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Abstract
Correct organization of the vascular tree requires the balanced activities of several signaling pathways that regulate tubulogenesis and vascular branching, elongation, and pruning. When this balance is lost, the vessels can be malformed and fragile, and they can lose arteriovenous differentiation. In this review, we concentrate on the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway, which is one of the most important and complex signaling systems in vascular development. Inactivation of these pathways can lead to altered vascular organization in the embryo. In addition, many vascular malformations are related to deregulation of TGF-β/BMP signaling. Here, we focus on two of the most studied vascular malformations that are induced by deregulation of TGF-β/BMP signaling: hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). The first of these is related to loss-of-function mutation of the TGF-β/BMP receptor complex and the second to increased signaling sensitivity to TGF-β/BMP. In this review, we discuss the potential therapeutic targets against these vascular malformations identified so far, as well as their basis in general mechanisms of vascular development and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara I Cunha
- From the Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (S.I.C., P.U.M., E.D.); FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy (E.D., M.G.L.); and Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy (M.G.L.)
| | - Peetra U Magnusson
- From the Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (S.I.C., P.U.M., E.D.); FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy (E.D., M.G.L.); and Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy (M.G.L.)
| | - Elisabetta Dejana
- From the Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (S.I.C., P.U.M., E.D.); FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy (E.D., M.G.L.); and Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy (M.G.L.).
| | - Maria Grazia Lampugnani
- From the Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (S.I.C., P.U.M., E.D.); FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy (E.D., M.G.L.); and Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy (M.G.L.)
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Ollauri-Ibáñez C, López-Novoa JM, Pericacho M. Endoglin-based biological therapy in the treatment of angiogenesis-dependent pathologies. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 17:1053-1063. [PMID: 28656781 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2017.1346607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alterations in the process of angiogenesis, either by excess or by defect, are present in different common pathologies. For this reason, great efforts are being made toward the development of pro- and anti-angiogenic therapies. Since endoglin levels are enhanced in tissues undergoing angiogenesis, and changes in its expression lead to alterations in vessel formation, endoglin has become an ideal target for these types of therapies. Areas covered: In this review, the role of endoglin in angiogenesis is summarized. In addition, the authors review pro- and anti-angiogenic therapies that are currently being used and new approaches that target endoglin. The article includes therapies that are both in preclinical and clinical development. Expert opinion: Endoglin is a very good target for anti-angiogenic therapy, as demonstrated by the positive results obtained with anti-endoglin antibodies. However, although endoglin in pro-angiogenic therapies has been successful in vitro, its use has not yet reached clinical settings. Moreover, the authors believe that establishing the exact role of endoglin in angiogenesis is essential and that this should be the next step in this field in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ollauri-Ibáñez
- a Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , University of Salamanca , Salamanca , Spain.,b Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL) , Salamanca , Spain
| | - José M López-Novoa
- a Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , University of Salamanca , Salamanca , Spain.,b Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL) , Salamanca , Spain
| | - Miguel Pericacho
- a Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , University of Salamanca , Salamanca , Spain.,b Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL) , Salamanca , Spain
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Nuñez-Durán E, Chanclón B, Sütt S, Real J, Marschall HU, Wernstedt Asterholm I, Cansby E, Mahlapuu M. Protein kinase STK25 aggravates the severity of non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease in mice. J Endocrinol 2017; 234:15-27. [PMID: 28442507 PMCID: PMC5510597 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Characterising the molecular networks that negatively regulate pancreatic β-cell function is essential for understanding the underlying pathogenesis and developing new treatment strategies for type 2 diabetes. We recently identified serine/threonine protein kinase 25 (STK25) as a critical regulator of ectopic fat storage, meta-inflammation, and fibrosis in liver and skeletal muscle. Here, we assessed the role of STK25 in control of progression of non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease in the context of chronic exposure to dietary lipids in mice. We found that overexpression of STK25 in high-fat-fed transgenic mice aggravated diet-induced lipid storage in the pancreas compared with that of wild-type controls, which was accompanied by exacerbated pancreatic inflammatory cell infiltration, stellate cell activation, fibrosis and apoptosis. Pancreas of Stk25 transgenic mice also displayed a marked decrease in islet β/α-cell ratio and alteration in the islet architecture with an increased presence of α-cells within the islet core, whereas islet size remained similar between genotypes. After a continued challenge with a high-fat diet, lower levels of fasting plasma insulin and C-peptide, and higher levels of plasma leptin, were detected in Stk25 transgenic vs wild-type mice. Furthermore, the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was impaired in high-fat-fed Stk25 transgenic mice during glucose tolerance test, in spite of higher net change in blood glucose concentrations compared with wild-type controls, suggesting islet β-cell dysfunction. In summary, this study unravels a role for STK25 in determining the susceptibility to diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease in mice in connection to obesity. Our findings highlight STK25 as a potential drug target for metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Nuñez-Durán
