# Differential Effect of Hypoxia in Human and Mouse Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration through LRP1-pPyk2-MMP-9 Axis

Authors: E. Revuelta-López; J. Castellano; D. de Gonzalo-Calvo; L. Nasarre; L. Badimon; V. Llorente-Cortés
Journal: Conference Papers in Science
 (2015)

---

## Abstract

LRP1-pPyk2 axis is essential for the upregulatory effect of hypoxia on MMP-9 activation and human VSMC (hVSMC) migration. Currently, there are not efficient models for the translational study of atherosclerosis. The morphological and physiological features of atherosclerosis are different between human and animal models, particularly in mouse models. Therefore, the aim of current investigation was to compare the effect of hypoxia on LRP1-Pyk2-MMP-9 axis in human and mouse vascular smooth muscle cells (mVSMC) and its consequences on VSMC migration. We demonstrated that hypoxic modulation of LRP1-pPyk2-MMP-9 axis is opposite between hVSMC and mVSMC. The modulation of LRP1/pPyk2 levels by hypoxia is positive in hVSMC but negative in mVSMC. We showed that the inverse effect of LRP1/pPyk2 axis is associated with a differential effect of hypoxia on MMP-9 expression and activation. Hypoxia-induced MMP-9 activation was concomitant with an increased hVSMC migratory capacity. Surprisingly, mVSMC migrate under hypoxic conditions despite the downregulatory effect of hypoxia on MMP-9 expression or activation. Our results highlight the crucial role of LRP1-pPyk2-MMP-9 axis in vascular cell migration. In addition, we propose that the extrapolation of results from animal models to humans is not suitable for this specific mechanism in hypoxia-related vascular conditions.


---

## Body

## 1. Introduction

Atherosclerosis is included in a group of diseases that share pathophysiological mechanisms linked to the deregulation of vascular extracellular matrix remodeling in response to hypoxia [1]. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are one of the main cellular determinants of arterial wall pathology. In particular, these cells play a crucial role in the modulation of extracellular matrix composition. VSMC modify extracellular matrix altering protein synthesis or degradation in response to atherogenic stimuli [2]. We have previously shown that human VSMC (hVSMC) internalize huge amounts of cholesterol esters from aggregated LDL through low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) upregulation  [3]. The induction of  hVSMC-derived foam cells reduces the expression and activation of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and, thus, hVSMC migration [4]. The arterial wall integrity is importantly affected by the balance between VSMC migration and proliferation. This balance is fundamental for intimal thickening.VSMC proliferation, migration, and survival are tightly modulated by matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs play a key role in vascular remodeling through selective cleavage of extracellular matrix components [5]. One key receptor in the modulation of MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity is LRP1 [6, 7]. It has been demonstrated that LRP1 deficiency causes MMP-9 overexpression in mouse macrophages [8], inhibition of cell migration in rat Schwan cells [9], and, by downregulation of MMP-2 expression, decreased angiotensin II-induced migration of rat aortic smooth muscle cells [10].Our group has previously demonstrated that LRP1 is upregulated by hypoxia through hypoxia-inducible factor- (HIF-) 1α in hVSMC [11]. By increasing intracellular calcium levels through LRP1 [12], hypoxia alters proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) phosphorylation [13]. Pyk2 has been involved in several physiological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, metabolism, and cytoskeleton function. Previous results from our group have demonstrated that LRP1-pPyk2 axis is essential for the upregulatory effect of hypoxia on MMP-9 activation and hVSMC migration [14].Nowadays, there is not gold standard animal model for atherosclerosis investigation. The morphological and pathologic features of the atherosclerotic process differ between human and laboratory animals [15]. Mouse models have a very thin and VSMC-poor intima in early stages of atherosclerosis while VSMC are the major component in the intima of human atherosclerosis-prone arteries [16]. In addition, contrary to humans, proliferation of VSMC and production of extracellular matrix occur after the accumulation of foamy macrophages [15]. Due to the relevance of animal models in atherosclerosis studies, the investigation of the different pathological mechanisms of the atherosclerotic process in humans and animals models is essential.The aim of this study was to compare the effect of hypoxia on LRP1-Pyk2-MMP-9 axis in hVSMC and mouse VSMC (mVSMC) and its consequences on VSMC migration.


