601
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Dessolle L, Dalmon C, Roche B, Daraï E. Métastases placentaires de cancers maternels: revue de la littérature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 36:344-53. [PMID: 17289295 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2006.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2006] [Revised: 11/30/2006] [Accepted: 12/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to update and analyse all the reported cases of placental metastasis. These tumours are rare and seem to complicate aggressive or disseminated malignant melanomas, leukaemias, breast cancers and lung cancers. Maternal prognosis is poor. The risk factors of cancer in the newborn are unknown. In a pregnant woman with a history of malignancy, a systematic histological examination of the placenta for evidence of metastasis is required. Close observation and follow-up of the infant has to be recommended, especially in case of placental involvement. To estimate the incidence of placental metastases and to improve knowledge of their natural history, the creation of registries of malignancies associated with pregnancy is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dessolle
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, centre hospitalier des Pays-de-Morlaix, BP 97237, 29672 Morlaix cedex, France.
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602
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Benz MS, Brown DM. Anti-VEGF agents in the treatment of neovascular AMD. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2007. [DOI: 10.1586/17469899.2.3.459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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603
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Nguyen TMB, Subramanian IV, Kelekar A, Ramakrishnan S. Kringle 5 of human plasminogen, an angiogenesis inhibitor, induces both autophagy and apoptotic death in endothelial cells. Blood 2007; 109:4793-802. [PMID: 17272502 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2006-11-059352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractInhibition of endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis is emerging as an important strategy in cancer therapeutics. Kringle 5 (K5) of human plasminogen is a potent angiogenesis inhibitor. Previous studies have shown K5 exposure promotes caspase activity and apoptosis in endothelial cells. Here we report that K5 treatment evokes an autophagic response in endothelial cells that is specific and initiated even in the absence of nutritional stress. Endothelial cells exposed to K5 up-regulated Beclin 1 levels within a few hours. Furthermore, progressively increasing amounts of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 were found to be complexed with Beclin 1, although total levels of Bcl-2 remained unchanged. Prolonged exposure to K5 ultimately led to apoptosis via mitochondrial membrane depolarization and caspase activation in endothelial cells. Knocking down Beclin 1 levels by RNA interference decreased K5 induced autophagy but accelerated K5-induced apoptosis. These studies suggest that interfering with the autophagic survival response can potentiate the antiangiogenic effects of Kringle 5 in endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tri Minh Bui Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 321 Church Street SE, Minnesota, MN 55455, USA
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604
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Tomimoto H, Yano S, Muguruma H, Kakiuchi S, Sone S. Levels of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 are elevated in the exudative pleural effusions. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2007; 54:146-53. [PMID: 17380026 DOI: 10.2152/jmi.54.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in the production of malignant pleural effusions. In the present study, we examined the levels of soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), as possible regulators of VEGF activity, in transudative and exudative pleural effusions. METHODS Forty-two patients were included in this study: 4 with transudative pleural effusions due to heart failure (HF), 38 with exudative pleural effusions (lung cancer [LC], 22; other malignant diseases [MD], 10; tuberculosis [TB], 6). The levels of VEGF, Ang-2, and sVEGFR-1 in the pleural effusions were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The levels of VEGF, Ang-2, and sVEGFR-1 in exudative effusions were higher than those in transudative effusions. Interestingly, the levels of VEGF and Ang-2 in bloody effusions were significantly higher than those in non-bloody effusions (p < 0.05), but the level of sVEGFR-1 in bloody effusions was lower than that in non-bloody effusions. The levels of VEGF and Ang-2 were significantly higher in the malignant effusions, compared with effusion from HF and TB (p < 0.05). In addition, sVEGFR-1 was significantly higher in the effusion from LC, MD, and TB compared with effusion from HF (p < 0.05). In the malignant effusions, direct correlations were observed among VEGF, sVEGFR-1, and Ang-2. CONCLUSIONS The sVEGFR-1 levels were elevated in exudative pleural effusions, and were lower in bloody effusions than in non-bloody effusions, thus suggesting the regulatory role of sVEGFR-1 in the exudative pleural effusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Tomimoto
- Department of Internal Medicine and Molecular Therapeutics, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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605
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Abstract