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineLundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Belén Chanclón
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineLundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Metabolic PhysiologyInstitute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Silva Sütt
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineLundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joana Real
- Department of Metabolic PhysiologyInstitute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineWallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Wernstedt Asterholm
- Department of Metabolic PhysiologyInstitute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineLundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineLundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Fine-Tuning Tumor Endothelial Cells to Selectively Kill Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071401. [PMID: 28665313 PMCID: PMC5535894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor endothelial cells regulate several aspects of tumor biology, from delivering oxygen and nutrients to shaping the immune response against a tumor and providing a barrier against tumor cell dissemination. Accordingly, targeting tumor endothelial cells represents an important modality in cancer therapy. Whereas initial anti-angiogenic treatments focused mainly on blocking the formation of new blood vessels in cancer, emerging strategies are specifically influencing certain aspects of tumor endothelial cells. For instance, efforts are generated to normalize tumor blood vessels in order to improve tumor perfusion and ameliorate the outcome of chemo-, radio-, and immunotherapy. In addition, treatment options that enhance the properties of tumor blood vessels that support a host’s anti-tumor immune response are being explored. Hence, upcoming anti-angiogenic strategies will shape some specific aspects of the tumor blood vessels that are no longer limited to abrogating angiogenesis. In this review, we enumerate approaches that target tumor endothelial cells to provide anti-cancer benefits and discuss their therapeutic potential.
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Grisard E, Nicoloso MS. Following MicroRNAs Through the Cancer Metastatic Cascade. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 333:173-228. [PMID: 28729025 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Approximately a decade ago the first MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) participating in cancer metastasis were identified and metastmiRs were initially only a handful. Since those first reports, MiRNA research has explosively thrived, mainly due to their revolutionary mechanism of action and the hope of having at hand a novel tool to control cancer aggressiveness. This has ultimately led to delineate an almost impenetrable regulatory network: hundreds of MiRNAs transversally dominating every aspect of normal and cancer biology, each MiRNA having hundreds of targets and context-dependent activity. Providing a comprehensive description of MiRNA roles in cancer metastasis is a daunting task; nevertheless, we still believe that grasping the big picture of MiRNAs in cancer metastasis can give a different perspective on the potential insights and approaches that MiRNAs can offer to understand cancer complexity (e.g., as predictive and prognostic markers) and to tackle cancer metastasis (e.g., as therapeutic targets or tools). This chapter presents a schematic overview of the role of MiRNAs in governing cancer metastasis, describing step by step the cellular and molecular processes whereby cancer cells conquer distant organs and can grow as secondary tumors at different distant sites, and for each step, we will introduce how MiRNAs impinge on each one of them. We deeply apologize with our colleagues for any of their research work that, for clarity, for our effort to streamline and due to space limitations, we did not cite.
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Yang J, Wang Y, Zeng Z, Qiao L, Zhuang L, Gao Q, Ma D, Huang X. Smad4 deletion in blood vessel endothelial cells promotes ovarian cancer metastasis. Int J Oncol 2017; 50:1693-1700. [PMID: 28393199 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.3957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
SMAD4 is a critical co-smad in signal transduction pathways activated in response to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-related ligands, regulating cell growth and differentiation. The roles played by SMAD4 inactivation in tumors highlighted it as a tumor-suppressor gene. Herein, we report that loss of SMAD4 expression in vascular endothelial cells promotes ovarian cancer invasion. SiRNA transfer of this gene in the HUVEC reduced SMAD4 protein expression and function. Although it reduced the vessel endothelial cell tubule formation in vitro and in vivo, it did not affect the tumor growth significantly in vivo. However, it weakened the barrier integrity in endothelial cells and increased vessel permeability and the ovarian cancer liver metastasis. We documented reduced angiogenesis and increased invasion histologically and by intravital microscopy, and gained mechanistic insight at the messenger and gene level. Finally, we found a negative reciprocal regulation between SMAD4 and FYN. FYN is one of the Src family kinases (SFK), activation of which can cause dissociation of cell-cell junctions and adhesion, resulting in paracellular hypermeability. Upon SMAD4 deletion, we detected high expression levels of FYN in vessel endothelial cells, suggesting the mechanism of the ovarian tumor cells cross the endothelial barrier and transform to an invasive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Cancer Biology Research Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Ya Wang
- Cancer Biology Research Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Zeng
