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Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16(14):2727-2740. doi:10.7150/ijbs.48437 This issue Cite

Review

E3 Ubiquitin ligase NEDD4 family‑regulatory network in cardiovascular disease

Ying Zhang¹, Hao Qian¹, Boquan Wu¹, Shilong You¹, Shaojun Wu¹, Saien Lu¹, Pingyuan Wang², Liu Cao³ , Naijin Zhang¹ , Yingxian Sun¹

1. Department of Cardiology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China.
2. Staff scientist, Center for Molecular Medicine National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, the United States.
3. Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education; Institute of Translational Medicine, China Medical University; Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.

✉ Corresponding authors: 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China. 77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China. Telephone Number: +86 15040171605; +86 13804068889; +86 18900911888, E-mail: yxsunedu.cn (Y.S); njzhangedu.cn (N.Z); lcaoedu.cn (L.C). More

Abstract

Protein ubiquitination represents a critical modification occurring after translation. E3 ligase catalyzes the covalent binding of ubiquitin to the protein substrate, which could be degraded. Ubiquitination as an important protein post-translational modification is closely related to cardiovascular disease. The NEDD4 family, belonging to HECT class of E3 ubiquitin ligases can recognize different substrate proteins, including PTEN, ENaC, Nav1.5, SMAD2, PARP1, Septin4, ALK1, SERCA2a, TGFβR3 and so on, via the WW domain to catalyze ubiquitination, thus participating in multiple cardiovascular-related disease such as hypertension, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiotoxicity, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, cardiac remodeling, atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension and heart valve disease. However, there is currently no review comprehensively clarifying the important role of NEDD4 family proteins in the cardiovascular system. Therefore, the present review summarized recent studies about NEDD4 family members in cardiovascular disease, providing novel insights into the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. In addition, assessing transgenic animals and performing gene silencing would further identify the ubiquitination targets of NEDD4. NEDD4 quantification in clinical samples would also constitute an important method for determining NEDD4 significance in cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: NEDD4 E3 ligases, post translation modification, ubiquitin proteasome system, cardiovascular disease

Introduction

Protein ubiquitination, a critical post translation modification, is necessary for ubiquitin-associated protein degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). UPS system comprise ubiquitin activating enzyme (E1), ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (E2), and ubiquitin ligase (E3). First, ubiquitin activation is performed by E1. Then, E2 transfers ubiquitin to E3. Finally, E3 catalyses the covalent binding of ubiquitin to the target protein [1]. E3 ligases are divided into three main families: zinc-binding RING finger adaptor (a recently discovered gene) [2], HECT (homologous with the carboxyl end of E6AP) catalytic [3] and U-box (a modified cyclic motif) families [4]. E3 enzymes involve in substrate recognition and ubiquitin transfer to a single, multiple Lys (mono-/multi-ubiquitination) or as a poly-Ub chain (poly-ubiquitination) residues of the substrate (HECT family) [5] or easing ubiquitin transfer from E2 to the target protein (RING family). All seven lysine (K6, K11, K27, K29, K33, K48 and K63) and the N-terminal M1 residues constitute linkage points during chain elongation [6], although lys48 and lys63 are mostly involved. K48-, K11-, K29 linked poly-Ub chains direct substrates to proteasomal degradation [7, 8], while mono-ubiquitination and K63-linked poly-Ub chains have non-proteolytic functions [9]. In contrast, K63-linked chains control “proteasome-independent” events, including inflammation-related signaling pathways, DNA repair, endocytosis, and selective autophagy [10,11]. Nedd4-family E3 members mostly synthesize K63-bound poly-Ub chains [12, 13], unlike other HECT ligases. This is followed by protein recognition and degradation by the 26S proteasome [5, 14]. The neuronal precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated 4 (NEDD4) family constitutes an important group in the HECT group [15, 16].

NEDD4-1 and NEDD4-like (NEDD4L or NEDD4-2) enzymes represent E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases of the HECT family [17, 18]. NEDD4 family enzymes are conserved from yeast to humans [19]. As shown in Figure 1, the NEDD4 family contains nine members in humans: NEDD4-1 (RPF1), NEDD4L (NEDD4-2), ITCH/atropine-1 interaction protein 4 (AIP4), WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (WWP1), WWP2/Atropine-1-interacting protein 2 (AIP2), NEDL1 (HECW1), NEDL2 (HECW2), SMAD-specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (SMURF1) and SMURF2 [20]. NEDD4 family enzymes structure consists of N-terminal C2 domain (Ca²⁺/phosphorlipase and membrane-binding; mediating Ca²⁺-associated targeting to the cell membrane substrate recognition [21]), 2-4 WW domain and catalytic C-terminal domain (HECT; 350 residues controlling ubiquitin binding to e-NH2 groups of lysine residues on protein substrates [5, 18, 22]). The WW domain catalyzes protein ubiquitination and catabolism (or endocytosis) [15]. The WW domain recognizes and binds to predominantly proline-rich sequences on substrate proteins [23], e.g., PPxY (where x represents any amino acid) [24], PPLP [25], PR [26] and phosphoserine/threonine (pS/pT) residues preceding proline [27]. The catalytic HECT domain consists of an "n-leaf" and a catalytic cysteine residue in a "c-leaf" which confers the ligase its catalytic activity [28]. NEDD4 E3 ligases differ in function because of distinct WW domains [29] and different substrates [16]. In the past few years, the ubiquitin proteasome system has been attributed key roles in regulating diverse cardiovascular disease [30, 31], including atherosclerosis, familial cardiopathy, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and myocardial ischemia [32]. Here we review the current evidence accumulated concerning the cardiovascular role of NEDD4 family members in cardiovascular disease.

NEDD4-1

NEDD4-1 function

NEDD4-1 was first isolated from mouse neural progenitor cells in 1992, with reduced mRNA levels during mouse brain development. NEDD4-1 is widely expressed in the heart, lung, brain, somite, kidney, and other tissues. It may be involved in many human cell functions [33]. NEDD4-1 catalyses the degradation of its substrate by polyubiquitination at K48 and K63 [34-36] or by single ubiquitination of K6 or K27 [37-38], indicating that NEDD4-1 plays a variety of regulatory roles through single/multiple ubiquitination.

 Figure 1 

The ubiquitination-proteasome of NEDD4 E3 ligases pathway. Proteins targeted for UPS-induced degradation by NEDD4 E3 ligases comprise polyubiquitin chain by a process involving three proteins, including ubiquitin activating enzyme (E1), ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (E2), and ubiquitin ligase (E3). First, ubiquitin activation is performed by E1. Then, E2 transfers ubiquitin to E3. Finally, NEDD4 E3 ligases catalyses the covalent binding of ubiquitin to the target protein.

The role of NEDD4-1 in myocardial reperfusion injury

Myocardial reperfusion injury involves tissue damage occurring with blood supply return to the cardiac tissue following ischemia or lack of oxygen, causing inflammation [39]. NEDD4-1 expression is reduced in the late stage of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), thereby attenuating its protective effects against cell death and cardiac I/R injury. In addition, activation of the AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT) pathway protects the heart from I/R injury [40]. NEDD4-1 promotes nuclear trafficking of active AKT. Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) represents a critical suppressor of Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase (PI3K) signaling and is controlled by NEDD4-1 via polyubiquitination [41-42]. PTEN-associated AKT inhibition is suppressed by NEDD4-1, while AKT signaling is activated to protect against I/R-induced cell damage and apoptotic cell death, as demonstrated by decreased BAX and cleaved-caspase3/7 levels and elevated BCL2 amounts. Therefore, NEDD4-1 protects the myocardium from I/R induced apoptosis by activating PI3K/Akt pathway. This regulatory pathway provides a novel insight into reducing the intraoperative injury in patients with myocardial infarction.

The role of NEDD4-1 in heart development

In embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5) mice, NEDD4-1 is expressed in the pharyngeal and gill arches near the heart. Nedd4 knockout mice show severe heart and vascular defects in the second of pregnancy, leading to fetal death, accompanied by significant heart defects and vascular system abnormalities. In particular, outflow tract defects in knockout animals display a double outlet right ventricle [43]. Nedd4 knockout mice also have endocardial cushion defects. Abnormalities are also present in the vascular system of Nedd4 knockout mice. In particular, the cephalic plexus vein in some knockout embryos is abnormal. In addition to these significant cardiovascular defects, Nedd4 knockout embryos exhibit delayed maturation of the lungs, where Nedd4 is highly expressed [44].

The role of NEDD4-1 in Vascular Calcification

Vascular calcification represents a major complication of atherosclerosis, chronic renal failure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other pathological conditions. More and more evidences show that vascular calcification likens osteogenesis [45-47]. Among TGFβ superfamily proteins, BMP2 and TGFβ1 can be targeted for the treatment of multiple bone disorders. In previous study, NEDD4-1 suppression in SM22α⁺ mouse tissues resulted in deformed aortic structures. Meanwhile, Vitamin D-associated aorta vascular calcification was markedly elevated in Nedd4-null animals compared with wild type littermates. In addition, methylation of human NEDD4 gene promoter is remarkably enhanced in individuals with atherosclerosis. Further research indicated that NEDD4-1 E3 ligase is an important BMP/Smad signaling inhibitor, via polyubiquitination-associated degradation of C-terminal phosphorylated Smad1 (pSmad1) activated by TGF-β. Thus, dysregulated or dysfunctional NEDD4-1 E3 ligase could contribute to vascular calcification in VSMCs through induction of bone generating signals in the process of atherosclerosis progression [48].

NEDD4L

NEDD4L function

NEDD4L on human chromosome 18q21 contains the WW and HECT domains as similar to other NEDD4 genes. In mice, Nedd4L shows homology with Nedd4-1, but has no C2 domain in the N-terminus region. In addition, human NEDD4L and mouse nedd4-2 are homologous [49,50]. Nedd4L is widely expressed during mouse development and in adult tissues, especially in the liver, kidney, heart, brain and lung [51,52]. Furthermore, NEDD4L plays a vital role in hypertension and arrhythmia.

The role of NEDD4L in hypertension

Hypertension represents an important risk factor for cardiovascular ailments, including myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. It reflects salt-sensitivity or resistance when blood pressure response to high- or low-salt diets intake varies substantially [53-54]. Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) suppression in the kidney, lung via the NEDD4 family is important in fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. The ENaC significantly affects kidney Na⁺ reabsorption [55]. It is a hetero-multimeric membrane protein consisting of the homologous subunits α, β, and γ, each comprising intracellular N and C terminal [55]. NEDD4L was originally identified as a ligand of the ENaC; NEDD4L binds to β- and γ-subunits of the ENaC through the ENaC proline-tyrosine (PY) motif in the C-terminal region, interacting with the WW domain in NEDD4L, followed by ubiquitination and degradation [56-58]. In Liddle's syndrome, an ENaC incorporating variant β or γ subunits that lack the PY motif leads to deficient interaction with the WW domain of NEDD4L, resulting in excessive Na⁺ reabsorption and hypertension, with the characteristics of salt-sensitivity, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, and reduced renin activity and aldosterone amounts [22, 59-61]. Nedd4 knockout mice display high blood pressure even with normal diets, an aliment exacerbated with high-salt diets [62]. The IL17A-SGK1/NEDD4L-dependent pathway modulates renal sodium transport by improving renal function in hypertension and other autoimmune disorders. Glucocorticoid Regulated Kinase 1 (SGK1) induced by serum and glucocorticoids triggers a cascade that leads to hypertension by ENaC activation [61-62]. SGK1 phosphorylation of NEDD4L promotes its interaction with the chaperone 14-3-3, thus eliminates the ubiquitination of its target substrates [63-64]. SGK1 phosphorylates NEDD4L on serine 444 [65], which is necessary for the binding of NEDD4L to 14-3-3, and results in a reduction of ENaC ubiquitination and an enhancement of ENaC activity mediated by NEDD4L. SGK1 is activated by WNK1 (WNK Lysine Deficient Protein Kinase 1), which is involved in pseudo-hypoaldosteronism type II hypertension. WNK1 activates SGK1, inhibits NEDD4L, enhances ENaC activity and leads to hypertension [66]. ENaC activity was also observed during the inhibition of NEDD4L by AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) [65]. These results indicate that IL17A induces an increase in NCC activity through SGK1 phosphorylation and the inhibition of NEDD4L-mediated ubiquitination and NCC degradation. These studies provide a mechanistic link by which the IL17A-SGK1/NEDD4L-dependent pathway modulates renal sodium transport, which may improve renal function in hypertension and other autoimmune disorders [67].

The role of NEDD4L in arrhythmia

Reduced voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav1.5) function and expression supply a slowed conduction substrate for heart arrhythmias. Calcium-associated increases in NEDD4L reduces Nav1.5 levels by ubiquitination. Nav1.5 co-localizes with NEDD4L, and ubiquitin is downregulated in the failing heart in rats. The above findings indicate an important role for NEDD4L in Nav1.5 suppression in heart failure (HF) [68]. In addition, defection of the NEDD4L C2 isoform changes cardiac conduction in the resting state as well as pro-arrhythmic alterations upon acute myocardial infarction (MI). Studies indicated that reduced NEDD4L function results in serious heart arrhythmia via modifications of cardiac ion-channels after transcription. Patients with salt sensitivity and hypertension because of NEDD4L anomalies may be more prone to severe cardiovascular ailments compared with individuals without NEDD4L anomalies. MicroRNA-1(miR-1) regulates genes in the heart and skeletal muscle. Analysis of potential miR-1 target genes identified miR-1 as a direct Nedd4 regulator; in addition, NEDD4L modulates cardiac development in Drosophila [69]. Furthermore, miR-1-associated Nedd4 regulation might help control the trafficking and catabolism of cardiac NEDD4L substrates in the cardiac tissue. However, further study is needed to clarify which substrate ubiquitinated by NEDD4L is involved in arrhythmia.

The role of NEDD4L in cardiac regenerative repair

CircRNAs (circular RNAs) represent potent modulators of cardiac development and disease. Studies have found a new circRNA termed Nfix circRNA (circNfix). Down-regulation of circNfix can promote proliferation and angiogenesis in cardiomyocytes, inhibit the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction, alleviate cardiac insufficiency and improve patient prognosis. It was found that circNfix enhances Ybx1 (Y-box binding protein 1) interaction with NEDD4L, and induces Ybx1 degradation by ubiquitination via NEDD4L, which inhibits the expression of cyclin A2 and cyclin B1. In addition, suppression of superenhancer modulated circNfix promotes cardiac regeneration and enhances heart function following myocardial infarction via degradation of Ybx1, which may provide a promising strategy to improve prognosis after MI [70].

