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Pulmonary disease increases the risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). However, the mechanism underlying the pathological dialogue between the lungs and aorta is undefined. Here, we find that inflicting acute lung injury (ALI) to mice doubles their incidence of AAA and accelerates macrophage-driven proteolytic damage of the aortic wall. ALI-induced HMGB1 leaks and is captured by arterial macrophages thereby altering their mitochondrial metabolism through RIPK3. RIPK3 promotes mitochondrial fission leading to elevated oxidative stress via DRP1. This triggers MMP12 to lyse arterial matrix, thereby stimulating AAA. Administration of recombinant HMGB1 to WT, but not Ripk3−/− mice, recapitulates ALI-induced proteolytic collapse of arterial architecture. Deletion of RIPK3 in myeloid cells, DRP1 or MMP12 suppression in ALI-inflicted mice repress arterial stress and brake MMP12 release by transmural macrophages thereby maintaining a strengthened arterial framework refractory to AAA. Our results establish an inter-organ circuitry that alerts arterial macrophages to regulate vascular remodeling., Lung damage increases abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) incidence, but the mechanism was unclear. Here, the authors show that injured lungs leak HMGB1, increasing RIPK3 expression in arterial macrophages that subsequently alters mitochondrial function, leading to MMP12 expression and AAA development.

Effective public response to a pandemic relies upon accurate measurement of the extent and dynamics of an outbreak. Viral genome sequencing has emerged as a powerful approach to link seemingly unrelated cases, and large-scale sequencing surveillance can inform on critical epidemiological parameters. Here, we report the analysis of 236 SARS-CoV2 sequences from cases in the New York City metropolitan area during the initial stages of the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak. The majority of cases throughout the region had no recent travel history or known exposure, and genetically linked cases were spread throughout the region. Comparison to global viral sequences showed that the majority were most related to cases from Europe. Our data are consistent with numerous seed transmissions from multiple sources and a prolonged period of unrecognized community spreading. This work highlights the complementary role of real-time genomic surveillance in addition to traditional epidemiological indicators.

During obesity, macrophages infiltrate the visceral adipose tissue and promote inflammation that contributes to type II diabetes. Evidence suggests that the rewiring of cellular metabolism can regulate macrophage function. However, the metabolic programs that characterize adipose tissue macrophages (ATM) in obesity are poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that ATM from obese mice exhibit metabolic profiles characterized by elevated glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, distinct from ATM from lean mice. Increased activation of HIF-1α in ATM of obese visceral adipose tissue resulted in induction of IL-1β and genes in the glycolytic pathway. Using a hypoxia-tracer, we show that HIF-1α nuclear translocation occurred both in hypoxic and non-hypoxic ATM suggesting that both hypoxic and pseudohypoxic stimuli activate HIF-1α and its target genes in ATM during diet-induced obesity. Exposure of macrophages to the saturated fatty acid palmitate increased glycolysis and HIF-1α expression, which culminated in IL-1β induction thereby simulating pseudohypoxia. Using mice with macrophage-specific targeted deletion of HIF-1α, we demonstrate the critical role of HIF-1α-derived from macrophages in regulating ATM accumulation, and local and systemic IL-1β production, but not in modulating systemic metabolic responses. Collectively, our data identify enhanced glycolysis and HIF-1α activation as drivers of low-grade inflammation in obesity.

Background Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a diffuse manifestation of atherothrombosis, is a major cardiovascular threat. Although platelets are primary mediators of atherothrombosis, their role in the pathogenesis of PAD remains unclear. Objectives The authors sought to investigate the role of platelets in a cohort of symptomatic PAD. Methods The authors profiled platelet activity, mRNA, and effector roles in patients with symptomatic PAD and in healthy controls. Patients with PAD and carotid artery stenosis were recruited into ongoing studies (NCT02106429 and NCT01897103) investigating platelet activity, platelet RNA, and cardiovascular disease. Results Platelet RNA sequence profiling mapped a robust up-regulation of myeloid-related protein (MRP)-14 mRNA, a potent calcium binding protein heterodimer, in PAD. Circulating activated platelets were enriched with MRP-14 protein, which augmented the expression of the adhesion mediator, P-selectin, thereby promoting monocyte–platelet aggregates. Electron microscopy confirmed the firm interaction of platelets with monocytes in vitro and colocalization of macrophages with MRP-14 confirmed their cross talk in atherosclerotic manifestations of PAD in vivo. Platelet-derived MRP-14 was channeled to monocytes, thereby fueling their expression of key PAD lesional hallmarks and increasing their directed locomotion, which were both suppressed in the presence of antibody-mediated blockade. Circulating MRP-14 was heightened in the setting of PAD, significantly correlated with PAD severity, and was associated with incident limb events. Conclusions The authors identified a heightened platelet activity profile and unraveled a novel immunomodulatory effector role of platelet-derived MRP-14 in reprograming monocyte activation in symptomatic PAD. (Platelet Activity in Vascular Surgery and Cardiovascular Events [PACE]; NCT02106429; and Platelet Activity in Vascular Surgery for Thrombosis and Bleeding [PIVOTAL]; NCT01897103)