- Cancer Biology Research Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Long Qiao
- Cancer Biology Research Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Liang Zhuang
- Cancer Biology Research Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Cancer Biology Research Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Ding Ma
- Cancer Biology Research Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyuan Huang
- Cancer Biology Research Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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Custódio-Santos T, Videira M, Brito MA. Brain metastasization of breast cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2017; 1868:132-147. [PMID: 28341420 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system metastases have been reported in 15-25% of breast cancer patients, and the incidence is increasing. Moreover, the survival of these patients is generally poor, with reports of a 1-year survival rate of 20%. Therefore, a better knowledge about the determinants of brain metastasization is essential for the improvement of the clinical outcomes. Here, we summarize the current data about the metastatic cascade, ranging from the output of cancer cells from the primary tumour to their colonization in the brain, which involves the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion of mammary tissue, intravasation into circulation, and homing into and extravasation towards the brain. The phenotypic change in malignant cells, and the importance of the microenvironment in the formation of brain metastases are also inspected. Finally, the importance of genetic and epigenetic changes, and the recently disclosed effects of microRNAs in brain metastasization of breast cancer are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Custódio-Santos
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Videira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Galenic Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Perillyl alcohol, a pleiotropic natural compound suitable for brain tumor therapy, targets free radicals. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2017; 65:285-297. [DOI: 10.1007/s00005-017-0459-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Chursa U, Nuñez-Durán E, Cansby E, Amrutkar M, Sütt S, Ståhlman M, Olsson BM, Borén J, Johansson ME, Bäckhed F, Johansson BR, Sihlbom C, Mahlapuu M. Overexpression of protein kinase STK25 in mice exacerbates ectopic lipid accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Diabetologia 2017; 60:553-567. [PMID: 27981357 PMCID: PMC6518105 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-4171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Understanding the molecular networks controlling ectopic lipid deposition and insulin responsiveness in skeletal muscle is essential for developing new strategies to treat type 2 diabetes. We recently identified serine/threonine protein kinase 25 (STK25) as a critical regulator of liver steatosis, hepatic lipid metabolism and whole body glucose and insulin homeostasis. Here, we assessed the role of STK25 in control of ectopic fat storage and insulin responsiveness in skeletal muscle. METHODS Skeletal muscle morphology was studied by histological examination, exercise performance and insulin sensitivity were assessed by treadmill running and euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp, respectively, and muscle lipid metabolism was analysed by ex vivo assays in Stk25 transgenic and wild-type mice fed a high-fat diet. Lipid accumulation and mitochondrial function were also studied in rodent myoblasts overexpressing STK25. Global quantitative phosphoproteomics was performed in skeletal muscle of Stk25 transgenic and wild-type mice fed a high-fat diet to identify potential downstream mediators of STK25 action. RESULTS We found that overexpression of STK25 in transgenic mice fed a high-fat diet increases intramyocellular lipid accumulation, impairs skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and sarcomeric ultrastructure, and induces perimysial and endomysial fibrosis, thereby reducing endurance exercise capacity and muscle insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, we observed enhanced lipid accumulation and impaired mitochondrial function in rodent myoblasts overexpressing STK25, demonstrating an autonomous action for STK25 within cells. Global phosphoproteomic analysis revealed alterations in the total abundance and phosphorylation status of different target proteins located predominantly to mitochondria and sarcomeric contractile elements in Stk25 transgenic vs wild-type muscle, respectively, providing a possible molecular mechanism for the observed phenotype. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION STK25 emerges as a new regulator of the complex interplay between lipid storage, mitochondrial energetics and insulin action in skeletal muscle, highlighting the potential of STK25 antagonists for type 2 diabetes treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Chursa
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Blå stråket 5, SE-41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Esther Nuñez-Durán
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Blå stråket 5, SE-41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Blå stråket 5, SE-41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Manoj Amrutkar
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Blå stråket 5, SE-41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Silva Sütt
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Blå stråket 5, SE-41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Jan Borén
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria E Johansson
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Bäckhed
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bengt R Johansson
- Institute of Biomedicine, Electron Microscopy Unit, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carina Sihlbom
