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Keywords = KRIT1/CCM1

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10 pages, 1287 KiB  
Brief Report
Silencing KRIT1 Partially Reverses the Effects of Disturbed Flow on the Endothelial Cell Transcriptome
by Amelia Meecham, Sara McCurdy, Eduardo Frias-Anaya, Wenqing Li, Helios Gallego-Gutierrez, Phu Nguyen, Yi-Shuan Li, Shu Chien, John Y.-J. Shyy, Mark H. Ginsberg and Miguel Alejandro Lopez-Ramirez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 4340; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26094340 - 2 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 812
Abstract
Endothelial cells respond to forces generated by laminar blood flow with changes in vasodilation, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, or anti-inflammatory functions which preserve vessel patency. These responses to flow shear stress are primarily mediated by the modulation of the following transcription factors: Krüppel-like factors 2 [...] Read more.
Endothelial cells respond to forces generated by laminar blood flow with changes in vasodilation, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, or anti-inflammatory functions which preserve vessel patency. These responses to flow shear stress are primarily mediated by the modulation of the following transcription factors: Krüppel-like factors 2 and 4 (KLF2 and KLF4). Notably, disturbed flow patterns, which are found in vascular areas predisposed to atherosclerosis, significantly reduce the endothelial expression of KLF2 and KLF4, resulting in changes in the transcriptome that exacerbate inflammation and thrombosis. The endothelial CCM (Cerebral Cavernous Malformation) complex, comprising KRIT1 (Krev1 interaction trapped gene 1), CCM2 (Malcavernin), and CCM3 (Programmed cell death protein 10), suppresses the expression of KLF2 and KLF4. Loss of function of the CCM complex has recently been suggested to protect from coronary atherosclerosis in humans. We thus hypothesized that the silencing of KRIT1, the central scaffold of the CCM complex, can normalize the atherogenic effects of disturbed flow on the human endothelial transcriptome. Bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was conducted on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) after the expression of KRIT1 was silenced using specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). The endothelial cells were exposed to three different conditions for 24 h, as follows: pulsatile shear stress (laminar flow), oscillatory shear stress (disturbed flow), and static conditions (no flow). We found that silencing the KRIT1 expression in HUVECs restored the expression of the transcription factors KLF2 and KLF4 under oscillatory shear stress. This treatment resulted in a transcriptomic profile similar to that of endothelial cells under pulsatile shear stress. These findings suggest that inhibition of the CCM complex in endothelium plays a vasoprotective role by reactivating a protective gene program to help endothelial cells resist disturbed blood flow. Targeting CCM genes can activate well-known vasoprotective gene programs that enhance endothelial resilience to inflammation, hypoxia, and angiogenesis under disturbed flow conditions, providing a novel pathway for preventing atherothrombosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
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14 pages, 4323 KiB  
Article
Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Primary Endothelial Cells from a Familial Cavernomatosis Patient
by Laura Lorente-Herraiz, Angel M. Cuesta, Jaime Granado, Lucía Recio-Poveda, Luisa-María Botella and Virginia Albiñana
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3952; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073952 - 2 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4360
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) or familial cavernomatosis is a rare, autosomal dominant, inherited disease characterized by the presence of vascular malformations consisting of blood vessels with an abnormal structure in the form of clusters. Based on the altered gene (CCM1/Krit1, CCM2 [...] Read more.