Obesity is a major public health burden worldwide and is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation driven by the cooperation of the innate immune system and dysregulated metabolism in adipose tissue and other metabolic organs. Receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) is a central regulator of inflammatory cell function that coordinates inflammation, apoptosis and necroptosis in response to inflammatory stimuli. Here we show that genetic polymorphisms near the human RIPK1 locus associate with increased RIPK1 gene expression and obesity. We show that one of these single nucleotide polymorphisms is within a binding site for E4BP4 and increases RIPK1 promoter activity and RIPK1 gene expression in adipose tissue. Therapeutic silencing of RIPK1 in vivo in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity dramatically reduces fat mass, total body weight and improves insulin sensitivity, while simultaneously reducing macrophage and promoting invariant natural killer T cell accumulation in adipose tissue. These findings demonstrate that RIPK1 is genetically associated with obesity, and reducing RIPK1 expression is a potential therapeutic approach to target obesity and related diseases.

International audience; Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are characterized by matrix remodeling, elastin degradation, absence of nitric oxide (NO) signaling, and inflammation, influencing smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype and gene expression. Little is known about the biomolecular release and intrinsic biomechanics of human AAA-SMCs. NO delivery could be an attractive therapeutic strategy to restore lost functionality of AAA-SMCs by inhibiting inflammation and cell stiffening. We aim to establish the differences in phenotype and gene expression of adult human AAA-SMCs from healthy SMCs. Based on our previous study which showed benefits of optimal NO dosage delivered via S-Nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) to healthy aortic SMCs, we tested whether such benefits would occur in AAA-SMCs. The mRNA expression of three genes involved in matrix degradation (ACE, ADAMTS5 and ADAMTS8) was significantly downregulated in AAA-SMCs. Total protein and glycosaminoglycans synthesis were higher in AAA-SMCs than healthy-SMCs (p < 0.05 for AAA-vs. healthy-SMC cultures) and was enhanced by GSNO and 3D cultures (p < 0.05 for 3D vs. 2D cultures; p < 0.05 for GSNO vs. non-GSNO cases). Elastin gene expression, synthesis and deposition, desmosine crosslinker levels, and lysyl oxidase (LOX) functional activity were lower, while cell proliferation, iNOS, LOX and fibrillin-1 gene expressions were higher in AAA-SMCs (p < 0.05 between respective cases), with differential benefits from GSNO exposure. GSNO and 3D cultures reduced MMPs −2, −9, and increased TIMP-1 release in AAA-SMC cultures (p < 0.05 for GSNO vs. non-GSNO cultures). AAA-SMCs were inherently stiffer and had smoother surface than healthy SMCs (p < 0.01 in both cases), but GSNO reduced stiffness (~25%; p < 0.01) and increased roughness (p < 0.05) of both cell types. In conclusion, exogenously-delivered NO offers an attractive strategy by providing therapeutic benefits to AAA-SMCs.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a complex life-threatening disease characterized by extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) fragmentation and persistent inflammation, culminating in a weakened aorta. Although evidence suggests defective canonical signaling pathways in TAA, the full spectrum of mechanisms contributing to TAA is poorly understood, therefore limiting the scope of drug-based treatment. Here, we used a sensitive RNA sequencing approach to profile the transcriptomic atlas of human TAA. Pathway analysis revealed upregulation of key matrix-degrading enzymes and inflammation coincident with the axonal guidance pathway. We uncovered their novel association with TAA and focused on the expression of Semaphorins and Netrins. Comprehensive analysis of this pathway showed that several members were differentially expressed in TAA compared to controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Semaphorin4D and its receptor PlexinB1, similar to Netrin-1 proteins were highly expressed in damaged areas of TAA tissues but faintly detected in the vessel wall of non-diseased sections. It should be considered that the current study is limited by its sample size and the use of internal thoracic artery as control for TAA for the sequencing dataset. Our data determines important neuronal regulators of vascular inflammatory events and suggest Netrins and Semaphorins as potential key contributors of ECM degradation in TAA.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are characterized by extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) fragmentation and inflammation. However, the mechanisms by which these events are coupled thereby fueling focal vascular damage are undefined. Here we report through single-cell RNA-sequencing of diseased aorta that the neuronal guidance cue netrin-1 can act at the interface of macrophage-driven injury and ECM degradation. Netrin-1 expression peaks in human and murine aneurysmal macrophages. Targeted deletion of netrin-1 in macrophages protects mice from developing AAA. Through its receptor neogenin-1, netrin-1 induces a robust intracellular calcium flux necessary for the transcriptional regulation and persistent catalytic activation of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) by vascular smooth muscle cells. Deficiency in MMP3 reduces ECM damage and the susceptibility of mice to develop AAA. Here, we establish netrin-1 as a major signal that mediates the dynamic crosstalk between inflammation and chronic erosion of the ECM in AAA., Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are characterized by extensive extracellular matrix degradation. Here Hadi et al. identify a netrin-1/neogenin-based crosstalk between macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), leading to the secretion of the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-3 by VSMCs and subsequent matrix degradation in AAA lesions.