ITCH

ITCH function

The ubiquitin E3 ligase ITCH is a 113 kDa protein that contains N-terminal C2 (approximately 116 amino acids) domain, 2-4 protein-protein interaction WW (about 40 amino acid) which recognizes PPxY-(PY)-rich sequences, and C-terminal catalytic HECT domains [24, 71-72]. The seven internal lysine moieties in ubiquitin may serve as chain extension sites [73]. The polyubiquitin chain linked to lys48 is a proteolysis marker for 26S proteasome-induced degradation [74]. ITCH is involved in multiple cell processes by targeting modulators of diverse pathways [75].

The role of ITCH in myocardial infarction and cardiotoxicity

The occurrence of heart failure caused by MI or doxorubicin (DOX) is closely related to progressive left ventricular remodeling caused by oxidative stress [76]. The main cause of excessive oxidative stress in HF cases is believed to be elevated intracellular reactivity related to the antioxidant defence against reactive oxygen free radicals (ROS) [77]. Thioredoxin can be activated by inhibiting Thioredoxin Interacting Protein (TXNIP), which plays an important role in antagonizing ROS in cardiomyocytes [78]. Txnip gene knockout in mice protects the animal's heart, and TXNIP degradation protects the heart of rats with ischemic heart disease [79]. The WW domain recognizes a proxy PPxY sequence of TXNIP. The ITCH-dependent TXNIP UPS is essential for intracellular homeostasis [80]. Overexpression of ITCH by enhancing degradation of TXNIP increases thioredoxin activity, thereby inhibiting the production of ROS, p38MAPK and p53, and suppressing the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Cytology confirmed that ITCH can maintain ROS homeostasis in cardiomyocytes [81]. Meanwhile, cardiomyocyte-specific ITCH overexpression and transgenic mouse assays showed that ITCH plays a protective role in DOX and hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis and cardiotoxicity by degradation TXNIP. Therefore, ITCH plays a protective role in cardiotoxicity and provides a theoretical basis for MI-targeted therapy [82].

The role of ITCH in diabetic cardiomyopathy

The main pathological changes of diabetic cardiomyopathy are cardiac hypertrophy, apoptosis and myocardial interstitial fibrosis [83]. Calcium Sensitive Receptor (CaSR) belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) C family. Activation of CaSR increases intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, upregulates ITCH, increases the ubiquitination level of SMAD7, and augments p-SMAD2 and p-SMAD3 amounts. Calhex 231, a CaSR inhibitor, suppresses the ITCH-ubiquitin proteasome and TGFβ1/SMADs pathway, thus inhibiting the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts, reducing collagen deposition, and decreasing glucose-induced myocardial fibrosis. This regulatory pathway reveals a novel mechanism for ITCH in myocardial fibrosis, indicating that Calhex 231 may represent a novel drug for treating dilated cardiomyopathy [84].

WWP1

WWP1 function

WWP1 is also referred to as TIUL1 (TGIF interaction ubiquitin ligase 1) or AIP5 (atropine-1-interaction protein 5) [85]. In humans, WWP1 comprises 922 amino acids, with a molecular weight of 110 kDa. WWP1 contains N-terminal C2, 4 tandem WW and C-terminal catalytic HECT domains. WW domains bind to precursor-rich peptide ligands that contain PPxY (PY), PPLP, PPR, and P(S/T) P motifs, respectively [86]. WW domains 1 and 3 in WWP1 interact with the PY motif [87]. The C-terminal has a HECT domain interacting with UbcH5 or UbcH7 (ubiquitin binding enzyme) and controls ubiquitin E3 ligase activity [88]. HECT domain contains a catalytic cysteine with the capability of forming a covalent isopeptide bond with ubiquitin.

The role of WWP1 in cardiac hypertrophy

WWP1 is found at high levels in the myocardium and skeletal muscle. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) may mediate the development of cardiac hypertrophy and the reprogramming of fetal genes [89]. Total RNA from the left ventricular of mice with myocardial hypertrophy induced by isoprenaline hydrochloride was sequenced and the results were assessed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia analysis. It was determined that ANF and mir-23a are the downstream targets of circRNA-WWP1, indicating that circRNA-WWP1 could inhibit cardiac hypertrophy by downregulating ANF and mir-23a, and that circRNA-WWP1 is a potential new therapeutic target for cardiac hypertrophy [90].

The role of WWP1 in atrial fibrillation

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a high risk of cardiogenic stroke and further complications [91-92]. Atrial fibrosis represents a critical regulator of integrity in atrial fibrillation, both structurally and functionally. Cardiac fibroblast proliferation is essential for atrial fibrosis and structural remodeling in individuals with atrial fibrillation [93-94]. Transforming growth factor-B1 (TGF-b1) regulates cell proliferation in atrial fibrosis during AF. In addition, miR-21 suppresses endothelial progenitor cell proliferation via WWP1 targeting [95]. WWP1 binds to Smad7 and enhances Smad7 interaction with TGF-b1 receptor, which is degraded [96]. WWP-1 suppresses TGF-b-induced p-Smad2 [97]. Eventually, miR-21 suppresses cardiac fibroblast growth by inhibiting TGF-b1/Smad2 signaling through WWP1 upregulation [98].

WWP2

WWP2 function

WWP2 (about 870 amino acids) consists of N-terminal C2 domain, 4 tandem WW domain, and C-terminal HECT domain [99-100]. WWP2 contains three subtypes, namely, the full-length (WWP2-FL, 870 amino acids), N-terminal subtype (WWP2-N, 336 amino acids), and C-terminal subtype (WWP2-C 440 amino acids) molecules. WWP2-N comprises the C2 and first WW (WW1) domains; WWP2-C encompasses the 4^th WW (WW4) and HECT domains, and WWP2-FL has all 3 domains [101]. The HECT domain is structurally bilobal [102], and confers intrinsic ubiquitin ligase activity to WWP2. The WW domain of WWP2 recognizes the target protein through residues in the PY motif or substrate [103-104]. WWP2 forms a self-inhibiting structure via intramolecular interactions of its C2 and HECT domains [105]. WWP2 dose-dependently controls its ligase activity through polyubiquitination via K63 linkage [106].

WWP2 function in myocardial fibrosis

The natural myocardial ischemia injury of dilated cardiomyopathy can cause myocardial fibrosis and eventually lead to heart failure [107-108]. The development of tissue fibrosis involves the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily of proteins [109]. TGFβ1 binds directly to its receptor via the downstream effector protein SMADS [110]. Through detailed genetic analysis of diabetic cardiomyopathy, WWP2 and WWP2 mRNA expression in fibroid heart disease is only slightly increased [111]. In primary cardiac fibroblasts, TGFβ1 stimulates the WWP2 N-terminal subtype to enter the nucleus, subsequently enhancing the activity of WWP2-FL to promote interaction with SMAD2, and promoting its mono-ubiquitination, which activates the downstream pro-fibrogenic gene program [112]. Myocardial fibrosis is an important therapeutic target in HF cases [113], and WWP2 represents a regulator of TGFβ/SMAD signalling, which has critical functions in the activation and fibrosis of cardiac fibroblasts. Therefore, WWP2, as a new drug target, is of great significance to control pathological cardiac fibrosis and heart failure, and to improve the clinical prognosis of patients with heart disease. However, more studies are warranted to assess whether WWP2-mediated SMAD2 mono-ubiquitination interferes with or directly regulates SMAD2 complex activity [114], and to explain how WWP2 mono-ubiquitination affects SMAD2 nuclear output and regulation from a mechanical point of view [115].

The role of WWP2 in cardiac remodeling

Cardiac remodeling, including cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, underlies HF development. Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1 (PARP1) is an important damaging factor in cardiovascular disease, especially cardiac remodeling caused by various factors [77-79]. In cardiac remodeling, cleaved-PARP1 amounts increase, which leads to extreme energy utilization by cardiomyocytes and cell injury [116-118]. WWP2 mostly binds to the BRCT domain of PARP1, and can ubiquitinate its K249 and K418 residues. The ubiquitination level of PARP1 is decreased in MycCre+; WWP2^Fl/Fl mice, while the expression level of PARP1 induced by ISO is increased. Therefore, WWP2 can degrade PARP1 and protect from ISO-triggered cardiac remodeling. This provides a foundation for investigating novel approaches for the treatment of cardiac remodeling-associated disease [119].

WWP2 function in vascular endothelial injury

Oxidative stress is important in the pathology of endothelial damage, initiating cardiovascular ailments, including atherosclerosis and hypertension [120-122]. Endothelial/myeloid-specific Wwp2 gene silencing markedly increases endothelial damage and vascular remodeling induced by angiotensin II. WWP2 promotes the degradation of the endothelial damage factor Septin4 via lysine residue 174 (K174), thus inhibiting formation of the Septin4-PARP1 endothelial damage complex [123]. This study showed that the WWP2-septin4 pathway might represent a new target for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and hypertension. This was the first report to confirm WWP2 as the first NEDD4 family member to inhibit endothelial damage and vascular remodeling, providing an insight into IOS-related atherosclerosis and hypertension [124].

SMURF1

SMURF1 function

SMURF1 comprises N-terminal C2, tandem WW and C-terminal HECT domains [15]. SMURF1 is localized intracellularly and recruited substrates, with the HECT domain containing the active site cysteine and interacting with E2 proteins, to form ubiquitin thioesters and promote substrate ubiquitination.

SMURF1's role in pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PAH) is characterized by thickening of the middle layer of the pulmonary artery, eventually causing HF and death [125-126]. PAH is related to bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) gene mutation [127]. When bone morphogenesis proteins interact with BMPR2, the cytoplasmic proteins R-SMAD1/5/8 are phosphorylated. R-SMADs interact with the cofactor SMAD4 and undergo nuclear translocation, further regulating cell growth, proliferation and differentiation [127]. The degradation of R-SMADs by SMURF1 blocks this pathway [128]. Damage to the BMPR2 pathway leads to pulmonary artery occlusion and right ventricle afterload increase [129]. MiR-424(322), as a SMURF1 target can maintain the signal transduction of BMPR2. However, hypoxia-induced miR-424(322) secretion results in reduced SMURF1 expression, increased right ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure. In PAH rats, the level of miR-424(322) shows a negative correlation with SMURF1 amounts in the hypertrophic right ventricle. Therefore, the miR-424(322)-SMURF1 regulatory pathway could be explored for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension by measuring peripheral blood miR-424(322) [130].

Another study revealed that mir-140-5p with the target of SMURF1 mRNA, are decreased in individuals with PAH. Indeed, mir-140-5p and SMURF1 amounts are negatively correlated. As a BMPR2 signaling suppressor, Smurf1 knockout mice show right ventricular hypertrophy and decreased pulmonary microvascular remodeling. As mir-140-5p is cytotoxic, a SMURF1 inhibitor for the treatment of PAH, could replace mir-140-5p for treating PAH by inhibiting the degradation of BMPR2 and reducing the therapeutic toxicity [131-132].

The role of SMURF1 in angiogenesis

Angiogenesis represents a multi-step event that involves endothelial cell activation, proliferation and migration. TGFβ family members have critical functions in the development of the vascular system [133]. SMASD7 and SMURF1 exert negative effects on TGFβ1-induced VEGF expression and SMAD3/4-mediated VEGF expression. VEGF is effective for treating pathological angiogenesis, therefore, SMURF1 has the function of regulating angiogenesis [134]. Receptor-Like Kinase 1 (ALK1) is necessary for vascular development, remodeling and abnormal angiogenesis [135]. Bone morphogenic 9 (BMP9) and BMP10 specifically activate endothelial cells [136]. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) treatment with metformin and AMPK inducers activate AMPK, increasing the expression of SMURF1, which leads to ALK1 degradation and the inhibition of BMP9-induced SMAD1/5 phosphorylation and angiogenesis. The role of SMURF1 in this regulatory pathway indicate a new clinical application of AMPK activators based on metformin and other drugs, suggesting a combination with other strategies to improve therapeutic effects in anti-VEGF resistance-related disease [137].

The role of SMURF1 in heart failure

With the aging of the world population, HF incidence is increasing [138]. Activin A (ActRI), a ligand of ActRII, is associated with aging and muscle atrophy in several disease [139]. The expression of ActRI signaling in the heart is increased, and heart function is damaged with aging. Moreover, SMURF1 is considered a key downstream effector of the ActRI signaling pathway, which promotes the degradation of sarcoplasmic Ca²⁺ ATPase (SERCA2a), a key factor determining the function of cardiomyocytes. The catabolic pathway mediated by SMURF1 inhibits ActRI signaling, thus can serve for targeted treatment of HF [140].

The role of SMURF1 in myocardial fibrosis

The therapeutic potential of endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) in the ischemic environment may be impaired. Normoxia significantly improves the activation of cultured cardiac fibroblasts. These effects were weakened in the hypoxia group. Mir-10b-5p was enriched in normoxia, but not in hypoxia. Mir-10b-5p inhibits the expression of Smurf1 mRNA. Therefore, Smurf1 downregulation by mir-10b-5p could blunt the anti-fibrotic effect of hypoxia, and SMURF1 has a potential function in alleviating myocardial fibrosis [141]. However, it needs to make a profound study how SMURF 1 participates in myocardial fibrosis through ubiquitination of downstream substrates.

The role of SMURF1 in heart valve disease

Heart valve disease represents a main mortality factor and morbidity. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the inner membrane cell subpopulation in the atrioventricular septum (AVC) represents a key step of heart valve development [142]. In accordance with the activation of PAR6/SMURF1 signaling downstream of TGFβR3, targeting ALK5, PAR6 or SMURF1 markedly inhibits the EMT response to TGFβ2 or BMP2. The need for ALK5 activity, PAR6, and SMURF1 in TGFβR3-associated EMT of endocardial cells corroborates the pathway's involvement with tight junctions. Therefore, SMURF1 is involved in heart valve disease [143].

The role of SMURF1 in Heart Development

Heart development comprises complex developmental events, involving the deployment of multiple cell lines [144]. The proepicardium (PE) represents an important transitory cauliflower-like structure between the heart and liver primordia. MicroRNAs highly contribute to the development of the cardiovascular system. It was found that mir-125, miR-146, miR-195 and mir-223 specifically promote chicken cardiac myogenesis of PE/ST explants and also contribute to embryonic epicardium, a process controlled by Smurf1- and Foxp1 [145].

Additionally, heart SMURF1 amounts are high in mice during development [146], mainly distributing in ectodermal tissues. SMURF1 affects many processes in the developing heart, e.g., OFT septation and SMC generation in the main and coronary arteries. Smurf1 plays a role in CNC-mediated OFT septation by regulating the steady state levels of BMP and TGFβ signaling effectors to induce EndoMT, CNC delamination and migration [147-148]. In addition, SMURF1 highly contributes to SMC differentiation from the epicardium by regulating BMP-dependent SMAD signaling, together with RHOA, PAR6 and TGFβ-RIII18 [149]. Furthermore, SMURF1 exerts effects at the cilium to control baseline SMAD1/5 activation to regulate BMP signaling in the generation of cardiomyocytes, substantially contributing to cell-type specification [147]. The mechanisms of SMURF1 participation in heart development have provided insights for improving in vitro differentiation of cardiomyocytes to treat cardiovascular disorders.

