Background: The DEAD-box family is essential for tumorigenesis and embryogenesis. Previously, we linked the malfunction of DDX (DEAD-box RNA helicase)-24 to a special type of vascular malformation. Here, we aim to investigate the function of DDX24 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and embryonic vascular development.
Methods: Cardiomyocyte (CMC) and VSMC-specific Ddx24 knockout mice were generated by crossing Tagln-Cre mice with Ddx24flox/flox transgenic mice. The development of blood vessels was explored by stereomicroscope photography and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry and cell proliferation assays were used to verify the regulation of DDX24 on the function of VSMCs. RNA sequencing and RNA immunoprecipitation coupled with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were combined to investigate DDX24 downstream regulatory molecules. RNA pull-down and RNA stability experiments were performed to explore the regulation mechanism of DDX24.
Results: CMC/VSMC-specific Ddx24 knockout mice died before embryonic day 13.5 with defects in vessel formation and abnormal vascular remodeling in extraembryonic tissues. Ddx24 knockdown suppressed VSMC proliferation via cell cycle arrest, likely due to increased DNA damage. DDX24 protein bound to and stabilized the mRNA of FANCA (FA complementation group A) that responded to DNA damage. Consistent with the function of DDX24, depletion of FANCA also impacted cell cycle and DNA repair of VSMCs. Overexpression of FANCA was able to rescue the alterations caused by DDX24 deficiency.
Conclusions: Our study unveiled a critical role of DDX24 in VSMC-mediated vascular development, highlighting a potential therapeutic target for VSMC-related pathological conditions.
Keywords: DEAD-box RNA helicases; DNA damage; Fanconi anemia complementation group A protein; cell cycle; embryonic development.