- Proteomics Core Facility, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Blå stråket 5, SE-41345, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Zhang Y, Huang G, Zhang Y, Yang H, Long Y, Liang Q, Zheng Z. MiR-942 decreased before 20 weeks gestation in women with preeclampsia and was associated with the pathophysiology of preeclampsia in vitro. Clin Exp Hypertens 2017; 39:108-113. [PMID: 28287888 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2016.1210619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the possible relationship between miR-942 levels and the pathogenesis of preeclampsia using in vitro assays and to investigate circulating miR-942 levels in the early phase of mid-of pregnancy in women who later developed preeclampsia and in women with uncomplicated pregnancies. METHODS Plasma samples were collected from pregnant women between 12 and 20 weeks of gestation. MiR-942 levels were determined by stem-loop real-time PCR for 26 cases who subsequently developed preeclampsia as well as for 52 controls. Bioinformatics software was used to predict the target genes of miR-942, and a dual-luciferase reporter system was utilized to validate target gene regulation. Finally, MTT proliferation assays, transwell invasion assays, and endothelial cell tube formation assays were performed to further explore the function of miR-942 using a human extravillous trophoblast cell line (TEV-1). RESULT Circulating miR-942 levels were significantly lower in mid-pregnancy (12-20 weeks gestation) in women who later developed preeclampsia compared with those with an uncomplicated pregnancy (p < 0.05). Endoglin (ENG) is an miR-942 target gene. MiR-942 had a sensitivity of 0.673, a specificity of 0.875, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.718 [95% CI, 0.594-0.822] for the possible screening of preeclampsia. In vitro, decreased miR-942 expression decreased the invasive ability of TEV-1 cells, and inhibited the HUVEC angiogenesis assay, both effects that are similar to what is observed in preeclampsia (both p <0.05). CONCLUSION MiR-942 may be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia via the regulation of its target gene ENG. Multicenter studies must be performed and a greater number of samples must be analyzed to ascertain whether circulating miR-942 levels can serve as a novel early diagnostic marker for preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Zhang
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory , Central Hospital of Longhua New District , Shenzhen , China
| | - Guoqing Huang
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory , Central Hospital of Longhua New District , Shenzhen , China
| | - Yipeng Zhang
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory , Central Hospital of Longhua New District , Shenzhen , China
| | - Hongling Yang
- b Department of Clinical Laboratory , Guangzhou Women & Children Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Yan Long
- b Department of Clinical Laboratory , Guangzhou Women & Children Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Qihua Liang
- b Department of Clinical Laboratory , Guangzhou Women & Children Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Zaoxiong Zheng
- c Department of Clinical Laboratory , Xiangzhou District People's Hospital , Zhuhai , China
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Pang P, Abbott M, Chang SL, Abdi M, Chauhan N, Mistri M, Ghofrani J, Fucci QA, Walker C, Leonardi C, Grady S, Halim A, Hoffman R, Lu T, Cao H, Tullius SG, Malek S, Kumar S, Steele G, Kibel A, Freedman BS, Waikar SS, Siedlecki AM. Human vascular progenitor cells derived from renal arteries are endothelial-like and assist in the repair of injured renal capillary networks. Kidney Int 2017; 91:129-143. [PMID: 27692806 PMCID: PMC5179298 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2016.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Vascular progenitor cells show promise for the treatment of microvasculature endothelial injury. We investigated the function of renal artery progenitor cells derived from radical nephrectomy patients, in animal models of acute ischemic and hyperperfusion injuries. Present in human adventitia, CD34positive/CD105negative cells were clonal and expressed transcription factors Sox2/Oct4 as well as surface markers CXCR4 (CD184)/KDR(CD309) consistent with endothelial progenitor cells. Termed renal artery-derived vascular progenitor cells (RAPC), injected cells were associated with decreased serum creatinine after ischemia/reperfusion, reduced albuminuria after hyperperfusion, and improved blood flow in both models. A small population of RAPC integrated with the renal microvasculature following either experimental injury. At a cellular level, RAPC promoted local endothelial migration in co-culture. Profiling of RAPC microRNA identified high levels of miRNA 218; also found at high levels in exosomes isolated from RAPC conditioned media after cell contact for 24 hours. After hydrogen peroxide-induced endothelial injury, RAPC exosomes harbored Robo-1 transcript; a gene known to be regulated by mir218. Such exosomes enhanced endothelial cell migration in culture in the absence of RAPC. Thus, our work shows the feasibility of pre-emptive pro-angiogenic progenitor cell procurement from a targeted patient population and potential therapeutic use in the form of autologous cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Pang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Molly Abbott
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven L Chang
- Urology Division, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Malyun Abdi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nikita Chauhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Murti Mistri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joshua Ghofrani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Quynh-Anh Fucci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Colleen Walker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Corey Leonardi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samuel Grady
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arvin Halim
- Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ryan Hoffman
- Internal Medicine, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tzongshi Lu
- Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Huixia Cao
- Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stefan G Tullius
- Transplant Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sayeed Malek
- Transplant Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sanjaya Kumar
- Transplant Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Graeme Steele
