Preservation of microvascular barrier function requires CD31 receptor-induced metabolic reprogramming

Nat Commun. 2020 Jul 17;11(1):3595. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-17329-8.

Abstract

Endothelial barrier (EB) breaching is a frequent event during inflammation, and it is followed by the rapid recovery of microvascular integrity. The molecular mechanisms of EB recovery are poorly understood. Triggering of MHC molecules by migrating T-cells is a minimal signal capable of inducing endothelial contraction and transient microvascular leakage. Using this model, we show that EB recovery requires a CD31 receptor-induced, robust glycolytic response sustaining junction re-annealing. Mechanistically, this response involves src-homology phosphatase activation leading to Akt-mediated nuclear exclusion of FoxO1 and concomitant β-catenin translocation to the nucleus, collectively leading to cMyc transcription. CD31 signals also sustain mitochondrial respiration, however this pathway does not contribute to junction remodeling. We further show that pathologic microvascular leakage in CD31-deficient mice can be corrected by enhancing the glycolytic flux via pharmacological Akt or AMPK activation, thus providing a molecular platform for the therapeutic control of EB response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Forkhead Box Protein O1 / genetics
  • Forkhead Box Protein O1 / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Microvessels / metabolism*
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / genetics
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • beta Catenin / genetics
  • beta Catenin / metabolism

Substances

  • Forkhead Box Protein O1
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • beta Catenin
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt