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Chappell JC, Cluceru JG, Nesmith JE, Mouillesseaux KP, Bradley VB, Hartland CM, Hashambhoy-Ramsay YL, Walpole J, Peirce SM, Mac Gabhann F, Bautch VL. Flt-1 (VEGFR-1) coordinates discrete stages of blood vessel formation. Cardiovasc Res 2016; 111:84-93. [PMID: 27142980 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvw091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS In developing blood vessel networks, the overall level of vessel branching often correlates with angiogenic sprout initiations, but in some pathological situations, increased sprout initiations paradoxically lead to reduced vessel branching and impaired vascular function. We examine the hypothesis that defects in the discrete stages of angiogenesis can uniquely contribute to vessel branching outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS Time-lapse movies of mammalian blood vessel development were used to define and quantify the dynamics of angiogenic sprouting. We characterized the formation of new functional conduits by classifying discrete sequential stages-sprout initiation, extension, connection, and stability-that are differentially affected by manipulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) signalling via genetic loss of the receptor flt-1 (vegfr1). In mouse embryonic stem cell-derived vessels genetically lacking flt-1, overall branching is significantly decreased while sprout initiations are significantly increased. Flt-1(-/-) mutant sprouts are less likely to retract, and they form increased numbers of connections with other vessels. However, loss of flt-1 also leads to vessel collapse, which reduces the number of new stable conduits. Computational simulations predict that loss of flt-1 results in ectopic Flk-1 signalling in connecting sprouts post-fusion, causing protrusion of cell processes into avascular gaps and collapse of branches. Thus, defects in stabilization of new vessel connections offset increased sprout initiations and connectivity in flt-1(-/-) vascular networks, with an overall outcome of reduced numbers of new conduits. CONCLUSIONS These results show that VEGF-A signalling has stage-specific effects on vascular morphogenesis, and that understanding these effects on dynamic stages of angiogenesis and how they integrate to expand a vessel network may suggest new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Chappell
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA Center for Heart and Regenerative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
| | - Julia G Cluceru
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jessica E Nesmith
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kevin P Mouillesseaux
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Vanessa B Bradley
- Center for Heart and Regenerative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
| | - Caitlin M Hartland
- Center for Heart and Regenerative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
| | - Yasmin L Hashambhoy-Ramsay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Joseph Walpole
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Shayn M Peirce
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Feilim Mac Gabhann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Victoria L Bautch
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Puddu A, Sanguineti R, Traverso CE, Viviani GL, Nicolò M. Response to anti-VEGF-A treatment of endothelial cells in vitro. Exp Eye Res 2016; 146:128-136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Arantes RVN, Cestari TM, Viscelli BA, Dionísio TJ, Garlet GP, Santos CF, de Assis GF, Taga R. Meloxicam temporally inhibits the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1 and VEGFR-2 during alveolar bone repair in rats. J Periodontol 2016; 86:162-72. [PMID: 25327303 DOI: 10.1902/jop.2014.140259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role during angiogenesis and bone repair. This study investigated whether the use of meloxicam alters bone repair via downregulation of VEGF and receptor expression. METHODS One hundred twenty male Wistar rats had their maxillary right incisor extracted. Animals were divided into a control group (CG; n = 60) and a meloxicam-treated group (TG; n = 60) that received either a single daily intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% NaCl or meloxicam 3 mg/kg, respectively, for 7 consecutive days. Alveolar bone repair was evaluated histomorphometrically, whereas VEGF and its receptors were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test with P < 0.05. RESULTS Bone volume density increased significantly (P = 0.001) in both groups with a strong correlation between treatment and periods (P = 0.003). In the TG, a small amount of bone formation occurred compared with the CG between 3 and 21 days. No significant differences in the number of VEGF-positive cells per square millimeter (P = 0.07) and VEGF messenger RNA (mRNA) expression (P = 0.49) were found between groups. Immunostained cells per square millimeter and mRNA expression for VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-1 (P = 0.04 and P < 0.001) and VEGFR-2 (P < 0.001 for both analysis) showed a strong interaction between treatment groups and periods. In the TG, immunostained cells per square millimeter and mRNA expression for VEGFR-1 were, respectively, 89% and 37% lower from 3 to 10 days compared with the CG, whereas for VEGFR-2, these values were 252% and 60%, respectively, from 3 to 7 days. CONCLUSION In rat alveolar bone repair, meloxicam did not affect VEGF expression but downregulated VEGFR expression, which may cause a delay in the bone repair/remodeling process.
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Sargent KM, Clopton DT, Lu N, Pohlmeier WE, Cupp AS. VEGFA splicing: divergent isoforms regulate spermatogonial stem cell maintenance. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:31-45. [PMID: 26553653 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite being well-known for regulating angiogenesis in both normal and tumorigenic environments, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) has been recently implicated in male fertility, namely in the maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC). The VEGFA gene can be spliced into multiple distinct isoforms that are either angiogenic or antiangiogenic in nature. Although studies have demonstrated the alternative splicing of VEGFA, including the divergent roles of the two isoform family types, many investigations do not differentiate between them. Data concerning VEGFA in the mammalian testis are limited, but the various angiogenic isoforms appear to promote seminiferous cord formation and to form a gradient across which cells may migrate. Treatment with either antiangiogenic isoforms of VEGFA or with inhibitors to angiogenic signaling impair these processes. Serendipitously, expression of KDR, the primary receptor for both types of VEGFA isoforms, was observed on male germ cells. These findings led to further investigation of the way that VEGFA elicits avascular functions within testes. Following treatment of donor perinatal male mice with either antiangiogenic VEGFA165b or angiogenic VEGFA164 isoforms, seminiferous tubules were less colonized following transplantation with cells from VEGFA165b-treated donors. Thus, VEGFA165b and possibly other antiangiogenic isoforms of VEGFA reduce SSC number either by promoting premature differentiation, inducing cell death, or by preventing SSC formation. Thus, angiogenic isoforms of VEGFA are hypothesized to promote SSC self-renewal, and the divergent isoforms are thought to balance one another to maintain SSC homeostasis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Sargent
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Debra T Clopton
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Ningxia Lu
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - William E Pohlmeier
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA.
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Chen G, Hao B, Ju D, Liu M, Zhao H, Du Z, Xia J. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of triptolide-loaded liposome hydrogel patch under microneedles on rats with collagen-induced arthritis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2015; 5:569-76. [PMID: 26713272 PMCID: PMC4675819 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triptolide (TP), a major active component of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.F. (TWHF), is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it has a narrow therapeutic window due to its serious toxicities. To increase the therapeutic index, a new triptolide-loaded transdermal delivery system, named triptolide-loaded liposome hydrogel patch (TP-LHP), has been developed. In this paper, we used a micro-needle array to deliver TP-LHP to promote transdermal absorption and evaluated this treatment on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TP-LHP in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The pharmacokinetic results showed that transdermal delivery of microneedle TP-LHP yielded plasma drug levels which fit a one-compartment open model. The relationship equation between plasma concentration and time was C=303.59×(e−0.064t−e−0.287t). The results of pharmacodynamic study demonstrated that TP-LHP treatment mitigated the degree of joint swelling and suppressed the expressions of fetal liver kinase-1, fetal liver tyrosine kinase-4 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in synovium. Other indicators were also reduced by TP-LHP, including hyperfunction of immune, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 levels in serum. The therapeutic mechanism of TP-LHP might be regulation of the balance between Th1 and Th2, as well as inhibition of the expression and biological effects of vascular endothelial growth factor.