SMURF2

SMURF2 function

SMURF2 contains an N-terminal C2 [150], two or more central WW domains interacting with the PY motif of the target protein or the adaptor protein, and a HECT domain at the C-terminus. SMURF2 receives ubiquitin from E2 at its cysteine 716 (Cys 716) active site and transfers it to the target protein to control its stability, localization and function [150]. SMURFs were originally considered negative regulators of TGFβ/BMP signaling. Through interaction with PY motifs in most R-SMADs and SMAD inhibitors, SMURFs regulate SMADs or TGFβ/BMPs, or other downstream components of the targeted pathway [128, 151-152]. After TGFβ-induced expression, the inhibitor of the adaptor protein SMAD7 forms a complex with SMURF2 in the nucleus [126]. SMURF2 then down-regulates TGFβ signal transduction by targeting itself, SMAD7 and TGFβ receptor kinase. In the presence of active TGFβ signaling, SMAD2 interacts with the tryptophan-rich WW domain of SMURF2 through the proline-rich PPxY motif [153].

The role of SMURF2 in calcified aortic valve disease

Calcified aortic valve disease incidence is very high in elderly individuals. In humans, TGFβ1 and BMP2 promote the pre-osteogenic induction of aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICS), which have a critical function in valve calcification [154-155]. TGFβ1 and BMP2 upregulate mir-486 and downregulate mir-204 for promoting osteogenic activity, while mir-486 downregulates Smurf2 to enhance mir-204 downregulation. Smurf2 gene knockout enhances TGFβ1 or BMP2-induced downregulation of mir-204 and results in elevated amounts of the osteoblast markers OSX and RUNX2. Therefore, the mir-486-SMURF2-SMAD regulatory pathway has a critical function in modulating the osteogenic effects of TGFβ1 and BMP2. Targeting this modulatory circuit might have therapeutic potential in inhibiting aortic valve calcification [156].

The role of SMURF2 in myxomatous mitral disease (MMVD)

Myxomatous mitral disease (MMVD) represents a commonly detected heart disease [157]. Increased phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 [158] and SMURF2 expression indicate that TGFβ1 signaling occurs through a typical signaling cascade. The levels of CTGF, MMP2, NOX2 and NOX4 [159-160] in mitral valves of SOD1-deficient mice were shown to be significantly increased. In addition, treatment of mouse valve stromal cells with cell permeability antioxidants resulted in reduced expression of TGFβ1-induced SMURF2 involved in promoting fibrosis and matrix remodeling genes. The study of this regulatory pathway has potential guidance for targeted therapy of MMVD.

The role of SMURF2 in vascular smooth muscle proliferation

Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and TGFβ1 are important growth factors regulating vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. PDGF-BB increases the levels of ALK5, SMURF2, pSMAD2/3 and SMAD4, but decreases those of SMAD2 and SMAD7; these changes are partially reversed by neutralizing anti-TGFβ1 antibodies. The TGFβ signaling pathway mediates PDGF-BB effect in VSMCs by regulating downstream proteins such as SMURF2 [161]. This study revealed the molecular mechanism of SMURF2 in vascular smooth muscle and laid a theoretical foundation for the study of vascular disease.

The role of SMURF2 in Vascular endothelial injury

ROS are important signaling molecules that maintain the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system [162]. However, significant increases in ROS levels are closely related to the occurrence and development of cardiovascular ailments, including HF [163], atherosclerosis [164], hypertension [165] and ischemic heart disease [166], resulting in inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis [167-168]. Oxidative stress-associated injury is closely related to ubiquitination. In the cardiovascular system, activation of PARP1 could cause vascular endothelial cell damage [168]. Decreasing PARP1 activity could reduce the development of atherosclerotic plaques [169]. The interaction between SMURF2 and PARP1 is enhanced under oxidative stress. In H2O2-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells, SMURF2 was shown to degrade PARP1 to reduce ROS production and apoptosis, thereby alleviating oxidative stress injury [170]. The molecular mechanism of SMURF2 in atherosclerosis provides an insight into targeted treatment of the disease.

The role of SMURF2 in ischemia-reperfusion

I/R represents a commonly diagnosed and lethal ailment. Studies found that overexpression of mir-322/503 can enhance the expression of p-Akt and p-GSK3β, reduce infarct area, inhibit apoptosis and promote cell proliferation. It was also found that mir-322/503 could directly bind to Smurf2 gene for downregulation at the translational level, reducing the ubiquitination and degradation of EZH2 by Smurf2, activating Akt/GSK3 β signal transduction and protecting cells from I/R injury [171].

