Collagen I initiates endothelial cell morphogenesis by inducing actin polymerization through suppression of cyclic AMP and protein kinase A

Induction of initial steps of angiogenic differentiation and maturation of endothelial cells by pericytes in vitro and the role of collagen IV

Activation of endothelial cells and recruitment of mural cells define critical steps during the formation of stable vascular elements. Both events are reflected by cocultures of endothelial cells and isolated murine pericyte-like cells and define a versatile platform for the analysis of distinct steps during the angiogenic process in vitro. Isolated pericyte-like cells promote the survival of endothelial cells, induce the assembly of endothelial cells as well as establish direct contacts with forming endothelial alignments. More importantly, they also induce characteristic steps of maturation including the assembly of stable cell-cell junctions, deposition of basement membrane-like matrices and local formation of a central lumen. The presence of pericyte-like cells induces the secretion of extracellular matrices enriched in collagen IV by endothelial cells, which improves endothelial tube formation and provides the adhesive substrate for mural cell recruitment. Collagen-binding integrins contribute differentially to the process, with α1β1 involved in the adhesion of pericyte-like cells to collagen IV and α2β1 mainly involved in endothelial cord formation. These data indicate that pericyte-like cells are essential for the survival of endothelial cells, the efficient formation of endothelial alignments as well as initial steps of maturation of capillary-like structures.

Topical Collagen-Based Biomaterials for Chronic Wounds: Rationale and Clinical Application

Significance: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to be deficient in chronic wounds. Collagen is the major protein in the ECM. Many claims are made while extolling the virtues of collagen-based biomaterials in promoting cell growth and modulating matrix metalloproteinases. This review will explore the rationale for using topical collagen or ECM as an interface for healing. Recent Advances: Rapid improvements in electrospinning and nanotechnology have resulted in the creation of third-generation biomaterials that mimic the native ECM, stimulate cellular and genetic responses in the target tissue, and provide a platform for controlled release of bioactive molecules and live cells. Although the major focus is currently on development of artificial tissues and organ regeneration, better understanding of the mechanisms that stimulate wound healing can be applied to specific deficits in the chronic wound. Critical Issues: When choosing between the various advanced wound-care products and dressings, the clinician is challenged to select the most appropriate material at the right time. Understanding how the ECM components promote tissue regeneration and modulate the wound microenvironment will facilitate those choices. Laboratory discoveries of biomolecular and cellular strategies that promote skin regeneration rather than repair should be demonstrated to translate to deficits in the chronic wound. Future Directions: Cost-effective production of materials that utilize non-mammalian sources of collagen or ECM components combined with synthetic scaffolding will provide an optimal structure for cellular ingrowth and modulation of the chronic wound microenvironment to facilitate healing. These bioengineered materials will be customizable to provide time-released delivery of bioactive molecules or drugs based on the degradation rate of the scaffold or specific signals from the wound.

Rho GEFs and GAPs: emerging integrators of extracellular matrix signaling

Investigating cell migration in 3D settings has revealed that specific extracellular matrix environments require differential activities of the Rho GTPases for efficient migration. However, it is largely unknown how the activities of specific Rho GTPases are modulated to direct cell migration in response to different extracellular matrix cues. We have recently reported that extracellular matrix-dependent regulation of a specific Rho GEF is a fundamental mechanism governing cell migration in different microenvironments, providing a direct mechanism for extracellular matrix-specific regulation of Rho GTPase activity directing cell motility. We discovered that the Rho GEF βPix has a unique function during cell migration in fibrillar collagen environments by restraining RhoA signaling through a conserved signaling axis involving Cdc42 and the Rho GAP srGAP1. In this Commentary, we expand upon this new pathway and discuss potential mechanotransductive and therapeutic applications. Additionally, we speculate on a generalized role for Rho GEFs and GAPs in providing localized, context-dependent responses to the cellular microenvironment during cell migration and other cellular processes.

Layer-by-layer Collagen Deposition in Microfluidic Devices for Microtissue Stabilization

Although microfluidics provides exquisite control of the cellular microenvironment, culturing cells within microfluidic devices can be challenging. 3D culture of cells in collagen type I gels helps to stabilize cell morphology and function, which is necessary for creating microfluidic tissue models in microdevices. Translating traditional 3D culture techniques for tissue culture plates to microfluidic devices is often difficult because of the limited channel dimensions. In this method, we describe a technique for modifying native type I collagen to generate polycationic and polyanionic collagen solutions that can be used with layer-by-layer deposition to create ultrathin collagen assemblies on top of cells cultured in microfluidic devices. These thin collagen layers stabilize cell morphology and function, as shown using primary hepatocytes as an example cell, allowing for the long term culture of microtissues in microfluidic devices.

Alpha2beta1 integrin in cancer development and chemoresistance

Extracellular matrix, via its receptors the integrins, has emerged as a crucial factor in cancer development. The α2β1 integrin is a major collagen receptor that is widely expressed and known to promote cell migration and control tissue homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that it can be a key pathway in cancer. Recent studies have shown that α2β1 integrin is a regulator of cancer metastasis either by promoting or inhibiting the dissemination process of cancer cells. The α2β1 integrin signaling can also enhance tumor angiogenesis. Emerging evidence supports a role for α2β1 integrin in cancer chemoresistance especially in hematological malignancies originating from the T cell lineage. In addition, α2β1 integrin has been associated with cancer stem cells. In this review, we will discuss the complex role of α2β1 integrin in these processes. Collagen is a major matrix protein of the tumor microenvironment and thus, understanding how α2β1 integrin regulates cancer pathogenesis is likely to lead to new therapeutic approaches and agents for cancer treatment.

Role of BRAFV600E in the first preclinical model of multifocal infiltrating myopericytoma development and microenvironment

Myopericytoma (MPC) is a rare tumor with perivascular proliferation of pluripotent stem-cell-like pericytes. Although indolent, MPC may be locally aggressive with recurrent disease. The pathogenesis and diagnostic biomarkers of MPC are poorly understood. We discovered that 15% of benign MPCs (thyroid, skin; 3 of 20 samples) harbored BRAF(WT/V600E); 33.3% (1 of 3 samples) of BRAF(WT/V600E)-MPCs were multifocal/infiltrative/recurrent. Patient-MPC and primary MPC cells harbored BRAF(WT/V600E), were clonal and expressed pericytic-differentiation biomarkers crucial for its microenvironment. BRAF(WT/V600E)-positive thyroid MPC primary cells triggered in vitro (8.8-fold increase) and in vivo (3.6-fold increase) angiogenesis. Anti-BRAF(V600E) therapy with vemurafenib disrupted angiogenic and metabolic properties (~3-fold decrease) with down-regulation (~2.2-fold decrease) of some extracellular-matrix (ECM) factors and ECM-associated long non-coding RNA (LincRNA) expression, with no effects in BRAF(WT)-pericytes. Vemurafenib also inhibited (~3-fold decrease) cell viability in vitro and in BRAF(WT/V600E)-positive thyroid MPC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mice (n = 5 mice per group). We established the first BRAF(WT/V600E)-dependent thyroid MPC cell culture. Our findings identify BRAF(WT/V600E) as a novel genetic aberration in MPC pathogenesis and MPC-associated biomarkers and imply that anti-BRAF(V600E) agents may be useful adjuvant therapy in BRAF(WT/V600E)-MPC patients. Patients with BRAF(WT/V600E)-MPC should be closely followed because of the risk for multifocality/recurrence.