Advances in the understanding of glioma pathogenesis have led to increasing interest in the development of targeted molecular agents, and especially kinase inhibitors, for treatment of malignant gliomas. Protein kinases are a large family of enzymes that function as key regulators of cellular signaling pathways governing diverse functions, such as cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, invasion, angiogenesis and apoptosis in malignant gliomas. Preliminary clinical results with kinase inhibitors suggest that they are generally well-tolerated but have shown only modest activity. However, valuable information was obtained from these early clinical trials that will help the future development of these agents. This article reviews the important protein kinases in malignant gliomas, summarizes the existing clinical development of kinase inhibitors and discusses strategies to improve their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Chi
- Center For Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Shields-Warren 430D, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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606
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Takaoka Y, Ohta M, Ito A, Takamatsu K, Sugano A, Funakoshi K, Takaoka N, Sato N, Yokozaki H, Arizono N, Goto S, Maeda E. Electroacupuncture suppresses myostatin gene expression: cell proliferative reaction in mouse skeletal muscle. Physiol Genomics 2007; 30:102-10. [PMID: 17341691 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00057.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may provide patients with an alternative to traditional medicine, but an assessment of its efficacy is required. One CAM method, electroacupuncture (EA) treatment, is a maneuver that utilizes stimulation of acupuncture needles with a low-frequency microcurrent. To study the effect of short-term EA, we evaluated the differential expression of genes induced by EA in mouse skeletal muscle for up to 24 h. We then used RT-PCR to confirm the expression patterns of six differentially expressed genes. Bioinformatics analysis of their transcription control regions showed that EA-inducible genes have numerous common binding motifs that are related to cell differentiation, cell proliferation, muscle repair, and hyperplasia. These results suggested that EA treatment may induce cell proliferation in skeletal muscle. To verify this possibility, we used EA to stimulate mouse skeletal muscle daily for up to 1 mo and examined the long-term effects. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that nuclei of muscle cells treated with EA for 1 mo, especially nuclei of satellite cells, reacted with anti-human PCNA. Also, expression of the gene encoding myostatin, which is a growth repressor in muscle satellite cells, was suppressed by daily EA treatment for 1 wk; EA treatment for 1 mo resulted in more marked suppression of the gene. These molecular findings constitute strong evidence that EA treatment suppresses myostatin expression, which leads to a satellite cell-related proliferative reaction and repair in skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Takaoka
- Laboratory for Applied Genome Science, Clinical Genome Informatics Center, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
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607
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Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of adult blindness among individuals aged 50 and older in the Western world, with the neovascular form of AMD responsible for the most severe and rapid visual loss. Although monotherapy with currently available treatments can slow the rate of loss of vision in eyes with neovascular AMD, they do not significantly improve vision. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of neovascular AMD, and ranibizumab is a promising new treatment that targets all VEGF-A isoforms and their biologically active degradation products. Clinical trials have reported that ranibizumab treatment resulted in greater proportions of patients achieving a < 15 letter loss of visual acuity and improved vision at 12 and 24 months than control groups. The incidence of serious ocular and systemic adverse events was low in all ranibizumab trials to date. Currently, ranibizumab is the only treatment for neovascular AMD to demonstrate significant improvement in vision for many patients and represents a major advance in treating neovascular AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- P K Kaiser
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
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608
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Blanes MG, Oubaha M, Rautureau Y, Gratton JP. Phosphorylation of tyrosine 801 of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 is necessary for Akt-dependent endothelial nitric-oxide synthase activation and nitric oxide release from endothelial cells. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:10660-9. [PMID: 17303569 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m609048200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) release from endothelial cells is mediated through the activation of VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). Herein, we have attempted to determine which autophosphorylated tyrosine residue on the VEGFR-2 is essential for VEGF-mediated endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and NO production from endothelial cells. Tyrosine residues 801, 1175, and 1214 of the VEGFR-2 were mutated to phenylalanine, and the mutated receptors were analyzed for their ability to stimulate NO production. We show, both in COS-7 cells cotransfected with the VEGFR-2 mutants and eNOS and in bovine aortic endothelial cells, that the Y801F-VEGFR-2 mutant is unable to stimulate NO synthesis and eNOS activation in contrast to the wild type, Y1175F-VEGFR-2, and Y1214F-VEGFR-2. However, the Y801F mutant retains the capacity to activate phospholipase C-gamma in contrast to the Y1175F-VEGFR-2. Interestingly, the Y801F-VEGFR-2, in