhang H, Jones D, Zhou HJ, Ji W, Min W. Nuclear localization of the tyrosine kinase BMX mediates VEGFR2 expression. Journal Of Cellular And Molecular Medicine 2019, 24: 126-138. PMID: 31642192, PMCID: PMC6933376, DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14663.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTyrosine kinase BMXVEGFR2 promoter activityPromoter activityNuclear localizationVEGFR2 promoterKinase-inactive formGene promoter activityEndothelial cellsNucleus of ECsVascular endothelial growth factor receptorSiRNA-mediated silencingAngiogenesis-related diseasesChromatin immunoprecipitationDirect transactivationSH3 domainTranscription factorsGrowth factor receptorVEGFR2 expressionNovel functionVEGFR2 transcriptionSp1Human endothelial cellsLuciferase assayEC migrationFactor receptorShort AIP1 (ASK1-Interacting Protein-1) Isoform Localizes to the Mitochondria and Promotes Vascular Dysfunction
Li Z, Li L, Zhang H, Zhou HJ, Ji W, Min W. Short AIP1 (ASK1-Interacting Protein-1) Isoform Localizes to the Mitochondria and Promotes Vascular Dysfunction. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis And Vascular Biology 2019, 40: 112-127. PMID: 31619063, PMCID: PMC7204498, DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.312976.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAorta, ThoracicApoptosisArteriosclerosisBlotting, WesternCells, CulturedDisease Models, AnimalDNAEndothelium, VascularGene Expression RegulationGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansMiceMice, Inbred C57BLMice, TransgenicMicroscopy, FluorescenceMitochondriaRas GTPase-Activating ProteinsSignal TransductionConceptsN-terminal pleckstrin homology domainHuman genome-wide association studiesGenome-wide association studiesPleckstrin homology domainMitochondrial reactive oxygen species generationEndothelial cellsH3K9 trimethylationHomology domainReactive oxygen species productionOxygen species productionReactive oxygen speciesReactive oxygen species generationAssociation studiesRegulatory factorsEpigenetic inhibitionEC activationOxygen species generationDependent pathwayVascular endothelial cellsProteolytic degradationSpecies productionOxygen speciesVascular homeostasisMitochondriaSpecies generationA Unique SUMO-Interacting Motif of Trx2 Is Critical for Its Mitochondrial Presequence Processing and Anti-oxidant Activity
Chen C, Wang K, Zhang H, Zhou HJ, Chen Y, Min W. A Unique SUMO-Interacting Motif of Trx2 Is Critical for Its Mitochondrial Presequence Processing and Anti-oxidant Activity. Frontiers In Physiology 2019, 10: 1089. PMID: 31555141, PMCID: PMC6727865, DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01089.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchSUMO-interacting motifMitochondrial processing peptidaseReactive oxygen speciesMitochondrial intermediate peptidaseStress-induced cellular senescenceOxidative stress-induced cellular senescenceMitochondrial redox proteinsMitochondrial thioredoxin 2Excess reactive oxygen speciesMitochondrial processingPresequence processingProcessing peptidaseTrx2 proteinMitochondrial targetingMassive reactive oxygen speciesAntisenescence activityCellular senescenceThioredoxin 2Chemical inhibitionMature formRedox proteinsUnprocessed formProteinTrx2Catalytic siteAuthor Correction: SUMOylation of VEGFR2 regulates its intracellular trafficking and pathological angiogenesis
Zhou HJ, Xu Z, Wang Z, Zhang H, Zhuang ZW, Simons M, Min W. Author Correction: SUMOylation of VEGFR2 regulates its intracellular trafficking and pathological angiogenesis. Nature Communications 2019, 10: 3679. PMID: 31417083, PMCID: PMC6695411, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11659-y.Peer-Reviewed Original Research