## 2. Material and Methods

### 2.1. Culture of Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The media layer of atherosclerotic plaque-free human arteries was processed using a modification of the explant method for isolation of VSMC as previously described [17, 18]. Vessels were obtained at surgery from patients undergoing cardiac transplantation at Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, and cut into 1 mm × 1 mm tissue pieces in the culture unit. These explants of medial tissue were incubated at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2. After 1 week, cells started to grow out radially from the explants and proliferated covering the culture dishes. Cells used in the experiments were between the fourth passage and sixth passage and were characterized by Western blot analysis for specific differentiation markers (α-actin, 45 kDa, and calponin, 33 kDa). Cell monolayers were grown to 80% confluence in medium 199 supplemented with 20% (v/v) FBS, 2% (v/v) human serum, 2 mmol/L L-glutamine, 100 U/mL penicillin G, and 100 μg/mL streptomycin. The protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at the study center and was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.


### 2.2. Culture of Mouse Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Animal management was in accordance with institutional guidelines and regulations, and animal procedures were approved by the Research Ethics Committee. mVSMC were harvested from the aorta of wild type C57BL/6 mice as previously described [19]. mVSMC were cultured in medium DMEM supplemented with 10% (v/v) FBS, 2 mmol/L L-glutamine, 100 U/mL penicillin G, and 100 μg/mL streptomycin. Cells used in the experiments were between the fifth passage and sixth passage, and cell monolayers were grown to 80% confluence.


### 2.3. Cell Exposure to Normoxic and Hypoxic Conditions

hVSMC or mVSMC were deprived of serum once they reached 80% confluence. Cells were exposed to normoxia (21% O2) in an incubator with gas mixtures consisting of 74% N2 and 5% CO2 or to hypoxia (1% O2) in a hypoxic/anoxic workstation: H35 (Don Whitley Scientific Ltd.) with 94% N2 and 5% CO2. Cells were then harvested by scraping in TriPure Isolation Reagent (Roche Molecular Diagnostics) for PCR and Western blot. Culture supernatants were finally collected for zymographic studies. In some experiments, quiescent VSMC were untreated or treated with PP2 (Calbiochem) or U0126 (Cell Signaling).


### 2.4. Western Blotting

After normoxic or hypoxic treatment, cells were washed with PBS and total protein was isolated by TriPure Isolation Reagent (Roche Molecular Biochemicals) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Equivalent amounts of total protein (25μg) were electrophoresed on polyacrylamide gels for SDS-PAGE. The samples were electrotransferred to nitrocellulose, and the membranes were saturated at room temperature for 1 hour in TBS-T (20 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 500 mM NaCl, 0.01% Tween 20, and 5% nonfat milk). Western blot analyses were performed with specific monoclonal antibodies (Table 1) and the corresponding secondary antibodies (1 : 10000 dilution; Dako). Equal protein loading was verified with Ponceau staining and by performing blotting of Western blots with β-tubulin (Abcam, ab6046, 1 : 1000 dilution). Bands were detected using the ECL prime Western blotting detection reagent (Amersham) and quantified by densitometry using ChemiDoc system and Quantity-One software (Bio-Rad). Results are expressed as arbitrary units of intensity.Table 1
Primary antibodies used in Western blot analysis.
Primary antibody
Company
Reference
LRP1β-chain
Epitomics
#2703-1
Phospho-Pyk2
Cell Signalling Technology
#3291
Total Pyk2
Cell Signalling Technology
#3480
Phospho-ERK1,2
Cell Signalling Technology
#9101
Total ERK1,2
Assay Designs
KAP-MA001
β-tubulin
Abcam
Ab6046
LRP1β-chain
Fitzgerald
10R-L107c


### 2.5. Real Time PCR

Serum-deprived cells under normoxia or hypoxia were washed with PBS and total RNA was isolated by TriPure Isolation Reagent (Roche Molecular Biochemicals) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Reverse transcription was performed using the high capacity cDNA reverse transcription kit (Applied Biosystems), and the reaction mix was subjected to quantitative real time PCR to detect LRP1, MMP-9, and MMP-2 mRNA expression using the assays on demand (Applied Biosystems) detailed in Table2. Human TATA-binding protein TBP expression (4326322E) and ARBP expression (Rn00821065_g1) (Applied Biosystems) were unaltered by hypoxia and used as internal control for human and mice gene amplification, respectively. Real time PCR was performed using 1 μL/well of reverse transcription products in 10 μL of  TaqMan PCR master mix (PE Biosystem) with primers at 300 nM and probe at 200 nM. PCR was performed in a PCR-7600HT sequence detection system (Abiprism, Applied Biosystems) at 95°C for 10 minutes for AmpliTaq Gold activation and then run for 40 cycles at 95°C for 15 seconds and 60°C for 1 minute. The relative levels of gene expression were quantified and analyzed using SDS 2.4 software. The real time value for each sample was averaged and compared using the CT method, where the amount of target RNA (2-ΔΔCT) was normalized to the endogenous control (ΔCT) and related to the amount of target gene in the cells.Table 2
References of assays on demand used in real time PCR.
Assay on demand
Species
Reference
MMP-9
Human
Hs00234579_m1
MMP-2
Human
Hs00234422_m1
SREBP-1
Human
Hs00231674_m1
SREBP-2
Human
Hs00190237_m1
MMP-9
Mouse
Mm00600163_m1
MMP-2
Mouse
Mm00439498_m1
SREBP-1
Mouse
Mm01138344_m1
SREBP-2
Mouse
Mm00439498_m1
TBP
Human
4326322E
ARBP
Mouse
Rn00821065_g1


### 2.6. Gelatin Zymography

The relative activity of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in the cell culture supernatant was measured by zymography. Media derived from each condition were dialyzed against 0.01 M NH4HCO3,   lyophilized, and resuspended in RIPA buffer (150 mM NaCl, 1% (v/v) Triton X-100, 0.5% (w/v) sodium deoxycholate, 0.1% (w/v) SDS, 2 mM EDTA, and 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 8) supplemented with complete protease inhibitor cocktail (Roche). Supernatants were mixed with 2X nonreducing loading buffer (10% (w/v) SDS, 0.5 M Tris-HCl pH 6.8, 0.5% (w/v) bromophenol blue, and 10% (w/v) Sucrose) and equal volumes of each sample were loaded in 10% (v/v) SDS-polyacrylamide gel with 1 mg/mL porcine skin type A gelatin (Sigma-Aldrich) as a substrate for MMPs enzymatic activity and run at 4°C for 4–6 h. After electrophoresis, the gels were rinsed twice for 30 min at room temperature in 2.5% Triton X-100 (Sigma) and then incubated in substrate buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl, 10 mM CaCl2 (Merk), and 0.02% (w/v) N3Na (Fluka), pH 8) for 18–20 h at 37°C. They were dyed with 10% acetic acid with one tablet of PhastGel Blue R (GE Healthcare). Areas of gelatinolytic activity appeared as clear bands on a blue background where the protease has digested the substrate. Gels were finally scanned with a GS-800 calibrated imaging densitometer (Bio-Rad) and quantitative densitometric analysis of digested bands was performed using Quantity-One software (Bio-Rad).


### 2.7. Cell Migration and Wound Repair Assays

VSMC were seeded on glass-bottom sterile culture dishes. Confluent cells were scratched to create a double-sided wound [4] and washed with PBS. hVSMC and mVSMC were grown in M199 and DMEM, respectively, supplemented with FBS (10%), penicillin/streptomycin (1%), and L-glutamine (1%). Photographs were taken after indicated times, and cell migration and wound repair were analyzed measuring the injured area covered by cells counted from the wounding borders with the Image J software.


### 2.8. Statistical Analysis

Results are expressed as mean ± SEM. The number of experiments is shown in every case. Statistical differences between control and treated groups were analyzed by the nonparametric Mann-WhitneyU test for paired data. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.


## 2.1. Culture of Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The media layer of atherosclerotic plaque-free human arteries was processed using a modification of the explant method for isolation of VSMC as previously described [17, 18]. Vessels were obtained at surgery from patients undergoing cardiac transplantation at Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, and cut into 1 mm × 1 mm tissue pieces in the culture unit. These explants of medial tissue were incubated at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2. After 1 week, cells started to grow out radially from the explants and proliferated covering the culture dishes. Cells used in the experiments were between the fourth passage and sixth passage and were characterized by Western blot analysis for specific differentiation markers (α-actin, 45 kDa, and calponin, 33 kDa). Cell monolayers were grown to 80% confluence in medium 199 supplemented with 20% (v/v) FBS, 2% (v/v) human serum, 2 mmol/L L-glutamine, 100 U/mL penicillin G, and 100 μg/mL streptomycin. The protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at the study center and was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.


## 2.2. Culture of Mouse Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Animal management was in accordance with institutional guidelines and regulations, and animal procedures were approved by the Research Ethics Committee. mVSMC were harvested from the aorta of wild type C57BL/6 mice as previously described [19]. mVSMC were cultured in medium DMEM supplemented with 10% (v/v) FBS, 2 mmol/L L-glutamine, 100 U/mL penicillin G, and 100 μg/mL streptomycin. Cells used in the experiments were between the fifth passage and sixth passage, and cell monolayers were grown to 80% confluence.


## 2.3. Cell Exposure to Normoxic and Hypoxic Conditions

hVSMC or mVSMC were deprived of serum once they reached 80% confluence. Cells were exposed to normoxia (21% O2) in an incubator with gas mixtures consisting of 74% N2 and 5% CO2 or to hypoxia (1% O2) in a hypoxic/anoxic workstation: H35 (Don Whitley Scientific Ltd.) with 94% N2 and 5% CO2. Cells were then harvested by scraping in TriPure Isolation Reagent (Roche Molecular Diagnostics) for PCR and Western blot. Culture supernatants were finally collected for zymographic studies. In some experiments, quiescent VSMC were untreated or treated with PP2 (Calbiochem) or U0126 (Cell Signaling).


## 2.4. Western Blotting

After normoxic or hypoxic treatment, cells were washed with PBS and total protein was isolated by TriPure Isolation Reagent (Roche Molecular Biochemicals) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Equivalent amounts of total protein (25μg) were electrophoresed on polyacrylamide gels for SDS-PAGE. The samples were electrotransferred to nitrocellulose, and the membranes were saturated at room temperature for 1 hour in TBS-T (20 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 500 mM NaCl, 0.01% Tween 20, and 5% nonfat milk). Western blot analyses were performed with specific monoclonal antibodies (Table 1) and the corresponding secondary antibodies (1 : 10000 dilution; Dako). Equal protein loading was verified with Ponceau staining and by performing blotting of Western blots with β-tubulin (Abcam, ab6046, 1 : 1000 dilution). Bands were detected using the ECL prime Western blotting detection reagent (Amersham) and quantified by densitometry using ChemiDoc system and Quantity-One software (Bio-Rad). Results are expressed as arbitrary units of intensity.Table 1
Primary antibodies used in Western blot analysis.
Primary antibody
Company
Reference
LRP1β-chain
Epitomics
#2703-1
Phospho-Pyk2
Cell Signalling Technology
#3291
Total Pyk2
Cell Signalling Technology
#3480
Phospho-ERK1,2
Cell Signalling Technology
#9101
Total ERK1,2
Assay Designs
KAP-MA001
β-tubulin
Abcam
Ab6046
LRP1β-chain
Fitzgerald
10R-L107c


## 2.5. Real Time PCR

Serum-deprived cells under normoxia or hypoxia were washed with PBS and total RNA was isolated by TriPure Isolation Reagent (Roche Molecular Biochemicals) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Reverse transcription was performed using the high capacity cDNA reverse transcription kit (Applied Biosystems), and the reaction mix was subjected to quantitative real time PCR to detect LRP1, MMP-9, and MMP-2 mRNA expression using the assays on demand (Applied Biosystems) detailed in Table2. Human TATA-binding protein TBP expression (4326322E) and ARBP expression (Rn00821065_g1) (Applied Biosystems) were unaltered by hypoxia and used as internal control for human and mice gene amplification, respectively. Real time PCR was performed using 1 μL/well of reverse transcription products in 10 μL of  TaqMan PCR master mix (PE Biosystem) with primers at 300 nM and probe at 200 nM. PCR was performed in a PCR-7600HT sequence detection system (Abiprism, Applied Biosystems) at 95°C for 10 minutes for AmpliTaq Gold activation and then run for 40 cycles at 95°C for 15 seconds and 60°C for 1 minute. The relative levels of gene expression were quantified and analyzed using SDS 2.4 software. The real time value for each sample was averaged and compared using the CT method, where the amount of target RNA (2-ΔΔCT) was normalized to the endogenous control (ΔCT) and related to the amount of target gene in the cells.Table 2
References of assays on demand used in real time PCR.
Assay on demand
Species
Reference
MMP-9
Human
Hs00234579_m1
MMP-2
Human
Hs00234422_m1
SREBP-1
Human
Hs00231674_m1
SREBP-2
Human
Hs00190237_m1
MMP-9
Mouse
Mm00600163_m1
MMP-2
Mouse
Mm00439498_m1
SREBP-1
Mouse
Mm01138344_m1
SREBP-2
Mouse
Mm00439498_m1
TBP
Human
4326322E
ARBP
Mouse
Rn00821065_g1


## 2.6. Gelatin Zymography

The relative activity of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in the cell culture supernatant was measured by zymography. Media derived from each condition were dialyzed against 0.01 M NH4HCO3,   lyophilized, and resuspended in RIPA buffer (150 mM NaCl, 1% (v/v) Triton X-100, 0.5% (w/v) sodium deoxycholate, 0.1% (w/v) SDS, 2 mM EDTA, and 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 8) supplemented with complete protease inhibitor cocktail (Roche). Supernatants were mixed with 2X nonreducing loading buffer (10% (w/v) SDS, 0.5 M Tris-HCl pH 6.8, 0.5% (w/v) bromophenol blue, and 10% (w/v) Sucrose) and equal volumes of each sample were loaded in 10% (v/v) SDS-polyacrylamide gel with 1 mg/mL porcine skin type A gelatin (Sigma-Aldrich) as a substrate for MMPs enzymatic activity and run at 4°C for 4–6 h. After electrophoresis, the gels were rinsed twice for 30 min at room temperature in 2.5% Triton X-100 (Sigma) and then incubated in substrate buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl, 10 mM CaCl2 (Merk), and 0.02% (w/v) N3Na (Fluka), pH 8) for 18–20 h at 37°C. They were dyed with 10% acetic acid with one tablet of PhastGel Blue R (GE Healthcare). Areas of gelatinolytic activity appeared as clear bands on a blue background where the protease has digested the substrate. Gels were finally scanned with a GS-800 calibrated imaging densitometer (Bio-Rad) and quantitative densitometric analysis of digested bands was performed using Quantity-One software (Bio-Rad).


## 2.7. Cell Migration and Wound Repair Assays

VSMC were seeded on glass-bottom sterile culture dishes. Confluent cells were scratched to create a double-sided wound [4] and washed with PBS. hVSMC and mVSMC were grown in M199 and DMEM, respectively, supplemented with FBS (10%), penicillin/streptomycin (1%), and L-glutamine (1%). Photographs were taken after indicated times, and cell migration and wound repair were analyzed measuring the injured area covered by cells counted from the wounding borders with the Image J software.


## 2.8. Statistical Analysis

Results are expressed as mean ± SEM. The number of experiments is shown in every case. Statistical differences between control and treated groups were analyzed by the nonparametric Mann-WhitneyU test for paired data. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.


## 3. Results

### 3.1. Effect of Hypoxia in Intracellular Signaling in hVSMC and mVSMC

Western blot analysis showed that hypoxia increased Pyk2 phosphorylation from 4 to 32 hours in hVSMC (Figures1(a) and 1(c)). This effect was concomitant with LRP1 upregulation (Figures 1(a) and 1(b)). Conversely, phosphorylated Pyk2 (Figures 1(e) and 1(g)) and LRP1 (Figures 1(e) and 1(f)) protein levels were significantly decreased at 16 and 32 hours in mVSMC exposed to hypoxia.Figure 1
Time-course of hypoxia induced Pyk2 and ERK1,2 phosphorylation in hVSMC and mVSMC. hVSMC and mVSMC were exposed to either normoxia or hypoxia for 4, 8, 16, and 32 hours. ((a), (e)) Representative Western blot analysis showing LRP1, pPyk2, total Pyk2, pERK1,2, and total ERK1,2 bands.β-tubulin was detected as loading control. Bar graphs show quantification of LRP1 ((b), (f)), pPyk2/total Pyk2 ratio ((c), (g)), and pERK1,2/total ERK1,2 ((d), (h)) in normoxic (gray bars) and hypoxic (black bars) conditions. Results are expressed as mean ± SEM of two independent experiments performed in triplicate. N, normoxia; H, hypoxia and P∗<0.05 versus normoxic cells.The ratio phosphorylated/total ERK1,2 was significantly upregulated by hypoxia at 8 hours in hVSMC (Figures1(a) and 1(d)). In contrast, the increase of phosphorylation was maintained until 16 hours in mVSMC (Figures 1(e) and 1(h)).


### 3.2. Effect of Hypoxia on HIF-1α and Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins 1 and 2 (SREBP-1 and SREBP-2) in hVSMC and mVSMC

Hypoxia strongly induced HIF-1α protein levels between 3 and 8 hours in both hVSMC (Figure 2(a)) and mVSMC (Figure 2(b)). Concerning SREBPs, hypoxia did not exert any significant effect on SREBP-1 mRNA levels either in hVSMC (Figure 2(c)) or in mVSMC (Figure 2(d)). In contrast, hypoxia significantly reduced SREBP-2 mRNA levels in both hVSMC (Figure 2(e)) and mVSMC (Figure 2(f)), although later in hVSMC.Figure 2
Time-course of hypoxic modulation of HIF-1α and SREBPs levels in hVSMC and mVSMC. hVSMC and mVSMC were exposed to either normoxia or hypoxia for increasing times. ((a), (b)) Representative Western blot analysis showing HIF-1α levels. β-tubulin was used as loading control. Bar graphs represent quantification of HIF-1α levels in normoxia (N, gray bars) or hypoxia (H, black bars). Real time PCR experiments showing the effect of hypoxia on SREBP-1 ((c), (d)) and SREBP-2 ((e), (f)) mRNA levels in hVSMC ((c) and (e), resp.) and mVSMC ((d) and (f), resp.). Results from two independent experiments performed in duplicate are expressed as mean ± SEM. P∗<0.05 versus normoxic cells.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)


### 3.3. Effect of Hypoxia on MMP Expression and Activity in hVSMC and mVSMC

Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that hypoxia specifically upregulated MMP-9 mRNA (Figure3(a)) but not MMP-2 mRNA level in hVSMC (Figure 3(a)). Accordingly, zymography analysis showed an increase in MMP-9 but not in MMP-2 activity in hypoxic hVSMC (Figures 3(b) and 3(c)). In contrast to the upregulatory effect of hypoxia on both MMP-9 expression and activity in hVSMC, MMP-9 and MMP-2 mRNA expression (Figure 3(d)) and MMP-9/MMP-2 activities (Figures 3(e) and 3(f)) were downregulated in hypoxic mVSMC.Figure 3
Time-course of the hypoxic modulation of MMP-9/MMP-2 expression and activation in hVSMC and mVSMC. hVSMC and mVSMC were exposed to either normoxia or hypoxia for increasing times and harvested to assess MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression using quantitative RT-PCR ((a) and (d), resp.). Endogenous gene reference wasTBP andARBP for human and mouse, respectively. Representative zymographic analysis ((b) and (e), resp.) detecting MMP-9 and MMP-2 in conditioned media from normoxic and hypoxic cells and bar graphs showing the quantification of bands ((c) and (f), resp.). Results from two experiments performed in duplicate were expressed as mean ± SEM. P∗<0.05 versus normoxic cells.


### 3.4. Impact of PP2 and UO126 Treatment on Hypoxia Induced hVSMC and mVSMC Migration

Wound repair experiments performed using anin vitro scrape-injury model showed that hVSMC exposed to hypoxia for 18 h had a higher percentage of recovered area than normoxic cells (Figures 4(a) and 4(b)). However, mVSMC exposed to hypoxia for 3, 6, and 9 hours had a greater migratory capacity than normoxic mVSMC. However, the difference did not reach statistical significance (Figures 4(c) and 4(d)).Figure 4
Effect of PP2 and U0126 on hypoxia-induced VSMC migration. Quiescent hVSMC or mVSMC were untreated or treated with PP2 (50μM) or U0126 (10 μM) for different times under normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Phase-contrast microscopy images showing the migratory capacity of control, PP2-treated and U0126-treated hVSMC ((a) and (b)), and mVSMC ((c) and (d)) in normoxia and hypoxia and bar graphs show quantification of cell migration rate over time. Data from two independent experiments performed in triplicate are expressed as mean ± SEM. P∗<0.05 versus normoxic cells, P#<0.05 versus control.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Exposure to PP2 completely and specifically prevented hypoxia-induced Pyk2 phosphorylation (data not shown). PP2 strongly impaired migration of both normoxic and hypoxic hVSMC (Figures4(a) and 4(b)).UO126, a selective inhibitor of ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation, blocked ERK1,2 phosphorylation in hVSMC (data not shown). UO126 decreased hVSMC migration in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions (Figures4(a) and 4(b)). In mVSMC, the percentage of recovered area in hypoxic cells was similar to that seen in normoxic mVSMC, and it was reduced in both normoxic and hypoxic cells with the UO126 treatment (Figures 4(c) and 4(d)).


## 3.1. Effect of Hypoxia in Intracellular Signaling in hVSMC and mVSMC

Western blot analysis showed that hypoxia increased Pyk2 phosphorylation from 4 to 32 hours in hVSMC (Figures1(a) and 1(c)). This effect was concomitant with LRP1 upregulation (Figures 1(a) and 1(b)). Conversely, phosphorylated Pyk2 (Figures 1(e) and 1(g)) and LRP1 (Figures 1(e) and 1(f)) protein levels were significantly decreased at 16 and 32 hours in mVSMC exposed to hypoxia.Figure 1
Time-course of hypoxia induced Pyk2 and ERK1,2 phosphorylation in hVSMC and mVSMC. hVSMC and mVSMC were exposed to either normoxia or hypoxia for 4, 8, 16, and 32 hours. ((a), (e)) Representative Western blot analysis showing LRP1, pPyk2, total Pyk2, pERK1,2, and total ERK1,2 bands.β-tubulin was detected as loading control. Bar graphs show quantification of LRP1 ((b), (f)), pPyk2/total Pyk2 ratio ((c), (g)), and pERK1,2/total ERK1,2 ((d), (h)) in normoxic (gray bars) and hypoxic (black bars) conditions. Results are expressed as mean ± SEM of two independent experiments performed in triplicate. N, normoxia; H, hypoxia and P∗<0.05 versus normoxic cells.The ratio phosphorylated/total ERK1,2 was significantly upregulated by hypoxia at 8 hours in hVSMC (Figures1(a) and 1(d)). In contrast, the increase of phosphorylation was maintained until 16 hours in mVSMC (Figures 1(e) and 1(h)).


## 3.2. Effect of Hypoxia on HIF-1α and Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins 1 and 2 (SREBP-1 and SREBP-2) in hVSMC and mVSMC

Hypoxia strongly induced HIF-1α protein levels between 3 and 8 hours in both hVSMC (Figure 2(a)) and mVSMC (Figure 2(b)). Concerning SREBPs, hypoxia did not exert any significant effect on SREBP-1 mRNA levels either in hVSMC (Figure 2(c)) or in mVSMC (Figure 2(d)). In contrast, hypoxia significantly reduced SREBP-2 mRNA levels in both hVSMC (Figure 2(e)) and mVSMC (Figure 2(f)), although later in hVSMC.Figure 2
Time-course of hypoxic modulation of HIF-1α and SREBPs levels in hVSMC and mVSMC. hVSMC and mVSMC were exposed to either normoxia or hypoxia for increasing times. ((a), (b)) Representative Western blot analysis showing HIF-1α levels. β-tubulin was used as loading control. Bar graphs represent quantification of HIF-1α levels in normoxia (N, gray bars) or hypoxia (H, black bars). Real time PCR experiments showing the effect of hypoxia on SREBP-1 ((c), (d)) and SREBP-2 ((e), (f)) mRNA levels in hVSMC ((c) and (e), resp.) and mVSMC ((d) and (f), resp.). Results from two independent experiments performed in duplicate are expressed as mean ± SEM. P∗<0.05 versus normoxic cells.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)


## 3.3. Effect of Hypoxia on MMP Expression and Activity in hVSMC and mVSMC

Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that hypoxia specifically upregulated MMP-9 mRNA (Figure3(a)) but not MMP-2 mRNA level in hVSMC (Figure 3(a)). Accordingly, zymography analysis showed an increase in MMP-9 but not in MMP-2 activity in hypoxic hVSMC (Figures 3(b) and 3(c)). In contrast to the upregulatory effect of hypoxia on both MMP-9 expression and activity in hVSMC, MMP-9 and MMP-2 mRNA expression (Figure 3(d)) and MMP-9/MMP-2 activities (Figures 3(e) and 3(f)) were downregulated in hypoxic mVSMC.Figure 3
Time-course of the hypoxic modulation of MMP-9/MMP-2 expression and activation in hVSMC and mVSMC. hVSMC and mVSMC were exposed to either normoxia or hypoxia for increasing times and harvested to assess MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression using quantitative RT-PCR ((a) and (d), resp.). Endogenous gene reference wasTBP andARBP for human and mouse, respectively. Representative zymographic analysis ((b) and (e), resp.) detecting MMP-9 and MMP-2 in conditioned media from normoxic and hypoxic cells and bar graphs showing the quantification of bands ((c) and (f), resp.). Results from two experiments performed in duplicate were expressed as mean ± SEM. P∗<0.05 versus normoxic cells.


## 3.4. Impact of PP2 and UO126 Treatment on Hypoxia Induced hVSMC and mVSMC Migration

Wound repair experiments performed using anin vitro scrape-injury model showed that hVSMC exposed to hypoxia for 18 h had a higher percentage of recovered area than normoxic cells (Figures 4(a) and 4(b)). However, mVSMC exposed to hypoxia for 3, 6, and 9 hours had a greater migratory capacity than normoxic mVSMC. However, the difference did not reach statistical significance (Figures 4(c) and 4(d)).Figure 4
Effect of PP2 and U0126 on hypoxia-induced VSMC migration. Quiescent hVSMC or mVSMC were untreated or treated with PP2 (50μM) or U0126 (10 μM) for different times under normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Phase-contrast microscopy images showing the migratory capacity of control, PP2-treated and U0126-treated hVSMC ((a) and (b)), and mVSMC ((c) and (d)) in normoxia and hypoxia and bar graphs show quantification of cell migration rate over time. Data from two independent experiments performed in triplicate are expressed as mean ± SEM. P∗<0.05 versus normoxic cells, P#<0.05 versus control.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Exposure to PP2 completely and specifically prevented hypoxia-induced Pyk2 phosphorylation (data not shown). PP2 strongly impaired migration of both normoxic and hypoxic hVSMC (Figures4(a) and 4(b)).UO126, a selective inhibitor of ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation, blocked ERK1,2 phosphorylation in hVSMC (data not shown). UO126 decreased hVSMC migration in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions (Figures4(a) and 4(b)). In mVSMC, the percentage of recovered area in hypoxic cells was similar to that seen in normoxic mVSMC, and it was reduced in both normoxic and hypoxic cells with the UO126 treatment (Figures 4(c) and 4(d)).


## 4. Discussion

The main finding of current study is that the modulation of LRP1-pPyk2-MMP-9 axis by hypoxia is opposite in hVSMC and mVSMC. These opposite effects of hypoxia may repercute in a differential migratory response of hVSMC and mVSMC to hypoxia. These results have important conceptual implications. The extrapolation of data from animal models to humans is not suitable for this specific mechanism in hypoxia-related vascular diseases. Our results support previous investigations showing crucial differences between murine models and humans in vascular morphology [20], in the relative contribution of VSMC and macrophages to the development of atherosclerotic plaques at early stages [16], in foam macrophage formation and accumulation [15], and in the composition of the arterial intima [20].Results from the present study show that the modulation of LRP1/pPyk2 levels by hypoxia is positive in hVSMC but negative in mVSMC. We have previously shown that HIF-1α mediates hypoxia-induced LRP1 overexpression in hVSMC and HL-1 cells [11, 21]. HIF-1α overexpression depends on intracellular calcium concentrations that rapidly and persistently increase in response to hypoxia [22, 23]. An increase in calcium cytosolic levels also underlies Pyk2 phosphorylation [24]. It remains to be elucidated why Pyk2 phosphorylation is not increased in mVSMC despite HIF-1α overaccumulating under hypoxic conditions.Other transcription factors involved in the modulation of LRP1 transcription are SREBPs. Our group has reported that SREBPs negatively modulate LRP1 promoter transcription [18, 25]. Results from the present study showed that hypoxia negatively downregulates SREBP-2 mRNA expression in hVSMC and mVSMC. There are controversial results in the literature concerning the effect of hypoxia on SREBP expression. One of the variables that influences the hypoxic effect is cell-type [26, 27]. Indeed, differences in the modulation of SREBPs by hypoxia explain why LRP1 is downregulated in cerebral VSMC [28] but upregulated in coronary VSMC [11]. According to the negative modulatory effect of SREBP-2 on LRP1 transcription, we would expect an upregulatory effect of hypoxia on LRP1 expression in both species. However, we observed an upregulatory effect of hypoxia on LRP1 upregulation in human but not in mVSMC. Since SRE sequences in mouse and human LRP1 promoter are homologous, the differential effect of hypoxia-induced SREBP decay between human and mouse VSMC could be explained by the effects of hypoxia on the levels and/or activity of other transcription factors that cooperate with SREBPs like Sp or KLF transcription factors. Further studies are required to explain these species-dependent divergent results.Despite these differences, hypoxia-induced Pyk2 phosphorylation seems to be modulated by LRP1. The capacity of LRP1 to modulate Pyk2 phosphorylation may be explained by the capacity of LRP1β-chain to retain calcium in its fifth and sixth CR-domains [29]. Therefore, it is expected that LRP1 upregulation in hVSMC will favor higher calcium cytoplasmic levels while LRP1 downregulation in mVSMC will facilitate decreased calcium intracellular levels. In the present study, we also showed that the inverse effect of LRP1/pPyk2 axis is associated with a differential effect of hypoxia on MMP-9 expression and activation. It is clear that, during hypoxia, MMP-9 activation or inactivation is species-type specific and, apparently, depends, respectively, on the upregulatory or downregulatory effects of hypoxia on LRP1-pPyk2 levels. Our results contribute to explaining the controversial findings in the literature concerning the effect of hypoxia on MMP-9 levels. MMP-9 production is downregulated by hypoxia in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells [30] but upregulated in both tumoral [31] and cardiac muscle cells [32].Hypoxia-induced MMP-9 activation was concomitant with an increased hVSMC migratory capacity. Surprisingly, mVSMC migrated under hypoxic conditions despite the hypoxic downregulatory effect on MMP-9 activation. The migratory capacity of hypoxic mVSMC was strongly reduced by inhibition of ERK1,2 phosphorylation, suggesting that ERK1,2 phosphorylation may modulate mVSMC migration in a MMP-9 independent manner. However, the time-course of ERK1,2 phosphorylation like that of MMP9 activation differs in normoxic and hypoxic mVSMC, indicating that the modulation of this pathway strongly depends on O2 availability in mVSMC.In summary, our results show a crucial impact of the LRP1-pPyk2-MMP-9 axis on vascular cell migration (summarized in Figure5) and highlight that the direct extrapolation from murine models to humans is not suitable at least for mechanisms underlying hypoxia-related vascular diseases.Figure 5
Representative scheme comparing hypoxia-induced alterations in mouse and human VSMC.



---

*Source: 283909-2015-05-19.xml*