Extracellular matrix modulates angiogenesis in physiological and pathological conditions

Angiogenesis is a multistep process driven by a wide range of positive and negative regulatory factors. Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in the regulation of this process. The degradation of ECM, occurring in response to an angiogenic stimulus, leads to degradation or partial modification of matrix molecules, release of soluble factors, and exposure of cryptic sites with pro- and/or antiangiogenic activity. ECM molecules and fragments, resulting from proteolysis, can also act directly as inflammatory stimuli, and this can explain the exacerbated angiogenesis that drives and maintains several inflammatory diseases. In this review we have summarized some of the more recent literature data concerning the molecular control of ECM in angiogenesis in both physiological and pathological conditions.

Fibromodulin promoted in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis

Fibromodulin (FMOD) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) that plays an important role in cell fate determination. Previous studies revealed that not only is FMOD critical in fetal-type scarless wound healing, but it also promotes adult wound closure and reduces scar formation. In addition, FMOD-deficient mice exhibit significantly reduced blood vessel regeneration in granulation tissues during wound healing. In this study, we investigated the effects of FMOD on angiogenesis, which is an important event in wound healing as well as embryonic development and tumorigenesis. We found that FMOD accelerated human umbilical vein endothelial HUVEC-CS cell adhesion, spreading, actin stress fiber formation, and eventually tube-like structure (TLS) network establishment in vitro. On a molecular level, by increasing expression of collagen I and III, angiopoietin (Ang)-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as reducing the ratio of Ang-1/Ang-2, FMOD provided a favorable network to mobilize quiescent endothelial cells to an angiogenic phenotype. Moreover, we also confirmed that FMOD enhanced angiogenesis in vivo by using an in ovo chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Therefore, our data demonstrate that FMOD is a pro-angiogenic and suggest a potential therapeutic role of FMOD in the treatment of conditions related to impaired angiogenesis.

Targeting receptor-mediated endocytotic pathways with nanoparticles: rationale and advances

Targeting of drugs and their carrier systems by using receptor-mediated endocytotic pathways was in its nascent stages 25 years ago. In the intervening years, an explosion of knowledge focused on design and synthesis of nanoparticulate delivery systems as well as elucidation of the cellular complexity of what was previously-termed receptor-mediated endocytosis has now created a situation when it has become possible to design and test the feasibility of delivery of highly specific nanoparticle drug carriers to specific cells and tissue. This review outlines the mechanisms governing the major modes of receptor-mediated endocytosis used in drug delivery and highlights recent approaches using these as targets for in vivo drug delivery of nanoparticles. The review also discusses some of the inherent complexity associated with the simple shift from a ligand-drug conjugate versus a ligand-nanoparticle conjugate, in terms of ligand valency and its relationship to the mode of receptor-mediated internalization.

Polydopamine-mediated immobilization of multiple bioactive molecules for the development of functional vascular graft materials

In this study, we introduced a simple method for polydopamine-mediated immobilization of dual bioactive factors for the preparation of functionalized vascular graft materials. Polydopamine was deposited on elastic and biodegradable poly(lactic acid-co-ɛ-caprolactone) (PLCL) films, and a cell adhesive RGD-containing peptide and basic fibroblast growth factor were subsequently immobilized by simple dipping. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorescamine assay to confirm that we had stably immobilized bioactive molecules on the polydopamine-coated PLCL film in a reaction time-dependent manner. When human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured on the prepared substrates, the number of adherent cells and proliferation of HUVEC for up to 14 days were greatest on the film immobilized with dual factors. On the other hand, the film immobilized with RGD peptide exhibited the highest migration speed compared to the other groups. The expression of cluster of differentiation 31 and von Willebrand factor, which indicates maturation of endothelial cells, was highly stimulated in the dual factor-immobilized group, and passively adsorbed factors showed a negligible effect. The immobilization of bioactive molecules inspired by polydopamine was successful, and adhesion, migration, proliferation and differentiation of HUVEC were synergistically accelerated by the presence of multiple signaling factors. Collectively, our results have demonstrated that a simple coating with polydopamine enables the immobilization of multiple bioactive molecules for preparation of polymeric functionalized vascular graft materials.

Opticin exerts its anti-angiogenic activity by regulating extracellular matrix adhesiveness

Opticin is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that we identified associated with the collagen network of the vitreous humor of the eye. Recently, we discovered that opticin possesses anti-angiogenic activity using a murine oxygen-induced retinopathy model: here, we investigate the underlying mechanism. Using an ex vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, we show that opticin inhibits angiogenesis when stimulated by a range of growth factors. We show that it suppresses capillary morphogenesis, inhibits endothelial invasion, and promotes capillary network regression in three-dimensional matrices of collagen and Matrigel(TM). We then show that opticin binds to collagen and thereby competitively inhibits endothelial cell interactions with collagen via α(1)β(1) and α(2)β(1) integrins, thereby preventing the strong adhesion that is required for proangiogenic signaling via these integrins.

Regulation of endothelial cell morphogenesis by the protein kinase D (PKD)/glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)β pathway

Vascular morphogenesis is a key process for development, reproduction, and pathogenesis. Thus understanding the mechanisms of this process is of pathophysiological importance. Despite the fact that collagen I is the most abundant and potent promorphogenic molecule known, the molecular mechanisms by which this protein regulates endothelial cell tube morphogenesis are still unclear. Here we provide strong evidence that collagen I induces tube morphogenesis by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). Further mechanistic studies revealed that GSK3β activity is regulated by protein kinase D (PKD). PKD inhibited GSK3β activity, which was required for collagen I-induced endothelial tube morphogenesis. We also found that GSK3β regulated trafficking of integrin α(2)β(1) in a Rab11-dependent manner. Taken together, our studies highlight the important role of PKD in the regulation of collagen I-induced vascular morphogenesis and show that it is mediated by the modulation of GSK3β activity and integrin α(2)β(1) trafficking.

Reciprocal induction of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells and human mesenchymal stem cells: time-dependent profile in a co-culture system

OBJECTIVES

Angiogenesis is closely associated with osteogenesis where reciprocal interactions between endothelial and osteoblast cells play an important role in bone regeneration. For these reasons, the aim of this work was to develop a co-culture system to study in detail any time-dependent interactions between human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSC) and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC), co-cultured in a 2D system, for 35 days.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HMSC and HDMEC were co-cultured at a ratio of 1:4, respectively. Single-cell cultures were used as controls. Cell viability/proliferation was assessed using MTT, DNA quantification and calcein-AM assays. Cell morphology was monitored using confocal microscopy, and real time PCR was performed. Alkaline phosphatase activity and histochemical staining were evaluated. Matrix mineralization assays were also performed.

RESULTS

Cells were able to grow in characteristic patterns maintaining their viability and phenotype expression throughout culture time, compared to HMSC and HDMEC monocultures. HMSC differentiation seemed to be enhanced in the co-culture conditions, since it was observed an over expression of osteogenesis-related genes, and of ALP activity. Furthermore, presence of calcium phosphate deposits was also confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

This work reports in detail the interactions between HMSC and HDMEC in a long-term co-culture 2D system. Endothelial and mesenchymal stem cells cultured in the present co-culture conditions ensured proliferation and phenotype differentiation of cell types, osteogenesis stimulation and over-expression of angiogenesis-related genes, in the same culture system. It is believed that the present work can lead to significant developments for bone tissue regeneration and cell biology studies.