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Goi M, Childs SJ. Patterning mechanisms of the sub-intestinal venous plexus in zebrafish. Dev Biol 2015; 409:114-128. [PMID: 26477558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Despite considerable interest in angiogenesis, organ-specific angiogenesis remains less well characterized. The vessels that absorb nutrients from the yolk and later provide blood supply to the developing digestive system are primarily venous in origin. In zebrafish, these are the vessels of the Sub-intestinal venous plexus (SIVP) and they represent a new candidate model to gain an insight into the mechanisms of venous angiogenesis. Unlike other vessel beds in zebrafish, the SIVP is not stereotypically patterned and lacks obvious sources of patterning information. However, by examining the area of vessel coverage, number of compartments, proliferation and migration speed we have identified common developmental steps in SIVP formation. We applied our analysis of SIVP development to obd mutants that have a mutation in the guidance receptor PlexinD1. obd mutants show dysregulation of nearly all parameters of SIVP formation. We show that the SIVP responds to a unique combination of pathways that control both arterial and venous growth in other systems. Blocking Shh, Notch and Pdgf signaling has no effect on SIVP growth. However Vegf promotes sprouting of the predominantly venous plexus and Bmp promotes outgrowth of the structure. We propose that the SIVP is a unique model to understand novel mechanisms utilized in organ-specific angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Goi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1
| | - Sarah J Childs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1.
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Zhou K, Ma Y, Brogan MS. Chronic and non-healing wounds: The story of vascular endothelial growth factor. Med Hypotheses 2015; 85:399-404. [PMID: 26138626 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of the chronicity and non-healing status of wounds remains unknown. This paper presents the following hypothesis: abnormal patterns of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) are the culprits of wound chronicity and non-healing. More specifically, for patients with poor circulation, the decreased VEGFR-2 level is the cause of poor wound healing; for patients with non-compromised circulation, for example, patients with concurrent chronic wounds and active autoimmune diseases, the increased VEGFR-1 level is related to the non-healing status of wounds. The hypothesis is supported by the following facts. VEGFR-1 is the main contributor for inflammation and VEGFR-2 facilitates angiogenesis; soluble VEGFR-1 (sVEGFR-1) inactivates both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. Patients with auto-immune disease have abnormally increased VEGFR-1 and decreased sVEGFR. Wounds in patients with active autoimmune diseases have poor response to electric stimulation which facilitates chronic wound healing in patients without active autoimmune diseases via increasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion. Patients with chronic wounds (including diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers) but no active autoimmune diseases have decreased VEGFR-2 levels. We thus believe that abnormal patterns of VEGFRs are the culprits of wound chronicity and non-healing. For wounds with compromised circulation, VEGFR-2 decrease contributes to its chronicity; whereas for wounds with non-compromised circulation, VEGFR-1 increase is the leading cause of the non-healing status of chronic wounds. Treatments and research in wound care should be tailored to target these changes based on circulation status of wounds. Complete elucidation of changes of VEGFRs in chronic and non-healing wounds will enhance our understandings in tissue healing and thus better our selection of appropriate treatments for chronic and non-healing wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehua Zhou
- Department of Health Care Studies, Daemen College, Amherst, NY 14226, USA; Daemen College Physical Therapy Wound Care Clinic, Daemen College, Amherst, NY 14226, USA.
| | - Yan Ma
- Division of Interdisciplinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Internal Medicine and Sleep Center, Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, China.
| | - Michael S Brogan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Daemen College, Amherst, NY 14226, USA.
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Wang Z, Tao J, Zhang Q, Wei M. Effect of oxygen and glucose deprivation on VEGF and its receptors in microvascular endothelial cells co-cultured with mast cells. Cell Biol Int 2015; 39:1016-25. [PMID: 25850685 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between angiogenesis and the differential expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors in myocardial microvascular endothelial cells (MMVECs) co-cultured with mast cells (MCs) or mast cell granules (MCGs) under oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). MMVECs and MCs were isolated from Wistar rats. MCs spontaneously degranulated in OGD. The expression of VEGF peaked at 8 h and decreased from 16 h in OGD. However, the expression of its receptor, fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1), and fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1), decreased significantly, and angiogenic potential of MMVECs decreased in OGD. Expression of VEGF, Flt-1, and Flk-1 increased significantly when MMVECs were co-cultured with MCGs or active MCs, but MCs had only a limited ability to induce angiogenesis in OGD. The angiogenic potential of MMVECs cultured in OGD (even with MCGs) was inferior to that of MMVECs cultured under normoxic conditions. OGD have a profound effect on angiogenesis, which is more pronounced than the effect of MCs on angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Shanghai Sixth Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 600 Yin shan Road, Shanghai, 200223, China.,Division of Cardiology, Yancheng First Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | | | | | - Meng Wei
- Division of Cardiology, Shanghai Sixth Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 600 Yin shan Road, Shanghai, 200223, China
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Abstract
Blood and lymphatic vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients, remove waste and CO2, and regulate interstitial pressure in tissues and organs. These vessels begin life early in embryogenesis using transcription factors and signaling pathways that regulate differentiation, morphogenesis, and proliferation. Here we describe how these vessels develop in the mouse embryo, and the signals that are important to their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Bautch
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Kathleen M Caron
- McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
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Zhao HL, Yang F, Huang X, Zhou QH. Overview of fundamental study of pazopanib in cancer. Thorac Cancer 2014; 5:487-93. [PMID: 26767042 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.12136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is an indispensible process for tumor growth and metastasis. Anti-angiogenesis based therapy is one of the most promising treatments for inhibiting cancer progression. Through the exploration of inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2, deemed as the major angiogenesis pathway, pazopanib was found as a small molecular pan-VEGFR and pan-platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) inhibitor, with suitable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters to be an oral drug. In an vitro study, pazopanib exerted anti-tumor effect through mechanisms including the Raf-MAPK/ERK (MEK)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, and directly targeted on v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (B-raf) as well. It inhibited the proliferation of cell lines, such as DU-145 and HRC-45 in hepatocellular carcinoma, through mechanisms like "cell cycle arrest." In vivo xenograft studies and phase I/II clinical trials revealed a series of plasma cytokine and angiogenic factors, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and soluble VEGFR2, which have significant association with clinical curative effect. Pazopanib has been shown to be effective in solid tumors and some hematological malignancies. Future studies should focus on the exploration of biomarkers to screen sensitive patients and concomitant or metronomic dosage with other kinds of medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Lin Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Tianjin, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases, Ministry of Education Beijing, China; Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qing-Hua Zhou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Tianjin, China
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He J, Wang R, Zhang D, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Zhao J. Expression of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor-antagonizing cytokines and vascular stabilizing factors prior to and following bypass surgery in patients with moyamoya disease. Exp Ther Med 2014; 8:302-308. [PMID: 24944638 PMCID: PMC4061224 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2014.1713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-antagonizing cytokines and VEGF-influenced vascular stabilizing cytokines in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) and the association with postoperative collateral vessel formation. The study population included 53 MMD patients that had undergone indirect bypass surgery and 50 healthy controls. Serum levels of VEGF, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), TSP-2, soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1), sVEGFR-2, endostatin, angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and Ang-2 were measured at the baseline (preoperative) and at day seven following surgery. Postoperative collateralization assessment was conducted upon the six-month follow-up cerebral angiography. Cytokine levels were compared between patients with good or poor collateral formation. Compared with the healthy controls, MMD patients exhibited lower baseline levels of sVEGFR-1 (P<0.0001) and sVEGFR-2 (P<0.0001), but higher VEGF expression (P<0.0001). Ang-1 and Ang-2 levels did not exhibit any difference between the two groups. On day seven following surgery, MMD patients exhibited an almost unchanged sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 expression level, but upregulated expression of VEGF (P<0.0001), Ang-1 (P<0.0001) and TSP-2 (P<0.0001). The six-month follow-up angiographies revealed that 21 patients (45.65%) that had undergone the same surgical procedure achieved good collateralization. Patients with good collateral formation appeared to have lower sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 levels prior to (P=0.029 and P=0.045, respectively) and at day seven (P=0.044 and P=0.047, respectively) following bypass surgery when compared with the patients with worse collateralization. Therefore, sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 may play a role in the pathogenesis of MMD. Lower levels of sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 indicated better postoperative collateralization in the six months following indirect bypass surgery. However, Ang-1 and Ang-2 may not be specifically involved in the course of MMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Jizong Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
