RhoA determines lineage fate of mesenchymal stem cells by modulating CTGF–VEGF complex in extracellular matrix

Changjun Li, Gehua Zhen, Yu Chai, Liang Xie, Janet L. Crane, Emily Farber, Charles R. Farber, Xianghang Luo, Peisong Gao, Xu Cao and Mei Wan ()
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Changjun Li: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Gehua Zhen: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Yu Chai: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Liang Xie: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Janet L. Crane: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Emily Farber: Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia
Charles R. Farber: Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia
Xianghang Luo: Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
Peisong Gao: Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Xu Cao: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Mei Wan: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Nature Communications, 2016, vol. 7, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) participate in the repair/remodelling of many tissues, where MSCs commit to different lineages dependent on the cues in the local microenvironment. Here we show that TGFβ-activated RhoA/ROCK signalling functions as a molecular switch regarding the fate of MSCs in arterial repair/remodelling after injury. MSCs differentiate into myofibroblasts when RhoA/ROCK is turned on, endothelial cells when turned off. The former is pathophysiologic resulting in intimal hyperplasia, whereas the latter is physiological leading to endothelial repair. Further analysis revealed that MSC RhoA activation promotes formation of an extracellular matrix (ECM) complex consisting of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Inactivation of RhoA/ROCK in MSCs induces matrix metalloproteinase-3-mediated CTGF cleavage, resulting in VEGF release and MSC endothelial differentiation. Our findings uncover a novel mechanism by which cell–ECM interactions determine stem cell lineage specificity and offer additional molecular targets to manipulate MSC-involved tissue repair/regeneration.

Date: 2016
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms11455

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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11455

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