Mechanosensor YAP cooperates with TGF-β1 signaling to promote myofibroblast activation and matrix stiffening in a 3D model of human cardiac fibrosis

Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by a maladaptive remodeling of the myocardium, which is controlled by various inflammatory pathways and cytokines. This remodeling is accompanied by a significant stiffening of the matrix, which may contribute to further activate collagen synthesis and scar formation. Evidence suggests that TGF-β1 signaling, the main pro-fibrotic pathway in cardiac fibrosis, might cooperates with the Hippo transcriptional pathway by activating YAP. To directly test the cooperation of mechanical cues and paracrine signaling in cardiac fibrosis, we developed a 3D model of cardiac extracellular matrix remodeling by generating tissue blocks with Gelatin Methacrylate, a bioink with tunable stiffness, and human cardiosphere-derived stromal cells. Using this strategy, we assessed the cooperation of TGF-β1 and YAP transcriptional factor to matrix compaction. Using mechanical compression tests, Masson's trichrome staining, immunofluorescence, and RT-qPCR, we demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of YAP complex reverts almost completely the pro-compaction phenotype and the matrix-remodeling activity of cells treated with TGF-β1. Our data show a direct connection between the classical pro-fibrotic signaling driven by TGF-β1 and the mechanically activated pathways under the control of YAP in cardiac remodeling. Treatment with the elective drug targeting YAP is sufficient to override this cooperation with potential benefits for anti-fibrotic therapeutic applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Heart failure is a pathology in continuous growth worldwide, characterized by a progressive fibrosis, which decreases the pumping efficiency of the heart. Experimental evidences suggest that fibroblasts, normally responsible for the turnover of the cardiac matrix, are involved in myocardial fibrosis by differentiating into 'myofibroblasts'. These cells remodel extensively the cardiac extracellular matrix and deposit abundant collagen with a consequent increase in stiffness. In the present contribution, we propose a new 3D model of cell-mediated cardiac extracellular matrix stiffening to investigate the mechano-chemical mechanisms underlying the onset of the pathology. We also consolidate a pharmacological treatment able to prevent the pathological activation of fibroblasts with potential benefits for anti-fibrotic treatment of the failing heart.