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Sbragia L, Nassr ACC, Gonçalves FLL, Schmidt AF, Zuliani CC, Garcia PV, Gallindo RM, Pereira LAV. VEGF receptor expression decreases during lung development in congenital diaphragmatic hernia induced by nitrofen. Braz J Med Biol Res 2014; 47:171-8. [PMID: 24519134 PMCID: PMC4051183 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20133221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in pulmonary vessels have
been described in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and may contribute to
the development of pulmonary hypoplasia and hypertension; however, how the
expression of VEGF receptors changes during fetal lung development in CDH is not
understood. The aim of this study was to compare morphological evolution with
expression of VEGF receptors, VEGFR1 (Flt-1) and VEGFR2 (Flk-1), in
pseudoglandular, canalicular, and saccular stages of lung development in normal
rat fetuses and in fetuses with CDH. Pregnant rats were divided into four groups
(n=20 fetuses each) of four different gestational days (GD) 18.5, 19.5, 20.5,
21.5: external control (EC), exposed to olive oil (OO), exposed to 100 mg
nitrofen, by gavage, without CDH (N-), and exposed to nitrofen with CDH (CDH) on
GD 9.5 (term=22 days). The morphological variables studied were: body weight
(BW), total lung weight (TLW), left lung weight, TLW/BW ratio, total lung
volume, and left lung volume. The histometric variables studied were: left lung
parenchymal area density and left lung parenchymal volume. VEGFR1 and VEGFR2
expression were determined by Western blotting. The data were analyzed using
analysis of variance with the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test. CDH
frequency was 37% (80/216). All the morphological and histometric variables were
reduced in the N- and CDH groups compared with the controls, and reductions were
more pronounced in the CDH group (P<0.05) and more evident on GD 20.5 and GD
21.5. Similar results were observed for VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 expression. We
conclude that N- and CDH fetuses showed primary pulmonary hypoplasia, with a
decrease in VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Sbragia
- Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, Departamento de Cirurgia e Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão PretoSP, Brasil, Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, Departamento de Cirurgia e Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - A C C Nassr
- Departamento de Hidrobiologia do Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São CarlosSP, Brasil, Departamento de Hidrobiologia do Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - F L L Gonçalves
- Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, Departamento de Cirurgia e Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão PretoSP, Brasil, Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, Departamento de Cirurgia e Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - A F Schmidt
- Pediatrics House Office, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, CincinnatiOH, USA, Pediatrics House Office, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - C C Zuliani
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, CampinasSP, Brasil, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - P V Garcia
- Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, CampinasSP, Brasil, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - R M Gallindo
- Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, Departamento de Cirurgia e Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão PretoSP, Brasil, Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, Departamento de Cirurgia e Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - L A V Pereira
- Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, CampinasSP, Brasil, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brasil
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Chowdhury HR, Patel N, Sivaprasad S. Ocular neovascularization: potential for the angiopoietin/Tie-2 pathway. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/17469899.4.1.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will examine developmental angiogenesis and tumor-related changes to endothelial cells. RECENT FINDINGS Processes that govern developmental angiogenesis become dysfunctional in the tumor environment, leading to abnormal tumor endothelial cells and blood vessels. Recent findings suggest that tumor endothelial cells are permanently modified compared with normal counterparts. SUMMARY Coordination of numerous intracellular and extracellular programs promotes the formation of new blood vessels that are necessary for both development and certain diseases. Developmental angiogenesis uses canonical signaling modalities to effectively assemble endothelial cells into predictable vessel structures, and disruption of critical signaling factors has dramatic effects on blood vessel development. Solid tumors co-opt developmental cues to promote formation of tumor vessels that sustain their growth, but these angiogenic signals are not well regulated and produce endothelial cell dysfunction. Aberrant growth factor signaling contributes to phenotypic changes and acquired irreversible intracellular signaling, cytoskeletal and genetic modifications in endothelial cells of tumor vessels. Permanently altered tumor endothelial cells may represent a significant population.
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Law AYS, Wong CKC. Stanniocalcin-1 and -2 promote angiogenic sprouting in HUVECs via VEGF/VEGFR2 and angiopoietin signaling pathways. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 374:73-81. [PMID: 23664860 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The members of stanniocalcins (STCs: STC-1 and STC-2) family are known to be involved in tumor progression and metastasis. Although current evidences suggest the involvement of STCs in vascular biology, the functional roles of STCs in angiogenesis have not yet been elucidated. The objective of this study was to decipher the roles of STCs in angiogenesis of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). We prepared STC1 or STC2 lentiviral particles to transduce the cells to reveal their effects on the processes of cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. The stimulatory effects of STCs on these processes were demonstrated, supporting the notion of STCs in angiogenesis. To dissect the molecular components involved, STC1 or STC2 transduction led to significant increases in the expression levels of cell cycle regulators (i.e. cyclin-D and phospho-retinoblastoma), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 but a decrease of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMP)-1. The expression levels of the cell adhesion/junctional proteins vimentin and VE-cadherin, were significantly induced. Moreover the transduction induced both mRNA and protein levels of eNOS, VEGF and VEGFR2 (KDR mRNA and pKDR), highlighting the stimulatory effects of STCs on VEGF-signaling pathway. Furthermore STC2 transduction but not STC1, activated angiopoietin (Ang)-2 pathway. Taken together, STC1 and STC2 play positive roles in angiogenic sprouting. The action of STC1 was mediated via VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway while STC2 were mediated via VEGF/VEGFR2 and Ang-2 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Y S Law
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
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Chappell JC, Mouillesseaux KP, Bautch VL. Flt-1 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1) is essential for the vascular endothelial growth factor-Notch feedback loop during angiogenesis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2013; 33:1952-9. [PMID: 23744993 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.113.301805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling induces Notch signaling during angiogenesis. Flt-1/VEGF receptor-1 negatively modulates VEGF signaling. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that disrupted Flt-1 regulation of VEGF signaling causes Notch pathway defects that contribute to dysmorphogenesis of Flt-1 mutant vessels. APPROACH AND RESULTS Wild-type and flt-1(-/-) mouse embryonic stem cell-derived vessels were exposed to pharmacological and protein-based Notch inhibitors with and without added VEGF. Vessel morphology, endothelial cell proliferation, and Notch target gene expression levels were assessed. Similar pathway manipulations were performed in developing vessels of zebrafish embryos. Notch inhibition reduced flt-1(-/-) embryonic stem cell-derived vessel branching dysmorphogenesis and endothelial hyperproliferation, and rescue of flt-1(-/-) vessels was accompanied by a reduction in elevated Notch targets. Surprisingly, wild-type vessel morphogenesis and proliferation were unaffected by Notch suppression, Notch targets in wild-type endothelium were unchanged, and Notch suppression perturbed zebrafish intersegmental vessels but not caudal vein plexuses. In contrast, exogenous VEGF caused wild-type embryonic stem cell-derived vessel and zebrafish intersegmental vessel dysmorphogenesis that was rescued by Notch blockade. CONCLUSIONS Elevated Notch signaling downstream of perturbed VEGF signaling contributes to aberrant flt-1(-/-) blood vessel formation. Notch signaling may be dispensable for blood vessel formation when VEGF signaling is below a critical threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Chappell
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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VEGF promotes proliferation of human glioblastoma multiforme stem-like cells through VEGF receptor 2. ScientificWorldJournal 2013; 2013:417413. [PMID: 23533349 PMCID: PMC3603324 DOI: 10.1155/2013/417413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells, which have been described as tumor-initiating cells or tumor-propagating cells, play a crucial role in our fundamental understanding of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and its recurrence. GBM is a lethal cancer, characterized by florid vascularization and aberrantly elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF promotes tumorigenesis and angiogenesis of human GBM stem-like cells (GBSCs). However, whether and how VEGF contributes to GBSCs proliferation remain largely uncertain. In this study, human GBSCs were isolated from surgical specimens of glioblastoma and cultured in medium favored for stem cell growth. Neural Colony-Forming Cell Assay and ATP assay were performed to measure GBSC proliferation under normoxia (20% O2) and hypoxia (1% O2). Our observations demonstrate that exogenous VEGF stimulates GBSC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner via VEGF Receptor 2 (VEGFR2); while VEGF Receptor 1 (VEGFR1) has a negative feedback effect on VEGFR2 when cells were exposed to higher concentration of VEGF. These results suggest that suppressing VEGFR2-dependent GBSC proliferation is a potentially therapeutic strategy in GBM.