contrast to the wild type receptor, does not fully activate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase or recruit the p85 subunit upon receptor activation. This results in a complete incapacity of the Y801F-VEGFR-2 to stimulate Akt activation and eNOS phosphorylation on serine 1179 in endothelial cells. In addition, constitutive activation of Akt or a phosphomimetic mutant of eNOS (S1179D) fully rescues the inability of the Y801F-VEGFR-2 to induce NO release. Finally, we generated an antibody that specifically recognizes the phosphorylated form of tyrosine 801 of the VEGFR-2 and demonstrate that this residue is actively phosphorylated in response to VEGF stimulation of endothelial cells. We thus conclude that autophosphorylation of tyrosine residue 801 of the VEGFR-2 is essential for VEGF-stimulated NO production from endothelial cells, and this is primarily accomplished via the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt signaling to eNOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariela Garcia Blanes
- Laboratory of Endothelial Cell Biology, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1R7, Canada
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609
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Massaro D, Alexander E, Reiland K, Hoffman EP, Massaro GD, Clerch LB. Rapid onset of gene expression in lung, supportive of formation of alveolar septa, induced by refeeding mice after calorie restriction. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2007; 292:L1313-26. [PMID: 17237152 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00146.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar regenerative gene expression is unidentified partly because its onset, after a regenerative stimulus, is unknown. Toward addressing this void, we used a mouse model in which calorie restriction produces alveolar loss, and ad libitum access to food after calorie restriction induces alveolar regeneration. We selected four processes (cell replication, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and guided cell motion) that would be required to convert a flat segment of alveolar wall into a septum that increases gas-exchange surface area. Global gene expression supportive of processes required to form a septum was present within 3 h of allowing calorie-restricted mice food ad libitum. One hour after providing calorie-restricted mice food ad libitum, RNA-level expression supportive of cell replication was present with little evidence of expression supportive of angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, or guided cell motion. Cell replication was more directly assayed by measuring DNA synthesis in lung. This measurement was made 3 h after allowing calorie-restricted mice food ad libitum because translation may be delayed. Ad libitum food intake, following calorie restriction, elevated DNA synthesis. Thus RNA expression 1 h after allowing calorie-restricted mice food ad libitum supported increased cell replication; measurements at 3 h revealed increased DNA synthesis and RNA expression, supportive of the three other processes required to form a septum. These findings identify the first hour after providing calorie-restricted mice ad libitum access to food as the onset of gene expression in this model that supports processes needed for alveolar regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Massaro
- Lung Regeneration Laboratory, Department of 1Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20057-1481, USA.
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610
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Staton CA, Kumar I, Reed MWR, Brown NJ. Neuropilins in physiological and pathological angiogenesis. J Pathol 2007; 212:237-48. [PMID: 17503412 DOI: 10.1002/path.2182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (Np1) and neuropilin-2 (Np2) are transmembrane glycoproteins with large extracellular domains that interact with both class 3 semaphorins and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and are involved in the regulation of many physiological pathways, including angiogenesis. The neuropilins also interact directly with the classical receptors for VEGF, VEGF-R1 and -R2, mediating signal transduction. The heart, glomeruli and osteoblasts express both Np1 and Np2, but there is differential expression in the adult vasculature, with Np1 expressed mainly by arterial endothelium, whereas Np2 is only expressed by venous and lymphatic endothelium. Both neuropilins are commonly over-expressed in regions of physiological (wound-healing) and pathological (tumour) angiogenesis, but the signal transduction pathways, neuropilin-mediated gene expression and the definitive role of neuropilins in angiogenic processes are not fully characterized. This review details the current evidence for the role of neuropilins in angiogenesis, and suggests future research directions that may enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of action of this unique family of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Staton
- Microcirculation Research Group, Academic Unit of Surgical Oncology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
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611
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Bhisitkul RB. Vascular endothelial growth factor biology: clinical implications for ocular treatments. Br J Ophthalmol 2006; 90:1542-7. [PMID: 17114590 PMCID: PMC1857529 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2006.098426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have reached fruition with the recent development of intravitreal anti-VEGF treatments for exudative age-related macular degeneration. VEGF is a critical regulator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability with diverse roles, both pathological and physiological, during development and adulthood. The aim of this article is to review aspects of VEGF biology that may be relevant to the clinical use of anti-VEGF agents in ophthalmology: molecular characteristics and isoforms of VEGF; its roles in vasculogenesis, vascular maintenance and angiogenesis; systemic effects of VEGF inhibition; and properties of current anti-VEGF agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Bhisitkul