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) or familial cavernomatosis is a rare, autosomal dominant, inherited disease characterized by the presence of vascular malformations consisting of blood vessels with an abnormal structure in the form of clusters. Based on the altered gene (CCM1/Krit1, CCM2, CCM3) and its origin (spontaneous or familial), different types of this disease can be found. In this work we have isolated and cultivated primary endothelial cells (ECs) from peripheral blood of a type 1 CCM patient. Differential functional and gene expression profiles of these cells were analyzed and compared to primary ECs from a healthy donor. The mutation of the familial index case consisted of a heterozygous point mutation in the position +1 splicing consensus between exons 15 and 16, causing failure in RNA processing and in the final protein. Furthermore, gene expression analysis by quantitative PCR revealed a decreased expression of genes involved in intercellular junction formation, angiogenesis, and vascular homeostasis. Cell biology analysis showed that CCM1 ECs were impaired in angiogenesis and cell migration. Taken together, the results obtained suggest that the alterations found in CCM1 ECs are already present in the heterozygous condition, suffering from vascular impairment and somewhat predisposed to vascular damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Sights: Genetic Advances and Challenges in Rare Diseases)
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14 pages, 3965 KiB  
Communication
Endothelial Differentiation of CCM1 Knockout iPSCs Triggers the Establishment of a Specific Gene Expression Signature
by Robin A. Pilz, Dariush Skowronek, Lara Mellinger, Sander Bekeschus, Ute Felbor and Matthias Rath
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(4), 3993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24043993 - 16 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2632
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a neurovascular disease that can lead to seizures and stroke-like symptoms. The familial form is caused by a heterozygous germline mutation in either the CCM1, CCM2, or CCM3 gene. While the importance of a second-hit mechanism in [...] Read more.
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a neurovascular disease that can lead to seizures and stroke-like symptoms. The familial form is caused by a heterozygous germline mutation in either the CCM1, CCM2, or CCM3 gene. While the importance of a second-hit mechanism in CCM development is well established, it is still unclear whether it immediately triggers CCM development or whether additional external factors are required. We here used RNA sequencing to study differential gene expression in CCM1 knockout induced pluripotent stem cells (CCM1−/− iPSCs), early mesoderm progenitor cells (eMPCs), and endothelial-like cells (ECs). Notably, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated inactivation of CCM1 led to hardly any gene expression differences in iPSCs and eMPCs. However, after differentiation into ECs, we found the significant deregulation of signaling pathways well known to be involved in CCM pathogenesis. These data suggest that a microenvironment of proangiogenic cytokines and growth factors can trigger the establishment of a characteristic gene expression signature upon CCM1 inactivation. Consequently, CCM1−/− precursor cells may exist that remain silent until entering the endothelial lineage. Collectively, not only downstream consequences of CCM1 ablation but also supporting factors must be addressed in CCM therapy development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Endothelial Dysfunction 2.0)
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20 pages, 2110 KiB  
Article
Multidrug-Loaded Lipid Nanoemulsions for the Combinatorial Treatment of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation Disease
by Andrea Perrelli, Annalisa Bozza, Chiara Ferraris, Sara Osella, Andrea Moglia, Silvia Mioletti, Luigi Battaglia and Saverio Francesco Retta
Biomedicines 2023, 11(2), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020480 - 7 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2052
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) or cavernoma is a major vascular disease of genetic origin, whose main phenotypes occur in the central nervous system, and is currently devoid of pharmacological therapeutic strategies. Cavernomas can remain asymptomatic during a lifetime or manifest with a wide [...] Read more.
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) or cavernoma is a major vascular disease of genetic origin, whose main phenotypes occur in the central nervous system, and is currently devoid of pharmacological therapeutic strategies. Cavernomas can remain asymptomatic during a lifetime or manifest with a wide range of symptoms, including recurrent headaches, seizures, strokes, and intracerebral hemorrhages. Loss-of-function mutations in KRIT1/CCM1 are responsible for more than 50% of all familial cases, and have been clearly shown to affect cellular junctions, redox homeostasis, inflammatory responses, and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of multidrug-loaded lipid nanoemulsions in rescuing the pathological phenotype of CCM disease. The pro-autophagic rapamycin, antioxidant avenanthramide, and antiangiogenic bevacizumab were loaded into nanoemulsions, with the aim of reducing the major molecular dysfunctions associated with cavernomas. Through Western blot analysis of biomarkers in an in vitro CCM model, we demonstrated that drug-loaded lipid nanoemulsions rescue antioxidant responses, reactivate autophagy, and reduce the effect of pro-angiogenic factors better than the free drugs. Our results show the importance of developing a combinatorial preventive and therapeutic approach to reduce the risk of lesion formation and inhibit or completely revert the multiple hallmarks that characterize the pathogenesis and progression of cavernomas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Translational Medicine)
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26 pages, 4456 KiB  
Article
Heterozygous Loss of KRIT1 in Mice Affects Metabolic Functions of the Liver, Promoting Hepatic Oxidative and Glycative Stress
by Raffaella Mastrocola, Eleonora Aimaretti, Gustavo Ferreira Alves, Alessia Sofia Cento, Claudia Fornelli, Federica Dal Bello, Chiara Ferraris, Luca Goitre, Andrea Perrelli and Saverio Francesco Retta
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(19), 11151; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911151 - 22 Sep 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2336
Abstract
KRIT1 loss-of-function mutations underlie the pathogenesis of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM), a major vascular disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). However, KRIT1 is also expressed outside the CNS and modulates key regulators of metabolic and oxy-inflammatory pathways, including the master transcription factor [...] Read more.