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Epicardial HIF signaling regulates vascular precursor cell invasion into the myocardium. Dev Biol 2013; 376:136-49. [PMID: 23384563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Revised: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During cardiogenesis, a subset of epicardial cells undergoes epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) and the resulting epicardial-derived cells (EPDCs) contribute to the formation of coronary vessels. Our previous data showed hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression at specific sites within the epicardium and support a link between hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) and the patterning of coronary vasculogenesis. To better understand the autocrine role of HIFs in the epicardium, we transduced adenovirus mediated expression of constitutively active HIF-1α (AdcaHIF1α) into the embryonic avian epicardium where the vascular precursors reside. We found that introducing caHIF1α into the epicardial mesothelium prevented EPDCs from proper migration into the myocardium. In vitro collagen gel assays and ex vivo organ culture data further confirmed that infection with AdcaHIF1α impaired the ability of EPDCs to invade. However, the proficiency of epicardial cells to undergo EMT was enhanced while the movement of EPDCs within the sub-epicardium and their differentiation into smooth muscle cells were not disrupted by caHIF1α. We also showed that the transcript level of Flt-1 (VEGFR1), which can act as a VEGF signaling inhibitor, increased several fold after introducing caHIF1α into epicardial cells. Blocking the activation of the VEGF pathway in epicardial cells recapitulated the inhibition of EPDC invasion. These results suggest that caHIF1α mediated up-regulation of Flt-1, which blocks the activation of the VEGF pathway, is responsible for the inhibition of EPDC myocardial migration. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that HIF signaling potentially regulates the degree of epicardial EMT and the extent of EPDC migration into the myocardium, both of which are likely critical in patterning the coronary vasculature during early cardiac vasculogenesis. These signals could explain why the larger coronaries appear and remain on the epicardial surface.
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Lech-Maranda E, Bienvenu J, Broussais-Guillaumot F, Michallet AS, Warzocha K, Biliński P, Boyle P, Coiffier B, Salles G. Pretreatment Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Plasma Predict a Complete Remission Rate and Time to Relapse or Progression in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2013; 61:165-74. [DOI: 10.1007/s00005-012-0215-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Hassel D, Cheng P, White MP, Ivey KN, Kroll J, Augustin HG, Katus HA, Stainier DYR, Srivastava D. MicroRNA-10 regulates the angiogenic behavior of zebrafish and human endothelial cells by promoting vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. Circ Res 2012; 111:1421-33. [PMID: 22955733 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.112.279711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Formation and remodeling of the vasculature during development and disease involve a highly conserved and precisely regulated network of attractants and repellants. Various signaling pathways control the behavior of endothelial cells, but their posttranscriptional dose titration by microRNAs is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To identify microRNAs that regulate angiogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS We show that the highly conserved microRNA family encoding miR-10 regulates the behavior of endothelial cells during angiogenesis by positively titrating proangiogenic signaling. Knockdown of miR-10 led to premature truncation of intersegmental vessel growth in the trunk of zebrafish larvae, whereas overexpression of miR-10 promoted angiogenic behavior in zebrafish and cultured human umbilical venous endothelial cells. We found that miR-10 functions, in part, by directly regulating the level of fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1), a cell-surface protein that sequesters vascular endothelial growth factor, and its soluble splice variant sFLT1. The increase in FLT1/sFLT1 protein levels upon miR-10 knockdown in zebrafish and in human umbilical venous endothelial cells inhibited the angiogenic behavior of endothelial cells largely by antagonizing vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 signaling. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides insights into how FLT1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 signaling is titrated in a microRNA-mediated manner and establishes miR-10 as a potential new target for the selective modulation of angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hassel
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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72
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Abstract
VEGF-A signaling is required for almost every aspect of vascular development, and it is a major regulator of vessel morphogenesis and patterning. VEGF-A perturbations are associated with severe vascular defects and lethality, and the pathway is coopted in pathological scenarios, including tumor angiogenesis. This review focuses on the roles of VEGF-A signaling during vessel development and patterning. I review the impact of VEGF-A signaling on endothelial cells in developing vessels, with emphasis on the importance of spatial regulation of several pathway components. I also discuss VEGF-A signaling patterns at the level of the vessel, with a focus on how polarity is set up and maintained in several vessel axes. The role of VEGF-A in patterning vessels relative to tissues and organs is also reviewed, with emphasis on neurovascular patterning and patterning at the embryonic midline.
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73
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Hou J, Kang YJ. Regression of pathological cardiac hypertrophy: signaling pathways and therapeutic targets. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 135:337-54. [PMID: 22750195 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a key risk factor for heart failure. It is associated with increased interstitial fibrosis, cell death and cardiac dysfunction. The progression of pathological cardiac hypertrophy has long been considered as irreversible. However, recent clinical observations and experimental studies have produced evidence showing the reversal of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Left ventricle assist devices used in heart failure patients for bridging to transplantation not only improve peripheral circulation but also often cause reverse remodeling of the geometry and recovery of the function of the heart. Dietary supplementation with physiologically relevant levels of copper can reverse pathological cardiac hypertrophy in mice. Angiogenesis is essential and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a constitutive factor for the regression. The action of VEGF is mediated by VEGF receptor-1, whose activation is linked to cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase-1 (PKG-1) signaling pathways, and inhibition of cyclic GMP degradation leads to regression of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Most of these pathways are regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor. Potential therapeutic targets for promoting the regression include: promotion of angiogenesis, selective enhancement of VEGF receptor-1 signaling pathways, stimulation of PKG-1 pathways, and sustention of hypoxia-inducible factor transcriptional activity. More exciting insights into the regression of pathological cardiac hypertrophy are emerging. The time of translating the concept of regression of pathological cardiac hypertrophy to clinical practice is coming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianglong Hou
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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van den Akker NMS, Caolo V, Molin DGM. Cellular decisions in cardiac outflow tract and coronary development: an act by VEGF and NOTCH. Differentiation 2012; 84:62-78. [PMID: 22683047 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2012.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Revised: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Congenital cardiac abnormalities are, due to their relatively high frequency and severe impact on quality of life, an important focus in cardiovascular research. Recently, various human studies have revealed a high coincidence of VEGF and NOTCH polymorphisms with cardiovascular outflow tract anomalies, such as bicuspid aortic valves and Tetralogy of Fallot, next to predisposition for cardiovascular pathologies, including atherosclerosis and aortic valve calcification. This genetic association between VEGF/NOTCH mutations and congenital cardiovascular defects in humans has been supported by substantial proof from animal models, revealing interaction of both pathways in cellular processes that are crucial for cardiac development. This review focuses on the role of VEGF and NOTCH signaling and their interplay in cardiogenesis with special interest to coronary and outflow tract development. An overview of the association between congenital malformations and VEGF/NOTCH polymorphisms in humans will be discussed along with their potential mechanisms and processes as revealed by transgenic mouse models. The molecular and cellular interaction of VEGF and subsequent Notch-signaling in these processes will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nynke M S van den Akker