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beckman Vision Center, University of California San Francisco, 10 Koret Way, K301, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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612
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Li B, Tang SB, Hu J, Gao Y, Zhang G, Lin SF, Chen JH, Li BJ. Protective effects of transcription factor HESR1 on retinal vasculature. Microvasc Res 2006; 72:146-52. [PMID: 17028039 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2006.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2006] [Revised: 07/14/2006] [Accepted: 07/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
HESR1 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors regulated by the Notch signaling pathway in vertebrate and Drosophila embryos, and is related to the HES/Hairy/E (sp1) family. HESR1 is a downstream target of Notch in endothelial cells and could be an effector of Notch signaling in these cells. HESR1 is necessary for the induction of a tubular network and for continued maintenance of mature and quiescent blood vessels. To examine the role of HESR1 in retinal neovascularization, we transfected retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRCECs) with the HESR1 gene and studied its effects on the expression of angiogenic factors, on the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, and on the formation of tube-like structures (TLSs). Overexpression of HESR1 downregulated VEGFR-2 expression, upregulated occludin expression, inhibited the migration and proliferation of HRCECs, and inhibited the formation of TLSs. Thus, HESR1 plays a key role in the finely tuned network of molecules involved in the regulation of retinal vascular homeostasis. HESR1 seems to inhibit the vessel-promoting effects of VEGF, shift endothelial cells from a proliferative state to a quiescent state, and restore normal vessel structures. Expression of the HESR1 gene in retinal vascular endothelial cells may protect retinal blood vessels and may be useful in the treatment of diseases involving damage to the retinal vasculature, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Opthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
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613
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Pieramici DJ, Avery RL. Ranibizumab: treatment in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2006; 6:1237-45. [PMID: 17049020 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.6.11.1237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A is a major regulator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability implicated in the development of diseases involving pathological angiogenesis and increased vascular permeability, such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). LUCENTIS (ranibizumab), a humanized antigen-binding fragment (Fab) that neutralizes all VEGF-A isoforms and their biologically active degradation products, was recently approved by the FDA. Ranibizumab is the first FDA-approved treatment for neovascular AMD that maintains or improves vision in > or = 90% patients and provides a > or = 15-letter improvement in visual acuity for a quarter to a third of patients with all choroidal neovascularisation subtypes. Ranibizumab was associated with a < or = 1.7% rate of key serious ocular adverse events, such as endophthalmitis and uveitis, in two pivotal Phase III trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante J Pieramici
- The California Retina Consultants and Research Foundation, 515 East Micheltorena St, Suite C, Santa Barbara, California 93103, USA
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614
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Zeng Y, Opeskin K, Goad J, Williams ED. Tumor-Induced Activation of Lymphatic Endothelial Cells via Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 Is Critical for Prostate Cancer Lymphatic Metastasis. Cancer Res 2006; 66:9566-75. [PMID: 17018613 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-1488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer disseminates initially and primarily to regional lymph nodes. However, the nature of interactions between tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) is poorly understood. In the current study, we have isolated prostate LECs and developed a series of two-dimensional and three-dimensional in vitro coculture systems and in vivo orthotopic prostate cancer models to investigate the interactions of prostate cancer cells with prostate LECs. In vitro, highly lymph node metastatic prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3 and LNCaP) and their conditioned medium enhanced prostate LEC tube formation and migration, whereas poorly lymph node metastatic prostate cancer cells (DU145) or normal prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-1) or their conditioned medium had no effect. In vivo, the occurrence of lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis was observed in PC-3 and LNCaP xenografts but not in DU145 xenografts. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor (VEGFR)-2 is expressed by prostate LECs, and its ligands VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D are up-regulated in highly lymph node metastatic prostate cancer cells. Recombinant VEGF-A and VEGF-C, but not VEGF-C156S, potently promoted prostate LEC tube formation, migration, and proliferation in vitro, indicating that signaling via VEGFR-2 rather than VEGFR-3 is involved in these responses. Consistent with this, blockade of VEGFR-2 significantly reduced tumor-induced activation of LECs. These results show that the interaction of prostate tumor cells with LECs via VEGFR-2 modulates LEC behavior and is related to the ability of tumor cells to form lymph node metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Zeng