KRIT1 loss-of-function mutations underlie the pathogenesis of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM), a major vascular disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). However, KRIT1 is also expressed outside the CNS and modulates key regulators of metabolic and oxy-inflammatory pathways, including the master transcription factor FoxO1, suggesting a widespread functional significance. Herein, we show that the KRIT1/FoxO1 axis is implicated in liver metabolic functions and antioxidative/antiglycative defenses. Indeed, by performing comparative studies in KRIT1 heterozygous (KRIT1+/−) and wild-type mice, we found that KRIT1 haploinsufficiency resulted in FoxO1 expression/activity downregulation in the liver, and affected hepatic FoxO1-dependent signaling pathways, which are markers of major metabolic processes, including gluconeogenesis, glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration, and glycogen synthesis. Moreover, it caused sustained activation of the master antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2, hepatic accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), and abnormal expression/activity of AGE receptors and detoxifying systems. Furthermore, it was associated with an impairment of food intake, systemic glucose disposal, and plasma levels of insulin. Specific molecular alterations detected in the liver of KRIT1+/− mice were also confirmed in KRIT1 knockout cells. Overall, our findings demonstrated, for the first time, that KRIT1 haploinsufficiency affects glucose homeostasis and liver metabolic and antioxidative/antiglycative functions, thus inspiring future basic and translational studies. Full article
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20 pages, 2143 KiB  
Article
Next-Generation Sequencing Advances the Genetic Diagnosis of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM)
by Valerio Benedetti, Rosalia Canzoneri, Andrea Perrelli, Carlo Arduino, Andrea Zonta, Alfredo Brusco and Saverio Francesco Retta
Antioxidants 2022, 11(7), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11071294 - 29 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3512
Abstract
Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM) is a cerebrovascular disease of genetic origin that predisposes to seizures, focal neurological deficits and fatal intracerebral hemorrhage. It may occur sporadically or in familial forms, segregating as an autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance and highly variable expressivity. [...] Read more.
Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM) is a cerebrovascular disease of genetic origin that predisposes to seizures, focal neurological deficits and fatal intracerebral hemorrhage. It may occur sporadically or in familial forms, segregating as an autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance and highly variable expressivity. Its pathogenesis has been associated with loss-of-function mutations in three genes, namely KRIT1 (CCM1), CCM2 and PDCD10 (CCM3), which are implicated in defense mechanisms against oxidative stress and inflammation. Herein, we screened 21 Italian CCM cases using clinical exome sequencing and found six cases (~29%) with pathogenic variants in CCM genes, including a large 145–256 kb genomic deletion spanning the KRIT1 gene and flanking regions, and the KRIT1 c.1664C>T variant, which we demonstrated to activate a donor splice site in exon 16. The segregation of this cryptic splicing mutation was studied in a large Italian family (five affected and seven unaffected cases), and showed a largely heterogeneous clinical presentation, suggesting the implication of genetic modifiers. Moreover, by analyzing ad hoc gene panels, including a virtual panel of 23 cerebrovascular disease-related genes (Cerebro panel), we found two variants in NOTCH3 and PTEN genes, which could contribute to the abnormal oxidative stress and inflammatory responses to date implicated in CCM disease pathogenesis. Full article
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16 pages, 946 KiB  
Review
Cerebral Cavernous Malformation Pathogenesis: Investigating Lesion Formation and Progression with Animal Models
by Chelsea M. Phillips, Svetlana M. Stamatovic, Richard F. Keep and Anuska V. Andjelkovic
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(9), 5000; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23095000 - 30 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4168
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a cerebromicrovascular disease that affects up to 0.5% of the population. Vessel dilation, decreased endothelial cell–cell contact, and loss of junctional complexes lead to loss of brain endothelial barrier integrity and hemorrhagic lesion formation. Leakage of hemorrhagic lesions [...] Read more.