The role of SMURF2 in myocardial fibrosis

After myocardial infarction, the heart is severely remolded, and a structured collagen network is generated to resist circumferential deformation [172] for preventing scar rupture and promoting survival. However, abnormal biosynthesis of matrix proteins eventually results in cardiac fibrosis and heart failure [173]. TGF-β plays a role in heart failure development by promoting cardiac fibrosis [174]. Smurf2 is considered a critical TGF-β pathway suppressor via Smad2 degradation [175]. In addition, Smurf2 and Smad7 jointly repress TGF-β signaling [176]. Smurf2's function is therefore paradoxical. This contradictory behavior of Smurf2 is because nuclear Smurf2 induces the TGF-β pathway, while cytosolic Smurf2 exerts opposite effects. As cardiac fibrosis appears to show altered TGF-β signaling, investigating Smad-regulating proteins may help identify an effective way to treat myocardial fibrosis [177].

Conclusions and Prospects

A major HECT group of ubiquitin ligases is the NEDD4 family [5, 6]. NEDD4 proteins identify different substrate proteins to perform ubiquitination catalysis, thus participating in various cardiovascular diseases. The present review investigated the functions and regulation of the NEDD4 family in association with cardiovascular disease (Table 1).

 Figure 2 

The regulation and functions of NEDD4 E3 ligases in cardiac disease. The regulatory pathway of NEDD4 E3 ligases including NEDD4-1, NEDD4L, ITCH, WWP1, WWP2, Smurf1 and Smurf2 in cardiac disease, such as myocardial reperfusion injury, heart development, heart failure, myocardial infarction, diabetic cardiomyopathy, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, cardiac remodelling, myxomatous mitral disease.

Among the nine members of the NEDD4 family, NEDD4-1, NEDD4L, ITCH, WWP1, WWP2, SMURF1 and SMURF2 are involved in heart diseases. However, each of them plays different roles in heart diseases (Figure 2): NEDD4-1 participates in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury [43] and abnormality of heart development [44]; NEDD4L and SMURF1 are involved in heart failure [68], myocardial infarction [68] and heart development [69, 139-141, 147-149]; WWP1 participates in cardiac hypertrophy [89-90] and atrial fibrillation [95-98]; WWP2 is involved in myocardial fibrosis [110-115] and cardiac remodelling [116-119]; ITCH participates in myocardial infarction [78-82] and diabetic cardiomyopathy [83-84] and SMURF2 participates in myocardial fibrosis [172-177] and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury [171]. In addition, NEDD4-1, NEDD4L, WWP2, SMURF1 and SMURF2 are involved in vascular disease (Figure 3). NEDD4-1 participates in vascular calcification [45-48] and NEDD4L participates in hypertension [22, 56-67]. WWP2 is involved in vascular endothelial injury [123-124], SMURF1 in atherosclerosis [135-137] and pulmonary hypertension [127-132], and SMURF2 in myxomatous mitral disease [158-160] and vascular endothelial injury [168-170]. However, whether NEDL1 and NEDL2 play biological functions in cardiovascular related disease needs further study.

 Figure 3 

The regulation and functions of NEDD4 E3 ligases in vascular disease. The regulatory pathway of NEDD4 E3 ligases including WWP2, Smurf1 and Smurf2 in vascular disease, such atherosclerosis, angiogenesis, heart valve disease.

The research indicated that suppression of circNfix can promote cardiac regeneration and enhance heart function following myocardial infarction via degradation of Ybx1 by NEDD4L, which may provide a promising strategy to improve prognosis after MI [70]. It reveals the role that ITCH/ TGFβ1/SMADs pathway inhibits myocardial fibrosis, indicating that Calhex 231 may represent a novel drug for treating dilated cardiomyopathy [84]. It was indicated that circRNA-WWP1 could inhibit cardiac hypertrophy by downregulating ANF and mir-23a by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia analysis, and that circRNA-WWP1 is a potential new therapeutic target for cardiac hypertrophy [90]. Metformin and AMPK activators activate AMPK and SMURF1, subsequently, degradation of ALK1, and inhibition of BMP9-induced SMAD1/5. It indicates a new clinical application of AMPK activators combination with metformin to improve therapeutic effects in anti-VEGF resistance-related disease [137]. The mir-486-SMURF2-SMAD regulatory pathway in modulating the osteogenic effects might have therapeutic potential in inhibiting aortic valve calcification [156]. Thus, it will play an important role in revealing multiple various regulatory mechanisms and functions of NEDD4 E3 ligase family to explore the above issues deeply, and provide new insights for the development of cardiovascular disease.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [81900372, 81900355]; and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation [2019M661175, 2018M641750, 2019M661159, 2018M641730]; and Natural Foundation of Department of education of Liaoning Province [QN2019002].

Authors' contributions

NZ, SY and LC designed the review; YZ searched for literatures and wrote the manuscript; SL and HQ organized literaturs; BW, SY, SW drew the pattern charts. All authors have read and approved the manuscript and agree with publication in this journal.

Competing Interests

The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.

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Author contact

Corresponding authors: 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China. 77 Puhe Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China. Telephone Number: +86 15040171605; +86 13804068889; +86 18900911888, E-mail: yxsunedu.cn (Y.S); njzhangedu.cn (N.Z); lcaoedu.cn (L.C).

Received 2020-5-20
Accepted 2020-8-6
Published 2020-8-21

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