- Bernard O'Brien Institute of Microsurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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615
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Kaiser PK. Antivascular endothelial growth factor agents and their development: therapeutic implications in ocular diseases. Am J Ophthalmol 2006; 142:660-8. [PMID: 17011860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2006.05.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2006] [Revised: 05/16/2006] [Accepted: 06/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide an overview of angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and discusses the development approach, safety, and efficacy results of current and emerging anti-VEGF therapies for ocular diseases. DESIGN Analysis of literature and current clinical trials of antiangiogenic agents for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS Literature review. RESULTS There are several novel antiangiogenic molecules that target vascular endothelial growth factor and are being used in the management of AMD. Large scale, Phase III trials have shown promising results in improving vision in this devastating disease. CONCLUSIONS Therapies that target VEGF have shown tremendous promise as treatments for AMD.
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616
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Chun DW, Heier JS, Topping TM, Duker JS, Bankert JM. A Pilot Study of Multiple Intravitreal Injections of Ranibizumab in Patients with Center-Involving Clinically Significant Diabetic Macular Edema. Ophthalmology 2006; 113:1706-12. [PMID: 17011952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2006.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2005] [Revised: 03/30/2006] [Accepted: 04/05/2006] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the biologic activity of multiple intravitreal injections of ranibizumab in patients with center-involving clinically significant diabetic macular edema (DME) and to report any associated adverse events. DESIGN Single-center, open-label, dose-escalating pilot study. PARTICIPANTS A total of 10 eyes of 10 patients (mean age, 69.3 years [range, 59-81]) with DME involving the center of the macula and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the study eye between 20/63 and 20/400. INTERVENTION Three intravitreal injections of ranibizumab (0.3 mg or 0.5 mg each injection) administered on day 0, month 1, and month 2, and observation until month 24. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary end points were the frequency and severity of ocular and systemic adverse events. Secondary end points were BCVA and measurement of retinal thickness by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS Of the 10 patients enrolled, 5 received 0.3-mg and 5 received 0.5-mg ranibizumab. Intravitreal injections of ranibizumab were well tolerated. No systemic adverse events were reported. Five occurrences of mild to moderate ocular inflammation were reported. At month 3, 4 of 10 patients gained > or =15 letters, 5 of 10 gained > or =10 letters, and 8 of 10 gained > or =1 letters. At month 3, the mean decrease in retinal thickness of the center point of the central subfield was 45.3+/-196.3 microm for the low-dose group and 197.8+/-85.9 microm for the high-dose group. CONCLUSIONS Ranibizumab appears to be a well-tolerated therapy for patients with DME. This pilot study demonstrates that ranibizumab therapy has the potential to maintain or improve BCVA and reduce retinal thickness in patients with center-involved clinically significant DME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dal W Chun
- Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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617
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Abstract
Members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family are crucial regulators of neovascularization and are classified as cystine knot growth factors that specifically bind cellular receptor tyrosine kinases VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 with high but variable affinity and selectivity. The VEGF family has recently been expanded and currently comprises seven members: VEGF-A, VEGF-B, placenta growth factor (PlGF), VEGF-C, VEGF-D, viral VEGF (also known as VEGF-E), and snake venom VEGF (also known as VEGF-F). Although all members are structurally homologous, there is molecular diversity among the subtypes, and several isoforms, such as VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and PlGF, are generated by alternative exon splicing. These splicing isoforms exhibit differing properties, particularly in binding to co-receptor neuropilins and heparin. VEGF family proteins play multiple physiological roles, such as angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, while exogenous members (viral and snake venom VEGFs) display activities that are unique in physiology and function. This review will highlight the molecular and functional diversity of VEGF family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Yamazaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1 Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo, Japan
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618
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Uhlmann
- Department of Visceral, Transplantation, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University of Leipzig, Germany.