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Matsumoto K, Azami T, Otsu A, Takase H, Ishitobi H, Tanaka J, Miwa Y, Takahashi S, Ema M. Study of normal and pathological blood vessel morphogenesis in Flt1-tdsRed BAC Tg mice. Genesis 2012; 50:561-71. [PMID: 22489010 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Revised: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Blood vessel development and network patterning are controlled by several signaling molecules, including VEGF, FGF, TGF-ß, and Ang-1,2. Among these, the role of VEGF-A signaling in vessel morphogenesis is best understood. The biological activity of VEGF-A depends on its reaction with specific receptors Flt1 and Flk1. Roles of VEGF-A signaling in endothelial cell proliferation, migration, survival, vascular permeability, and induction of tip cell filopodia have been reported. In this study, we have generated Flt1-tdsRed BAC transgenic (Tg) mice to monitor Flt1 gene expression during vascular development. We show that tdsRed fluorescence is observed within blood vessels of adult mice and embryos, indicative of retinal angiogenesis and tumor angiogenesis. Flt1 expression recapitulated by Flt1-tdsRed BAC Tg mice overlapped well with Flk1, while Flt1 was expressed more abundantly in endothelial cells of large blood vessels such as dorsal aorta and presumptive stalk cells in retina, providing a unique model to study blood vessel development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Matsumoto
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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Kleiman A, Keats EC, Chan NG, Khan ZA. Evolution of hemangioma endothelium. Exp Mol Pathol 2012; 93:264-72. [PMID: 22565125 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2012.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Infantile hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor, characterized by a unique life cycle consisting of rapid growth and spontaneous regression. Three distinct phases (proliferating, involuting, and involuted) take place over the course of approximately 5-8 years, with specific cell types defining each separate phase. The origin of the cells comprising hemangiomas has been deliberated over since the late 1800s. We have recently provided experimental evidence that hemangiomas arise from multipotent stem cells. These hemangioma stem cells that give rise to the endothelial cells are also the essential source of adipocytes during hemangioma involution. The molecular mechanisms that regulate the differentiation of the hemangioma stem cells remain unclear. Although recent studies have elucidated a number of signaling pathways underlying hemangioma pathogenesis, many unanswered questions remain. Herein, we review the unique cellular composition of infantile hemangioma, as well as some of the signaling pathways active within hemangioma-genesis. Understanding the mechanisms behind changes in cellular fate throughout the hemangioma growth pattern will not only provide insight into the stem cell population that resides within the tumor, but will help to establish more effective eradicating therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Kleiman
- Department of Pathology, University of Western Ontario, London ON, Canada
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Lin C, Wu M, Dong J. Quercetin-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (QODG) inhibits angiogenesis by suppressing VEGFR2-mediated signaling in zebrafish and endothelial cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31708. [PMID: 22348123 PMCID: PMC3278463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes. Identification of small molecules that block angiogenesis and are safe and affordable has been a challenge in drug development. Hypericum attenuatum Choisy is a Chinese herb medicine commonly used for treating hemorrhagic diseases. The present study investigates the anti-angiogenic effects of quercetin-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (QODG), a flavonoid isolated from Hypericum attenuatum Choisy, in vivo and in vitro, and clarifies the underlying mechanism of the activity. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Tg(fli1:EGFP) transgenic zebrafish embryos were treated with different concentrations of quercetin-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (QODG) (20, 60, 180 µM) from 6 hours post fertilisation (hpf) to 72 hpf, and adult zebrafish were allowed to recover in different concentrations of QODG (20, 60, 180 µM) for 7 days post amputation (dpa) prior morphological observation and angiogenesis phenotypes assessment. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with or without VEGF and different concentrations of QODG (5, 20, 60, 180 µM), then tested for cell viability, cell migration, tube formation and apoptosis. The role of VEGFR2-mediated signaling pathway in QODG-inhibited angiogenesis was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Quercetin-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (QODG) was shown to inhibit angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and zebrafish in vivo via suppressing VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2. Our results further indicate that QODG inhibits angiogenesis via inhibition of VEGFR2-mediated signaling with the involvement of some key kinases such as c-Src, FAK, ERK, AKT, mTOR and S6K and induction of apoptosis. Together, this study reveals, for the first time, that QODG acts as a potent VEGFR2 kinase inhibitor, and exerts the anti-angiogenic activity at least in part through VEGFR2-mediated signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lin
- Pharmacy School, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Menghua Wu
- Pharmacy School, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianyong Dong
- Pharmacy School, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Deuquet J, Lausch E, Superti-Furga A, van der Goot FG. The dark sides of capillary morphogenesis gene 2. EMBO J 2012; 31:3-13. [PMID: 22215446 PMCID: PMC3252584 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2011.442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Capillary morphogenesis gene 2 (CMG2) is a type I membrane protein involved in the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix. While it shares interesting similarities with integrins, its exact molecular role is unknown. The interest and knowledge about CMG2 largely stems from the fact that it is involved in two diseases, one infectious and one genetic. CMG2 is the main receptor of the anthrax toxin, and knocking out this gene in mice renders them insensitive to infection with Bacillus anthracis spores. On the other hand, mutations in CMG2 lead to a rare but severe autosomal recessive disorder in humans called Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome (HFS). We will here review what is known about the structure of CMG2 and its ability to mediate anthrax toxin entry into cell. We will then describe the limited knowledge available concerning the physiological role of CMG2. Finally, we will describe HFS and the consequences of HFS-associated mutations in CMG2 at the molecular and cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Deuquet
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Institute of Global Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ekkehart Lausch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Superti-Furga
- Division of Molecular Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - F Gisou van der Goot
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Institute of Global Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
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A system out of breath: how hypoxia possibly contributes to the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Int J Rheumatol 2011; 2011:824972. [PMID: 22162692 PMCID: PMC3228323 DOI: 10.1155/2011/824972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Revised: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular alterations and immunological disturbances and fibrosis, the order of which remains to be fully determined. Clinically, patients show clear signs of hypoxia in skin and internal organs. The low oxygen tension is potentially caused by a yet to be indentified circuitry involving the three features that typify SSc. In addition, once present, the hypoxia creates a vicious circle of ongoing pathology. In this paper, we provide an overview of the evidence that points towards the mechanisms causing hypoxia in SSc. In addition, data that suggest how hypoxia itself may orchestrate worsening of symptoms is presented. Altogether, it is clear that hypoxia is an important hallmark in SSc patients. By providing an overview of the mechanisms at play and the possible therapeutic avenues that have emerged, we hope to stimulate researchers to provide novel clues into the conundrum in SSc patients.
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Increased endothelial progenitor cells and vasculogenic factors in higher-staged arteriovenous malformations. Plast Reconstr Surg 2011; 128:260e-269e. [PMID: 21921738 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0b013e3182268afd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED ACKGROUND:: Arteriovenous malformations cause significant morbidity, primarily because they expand over time and recur after treatment. The authors hypothesized that neovascularization might contribute to arteriovenous malformation progression. METHODS Arteriovenous malformation tissue was collected prospectively from 12 patients after resection. Schobinger stage was determined by clinical history. Neovascularization in stage II lesions (n=7) was compared with stage III arteriovenous malformations (n=5) that had progressed. Specimens were analyzed using immunohistochemistry for CD31, Ki67, and CD34/CD133. Quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to determine mRNA expression of factors that recruit endothelial progenitor cells: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). VEGF receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2, neuropilin 1, and neuropilin 2) also were quantified using quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Stage III arteriovenous malformations showed greater microvessel density (5.8 percent) than stage II lesions (1.3 percent) (p=0.004); no difference in proliferating endothelial cells was noted (p=0.67). CD133CD34 endothelial progenitor cells were elevated in stage III (0.53 percent) compared with stage II arteriovenous malformations (0.25 percent) (p=0.03). HIF-1α and SDF-1α were increased 7.6- and 7.9-fold in stage III compared with stage II lesions (1.7-fold and 3.3-fold), respectively (p=0.02). Neuropilin 1 and neuropilin 2 expression was greater in stage III (5.8-fold and 4.6-fold) than stage II arteriovenous malformations (3.0-fold and 2.4-fold) (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Higher-staged arteriovenous malformations exhibit increased expression of endothelial progenitor cells and factors that stimulate their recruitment. Neovascularization by vasculogenesis may be involved in progression of arteriovenous malformation.