Angiogenesis in cancer: Anti-VEGF escape mechanisms

It is now widely accepted that tumor-angiogenesis plays a crucial role in tumor growth, tumor propagation and metastasis formation. Among several angiogenic activators, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors represent one of the major inducers of tumor angiogenesis. Thus, this system has become the focus of therapeutic interventions, which led to the approval of the anti-VEGF blocking antibody bevacizumab and the VEGFR-2 pathway inhibitors pazopanib, sorafenib and sunitinib. However, not every cancer patient benefits from such treatment or finally becomes resistant to anti-VEGF approaches; others are suffering from adverse effects. Thus, there is an urgent need for a better understanding of VEGF-independent mechanisms leading to angiogenesis in cancer. This review focuses on anti-VEGF escape mechanisms of tumor cells and its microenvironment.

Prostaglandins in cancer cell adhesion, migration, and invasion

Prostaglandins exert a profound influence over the adhesive, migratory, and invasive behavior of cells during the development and progression of cancer. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E₂ synthase-1 (mPGES-1) are upregulated in inflammation and cancer. This results in the production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), which binds to and activates G-protein-coupled prostaglandin E_1–4 receptors (EP_1–4). Selectively targeting the COX-2/mPGES-1/PGE₂/EP_1–4 axis of the prostaglandin pathway can reduce the adhesion, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Once stimulated by prostaglandins, cadherin adhesive connections between epithelial or endothelial cells are lost. This enables cells to invade through the underlying basement membrane and extracellular matrix (ECM). Interactions with the ECM are mediated by cell surface integrins by “outside-in signaling” through Src and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and/or “inside-out signaling” through talins and kindlins. Combining the use of COX-2/mPGES-1/PGE₂/EP_1–4 axis-targeted molecules with those targeting cell surface adhesion receptors or their downstream signaling molecules may enhance cancer therapy.

Mechanisms of vascular endothelial growth factor-induced pathfinding by endothelial sprouts in biomaterials

A critical property of biomaterials for use in regenerative medicine applications is the ability to promote angiogenesis, the formation of new vascular networks, to support regenerating tissues. Recent studies have demonstrated that a complex interplay exists between biomechanical and biochemical regulators of endothelial cell sprouting, an early step in angiogenesis. Here, we use a microfluidic platform to study the pathfinding behaviors induced by various stable vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gradients during sprouting morphogenesis within biomaterials. Quantitative, time-lapse analysis of endothelial sprouting demonstrated that the ability of VEGF to regulate sprout orientation during several stages of sprouting morphogenesis (initiation, elongation, and turning navigation) was biomaterial dependent. Identical VEGF gradients induced different types of coordinated cell movements depending on the density of the surrounding collagen/fibronectin matrix. In denser matrices, sprouts were more likely to have an initial orientation aligned parallel to the VEGF gradient. In contrast, in less dense matrices, sprouts were more likely to initially misalign with the VEGF gradient; however, these sprouts underwent significant turning and navigation to eventually reorient to be parallel to the VEGF gradient. These less dense matrices required shallower VEGF gradients and demonstrated lower activating VEGF thresholds to induce proper sprout alignment and pathfinding. These results encourage the future use of microfluidic platforms to probe fundamental aspects of matrix effects on angiogenesis, to screen biomaterials for angiogenic potential, and to design ex vivo tissues with aligned vascular networks.

Visinin-like protein-1 overexpression is an indicator of lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients

Lymph node metastasis is an important factor determining outcome from colorectal cancer (CRC). Identification of molecular markers useful to predict lymph node metastasis is urgently needed. Our objective was to identify genes useful for characterization and prediction of lymph node metastasis in CRC. Gene expression profiles of cancer were determined by human U133 Plus 2.0 GeneChip® in 24 CRC patients, and patients with and without lymph node metastasis were compared. We focused on the visinin-like protein-1 (VSNL-1) gene and evaluated VSNL-1 mRNA expression levels with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical methods. Immunohistochemical evaluation of VSNL-1 mRNA expression was also performed in 143 other CRC patients to determine clinicopathological significance of VSNL-1. Twenty-four novel discriminating genes showed expression significantly different between patients with and without lymph node metastasis. Mean level of VSNL-1 mRNA expression in tumor tissue with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than that in tissue without lymph node metastasis. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated immunoreactivity for VSNL-1 in cytoplasm of the cancer cells with lymph node metastasis. High VSNL-1 expression was significantly associated with lymphatic invasion in stage II disease (p = 0.0061) and number of lymph node metastases in stage III disease (p = 0.0461). Patients with high VSNL-1 expression had significantly poorer prognosis than those with low expression in stage III disease (p = 0.045). This study is the first to demonstrate a prognostic role for VSNL-1 at the mRNA level, suggesting the possible usefulness of VSNL-1 as a predictor of lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in CRC.

Scaffold vascularization in vivo driven by primary human osteoblasts in concert with host inflammatory cells

Successful cell-based tissue engineering requires a rapid and thorough vascularization in order to ensure long-term implant survival and tissue integration. The vascularization of a scaffold is a complex process, and is modulated by the presence of transplanted cells, exogenous and endogenous signaling proteins, and the host tissue reaction, among other influencing factors. This paper presents evidence for the significance of pre-seeded osteoblasts for the in vivo vascularization of a biodegradable scaffold. Human osteoblasts, cultured on silk fibroin micronets in vitro, migrated throughout the interconnected pores of the scaffold and produced extensive bone matrix. When these constructs were implanted in SCID mice, a rapid and thorough vascularization of the scaffold by the host blood capillaries occurred. This profound response was not seen for the silk fibroin scaffold alone. Moreover, when the pre-cultivation time of human osteoblasts was reduced from 14 days to only 24 h, the significant effect these cells exerted on vascularization rate in vivo was still detectable. From these studies, we conclude that matrix and soluble factors produced by osteoblasts can serve to instruct host endothelial cells to migrate, proliferate, and initiate the process of scaffold vascularization. This finding represents a potential paradigm shift for the field of tissue engineering, especially in bone, as traditional strategies to enhance scaffold vascularization have focused on endovascular cells and regarded osteoblasts primarily as cell targets for mineralization. In addition, the migration of host macrophages and multinucleated giant cells into the scaffold was also found to influence the vascularization of the biomaterial. Therefore, the robust effect on scaffold vascularization seen by pre-culturing with osteoblasts appears to occur in concert with the pro-angiogenic stimuli arising from host immune cells.

Angiogenesis

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for all stages of angiogenesis. In the adult, angiogenesis begins with endothelial cell (EC) activation, degradation of vascular basement membrane, and vascular sprouting within interstitial matrix. During this sprouting phase, ECM binding to integrins provides critical signaling support for EC proliferation, survival, and migration. ECM also signals the EC cytoskeleton to initiate blood vessel morphogenesis. Dynamic remodeling of ECM, particularly by membrane-type matrix metalloproteases (MT-MMPs), coordinates formation of vascular tubes with lumens and provides guidance tunnels for pericytes that assist ECs in the assembly of vascular basement membrane. ECM also provides a binding scaffold for a variety of cytokines that exert essential signaling functions during angiogenesis. In the embryo, ECM is equally critical for angiogenesis and vessel stabilization, although there are likely important distinctions from the adult because of differences in composition and abundance of specific ECM components.

Targeting the anthrax receptors, TEM-8 and CMG-2, for anti-angiogenic therapy

The anthrax toxin receptors tumor endothelial marker-8 (TEM-8) and capillary morphogenesis gene-2 (CMG-2) are responsible for allowing entry of anthrax toxin into host cells. These receptors were first discovered due to their enhanced expression on endothelial cells undergoing blood vessel growth or angiogenesis in model systems. Inhibition of angiogenesis is an important strategy for current anti-cancer therapies and treatment of retinal diseases. Functional roles for TEM-8 and CMG-2 in angiogenesis have recently emerged. TEM-8 appears to regulate endothelial cell migration and tubule formation whereas a role for CMG-2 in endothelial proliferation has been documented. TEM-8 and CMG-2 bind differentially to extracellular matrix proteins including collagen I, collagen IV and laminin and these properties may be responsible for their apparent roles in regulating endothelial cell behavior during angiogenesis. TEM-8-binding moieties have also been suggested to be useful in selectively targeting anti-angiogenic and anti-tumorigenic therapies to tumor endothelium. Additionally, studies of modified forms of lethal toxin (LeTx) have demonstrated that targeted inhibition of MAPKs within tumor vessels may represent an efficacious anti-angiogenic strategy.

Molecular basis for endothelial lumen formation and tubulogenesis during vasculogenesis and angiogenic sprouting

Many studies reveal a fundamental role for extracellular matrix-mediated signaling through integrins and Rho GTPases as well as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the molecular control of vascular tube morphogenesis in three-dimensional (3D) tissue environments. Recent work has defined an endothelial cell (EC) lumen signaling complex of proteins that controls these vascular morphogenic events. These findings reveal a signaling interdependence between Cdc42 and MT1-MMP to control the 3D matrix-specific process of EC tubulogenesis. The EC tube formation process results in the creation of a network of proteolytically generated vascular guidance tunnels in 3D matrices that are utilized to remodel EC-lined tubes through EC motility and could facilitate processes such as flow-induced remodeling and arteriovenous EC sorting and differentiation. Within vascular guidance tunnels, key dynamic interactions occur between ECs and pericytes to affect vessel remodeling, diameter, and vascular basement membrane matrix assembly, a fundamental process necessary for endothelial tube maturation and stabilization. Thus, the EC lumen and tube formation mechanism coordinates the concomitant establishment of a network of vascular tubes within tunnel spaces to allow for flow responsiveness, EC-mural cell interactions, and vascular extracellular matrix assembly to control the development of the functional microcirculation.

Active Rac1 improves pathologic VEGF neovessel architecture and reduces vascular leak: mechanistic similarities with angiopoietin-1

Architecturally defective, leaky blood vessels typify pathologic angiogenesis induced by vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). Such neovascular defects aggravate disease pathology and seriously compromise the therapeutic utility of VEGF. Endothelial cell (EC) transduction with active L61Rac1 strongly improved VEGF-driven angiogenesis in vivo as measured by increased neovascular density, enhanced lumen formation, and reduced vessel leakiness. Conversely, transduction with dominant-negative N17Rac1 strongly inhibited neovascularization. In vitro, active L61Rac1 promoted organization of cortical actin filaments and vascular cords and improved EC-EC junctions, indicating that improved cytoskeletal dynamics are important to the mechanism by which active L61Rac1 rectifies VEGF-driven angiogenesis. SEW2871, a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor-1 agonist that activates Rac1 in ECs, improved cord formation and EC-EC junctions in vitro similarly to active L61Rac. Moreover, SEW2871 administration in vivo markedly improved VEGF neovessel architecture and reduced neovascular leak. Angiopoietin-1, a cytokine that "normalizes" VEGF neovessels in vivo, activated Rac1 and improved cord formation and EC-EC junctions in vitro comparably to active L61Rac1, and a specific Rac1 inhibitor blocked these effects. These studies distinguish augmentation of Rac1 activity as a means to rectify the pathologic angioarchitecture and dysfunctionality of VEGF neovessels, and they identify a rational pharmacologic strategy for improving VEGF angiogenesis.

Moderation of calpain activity promotes neovascular integration and lumen formation during VEGF-induced pathological angiogenesis

Background

Successful neovascularization requires that sprouting endothelial cells (ECs) integrate to form new vascular networks. However, architecturally defective, poorly integrated vessels with blind ends are typical of pathological angiogenesis induced by vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF), thereby limiting the utility of VEGF for therapeutic angiogenesis and aggravating ischemia-related pathologies. Here we investigated the possibility that over-exuberant calpain activity is responsible for aberrant VEGF neovessel architecture and integration. Calpains are a family of intracellular calcium-dependent, non-lysosomal cysteine proteases that regulate cellular functions through proteolysis of numerous substrates.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In a mouse skin model of VEGF-driven angiogenesis, retroviral transduction with dominant-negative (DN) calpain-I promoted neovessel integration and lumen formation, reduced blind ends, and improved vascular perfusion. Moderate doses of calpain inhibitor-I improved VEGF-driven angiogenesis similarly to DN calpain-I. Conversely, retroviral transduction with wild-type (WT) calpain-I abolished neovessel integration and lumen formation. In vitro, moderate suppression of calpain activity with DN calpain-I or calpain inhibitor-I increased the microtubule-stabilizing protein tau in endothelial cells (ECs), increased the average length of microtubules, increased actin cable length, and increased the interconnectivity of vascular cords. Conversely, WT calpain-I diminished tau, collapsed microtubules, disrupted actin cables, and inhibited integration of cord networks. Consistent with the critical importance of microtubules for vascular network integration, the microtubule-stabilizing agent taxol supported vascular cord integration whereas microtubule dissolution with nocodazole collapsed cord networks.

Conclusions/Significance

These findings implicate VEGF-induction of calpain activity and impairment of cytoskeletal dynamics in the failure of VEGF-induced neovessels to form and integrate properly. Accordingly, calpain represents an important target for rectifying key vascular defects associated with pathological angiogenesis and for improving therapeutic angiogenesis with VEGF.

Reconstructing the differentiation niche of embryonic stem cells using biomaterials

The biochemical cues and topographical architecture of the extracellular environment extensively influence ES cell fate. The microenvironment surrounding the developing embryo presents these instructive cues in a complex and interactive manner in order to guide cell fate decisions. Current stem cell research aims to reconstruct this multifaceted embryonic niche to recapitulate development in vitro. This review focuses on 2D and 3D differentiation niches created from natural and synthetic biomaterials to guide the differentiation of ES cells toward specific lineages. Biomaterials engineered to present specific physical constraints are also reviewed for their role in differentiation.