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619
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Sreekumar PG, Kannan R, de Silva AT, Burton R, Ryan SJ, Hinton DR. Thiol regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-A and its receptors in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2006; 346:1200-6. [PMID: 16793007 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2006] [Accepted: 06/03/2006] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the secretion and expression of VEGF-A and its receptors in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) under conditions of oxidative stress induced by glutathione (GSH) depletion. RPE cells were treated with 500 microM DL-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO) for varying times up to 24 h. Cellular GSH levels, GSH:GSSG ratios, VEGF-A mRNA and protein expression, as well as VEGF-A secretion, and VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 receptor expression were determined. Treatment with BSO caused a significant decrease in intracellular GSH and in GSH/GSSG ratios. Treatment with BSO increased VEGF-A mRNA linearly with time which was significant at 24h (p<0.01 vs untreated controls). An increase was also found for VEGF-A secretion with BSO treatment; incubation of RPE with GSH monoethyl ester (GSH-MEE) caused an 84% decrease in VEGF-A secretion. Further, thiol depletion by BSO caused a significant induction of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. Thus, our studies show that cellular redox status plays an important role in VEGF regulation in RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parameswaran G Sreekumar
- Arnold and Mabel Beckman Macular Research Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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620
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Abstract
Sustained angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of carcinogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a crucial molecule mediating proangiogenic signals against which a number of therapeutic approaches have been designed, such as monoclonal antibodies, small-molecule receptor kinase inhibitors, and nucleic acid inhibitors. The VEGF signaling pathway as a target in lung cancer therapy was validated by a randomized phase III study of platinum agent-based combination chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody against VEGF-A, in first-line, nonsquamous, metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. This trial demonstrated an improvement in overall survival among patients who received bevacizumab in comparison with those who received carboplatin and paclitaxel alone. In this review, we will discuss various aspects of this pivotal trial and highlight issues relevant to angiogenesis inhibition in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace K Dy
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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621
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Malemud CJ. Growth hormone, VEGF and FGF: involvement in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Chim Acta 2006; 375:10-9. [PMID: 16893535 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2006.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2006] [Revised: 06/28/2006] [Accepted: 06/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a systemic autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology, is characterized by dysfunctional cellular and humoral immunity, enhanced migration and attachment of peripheral macrophages and pro-inflammatory leukocytes to the synovium and articular cartilage of diarthrodial joints. The progressive destruction of cartilage and bone in RA is a result of elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression, synovial neovascularization, proteinase-mediated dissolution of articular cartilage matrix and osteoclast-mediated subchondral bone resorption. Juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) is disease with manifestations similar to adult RA that occurs in childhood. JCA usually causes precocious joint destruction and often also presents with evidence of growth plate anomalies and reduced stature. Three proteins play an integral role in both adult RA and JCA. These are somatotropin (also called pituitary growth hormone (GH)), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). GH is responsible for regulating long bone growth and skeletal maturation through its capacity to stimulate insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) synthesis by hepatocytes. Mechanisms responsible for growth plate disturbances and short stature in children with JCA include deficient GH production, GH-insensitivity resulting from defects in the GH receptor, suppressed IGF-1 synthesis or neutralization of IGF-1 action by IGF-1 binding proteins (IGFBPs). In addition, GH has also been implicated in perpetuating inflammation and pain in adult RA. VEGF has been shown to be the critical angiogenesis factor responsible for vascular proliferation and blood vessel invasion of the synovial lining membrane in RA. Acidic FGF (FGF-1) and basic FGF (FGF-2) have also been implicated in aberrant synoviocyte proliferation (i.e. synovial hyperplasia) and apoptosis resistance in adult RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Malemud
- Department of Medicine/Division of Rheumatic Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland, 2061 Cornell Road, Room 207 Cleveland, OH 44106-5076, USA.