Objective: To determine whether monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPA) correlate with aortic aneurysm (AA) prevalence and severity. BACKGROUND: Inflammation and intraluminal thrombus are key hallmarks of complex AA. While monocytes fuel inflammation in AA, the contribution of platelets is unknown. We hypothesized that increased platelet activity yields to MPA that drive AA development and indicate disease severity. Methods: Blood was collected from 49 symptomatic patients admitted for aneurysm repair procedures (8 thoracic and 41 abdominal) and 36 matched controls. All subjects were on aspirin monotherapy. Platelet responsiveness to agonists was characterized by light transmission aggregometry. Flow cytometry analysis allowed leukocytes (CD45+)/monocytes (CD14+)-platelet (CD61+) aggregates (LPA/MPA) measurements in the blood and profiled MPA in post-surgical aneurysm tissues. Results: Platelet aggregation in response to ADP (57% vs. 35% aggregation, pin situ in AA sac, platelets and tissue macrophage activation was characterized. Compared to the non-diseased part of the aorta, diseased section had significantly higher platelet infiltration (7.0% vs 1.2% CD61+ cells, p=0.006) and interaction with CD68+ tissue macrophages (8.3% vs. 0.7%, CD61+ macrophages p=0.03). Notably, macrophages highly expressed the adhesion protein, ICAM-1, in the diseased part (39.6 vs 3.3% in the non-diseased section, p Conclusions: Our data highlights MPA as a novel mediator valuable to predict AA prevalence and severity.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an inflammatory disease associated with marked changes in the cellular composition of the aortic wall. This study aims to identify microRNA (miRNA) expression in aneurysmal inflammatory cells isolated by laser microdissection from human tissue samples. The distribution of inflammatory cells (neutrophils, B and T lymphocytes, mast cells) was evaluated in human AAA biopsies. We observed in half of the samples that adventitial tertiary lymphoid organs (ATLOs) with a thickness from 0.5 to 2 mm were located exclusively in the adventitia. Out of the 850 miRNA that were screened by microarray in isolated ATLOs (n = 2), 164 miRNAs were detected in ATLOs. The three miRNAs (miR-15a-3p, miR-30a-5p and miR-489-3p) with the highest expression levels were chosen and their expression quantified by RT-PCR in isolated ATLOs (n = 4), M1 (n = 2) and M2 macrophages (n = 2) and entire aneurysmal biopsies (n = 3). Except for the miR-30a-5p, a similar modulation was found in ATLOs and the two subtypes of macrophages. The modulated miRNAs were then evaluated in the plasma of AAA patients for their potential as AAA biomarkers. Our data emphasize the potential of miR-15a-3p and miR-30a-5p as biomarkers of AAA but also as triggers of ATLO evolution. Further investigations will be required to evaluate their targets in order to better understand AAA pathophysiology.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular asymptomatic disease that is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. Identifying biomarkers for AAA that can be detected easily in blood, before rupture could be useful. The aim of this study was to investigate the potentiality of miRNAS as biomarkers of AAA by performing a profiling of miRNAs expressed in major cells present in the human AAA tissue. The inflammatory cells as macrophages M1 and M2 and smooth muscle cells (SMC) were located by immunohistochemistry in 20 human AAA biopsies, showing a specific distribution towards the aneurysmal aortic wall. The cells were isolated by laser microdissection (LMD) from 20 human AAA biopsies obtained during surgical repair and control SMC from 14 healthy aortic biopsies harvested during organs multiretrieval. RNA extracted from 2 samples of each LMD isolated cells was screened on human miRNAs microarray. MiRNAs were selected with at least a 2-fold change and a detection value threshold corresponding to the value of miR-29b, described in experimental AAA models. Out of the 850 human miRNAs tested for each sample, 408 were found to be present in AAA. Thirty miRNAs were common to each tested cells. Fifty-three miRNAs were found in SMC, of which 12 were specific to AAA compared to control aortas; 86 miRNAs were found in macrophages, of which 11 were specific to M1 macrophages, 37 to M2 macrophages and 38 common to both subtypes. Ten miRNAs were selected to be validated by quantitative RT-PCR in LMD isolated healthy SMC and aneurysmal SMC, M1 and M2 macrophages. We validated 4 miRNAs to be overexpressed in M1 macrophages and 1 overexpressed in M2 macrophages. Two miRs were validated to be less expressed in aneurysmal SMC compared to SMC from normal aortas. MiR-29b expression was specifically down-regulated in aneurysaml SMC compared to normal SMC. In conclusion, the analysis of isolated cells allows to discriminate the miRNAs specifically expressed in inflammatory and vascular cells in AAA and to determine other miRNAs than those described in experimental AAA models as potential biomarkers of AAA.