Cdc42-mediated inhibition of GSK-3β improves angio-architecture and lumen formation during VEGF-driven pathological angiogenesis

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) typically induces abnormal angiogenesis in the adult, thereby aggravating disease pathology and limiting utility of VEGF for therapeutic angiogenesis. To identify strategies for rectifying defects in pathological VEGF neovessels, we investigated consequences of modulating the Rho GTPase Cdc42. In a mouse skin model of VEGF-driven pathological angiogenesis, transduction with active Cdc42 (L28Cdc42) markedly improved VEGF neovessels, as measured by increased lumen formation, enlarged vessel diameter, and enhanced perfusion of macromolecular tracers. Conversely, transduction with dominant negative Cdc42 (N17Cdc42) impaired endothelial cell (EC) assembly into lumenized blood vessels and reduced neovessel diameter and tracer perfusion. In vitro, active Cdc42 improved coordination between actin filaments and microtubules and enhanced formation of vascular cords, suggesting that active Cdc42 rectifies defects in angiogenesis by improving cytoskeletal dynamics and capillary morphogenesis. Analyses of Cdc42 signaling in microvascular ECs indicated that active Cdc42 also inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), a multi-functional serine/threonine protein kinase. Pharmacological inhibition of GSK-3β improved vascular cord formation in vitro and promoted proper neovessel formation in vivo comparably to active Cdc42, thus linking GSK-3β inhibition to the mechanism by which active Cdc42 rectifies pathological neovascularization. These studies identify activation of Cdc42 and inhibition of GSK-3β as novel strategies for correcting abnormalities associated with VEGF-driven angiogenesis, and they suggest new approaches for achieving improved therapeutic neovascularization with VEGF.

Calpain inhibitors reduce retinal hypoxia in ischemic retinopathy by improving neovascular architecture and functional perfusion

In ischemic retinopathies, underlying hypoxia drives abnormal neovascularization that damages retina and causes blindness. The abnormal neovasculature is tortuous and leaky and fails to alleviate hypoxia, resulting in more pathological neovascularization and retinal damage. With an established model of ischemic retinopathy we found that calpain inhibitors, when administered in moderation, reduced architectural abnormalities, reduced vascular leakage, and most importantly reduced retinal hypoxia. Mechanistically, these calpain inhibitors improved stability and organization of the actin cytoskeleton in retinal endothelial cells undergoing capillary morphogenesis in vitro, and they similarly improved organization of actin cables within new blood vessels in vivo. Hypoxia induced calpain activity in retinal endothelial cells and severely disrupted the actin cytoskeleton, whereas calpain inhibitors preserved actin cables under hypoxic conditions. Collectively, these findings support the hypothesis that hyper-activation of calpains by hypoxia contributes to disruption of the retinal endothelial cell cytoskeleton, resulting in formation of neovessels that are defective both architecturally and functionally. Modest suppression of calpain activity with calpain inhibitors restores cytoskeletal architecture and promotes formation of a functional neovasculature, thereby reducing underlying hypoxia. In sharp contrast to "anti-angiogenesis" strategies that cannot restore normoxia and may aggravate hypoxia, the therapeutic strategy described here does not inhibit neovascularization. Instead, by improving the function of neovascularization to reduce underlying hypoxia, moderate calpain inhibition offers a method for alleviating retinal ischemia, thereby suggesting a new treatment paradigm based on improvement rather than inhibition of new blood vessel growth.

Moderate GSK-3β inhibition improves neovascular architecture, reduces vascular leakage, and reduces retinal hypoxia in a model of ischemic retinopathy

In ischemic retinopathies, unrelieved hypoxia induces the formation of architecturally abnormal, leaky blood vessels that damage retina and ultimately can cause blindness. Because these newly formed blood vessels are functionally defective, they fail to alleviate underlying hypoxia, resulting in more pathological neovascularization and more damage to retina. With an established model of ischemic retinopathy, we investigated inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) as a means for improving the architecture and functionality of pathological blood vessels in retina. In vitro, hypoxia increased GSK-3β activity in retinal endothelial cells, reduced β-catenin, and correspondingly impaired integrity of cell/cell junctions. Conversely, GSK-3β inhibitors restored β-catenin, improved cell/cell junctions, and enhanced the formation of capillary cords in three-dimensional collagen matrix. In vivo, GSK-3β inhibitors, at appropriately moderate doses, strongly reduced abnormal vascular tufts, reduced abnormal vascular leakage, and improved vascular coverage and perfusion during the proliferative phase of ischemia-driven retinal neovascularization. Most importantly, these improvements in neovasculature were accompanied by marked reduction in retinal hypoxia, relative to controls. Thus, GSK-3β inhibitors offer a promising strategy for alleviating retinal hypoxia by correcting key vascular defects typically associated with ischemia-driven neovascularization.

Targeting the tumour vasculature: insights from physiological angiogenesis

The cardiovascular system ensures the delivery of nutrients, oxygen, and blood and immune cells to all organs and tissues: it is also responsible for the removal of waste metabolites. The vascular system develops and matures through two tightly regulated processes: vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is active only under specific physiological conditions in healthy adults but the vasculature can be aberrantly activated to generate new blood vessels during pathological conditions such as cancer and chronic inflammation. In this Opinion article we discuss the parallels and differences in the angiogenic process under either a physiological or a pathological state, especially tumorigenesis.

Modulation of human vascular endothelial cell behaviors by nanotopographic cues

Basement membranes possess a complex three-dimensional topography in the nanoscale and submicron range which have been shown to profoundly modulate a large menu of fundamental cell behaviors. Using the topographic features found in native vascular endothelial basement membranes as a guide, polyurethane substrates were fabricated containing anisotropically ordered ridge and groove structures and isotropically ordered pores from 200 nm to 2000 nm in size. We investigated the impact of biomimetic length-scale topographic cues on orientation/elongation, proliferation and migration on four human vascular endothelial cell-types from large and small diameter vessels. We found that all cell-types exhibited orientation and alignment with the most pronounced response on anisotropically ordered ridges > or =800 nm. HUVEC cells were the only cell-type examined to demonstrate a decrease in proliferation in response to the smallest topographic features regardless of surface order. On anisotropically ordered surfaces all cell-types migrated preferentially parallel to the long axis of the ridges, with the greatest increase in cell migration being observed on the 1200 nm pitch. In contrast, cells did not exhibit any preference in direction or increase in migration speed on isotropically ordered surfaces. Overall, our data demonstrate that surface topographic features impact vascular endothelial cell behavior and that the impact of features varies with the cell behavior being considered, topographic feature scale, surface order, and the anatomic origin of the cell being investigated.

Functional and transcriptional characterization of human embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells for treatment of myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into endothelial cells (hESC-ECs) has the potential to provide an unlimited source of cells for novel transplantation therapies of ischemic diseases by supporting angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. However, the endothelial differentiation efficiency of the conventional embryoid body (EB) method is low while the 2-dimensional method of co-culturing with mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) require animal product, both of which can limit the future clinical application of hESC-ECs. Moreover, to fully understand the beneficial effects of stem cell therapy, investigators must be able to track the functional biology and physiology of transplanted cells in living subjects over time.

METHODOLOGY

In this study, we developed an extracellular matrix (ECM) culture system for increasing endothelial differentiation and free from contaminating animal cells. We investigated the transcriptional changes that occur during endothelial differentiation of hESCs using whole genome microarray, and compared to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We also showed functional vascular formation by hESC-ECs in a mouse dorsal window model. Moreover, our study is the first so far to transplant hESC-ECs in a myocardial infarction model and monitor cell fate using molecular imaging methods.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, we report a more efficient method for derivation of hESC-ECs that express appropriate patterns of endothelial genes, form functional vessels in vivo, and improve cardiac function. These studies suggest that hESC-ECs may provide a novel therapy for ischemic heart disease in the future.

An approach for formation of vascularized liver tissue by endothelial cell-covered hepatocyte spheroid integration

Tissue vascularization in vitro is necessary for cell transplantation and is a major challenge in tissue engineering. To construct large and regularly vascularized tissue, we focused on the integration of endothelial cell-covered spheroids. Primary rat hepatocytes were cultured on a rotary shaker, and 100-150 mum spheroids were obtained by filtration. The hepatocyte spheroids were coated with collagen by conjugation with a type 1 collagen solution. Collagen-coated hepatocyte spheroids were cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and monolayered HUVEC-covered hepatocyte spheroids were constructed. Without a collagen coat, many HUVECs invaded hepatocyte spheroids but did not cover the spheroid surface. To construct regularly vascularized tissue, we packed HUVEC-covered hepatocyte spheroids in hollow fibers used for plasma separation. Packed spheroids attached to each other forming a large cellular tissue with regular distribution of HUVECs. At day 9 after packing, HUVECs invaded the hepatocyte spheroids and a dense vascular network was constructed. Collagen coating of spheroids is useful for the formation of endothelial cell-covered spheroids and subsequent regular vascularized tissue construction.

Role of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 in the mechanism of endorepellin angiostatic activity

Endorepellin, the C-terminal domain of perlecan, is a powerful angiogenesis inhibitor. To dissect the mechanism of endorepellin-mediated endothelial silencing, we used an antibody array against multiple tyrosine kinase receptors. Endorepellin caused a widespread reduction in phosphorylation of key receptors involved in angiogenesis and a concurrent increase in phosphatase activity in endothelial cells and tumor xenografts. These effects were efficiently hampered by function-blocking antibodies against integrin alpha2beta1, the functional endorepellin receptor. The Src homology-2 protein phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) coprecipitated with integrin alpha2 and was phosphorylated in a dynamic fashion after endorepellin stimulation. Genetic evidence was provided by lack of an endorepellin-evoked phosphatase response in microvascular endothelial cells derived from integrin alpha2beta1(-/-) mice and by response to endorepellin in cells genetically engineered to express the alpha2beta1 integrin, but not in cells either lacking this receptor or expressing a chimera harboring the integrin alpha2 ectodomain fused to the alpha1 intracellular domain. siRNA-mediated knockdown of integrin alpha2 caused a dose-dependent reduction of SHP-1. Finally, the levels of SHP-1 and its enzymatic activity were substantially reduced in multiple organs from alpha2beta1(-/-) mice. Our results show that SHP-1 is an essential mediator of endorepellin activity and discover a novel functional interaction between the integrin alpha2 subunit and SHP-1.

Laminin enhances beta(2)-adrenergic receptor stimulation of L-type Ca(2+) current via cytosolic phospholipase A(2) signalling in cat atrial myocytes

We previously reported that attachment of atrial myocytes to the extracellular matrix protein laminin (LMN), decreases adenylate cyclase (AC)/cAMP and increases beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (AR) stimulation of L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca,L)). This study therefore sought to determine whether LMN enhances beta(2)-AR signalling via a cAMP-independent mechanism, i.e. cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) signalling. Studies were performed on acutely isolated atrial myocytes plated on uncoated coverslips (LMN) or coverslips coated with LMN (+LMN). As previously reported, 0.1 microm zinterol (zint-beta(2)-AR) stimulation of I(Ca,L) was larger in +LMN than LMN myocytes. In +LMN myocytes, zint-beta(2)-AR stimulation of I(Ca,L) was inhibited by inhibition of cPLA(2) by arachidonyltrifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF(3); 10 microm), inhibition of G(i) by pertussis toxin and chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) by 10 microm BAPTA-AM. In contrast to zinterol, stimulation of I(Ca,L) by fenoterol (fen-beta(2)-AR), a beta(2)-AR agonist that acts exclusively via G(s) signalling, was smaller in +LMN than LMN myocytes. Arachidonic acid (AA; 5 microm) stimulated I(Ca,L) to a similar extent in LMN and +LMN myocytes. Inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) by either 5 mum H89 or 1 microm KT5720 in LMN myocytes mimicked the effects of +LMN myocytes to enhance zint-beta(2)-AR stimulation of I(Ca,L), which was blocked by 10 microm AACOCF(3). In contrast, H89 inhibited fen-beta(2)-AR stimulation of I(Ca,L), which was unchanged by AACOCF(3). Inhibition of ERK1/2 by 1 microm U0126 inhibited zint-beta(2)-AR stimulation of I(Ca,L) in +LMN myocytes and LMN myocytes in which cAMP/PKA was inhibited by KT5720. In LMN myocytes, cytochalasin D prevented inhibition of cAMP/PKA from enhancing zint-beta(2)-AR stimulation of I(Ca,L). We conclude that LMN enhances zint-beta(2)-AR stimulation of I(Ca,L) via G(i)/ERK1/2/cPLA(2)/AA signalling which is activated by concomitant inhibition of cAMP/PKA signalling and dependent on the actin cytoskeleton. These findings provide new insight into the cellular mechanisms by which the extracellular matrix can remodel beta(2)-AR signalling in atrial muscle.

A key role for the integrin alpha2beta1 in experimental and developmental angiogenesis

The alpha2beta1 integrin receptor plays a key role in angiogenesis. Here we investigated the effects of small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) designed to disrupt integrin alpha2 I or beta1 I-like domain function on angiogenesis. In unchallenged endothelial cells, fibrillar collagen induced robust capillary morphogenesis. In contrast, tube formation was significantly reduced by SMI496, a beta1 I-like domain inhibitor and by function-blocking anti-alpha2beta1 but not -alpha1beta1 antibodies. Endothelial cells bound fluorescein-labeled collagen I fibrils, an interaction specifically inhibited by SMI496. Moreover, SMI496 caused cell retraction and cytoskeletal collapse of endothelial cells as well as delayed endothelial cell wound healing. SMI activities were examined in vivo by supplementing the growth medium of zebrafish embryos expressing green fluorescent protein under the control of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 promoter. SMI496, but not a control compound, interfered with angiogenesis in vivo by reversibly inhibiting sprouting from the axial vessels. We further characterized zebrafish alpha2 integrin and discovered that this integrin is highly conserved, especially the I domain. Notably, a similar vascular phenotype was induced by morpholino-mediated knockdown of the integrin alpha2 subunit. By live videomicroscopy, we confirmed that the vessels were largely nonfunctional in the absence of alpha2beta1 integrin. Collectively, our results provide strong biochemical and genetic evidence of a central role for alpha2beta1 integrin in experimental and developmental angiogenesis.

Collagen IX is required for the integrity of collagen II fibrils and the regulation of vascular plexus formation in zebrafish caudal fins

Capillary plexuses form during both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis and are remodeled into mature vessel types and patterns which are delicately orchestrated with the sizes and shapes of other tissues and organs. We isolated a zebrafish mutation named prp (for persistent plexus) that causes persistent formation of vascular plexuses in the caudal fins and consequent mispatterning of bony fin rays and the fin shape. Detailed analyses revealed that the prp mutation causes a significant reduction in the size and dramatic structural defects in collagen II-rich extracellular matrices called actinotrichia of both embryonic finfolds and adult fins. prp was mapped to chromosome 19 and found to encode the zebrafish collagen9alpha1 (col9alpha1) gene which is abundantly expressed in developing finfolds. A point mutation resulting in a leucine-to-histidine change was detected in the thrombospondin domain of the col9alpha1 gene in prp. Morpholino-mediated knockdown of col9alpha1 phenocopied the prp small-finfold phenotype in wild-type embryos, and an injection of plasmids containing the col9alpha1 cDNA into prp embryos locally restored the finfold size. Furthermore, we found that osteoblasts in prp mutants were mispatterned apparently following the abnormal vascular plexus pattern, demonstrating that blood vessels play an important role in the patterning of bony rays in zebrafish caudal fins.

G3139, an anti-Bcl-2 antisense oligomer that binds heparin-binding growth factors and collagen I, alters in vitro endothelial cell growth and tubular morphogenesis

PURPOSE

We examined the effects of G3139 on the interaction of heparin-binding proteins [e.g., fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and collagen I] with endothelial cells. G3139 is an 18-mer phosphorothioate oligonucleotide targeted to the initiation codon region of the Bcl-2 mRNA. A randomized, prospective global phase III trial in advanced melanoma (GM301) has evaluated G3139 in combination with dacarbazine. However, the mechanism of action of G3139 is incompletely understood because it is unlikely that Bcl-2 silencing is the sole mechanism for chemosensitization in melanoma cells.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The ability of G3139 to interact with and protect heparin-binding proteins was quantitated. The effects of G3139 on the binding of FGF2 to high-affinity cell surface receptors and the induction of cellular mitogenesis and tubular morphogenesis in HMEC-1 and human umbilical vascular endothelial cells were determined.

RESULTS

G3139 binds with picomolar affinity to collagen I. By replacing heparin, the drug can potentiate the binding of FGF2 to FGFR1 IIIc, and it protects FGF from oxidation and proteolysis. G3139 can increase endothelial cell mitogenesis and tubular morphogenesis of HMEC-1 cells in three-dimensional collagen gels, increases the mitogenesis of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells similarly, and induces vessel sprouts in the rat aortic ring model.

CONCLUSIONS

G3139 dramatically affects the behavior of endothelial cells. There may be a correlation between this observation and the treatment interaction with lactate dehydrogenase observed clinically.

Roles of integrins in tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis

The lifelong dedication of Dr. Judah Folkman to understand how tumors co-opt vasculature to promote tumor growth and spread resulted in the development of an astounding body of knowledge and development of new clinical therapeutics for cancer. Angiogenesis is a critical point in the development and dissemination of most human tumors. Tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis also plays an important role in mediating tumor spread to lymph nodes. The molecular regulations of these processes are complex, and many key molecular families have been implicated in the regulation of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. By regulating cell-cell and cell-matrix contacts, integrins participate in blood and lymphatic vessel growth by promoting endothelial cell migration and survival. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which integrins promote tumor-associated blood and lymphatic vessel development might provide important modalities for the therapeutic intervention of metastatic spread. This review focuses on the role of integrins in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Integrins represent potential targets for pharmacological agents and open new avenues for the control of metastatic spread in the treatment of malignancies. This article is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Judah Folkman, an amazing and caring teacher, scientist, physician, and friend.

DNAzymes to mouse beta1 integrin mRNA in vivo: targeting the tumor vasculature and retarding cancer growth

Previously, we designed a DNAzyme (beta1DE) targeting the human beta1 integrin subunit, which efficiently digested the mRNA of the beta1 integrin subunit and downregulated beta1 integrin expression in endothelial cells. This DNAzyme blocked the adhesion of endothelial cells and abolished their ability to form microcapillary tubes in Matrigel. In our present study, we demonstrate that beta1DE effectively inhibited neovascularization in Matrigel plugs (BALB/c mice, n=20) and solid human carcinoma tumors developed in nude mice (BALB/cA nude (nu-/-)-B6.Cg-Foxn1(nu)) (n=30) using prostate carcinoma cells PC-3 (n=15) and colon adenocarcinoma cells CX1.1 (n=15). When injected intratumorally, it significantly reduced the tumor size and number of microvessels developed by both CX1.1 and PC-3 cells within the 3 weeks of experiment duration. Thus, DNAzymes targeting beta1 integrin genes can inhibit multiple key tumorigenic processes in vitro and in vivo and may serve as useful anti-cancer agents.

Dynamic processes involved in the pre-vascularization of silk fibroin constructs for bone regeneration using outgrowth endothelial cells

For successful bone regeneration tissue engineered bone constructs combining both aspects, namely a high osteogenic potential and a rapid connection to the vascular network are needed. In this study we assessed the formation of pre-vascular structures by human outgrowth endothelial cells (OEC) from progenitors in the peripheral blood and the osteogenic differentiation of primary human osteoblasts (pOB) on micrometric silk fibroin scaffolds. The rational was to gain more insight into the dynamic processes involved in the differentiation and functionality of both cell types depending on culture time in vitro. Vascular tube formation by OEC was assessed quantitatively at one and 4 weeks of culture. In parallel, we assessed the temporal changes in cell ratios by flow cytometry and in the marker profiles of endothelial and osteogenic markers by quantitative real-time PCR. In terms of OEC, we observed an increase in tube length, tube area, number of nodes and number of vascular meshes within a culture period of 4 weeks, but a decrease in endothelial markers in real-time PCR. At the same time early osteogenic markers were downregulated, while marker expression associated with progressing mineralized matrix was upregulated in later stages of the culture. In addition, deposition of matrix components, such as collagen type I, known as a pro-angiogenic substrate for endothelial cells, appeared to increase with time indicated by immunohistochemistry. In summary, the study suggests a progressing maturation of the tissue construct with culture time which seems to be not effected by culture conditions mainly designed for outgrowth endothelial cells.

Molecular profile of endothelial invasion of three-dimensional collagen matrices: insights into angiogenic sprout induction in wound healing

Sprouting angiogenesis is a multistep process consisting of basement membrane degradation, endothelial cell (EC) activation, proliferation, invasion, lumen formation, and sprout stabilization. Such complexity is consistent with a requirement for orchestration of individual gene expression alongside multiple signaling pathways. To better understand the mechanisms that direct the transformation of adherent ECs on the surface of collagen matrices to develop multicellular invading sprouts, we analyzed differential gene expression with time using a defined in vitro model of EC invasion driven by the combination of sphingosine-1-phosphate, basic FGF, and VEGF. Gene expression changes were confirmed by real-time PCR and Western blot analyses. A cohort of cell adhesion molecule genes involved in adherens junction and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions were upregulated, whereas a set of genes associated with tight junctions were downregulated. Numerous genes encoding ECM proteins and proteases were induced, indicating that biosynthesis and remodeling of ECM is indispensable for sprouting angiogenesis. Knockdown of a highly upregulated gene, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-type repeats-1 (ADAMTS1), decreased invasion responses, confirming a role for ADAMTS1 in mediating EC invasion. Furthermore, differential expression of multiple members of the Wnt and Notch pathways was observed. Functional experiments indicated that inhibition and activation of the Notch signaling pathway stimulated and inhibited EC invasion responses, respectively. This study has enhanced the molecular road map of gene expression changes that occur during endothelial invasion and highlighted the utility of three-dimensional models to study EC morphogenesis.

Antimigratory effect of TK1-2 is mediated in part by interfering with integrin alpha2beta1

The recombinant two kringle domain of human tissue-type plasminogen activator (TK1-2) has been shown to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and tumor cell growth despite of sharing a low amino acid sequence homology with angiostatin. Here, we explored a possible inhibitory mechanism of action of TK1-2 by focusing on antimigratory effect. TK1-2 effectively inhibited endothelial cell migration induced by basic fibroblast growth factor or vascular endothelial growth factor in a dose-dependent manner and tube formation on Matrigel. It blocked basic fibroblast growth factor-induced or vascular endothelial growth factor-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and formation of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions. Interestingly, TK1-2 alone induced the weak phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, whereas it inhibited focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation induced by growth factors. When immobilized, TK1-2 promoted adhesion and spreading of endothelial cells compared with bovine serum albumin. However, treatment with anti-alpha(2)beta(1) blocking antibody markedly diminished endothelial cell adhesion to immobilized TK1-2 compared with anti-alpha(v)beta(3) or anti-alpha(5)beta(1) antibody. Pretreatment of soluble TK1-2 also altered the binding level of anti-alpha(2)beta(1) antibody to endothelial cells in fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Indeed, a blocking antibody against integrin alpha(2)beta(1) or knocking down of integrin alpha(2) expression prevented the inhibitory effect of TK1-2 in cell migration. Therefore, these results suggest that TK1-2 inhibits endothelial cell migration through inhibition of signaling and cytoskeleton rearrangement in part by interfering with integrin alpha(2)beta(1).

alpha2beta1 integrin expression in the tumor microenvironment enhances tumor angiogenesis in a tumor cell-specific manner

To define the role of the alpha2beta1 integrin in pathologic angiogenesis, we investigated tumor-associated growth and angiogenesis in wild-type and alpha2-null mice. Our findings reveal that the alpha2beta1 integrin plays an important role in angiogenesis via regulation of VEGFR1 expression. When challenged with B16F10 melanoma cells, mice lacking alpha2beta1 integrin ex-pression exhibit increased tumor angiogenesis associated with up-regulated VEGFR1 expression. In contrast, there was no alpha2beta1 integrin-dependent difference in the angiogenic response to Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. Interestingly, whereas B16F10 cells secrete high levels of placental growth factor (PLGF), LLC cells produce high levels of VEGF, but low levels of PLGF. The alpha2beta1 integrin-dependent difference in angiogenesis was restored to LLC cells by expression of PLGF, strongly suggesting that the angiogenic phenotype and tumor growth in the alpha2-null host is dependent on specific interactions between the tumor cell and the genetically defined integrin repertoire of the host microenvironment. Thus integrin alpha2-null mice represent an example of genetic alterations of "the soil" determining response to the "seed."

The extracellular matrix and blood vessel formation: not just a scaffold

The extracellular matrix plays a number of important roles, among them providing structural support and information to cellular structures such as blood vessels imbedded within it. As more complex organisms have evolved, the matrix ability to direct signalling towards the vasculature and remodel in response to signalling from the vasculature has assumed progressively greater importance. This review will focus on the molecules of the extracellular matrix, specifically relating to vessel formation and their ability to signal to the surrounding cells to initiate or terminate processes involved in blood vessel formation.

EGFL7 regulates the collective migration of endothelial cells by restricting their spatial distribution

During sprouting angiogenesis, groups of endothelial cells (ECs) migrate together in units called sprouts. In this study, we demonstrate that the vascular-specific secreted factor EGFL7 regulates the proper spatial organization of ECs within each sprout and influences their collective movement. In the homozygous Egfl7-knockout mice, vascular development is delayed in many organs despite normal EC proliferation, and 50% of the knockout embryos die in utero. ECs in the mutant vasculatures form abnormal aggregates and the vascular basement membrane marker collagen IV is mislocalized, suggesting that ECs fail to recognize the proper spatial position of their neighbors. Although the migratory ability of individual ECs in isolation is not affected by the loss of EGFL7, the aberrant spatial organization of ECs in the mutant tissues decreases their collective movement. Using in vitro and in vivo analyses, we showed that EGFL7 is a component of the interstitial extracellular matrix deposited on the basal sides of sprouts, a location suitable for conveying positional information to neighboring ECs. Taken together, we propose that EGFL7 defines the optimal path of EC movement by assuring the correct positioning of each EC in a nascent sprout.

cAMP synthesis and degradation by phagosomes regulate actin assembly and fusion events: consequences for mycobacteria

We showed recently that actin assembly by phagosomal membranes facilitates fusion with late endocytic organelles in macrophages. Moreover, lipids that induced phagosomal actin also stimulated this fusion process. In macrophages infected with pathogenic mycobacteria actin-stimulatory lipids led to an increase in pathogen destruction, whereas inhibitors facilitated their growth. A model was proposed whereby phagosomal membrane actin assembly provides tracks for lysosomes to move towards phagosomes, thereby facilitating fusion. Here, we investigated how cAMP affected phagosomal actin assembly in vitro, and phagosomal actin, acidification and late fusion events in J774 macrophages. Latex bead phagosomes are shown to possess adenylyl cyclase activity, which synthesizes cAMP, and phosphodiesterase activity, which degrades cAMP. The system is regulated by protein kinase A (PKA). Increasing cAMP levels inhibited, whereas decreasing cAMP levels stimulated, actin assembly in vitro and within cells. Increasing cAMP levels also inhibited phagosome-lysosome fusion and acidification in cells, whereas reducing cAMP had the opposite effect. High cAMP levels induced an increase in intraphagosomal growth in macrophages of both the non-pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis and the pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis, whereas low cAMP levels or inhibition of PKA correlated with increased bacterial destruction. We argue that the phagosome cAMP-PKA system behaves as a molecular switch that regulates phagosome actin and maturation in macrophages.

Protein kinase A-regulated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of Id1 during angiogenesis

Id1, an inhibitory partner of basic-helix-loop-helix transcriptional factors, has recently been recognized as a potent contributor to angiogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its role in angiogenesis remains essentially unknown. Herein we demonstrate the subcellular localization of Id1 to be altered depending on the cellular context of vascular endothelial cells. Id1 was localized in the nuclei of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured on uncoated plates, whereas it was translocated to the cytoplasm in HUVECs on Matrigel along with the formation of capillary-like structures. Treatment with the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B and mutagenesis analysis using green fluorescent protein-fused Id1 revealed CRM1/exportin-dependent nuclear export of Id1 in HUVECs on Matrigel. This nuclear export of Id1 was inhibited by protein kinase A (PKA) activation by dibutyryl cyclic AMP and forskolin but was promoted by PKA inactivation by H-89 and MDL-12,330A. Mutagenesis analysis of Id1 showed the phosphorylation of Ser-5 to possibly mediate the effect of PKA. These results suggest the function of Id1 as a transcriptional factor to be controlled by nucleocytoplasmic shuttling during angiogenesis and that PKA might be involved in this process. This may serve as a novel mechanism regulating angiogenesis and as a possible target for therapeutic vascular regeneration.

Induction of directional sprouting angiogenesis by matrix gradients

The fate of any tissue engineering implant relies upon an adequate oxygen and nutrients supply throughout the cellular construct and, hence, by the ability of the scaffold to induce and guide vascular ingrowth. However, implant vascularization is usually an uncontrolled process that takes several weeks. In this work, we assessed the feasibility of controlling vascular sprout rate and direction within three-dimensional collagen-hyaluronic acid semi-interpenetrated networks by modulating the spatial distribution of the matricellular cues. Results indicated that increasing amount of hyaluronic acid (HA) within the matrix led to a progressive inhibition of sprouting. In HA-rich matrices, the sprout number and the propagation rate showed a 2.7- and 4-fold reduction, respectively, compared to collagen matrices. Furthermore, by creating HA gradients within the collagen network, we were able to direct and enhance the sprouting rate. This study provides an experimental platform for controlling vascularization of engineered tissues.