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a cerebromicrovascular disease that affects up to 0.5% of the population. Vessel dilation, decreased endothelial cell–cell contact, and loss of junctional complexes lead to loss of brain endothelial barrier integrity and hemorrhagic lesion formation. Leakage of hemorrhagic lesions results in patient symptoms and complications, including seizures, epilepsy, focal headaches, and hemorrhagic stroke. CCMs are classified as sporadic (sCCM) or familial (fCCM), associated with loss-of-function mutations in KRIT1/CCM1, CCM2, and PDCD10/CCM3. Identifying the CCM proteins has thrust the field forward by (1) revealing cellular processes and signaling pathways underlying fCCM pathogenesis, and (2) facilitating the development of animal models to study CCM protein function. CCM animal models range from various murine models to zebrafish models, with each model providing unique insights into CCM lesion development and progression. Additionally, these animal models serve as preclinical models to study therapeutic options for CCM treatment. This review briefly summarizes CCM disease pathology and the molecular functions of the CCM proteins, followed by an in-depth discussion of animal models used to study CCM pathogenesis and developing therapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Cerebrovascular Diseases)
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18 pages, 1935 KiB  
Review
Molecular Genetic Features of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations (CCM) Patients: An Overall View from Genes to Endothelial Cells
by Giulia Riolo, Claudia Ricci and Stefania Battistini
Cells 2021, 10(3), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10030704 - 22 Mar 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6566
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions that affect predominantly microvasculature in the brain and spinal cord. CCM can occur either in sporadic or familial form, characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance and development of multiple lesions throughout the patient’s life. Three genes associated [...] Read more.
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions that affect predominantly microvasculature in the brain and spinal cord. CCM can occur either in sporadic or familial form, characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance and development of multiple lesions throughout the patient’s life. Three genes associated with CCM are known: CCM1/KRIT1 (krev interaction trapped 1), CCM2/MGC4607 (encoding a protein named malcavernin), and CCM3/PDCD10 (programmed cell death 10). All the mutations identified in these genes cause a loss of function and compromise the protein functions needed for maintaining the vascular barrier integrity. Loss of function of CCM proteins causes molecular disorganization and dysfunction of endothelial adherens junctions. In this review, we provide an overall vision of the CCM pathology, starting with the genetic bases of the disease, describing the role of the proteins, until we reach the cellular level. Thus, we summarize the genetics of CCM, providing a description of CCM genes and mutation features, provided an updated knowledge of the CCM protein structure and function, and discuss the molecular mechanisms through which CCM proteins may act within endothelial cells, particularly in endothelial barrier maintenance/regulation and in cellular signaling. Full article
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19 pages, 2511 KiB  
Article
KRIT1 Deficiency Promotes Aortic Endothelial Dysfunction
by Francesco Vieceli Dalla Sega, Raffaella Mastrocola, Giorgio Aquila, Francesca Fortini, Claudia Fornelli, Alessia Zotta, Alessia S. Cento, Andrea Perrelli, Enrica Boda, Antonio Pannuti, Saverio Marchi, Paolo Pinton, Roberto Ferrari, Paola Rizzo and Saverio Francesco Retta
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(19), 4930; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20194930 - 5 Oct 2019
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5638
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations of the gene encoding Krev interaction trapped protein 1 (KRIT1) are associated with the pathogenesis of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM), a major cerebrovascular disease characterized by abnormally enlarged and leaky capillaries and affecting 0.5% of the human population. However, growing evidence [...] Read more.
