Sox9 and Rbpj differentially regulate endothelial to mesenchymal transition and wound scarring in murine endovascular progenitors

Nat Commun. 2021 May 7;12(1):2564. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22717-9.

Abstract

Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a leading cause of fibrosis and disease, however its mechanism has yet to be elucidated. The endothelium possesses a profound regenerative capacity to adapt and reorganize that is attributed to a population of vessel-resident endovascular progenitors (EVP) governing an endothelial hierarchy. Here, using fate analysis, we show that two transcription factors SOX9 and RBPJ specifically affect the murine EVP numbers and regulate lineage specification. Conditional knock-out of Sox9 from the vasculature (Sox9fl/fl/Cdh5-CreER RosaYFP) depletes EVP while enhancing Rbpj expression and canonical Notch signalling. Additionally, skin wound analysis from Sox9 conditional knock-out mice demonstrates a significant reduction in pathological EndMT resulting in reduced scar area. The converse is observed with Rbpj conditionally knocked-out from the murine vasculature (Rbpjfl/fl/Cdh5-CreER RosaYFP) or inhibition of Notch signaling in human endothelial colony forming cells, resulting in enhanced Sox9 and EndMT related gene (Snail, Slug, Twist1, Twist2, TGF-β) expression. Similarly, increased endothelial hedgehog signaling (Ptch1fl/fl/Cdh5-CreER RosaYFP), that upregulates the expression of Sox9 in cells undergoing pathological EndMT, also results in excess fibrosis. Endothelial cells transitioning to a mesenchymal fate express increased Sox9, reduced Rbpj and enhanced EndMT. Importantly, using topical administration of siRNA against Sox9 on skin wounds can substantially reduce scar area by blocking pathological EndMT. Overall, here we report distinct fates of EVPs according to the relative expression of Rbpj or Notch signalling and Sox9, highlighting their potential plasticity and opening exciting avenues for more effective therapies in fibrotic diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Lineage
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Endothelium / cytology
  • Endothelium / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gene Knockout Techniques
  • Hedgehog Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin J Recombination Signal Sequence-Binding Protein / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin J Recombination Signal Sequence-Binding Protein / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Receptors, Notch / metabolism
  • SOX9 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • SOX9 Transcription Factor / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism
  • Wound Healing / genetics

Substances

  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin J Recombination Signal Sequence-Binding Protein
  • RBPJ protein, human
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Rbpj protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Notch
  • SOX9 Transcription Factor
  • SOX9 protein, human
  • Sox9 protein, mouse
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta