Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation to Functional Arterial Endothelial Cells through Sequential Activation of ETV2 and NOTCH1 Signaling by HIF1α

4 years ago

Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation to Functional Arterial Endothelial Cells through Sequential Activation of ETV2 and NOTCH1 Signaling by HIF1α

The generation of functional arterial endothelial cells (aECs) from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) holds great promise for vascular tissue engineering. However, the mechanisms underlying their generation and the potential of aECs in revascularizing ischemic tissue are not fully understood. Here, we observed that hypoxia exposure of mouse ESCs induced an initial phase of HIF1α-mediated upregulation of the transcription factor Etv2, which in turn induced the commitment to the EC fate. However, sustained activation of HIF1α in these EC progenitors thereafter induced NOTCH1 signaling that promoted the transition to aEC fate. We observed that transplantation of aECs mediated arteriogenesis in the mouse hindlimb ischemia model. Furthermore, transplantation of aECs in mice showed engraftment in ischemic myocardium and restored cardiac function in contrast to ECs derived under normoxia. Thus, HIF1α activation of Etv2 in ESCs followed by NOTCH1 signaling is required for the generation aECs that are capable of arteriogenesis and revascularization of ischemic tissue.

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Teaser

Tsang, Hyun, and colleagues demonstrate that hypoxic activation of the transcription factor HIF1α regulates endothelial differentiation via the vascular development transcription factor Etv2. Continued HIF1α signaling instructs arterial specification of endothelial cells via the Notch pathway. Transplantation of hypoxia-derived arterial endothelial cells promotes arteriogenesis and restores heart function following ischemic injury, demonstrating the essential role of hypoxia in arterial endothelial differentiation.

Publisher URL: www.sciencedirect.com/science

DOI: S2213671117303107