[PDF][PDF] Activation of Ras in the vascular endothelium induces brain vascular malformations and hemorrhagic stroke

Q Li, B Decker-Rockefeller, A Bajaj, K Pumiglia - Cell reports, 2018 - cell.com
Q Li, B Decker-Rockefeller, A Bajaj, K Pumiglia
Cell reports, 2018cell.com
Cerebrovascular malformations (CVMs) affect approximately 3% of the population, risking
hemorrhagic stroke, seizures, and neurological deficits. Recently Ras mutations have been
identified in a majority of brain arterio-venous malformations. We generated an endothelial-
specific, inducible HRAS V12 mouse model, which results in dilated, proliferative blood
vessels in the brain, blood-brain barrier breakdown, intracerebral hemorrhage, and rapid
lethality. Organoid morphogenesis models revealed abnormal cessation of proliferation …
Summary
Cerebrovascular malformations (CVMs) affect approximately 3% of the population, risking hemorrhagic stroke, seizures, and neurological deficits. Recently Ras mutations have been identified in a majority of brain arterio-venous malformations. We generated an endothelial-specific, inducible HRASV12 mouse model, which results in dilated, proliferative blood vessels in the brain, blood-brain barrier breakdown, intracerebral hemorrhage, and rapid lethality. Organoid morphogenesis models revealed abnormal cessation of proliferation, abnormalities in expression of tip and stalk genes, and a failure to properly form elongating tubes. These defects were influenced by both hyperactive PI-3′ kinase signaling and altered TGF-β signaling. Several phenotypic changes predicted by the in vitro morphogenesis analysis were validated in the mouse model. These data provide a model of brain vascular malformations induced by mutant Ras and reveal insights into intersecting molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of brain vascular malformations.
cell.com