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Maric-Bilkan C, Flynn ER, Chade AR. Microvascular disease precedes the decline in renal function in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2011; 302:F308-15. [PMID: 22031855 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00421.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive and generalized vasculopathic condition associated with abnormal angiogenesis. We aim to determine whether changes in renal microvascular (MV) density correlate with and play a role in the progressive deterioration of renal function in diabetes. We hypothesize that MV changes represent the early steps of renal injury that worsen as diabetes progresses, initiating a vicious circle that leads to irreversible renal injury. Male nondiabetic (ND) or streptozotocin-induced diabetic (D) Sprague-Dawley rats were followed for 4 or 12 wk. Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured by PAH and (125)I-[iothalamate], respectively. Renal MV density was quantified ex vivo using three-dimensional micro computed tomography and JG-12 immunoreactivity. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels (ELISA) and expression of VEGF receptors and factors involved in MV remodeling were quantified in renal tissue by Western blotting. Finally, renal morphology was investigated by histology. Four weeks of diabetes was associated with increased GFR, accompanied by a 34% reduction in renal MV density and augmented renal VEGF levels. However, at 12 wk, while GFR remained similarly elevated, reduction of MV density was more pronounced (75%) and associated with increased MV remodeling, renal fibrosis, but unchanged renal VEGF compared with ND at 12 wk. The damage, loss, and subsequent remodeling of the renal MV architecture in the diabetic kidney may represent the initiating events of progressive renal injury. This study suggests a novel concept of MV disease as an early instigator of diabetic kidney disease that may precede and likely promote the decline in renal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Maric-Bilkan
- Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics, Univ. of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA
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83
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Chappell JC, Wiley DM, Bautch VL. Regulation of blood vessel sprouting. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2011; 22:1005-11. [PMID: 22020130 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2011.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Revised: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Blood vessels are essential conduits of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. The formation of these vessels involves angiogenic sprouting, a complex process entailing highly integrated cell behaviors and signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss how endothelial cells initiate a vessel sprout through interactions with their environment and with one another, particularly through lateral inhibition. We review the composition of the local environment, which contains an initial set of guidance cues to facilitate the proper outward migration of the sprout as it emerges from a parent vessel. The long-range guidance and sprout stability cues provided by soluble molecules, extracellular matrix components, and interactions with other cell types are also discussed. We also examine emerging evidence for mechanisms that govern sprout fusion with its target and lumen formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Chappell
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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84
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Chappell JC, Wiley DM, Bautch VL. How blood vessel networks are made and measured. Cells Tissues Organs 2011; 195:94-107. [PMID: 21996655 DOI: 10.1159/000331398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue and organ viability depends on the proper systemic distribution of cells, nutrients, and oxygen through blood vessel networks. These networks arise in part via angiogenic sprouting. Vessel sprouting involves the precise coordination of several endothelial cell processes including cell-cell communication, cell migration, and proliferation. In this review, we discuss zebrafish and mammalian models of blood vessel sprouting and the quantification methods used to assess vessel sprouting and network formation in these models. We also review the mechanisms involved in angiogenic sprouting, and we propose that the process consists of distinct stages. Sprout initiation involves endothelial cell interactions with neighboring cells and the environment to establish a specialized tip cell responsible for leading the emerging sprout. Furthermore, local sprout guidance cues that spatially regulate this outward migration are discussed. We also examine subsequent events, such as sprout fusion and lumenization, that lead to maturation of a nascent sprout into a patent blood vessel.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Chappell
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C., USA
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85
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Hashambhoy YL, Chappell JC, Peirce SM, Bautch VL, Mac Gabhann F. Computational modeling of interacting VEGF and soluble VEGF receptor concentration gradients. Front Physiol 2011; 2:62. [PMID: 22007175 PMCID: PMC3185289 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2011.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental data indicates that soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 1 (sFlt-1) modulates the guidance cues provided to sprouting blood vessels by VEGF-A. To better delineate the role of sFlt-1 in VEGF signaling, we have developed an experimentally based computational model. This model describes dynamic spatial transport of VEGF, and its binding to receptors Flt-1 and Flk-1, in a mouse embryonic stem cell model of vessel morphogenesis. The model represents the local environment of a single blood vessel. Our simulations predict that blood vessel secretion of sFlt-1 and increased local sFlt-1 sequestration of VEGF results in decreased VEGF–Flk-1 levels on the sprout surface. In addition, the model predicts that sFlt-1 secretion increases the relative gradient of VEGF–Flk-1 along the sprout surface, which could alter endothelial cell perception of directionality cues. We also show that the proximity of neighboring sprouts may alter VEGF gradients, VEGF receptor binding, and the directionality of sprout growth. As sprout distances decrease, the probability that the sprouts will move in divergent directions increases. This model is a useful tool for determining how local sFlt-1 and VEGF gradients contribute to the spatial distribution of VEGF receptor binding, and can be used in conjunction with experimental data to explore how multi-cellular interactions and relationships between local growth factor gradients drive angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin L Hashambhoy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD, USA
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86
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Lee CY, Bautch VL. Ups and Downs of Guided Vessel Sprouting: The Role of Polarity. Physiology (Bethesda) 2011; 26:326-33. [DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00018.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessel networks expand to meet oxygen demands via sprouting angiogenesis. This process is heterogeneous but not random; as sprouts form and extend, neighboring endothelial cells do not sprout but divide. Sprouting is regulated by local sprout guidance cues produced by the vessels themselves, as well as extrinsic cues. Endothelial cells in developing vessels orient in several axes to establish migratory polarity, apical-basolateral polarity, and planar cell polarity. Although little is known about how polarity axes are set up or maintained, they are important for vessel formation and function. This review focuses on the current knowledge of how blood vessel sprouting is regulated and guided, the role of endothelial cell polarity in forming vessels, and how these processes affect vessel function and are potentially perturbed in pathologies with vascular components.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria L. Bautch
- Department of Biology,
- McAllister Heart Institute,
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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87
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Zhang M, Sun X, Yu H, Hu L, Wang D. Biological distinctions between juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma and vascular malformation: an immunohistochemical study. Acta Histochem 2011; 113:626-30. [PMID: 20688360 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2010.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Revised: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The exact nature of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is still in dispute. In recent years, the main controversy of its nature has focused on hemangioma and vascular malformation. In this study, the immunolocalization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor-1/fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (VEGFR-1/Flt-1), VEGF receptor-2/fetal liver kinase-1 (VEGFR-2/Flk-1), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and CD34 was investigated in 28 cases of JNA and 20 cases of orbital cavernous hemangiomas (OCH). The immunostaining levels of VEGF, Flt-1, and Flk-1 were higher and more frequent in vascular endothelial cells of JNA than those of OCH (p<0.05). The average microvessel density (MVD) marked by CD34 in JNA was (49.3 ± 9.1)/HPF (high power field), which was higher than OCH (29.1 ± 6.7)/HPF (p<0.05). Immunoreactivity of PCNA was localized in both endothelial and stromal cell components of JNA, but was predominantly seen in the stromal cells. However, no PCNA immunoreactivity was identified in any of the stromal and endothelial cells in cases of OCH. The immunostaining levels of CD34, VEGF, Flt-1, Flk-1, and PCNA in JNA were higher than those in OCH. These data support the view that JNA has biological characteristics of an angiogenic histogenetic tumor. In the future, anti-angiogenic therapy may represent a novel treatment strategy for JNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China
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88
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VEGFR-1 mediates endothelial differentiation and formation of blood vessels in a murine model of infantile hemangioma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 179:2266-77. [PMID: 21945324 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) is a member of the VEGFR family, and binds to VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor. VEGFR-1 contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, but its role in the pathological formation of blood vessels is still poorly understood. Herein, we used infantile hemangioma (IH), the most common tumor of infancy, as a means to study VEGFR-1 activation in pathological vasculogenesis. IH arises from stem cells (HemSCs) that can form the three most prominent cell types in the tumor: endothelial cells, pericytes, and adipocytes. HemSCs can recapitulate the IH life cycle when injected in immuncompromised mice, and are targeted by corticosteroids, the traditional treatment for IH. We report here that VEGF-A or VEGF-B induces VEGFR-1-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in HemSCs and promotes differentiation of HemSCs to endothelial cells. Studies of VEGFR-2 phosphorylation status and down-regulation of neuropilin-1 in the HemSCs demonstrate that VEGFR-2 and NRP1 are not needed for VEGF-A- or VEGF-B-induced ERK1/2 activation. U0216-mediated blockade of ERK1/2 phosphorylation or shRNA-mediated suppression of VEGFR-1 prevents HemSC-to-EC differentiation. Furthermore, the down-regulation of VEGFR-1 in the HemSCs results in decreased formation of blood vessels in vivo and reduced ERK1/2 activation. Thus, our study reveals a critical role for VEGFR-1 in the HemSC-to-EC differentiation that underpins pathological vasculogenesis in IH.
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89
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Sullivan LA, Brekken RA. The VEGF family in cancer and antibody-based strategies for their inhibition. MAbs 2011; 2:165-75. [PMID: 20190566 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.2.2.11360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is required in normal physiological processes, but is also involved in tumor growth, progression and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a primary mediator of angiogenesis in normal physiology and in disease, and other VEGF family members and their receptors provide targets that have been explored extensively for cancer therapy. Small molecule inhibitors and antibody/protein-based strategies that target the VEGF pathway have been studied in multiple types of cancer. This review will focus on VEGF pathway targeting antibodies that are currently being evaluated in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Sullivan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
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90
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Krueger J, Liu D, Scholz K, Zimmer A, Shi Y, Klein C, Siekmann A, Schulte-Merker S, Cudmore M, Ahmed A, le Noble F. Flt1 acts as a negative regulator of tip cell formation and branching morphogenesis in the zebrafish embryo. Development 2011; 138:2111-20. [PMID: 21521739 DOI: 10.1242/dev.063933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial tip cells guide angiogenic sprouts by exploring the local environment for guidance cues such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VegfA). Here we present Flt1 (Vegf receptor 1) loss- and gain-of-function data in zebrafish showing that Flt1 regulates tip cell formation and arterial branching morphogenesis. Zebrafish embryos expressed soluble Flt1 (sFlt1) and membrane-bound Flt1 (mFlt1). In Tg(flt1(BAC):yfp) × Tg(kdrl:ras-cherry)(s916) embryos, flt1:yfp was expressed in tip, stalk and base cells of segmental artery sprouts and overlapped with kdrl:cherry expression in these domains. flt1 morphants showed increased tip cell numbers, enhanced angiogenic behavior and hyperbranching of segmental artery sprouts. The additional arterial branches developed into functional vessels carrying blood flow. In support of a functional role for the extracellular VEGF-binding domain of Flt1, overexpression of sflt1 or mflt1 rescued aberrant branching in flt1 morphants, and overexpression of sflt1 or mflt1 in controls resulted in short arterial sprouts with reduced numbers of filopodia. flt1 morphants showed reduced expression of Notch receptors and of the Notch downstream target efnb2a, and ectopic expression of flt4 in arteries, consistent with loss of Notch signaling. Conditional overexpression of the notch1a intracellular cleaved domain in flt1 morphants restored segmental artery patterning. The developing nervous system of the trunk contributed to the distribution of Flt1, and the loss of flt1 affected neurons. Thus, Flt1 acts in a Notch-dependent manner as a negative regulator of tip cell differentiation and branching. Flt1 distribution may be fine-tuned, involving interactions with the developing nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna Krueger
- Department of Angiogenesis and Cardiovascular Pathology, Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, D13125 Berlin, Germany
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91
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Fallahzadeh AR, Khazaei M, Sharifi MR. RESTORATION OF ANGIOGENESIS BY ENALAPRIL IN DIABETIC HINDLIMB ISCHEMC RATS. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2011; 155:137-42. [DOI: 10.5507/bp.2011.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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92
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Ahmad I, Balasubramanian S, Del Debbio CB, Parameswaran S, Katz AR, Toris C, Fariss RN. Regulation of ocular angiogenesis by Notch signaling: implications in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:2868-78. [PMID: 21228388 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which accounts for most AMD-related vision loss, is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The underlying mechanism of CNV is poorly understood, but evidence indicates pathologic recruitment of normal angiogenic signaling pathways such as the VEGF pathway. Recent evidence suggests that the VEGF pathway regulates angiogenesis in concert with Notch signaling. Here, the authors examined the role of Notch signaling in CNV in the backdrop of Notch signaling-mediated regulation of retinal angiogenesis. METHODS Choroid sclera complexes, after laser-induced CNV, were examined for changes in CNV lesion volume and in proangiogenic and antiangiogenic gene expression after perturbation in Notch signaling. Retinal vessels and angiogenic gene expression in retinal endothelial cells were analyzed in postnatal rats after perturbations in Notch signaling. Notch signaling was activated and inhibited by intravitreal or systemic injection of Jagged1 peptide and gamma secretase inhibitor DAPT, respectively. RESULTS The authors demonstrated that activation of the canonical Notch pathway reduced the volume of CNV lesions as it attenuated the development of postnatal retinal vasculature. In contrast, inhibition of the Notch pathway exacerbated CNV lesions as it led to the development of hyperdense retinal vasculature. The authors also identified genes associated with proangiogenesis (Vegfr2, Ccr3, and Pdgfb) and antiangiogenesis (Vegfr1 and Unc5b) as targets of Notch signaling-mediated vascular homeostasis, the disruption of which might underlie CNV. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that Notch signaling is a key regulator of CNV and thus a molecular target for therapeutic intervention in wet AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqbal Ahmad
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5840, USA.
