Astragaloside VI attenuates mechanical stress-induced cardiac remodeling through piezo1-VDAC1 dependent endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response

Abstract

Background

The dysregulation of protein homeostasis is a condition associated with mechanical stress-induced cardiac remodeling (CR) due to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction and stress.

Purpose

This research explores the effect of Piezo1 on the ER unfolded protein response (UPR) in cardiomyocytes following hypoxic stress, specifically through its interaction with VDAC1. In addition, the study evaluates the therapeutic potential that this mechanism holds for treating CR and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

Study Design

Considering the relative limitation of potential therapeutic drugs for CR, our goal is to utilize a multi-omics approach to confirm the process by which Astragaloside IV (AS) alleviates CR through the Piezo1-VDAC1 dependent UPR.

Methods

We utilized multiple omics studies, such as single-cell sequencing, network pharmacology, and metagenomics, for the validation of AS's targets and phenotypic mechanisms. Following this, we created Piezo1/VDAC1 transgenic mice (Piezo1^TG/VDAC1^TG) and wild-type mice, which were then subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to induce myocardial damage. We performed assessments of cardiac function, myocardial injury staining, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy on these animal models both before and after the drug intervention. The analysis into the interaction between Piezo1-VDAC1 and the structural integrity of cytoskeletal proteins and the ER was conducted utilizing laser confocal microscopy, immunofluorescence, and molecular biology experiments.

Results

The regulation of mechanical stress-induced cardiac remodeling crucially involves Piezo1-VDAC1. Data from single-cell sequencing and network pharmacology suggest that ER damage, mitochondrial energy metabolism dysfunction, and the dysregulation of subcellular organelles are important phenotypes that mediate this process. Our animal experiments demonstrated that AS is capable of improving cardiac function after TAC, inhibiting myocardial injury and the associated inflammatory reaction, and suppressing excessive UPR stress. The therapeutic effect of the drug was eliminated by the transgenic treatment of Piezo1. In vitro experiments also offered confirmation that AS can ameliorate cardiomyocyte damage through the ER pathway. This is achieved by regulating the Piezo1-VDAC1 interaction mechanism, which restores ER structural collapse after hypoxic injury, enhances energy metabolism levels, and inhibits excessive UPR stress.

Conclusion

The abnormal activation of the UPR, which is mediated by Piezo1-VDAC1, constitutes the pathological mechanism behind mechanical stress-induced cardiac remodeling. By regulating the Piezo1-VDAC1 interaction, AS inhibits excessive UPR stress and improves the breakdown of ER structure and functional abnormalities. These actions further normalize ER function and ameliorate cardiac function and myocarditis-related injury. This work offers a promising strategy for utilizing natural medicine to treat mechanical stress-induced cardiac remodeling.