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622
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Donahower B, McCullough SS, Kurten R, Lamps LW, Simpson P, Hinson JA, James LP. Vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte regeneration in acetaminophen toxicity. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2006; 291:G102-9. [PMID: 16565415 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00575.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
VEGF or VEGF-A is a major regulator of angiogenesis and has been recently shown to be important in organ repair. The potential role of VEGF in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity and recovery was investigated in B6C3F1 male mice. Mice were treated with APAP (300 mg/kg ip) and killed at various time points that reflect both the acute and recovery stages of toxicity. VEGF-A protein levels were increased 7-fold at 8 h and followed the development of hepatotoxicity. VEGF receptor 1, 2, and 3 (VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3, respectively) expression increased throughout the time course, with maximal expression at 48, 8, and 72 h, respectively. Treatment with the VEGF receptor inhibitor SU5416 (25 mg/kg ip at 3 h) had no effect on toxicity at 6 or 24 h. In further studies, the role of SU5416 on the late stages of toxicity was examined. Treatment of mice with APAP and SU5416 (25 mg/kg ip at 3 h) resulted in decreased expression of PCNA, a marker of cellular proliferation. Expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, a measure of small vessel density, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS), a downstream target of VEGFR2, were increased at 48 and 72 h following toxic doses of APAP, and treatment with SU5416 decreased their expression. These data indicate that endogenous VEGF is critically important to the process of hepatocyte regeneration in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Donahower
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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623
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Inoki I, Takuwa N, Sugimoto N, Yoshioka K, Takata S, Kaneko S, Takuwa Y. Negative regulation of endothelial morphogenesis and angiogenesis by S1P2 receptor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2006; 346:293-300. [PMID: 16756949 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.05.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2006] [Accepted: 05/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We speculated that the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor S1P(2), which uniquely inhibits cell migration, might mediate inhibitory effects on endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis, different from S1P(1) and S1P(3). Mouse vascular endothelial cells, which endogenously express S1P(2) and S1P(3), but not S1P(1), responded to S1P and epidermal growth factor (EGF) with stimulation of Rac, migration, and the formation of tube-like structures on the Matrigel. The S1P(3)-antagonist VPC-23019 abolished S1P-induced, G(i)-dependent Rac stimulation, cell migration, and tube formation, whereas the S1P(2)-antagonist JTE-013 enhanced these S1P-induced responses, suggesting that S1P(2) exerts inhibitory effects on endothelial Rac, migration, and angiogenesis. S1P(2) overexpression markedly augmented S1P-induced, G(i)-independent inhibition of EGF-induced migration and tube formation. Finally, the blockade of S1P(2) by JTE-013 potentiated S1P-induced stimulation of angiogenesis in vivo in the Matrigel implant assay. These observations indicate that in contrast to S1P(1) and S1P(3), S1P(2) negatively regulates endothelial morphogenesis and angiogenesis most likely through down-regulating Rac.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isao Inoki
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
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624
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Olsson AK, Dimberg A, Kreuger J, Claesson-Welsh L. VEGF receptor signalling - in control of vascular function. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2006; 7:359-71. [PMID: 16633338 DOI: 10.1038/nrm1911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2286] [Impact Index Per Article: 127.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth-factor receptors (VEGFRs) regulate the cardiovascular system. VEGFR1 is required for the recruitment of haematopoietic precursors and migration of monocytes and macrophages, whereas VEGFR2 and VEGFR3 are essential for the functions of vascular endothelial and lymphendothelial cells, respectively. Recent insights have shed light onto VEGFR signal transduction and the interplay between different VEGFRs and VEGF co-receptors in development, adult physiology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Karin Olsson
- Department of Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Dag Hammarskjöldv. 20, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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625
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Li E, Hristova K. Role of receptor tyrosine kinase transmembrane domains in cell signaling and human pathologies. Biochemistry 2006; 45:6241-51. [PMID: 16700535 PMCID: PMC4301406 DOI: 10.1021/bi060609y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) conduct biochemical signals via lateral dimerization in the plasma membrane, and their transmembrane (TM) domains play an important role in the dimerization process. Here we present two models of RTK-mediated signaling, and we discuss the role of the TM domains within the framework of these two models. We summarize findings of single-amino acid mutations in RTK TM domains that induce unregulated signaling and, as a consequence, pathological phenotypes. We review the current knowledge of pathology induction mechanisms due to these mutations, focusing on the structural and thermodynamic basis of pathogenic dimer stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD 21218
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD 21218
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626
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro R Moreno
- Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Cardiovascular Health Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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627
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Roy H, Bhardwaj S, Ylä-Herttuala S. Biology of vascular endothelial growth factors. FEBS Lett 2006; 580:2879-87. [PMID: 16631753 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2006.03.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 347] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2006] [Revised: 03/27/2006] [Accepted: 03/31/2006] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels are formed from existing vessels. The vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are considered as key molecules in the process of angiogenesis. The VEGF family currently includes VEGF-A, -B, -C, -D, -E, -F and placenta growth factor (PlGF), that bind in a distinct pattern to three structurally related receptor tyrosine kinases, denoted VEGF receptor-1, -2, and -3. VEGF-C and VEGF-D also play a crucial role in the process of lymphangiogenesis. Here, we review the biology of VEGFs and evaluate their role in pathological angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himadri Roy
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211, Kuopio, Finland
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628
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Cébe-Suarez S, Zehnder-Fjällman A, Ballmer-Hofer K. The role of VEGF receptors in angiogenesis; complex partnerships. Cell Mol Life Sci 2006; 63:601-15. [PMID: 16465447 PMCID: PMC2773843 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-005-5426-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) regulate blood and lymphatic vessel development and homeostasis but also have profound effects on neural cells. VEGFs are predominantly produced by endothelial, hematopoietic and stromal cells in response to hypoxia and upon stimulation with growth factors such as transforming growth factors, interleukins or platelet-derived growth factor. VEGFs bind to three variants of type III receptor tyrosine kinases, VEGF receptor 1, 2 and 3. Each VEGF isoform binds to a particular subset of these receptors giving rise to the formation of receptor homo- and heterodimers that activate discrete signaling pathways. Signal specificity of VEGF receptors is further modulated upon recruitment of coreceptors, such as neuropilins, heparan sulfate, integrins or cadherins. Here we summarize the knowledge accumulated since the discovery of these proteins more than 20 years ago with the emphasis on the signaling pathways activated by VEGF receptors in endothelial cells during cell migration, growth and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Cébe-Suarez
- Biomolecular Research, Molecular Cell Biology, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - A. Zehnder-Fjällman
- Biomolecular Research, Molecular Cell Biology, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - K. Ballmer-Hofer
- Biomolecular Research, Molecular Cell Biology, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
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629
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630
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631
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Gandolfi SA, Maier JA, Petronini PG, Wheeler KP, Borghetti AF. Multicomponent analysis of amino acid transport System L in normal and virus-transformed fibroblasts. Cell Death Differ 1987; 17:499-512. [PMID: 19834490 PMCID: PMC2822115 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2009.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling is critical for tumor angiogenesis. However, therapies based on the inhibition of VEGF receptors have shown modest results in patients with cancer. Surprisingly little is known about mechanisms underlying the regulation of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 expression, the main targets of these drugs. Here, analysis of tissue microarrays revealed an inversely reciprocal pattern of VEGF receptor regulation in the endothelium of human squamous cell carcinomas (high VEGFR1, low VEGFR2), as compared to the endothelium of control tissues (low VEGFR1, high VEGFR2). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that VEGF signals through the Akt/ERK pathway to inhibit constitutive ubiquitination and induce rapid VEGFR1 accumulation in endothelial cells. Surprisingly, VEGFR1 is primarily localized in the nucleus of endothelial cells. In contrast, VEGF signals through the JNK/c-Jun pathway to induce endocytosis, nuclear translocation, and downregulation of VEGFR2 via ubiquitination. VEGFR1 signaling is required for endothelial cell survival, while VEGFR2 regulates capillary tube formation. Notably, the antiangiogenic effect of Bevacizumab (anti-VEGF antibody) requires the normalization of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 levels in human squamous cell carcinomas vascularized with human blood vessels in immunodeficient mice. Collectively, this work demonstrate that VEGF-induced angiogenesis requires the inverse regulation of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 in tumor-associated endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Gandolfi
- Istituto di Oftalmologia Università di Parma, Italy
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