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93
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Rath G, Tripathi R. VEGF and its soluble receptor VEGFR-2 in hypertensive disorders during pregnancy: the Indian scenario. J Hum Hypertens 2011; 26:196-204. [PMID: 21412269 DOI: 10.1038/jhh.2011.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders are the most common medical problem encountered during pregnancy due to defective angiogenesis during placental development. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the angiogenic growth factors that stimulates angiogenesis. The recombinant form of its soluble receptor VEGF receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2) has anti-angiogenic activity. However, there is a paucity of information on serum VEGF and sVEGFR-2 concentrations in different sub-groups of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the concentrations and the diagnostic utility of VEGF and sVEGFR-2 in gestational hypertension (GH, n=90), pre-eclampsia (PE, n=180), eclampsia (n=90) and control (n=180) pregnancy at different gestations. VEGF levels were significantly higher in PE and eclamptic (median=19.53 pg ml(-1); 60.36 pg ml(-1), P=0.0001) groups as compared with the control ones (median=18 pg ml(-1)). But, the serum sVEGFR-2 levels were found to be significantly decreased from GH to eclampsia groups (median=5196; 3972 pg ml(-1)) as compared with control groups (median=7417 pg ml(-1)). As the gestation advanced, there was an inverse association in the serum concentrations of sVEGFR-2 among the control, GH, PE and eclampsia groups. At both 34 and >34 weeks of gestations, higher sensitivity and specificity were observed for sVEGFR-2 in differentiating GH (50.8, 50%; 76.6, 76.6%), PE (63, 63%; 90, 90%) and eclampsia (65, 66.6%; 90, 90%) from the control pregnancy. This upregulation of VEGF and downregulation of sVEGFR-2 concentrations in different study groups may be due to hypoxia and could be involved intimately in the pathogenesis of these disorders. This study may contribute in understanding etio-pathogenesis of different hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Rath
- Department of Anatomy, VMMC & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi, India.
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94
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Khazaei M, Fallahzadeh AR, Sharifi MR, Afsharmoghaddam N, Javanmard SH, Salehi E. Effects of diabetes on myocardial capillary density and serum angiogenesis biomarkers in male rats. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2011; 66:1419-24. [PMID: 21915494 PMCID: PMC3161222 DOI: 10.1590/s1807-59322011000800019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients. This study evaluated the effects of diabetes on myocardial capillary density and several serum angiogenic factors including nitric oxide, vascular endothelial growth factor, and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptors. METHODS Twelve male rats were divided into two groups: control and diabetic (n = 6 each). Diabetes was induced with a single dose of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). After 21 days, capillary density in the myocardial tissue was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining and is reported as capillaries per mm². Blood samples were collected before and after the induction of diabetes. RESULTS In the diabetic group, serum nitric oxide and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 concentrations were lower than the levels in the control group, while the level of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 was significantly higher. There was no significant change in the serum vascular endothelial growth factor concentration between the diabetic and control groups; however, the ratio of vascular endothelial growth factor to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 was significantly lower in the diabetic animals. The myocardial capillary density was also lower in the diabetic group compared with the control group (1549 ± 161 vs. 2156 ± 202/mm², respectively). CONCLUSION Reduced serum nitric oxide and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 levels, increased serum vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 levels and a lower vascular endothelial growth factor to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 ratio may be responsible for the decreased myocardial capillary density in diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Khazaei
- Department of Physiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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95
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Roybal JD, Zang Y, Ahn YH, Yang Y, Gibbons DL, Baird BN, Alvarez C, Thilaganathan N, Liu DD, Saintigny P, Heymach JV, Creighton CJ, Kurie JM. miR-200 Inhibits lung adenocarcinoma cell invasion and metastasis by targeting Flt1/VEGFR1. Mol Cancer Res 2010; 9:25-35. [PMID: 21115742 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-10-0497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The microRNA-200 (miR-200) family is part of a gene expression signature that predicts poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. In a mouse model of K-ras/p53-mutant lung adenocarcinoma, miR-200 levels are suppressed in metastasis-prone tumor cells, and forced miR-200 expression inhibits tumor growth and metastasis, but the miR-200 target genes that drive lung tumorigenesis have not been fully elucidated. Here, we scanned the genome for putative miR-200 binding sites and found them in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of 35 genes that are amplified in human cancer. Mining of a database of resected human lung adenocarcinomas revealed that the levels of one of these genes, Flt1/VEGFR1, correlate inversely with duration of survival. Forced miR-200 expression suppressed Flt1 levels in metastasis-prone lung adenocarcinoma cells derived from K-ras/p53-mutant mice, and negatively regulated the Flt1 3'-UTR in reporter assays. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) isolated from murine lung adenocarcinomas secreted abundant VEGF and enhanced tumor cell invasion in coculture studies. CAF-induced tumor cell invasion was abrogated by VEGF neutralization or Flt1 knockdown in tumor cells. Flt1 knockdown decreased the growth and metastasis of tumor cells in syngeneic mice. We conclude that miR-200 suppresses lung tumorigenesis by targeting Flt1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon D Roybal
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Box 432, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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96
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Placental growth factor neutralising antibodies give limited anti-angiogenic effects in an in vitro organotypic angiogenesis model. Angiogenesis 2010; 13:337-47. [DOI: 10.1007/s10456-010-9190-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 09/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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97
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Abstract
A hallmark of infantile hemangioma, the most common tumor of infancy, is its dramatic growth after birth, by diffuse proliferation of immature endothelial cells, followed by spontaneous regression. The growth and involution of infantile hemangioma is quite different from other vascular anomalies, which do not regress and can occur at any time during life. Some hemangioma lesions can be extremely disfiguring and destructive to normal tissue and may even be life-threatening. Unfortunately, existing therapeutic approaches have limited success and significant adverse effects of some treatment modalities limit their use. Better understanding of the pathogenesis of hemangioma will enable the development of better therapeutic strategies. Here, we review recent studies and new hypotheses on the pathogenesis of the tumor. Detailed mechanisms of activated vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in tumor cells, identification of their origin and characterization of multipotent stem cells that can give rise to infantile hemangioma are shedding new light on this intriguing vascular tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Jinnin
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan.
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98
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JINNIN M, ISHIHARA T, BOYE E, OLSEN BR. WITHDRAWN; Recent progress in studies of infantile hemangioma. J Dermatol 2010; 37:939-55. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2010.00927.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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99
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r84, a novel therapeutic antibody against mouse and human VEGF with potent anti-tumor activity and limited toxicity induction. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12031. [PMID: 20700512 PMCID: PMC2917360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is critical for physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Within the tumor microenvironment, VEGF functions as an endothelial cell survival factor, permeability factor, mitogen, and chemotactic agent. The majority of these functions are mediated by VEGF-induced activation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), a high affinity receptor tyrosine kinase expressed by endothelial cells and other cell types in the tumor microenvironment. VEGF can also ligate other cell surface receptors including VEGFR1 and neuropilin-1 and -2. However, the importance of VEGF-induced activation of these receptors in tumorigenesis is still unclear. We report the development and characterization of r84, a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds human and mouse VEGF and selectively blocks VEGF from interacting with VEGFR2 but does not interfere with VEGF:VEGFR1 interaction. Selective blockade of VEGF binding to VEGFR2 by r84 is shown through ELISA, receptor binding assays, receptor activation assays, and cell-based functional assays. Furthermore, we show that r84 has potent anti-tumor activity and does not alter tissue histology or blood and urine chemistry after chronic high dose therapy in mice. In addition, chronic r84 therapy does not induce elevated blood pressure levels in some models. The ability of r84 to specifically block VEGF:VEGFR2 binding provides a valuable tool for the characterization of VEGF receptor pathway activation during tumor progression and highlights the utility and safety of selective blockade of VEGF-induced VEGFR2 signaling in tumors.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this mini-review, we have highlighted the recent breakthroughs in growth factor signaling that have made conceptual changes in our understanding of how blood vessels are formed. RECENT FINDINGS Studies conducted over the past few years have focused on understanding the cell biology of vascular morphogenesis. The major themes include characterization of the different cell types that comprise a vascular sprout, as well as the regulatory influence of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions on signaling outcomes. In addition, novel trends have emerged, including nonconventional ways in which vascular endothelial growth factor contributes to cell survival and metabolic balance. SUMMARY The growth of new capillary sprouts from a preexisting vascular network requires a highly coordinated cellular response to both growth factors and morphogens. This response is sensed and triggered by cell surface receptors responsible for the activation of an intracellular cascade that efficiently initiates migration and proliferation programs. While the molecular players that coordinate these effects have been identified, recent findings have expanded our understanding of how context, in particular cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, affects endothelial cell responses to growth factors.
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