Loss-of-function mutations of the gene encoding Krev interaction trapped protein 1 (KRIT1) are associated with the pathogenesis of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM), a major cerebrovascular disease characterized by abnormally enlarged and leaky capillaries and affecting 0.5% of the human population. However, growing evidence demonstrates that KRIT1 is implicated in the modulation of major redox-sensitive signaling pathways and mechanisms involved in adaptive responses to oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting that its loss-of-function mutations may have pathological effects not limited to CCM disease. The aim of this study was to address whether KRIT1 loss-of-function predisposes to the development of pathological conditions associated with enhanced endothelial cell susceptibility to oxidative stress and inflammation, such as arterial endothelial dysfunction (ED) and atherosclerosis. Silencing of KRIT1 in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs), and umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) resulted in increased expression of endothelial proinflammatory adhesion molecules vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and in enhanced susceptibility to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced apoptosis. These effects were associated with a downregulation of Notch1 activation that could be rescued by antioxidant treatment, suggesting that they are consequent to altered intracellular redox homeostasis induced by KRIT1 loss-of-function. Furthermore, analysis of the aorta of heterozygous KRIT1+/− mice fed a high-fructose diet to induce systemic oxidative stress and inflammation demonstrated a 1.6-fold increased expression of VCAM-1 and an approximately 2-fold enhanced fat accumulation (7.5% vs 3.6%) in atherosclerosis-prone regions, including the aortic arch and aortic root, as compared to corresponding wild-type littermates. In conclusion, we found that KRIT1 deficiency promotes ED, suggesting that, besides CCM, KRIT1 may be implicated in genetic susceptibility to the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Full article
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28 pages, 2866 KiB  
Article
KRIT1 Loss-Of-Function Associated with Cerebral Cavernous Malformation Disease Leads to Enhanced S-Glutathionylation of Distinct Structural and Regulatory Proteins
by Laura Cianfruglia, Andrea Perrelli, Claudia Fornelli, Alessandro Magini, Stefania Gorbi, Anna Maria Salzano, Cinzia Antognelli, Francesca Retta, Valerio Benedetti, Paola Cassoni, Carla Emiliani, Giovanni Principato, Andrea Scaloni, Tatiana Armeni and Saverio Francesco Retta
Antioxidants 2019, 8(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8010027 - 17 Jan 2019
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5578
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the KRIT1 gene are associated with the pathogenesis of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), a major cerebrovascular disease still awaiting therapies. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that KRIT1 plays an important role in major redox-sensitive mechanisms, including transcriptional pathways and autophagy, which play [...] Read more.
Loss-of-function mutations in the KRIT1 gene are associated with the pathogenesis of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), a major cerebrovascular disease still awaiting therapies. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that KRIT1 plays an important role in major redox-sensitive mechanisms, including transcriptional pathways and autophagy, which play major roles in cellular homeostasis and defense against oxidative stress, raising the possibility that KRIT1 loss has pleiotropic effects on multiple redox-sensitive systems. Using previously established cellular models, we found that KRIT1 loss-of-function affects the glutathione (GSH) redox system, causing a significant decrease in total GSH levels and increase in oxidized glutathione disulfide (GSSG), with a consequent deficit in the GSH/GSSG redox ratio and GSH-mediated antioxidant capacity. Redox proteomic analyses showed that these effects are associated with increased S-glutathionylation of distinct proteins involved in adaptive responses to oxidative stress, including redox-sensitive chaperonins, metabolic enzymes, and cytoskeletal proteins, suggesting a novel molecular signature of KRIT1 loss-of-function. Besides providing further insights into the emerging pleiotropic functions of KRIT1, these findings point definitively to KRIT1 as a major player in redox biology, shedding new light on the mechanistic relationship between KRIT1 loss-of-function and enhanced cell sensitivity to oxidative stress, which may eventually lead to cellular dysfunctions and CCM disease pathogenesis. Full article
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