International audience; In this study, we developed a novel computational approach based on protein-protein interaction networks to identify a list of proteins that might have remained undetected in differential proteomic profiling experiments. We tested our computational approach on two sets of human smooth muscle cell protein extracts that were affected differently by DNase I treatment. Differential proteomic analysis by saturation DIGE resulted in the identification of 41 human proteins. The application of our approach to these 41 input proteins consisted of four steps: (i) Compilation of a human protein-protein interaction network from public databases; (ii) calculation of interaction scores based on functional similarity; (iii) determination of a set of candidate proteins that are needed to efficiently and confidently connect the 41 input proteins; and (iv) ranking of the resulting 25 candidate proteins. Two of the three highest-ranked proteins, beta-arrestin 1, and beta-arrestin 2, were experimentally tested, revealing that their abundance levels in human smooth muscle cell samples were indeed affected by DNase I treatment. These proteins had not been detected during the experimental proteomic analysis. Our study suggests that our computational approach may represent a simple, universal, and cost-effective means to identify additional proteins that remain elusive for current 2D gel-based proteomic profiling techniques.

Objective— Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), dilations of the infrarenal aorta, are characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress. We previously showed increased levels of peroxiredoxin-1 (PRDX-1) in macrophages cultured from AAA patients. The purpose of the study was to determine which subpopulation of macrophages is present in AAAs and is involved in upregulation of PRDX-1 in aneurysmal disease. Methods and Results— This study used immunohistochemistry with antibodies against CD68 and mannose receptor (MR) to determine the subtype of macrophages in AAA tissue samples (n=33); laser capture microdissection to isolate each subtype; and quantitative–reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and ELISA to assess PRDX-1 mRNA and PRDX-1protein levels in both types. Proinflammatory CD68 + MR − macrophages predominated in adventitial tissue, whereas the intraluminal thrombus contained CD68 + MR + macrophages. The presence of lipids and iron-containing deposits confirmed their phagocytic phenotype. Laser capture microdissection-isolated CD68 + MR − and CD68 + MR + macrophages, characterized by quantitative–reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction ( TNF , IL1B , MRC1 , and CCL18 ) and Western blot (stabilin and hemoglobin), validated the microdissected subtypes. PRDX-1 expression was colocalized with CD68 + MR − macrophages. PRDX-1 mRNA and PRDX-1 protein were both more abundant in CD68 + MR − than CD68 + MR + macrophages in AAA. Conclusion— These findings suggest that the proteins or mRNAs expressed by the proinflammatory CD68 + MR − macrophages may contribute to aneurysmal pathology.