- Urology Division, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adam Kibel
- Urology Division, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Sushrut S Waikar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew M Siedlecki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Xiao L, Dudley AC. Fine-tuning vascular fate during endothelial-mesenchymal transition. J Pathol 2017; 241:25-35. [PMID: 27701751 PMCID: PMC5164846 DOI: 10.1002/path.4814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In the heart and other organs, endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has emerged as an important developmental process that involves coordinated migration, differentiation, and proliferation of the endothelium. In multiple disease states including cancer angiogenesis and cardiovascular disease, the processes that regulate EndMT are recapitulated, albeit in an uncoordinated and dysregulated manner. Members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily are well known to impart cellular plasticity during EndMT by the timely activation (or repression) of transcription factors and miRNAs in addition to epigenetic regulation of gene expression. On the other hand, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are reported to augment or oppose TGFβ-driven EndMT in specific contexts. Here, we have synthesized the currently understood roles of TGFβ and FGF signalling during EndMT and have provided a new, comprehensive paradigm that delineates how an autocrine and paracrine TGFβ/FGF axis coordinates endothelial cell specification and plasticity. We also provide new guidelines and nomenclature that considers factors such as endothelial cell heterogeneity to better define EndMT across different vascular beds. This perspective should therefore help to clarify why TGFβ and FGF can both cooperate with or oppose one another during the complex process of EndMT in both health and disease. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Andrew C. Dudley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Emily Couric Cancer Center, The University of Virginia
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63
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Pasterkamp
- From the Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology and Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands (G.P.); and Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands (M.J.G.)
| | - Marie José Goumans
- From the Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology and Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands (G.P.); and Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands (M.J.G.)
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64
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Núñez-Gómez E, Pericacho M, Ollauri-Ibáñez C, Bernabéu C, López-Novoa JM. The role of endoglin in post-ischemic revascularization. Angiogenesis 2016; 20:1-24. [PMID: 27943030 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-016-9535-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Following arterial occlusion, blood vessels respond by forming a new network of functional capillaries (angiogenesis), by reorganizing preexisting capillaries through the recruitment of smooth muscle cells to generate new arteries (arteriogenesis) and by growing and remodeling preexisting collateral arterioles into physiologically relevant arteries (collateral development). All these processes result in the recovery of organ perfusion. The importance of endoglin in post-occlusion reperfusion is sustained by several observations: (1) endoglin expression is increased in vessels showing active angiogenesis/remodeling; (2) genetic endoglin haploinsufficiency in humans causes deficient angiogenesis; and (3) the reduction of endoglin expression by gene disruption or the administration of endoglin-neutralizing antibodies reduces angiogenesis and revascularization. However, the precise role of endoglin in the several processes associated with revascularization has not been completely elucidated and, in some cases, the function ascribed to endoglin by different authors is controversial. The purpose of this review is to organize in a critical way the information available for the role of endoglin in several phenomena (angiogenesis, arteriogenesis and collateral development) associated with post-ischemic revascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Núñez-Gómez
- Renal and Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Miguel Pericacho
- Renal and Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Claudia Ollauri-Ibáñez
- Renal and Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carmelo Bernabéu
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Spanish National Research Council (CIB, CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - José M López-Novoa
- Renal and Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain. .,Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain.
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65
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Cuttano R, Rudini N, Bravi L, Corada M, Giampietro C, Papa E, Morini MF, Maddaluno L, Baeyens N, Adams RH, Jain MK, Owens GK, Schwartz M, Lampugnani MG, Dejana E. KLF4 is a key determinant in the development and progression of cerebral cavernous malformations. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 8:6-24. [PMID: 26612856 PMCID: PMC4718159 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201505433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular malformations located within the central nervous system often resulting in cerebral hemorrhage. Pharmacological treatment is needed, since current therapy is limited to neurosurgery. Familial CCM is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in any of Ccm1, Ccm2, and Ccm3 genes. CCM cavernomas are lined by endothelial cells (ECs) undergoing endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT). This switch in phenotype is due to the activation of the transforming growth factor beta/bone morphogenetic protein (TGFβ/BMP) signaling. However, the mechanism linking Ccm gene inactivation and TGFβ/BMP‐dependent EndMT remains undefined. Here, we report that Ccm1 ablation leads to the activation of a MEKK3‐MEK5‐ERK5‐MEF2 signaling axis that induces a strong increase in Kruppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) in ECs in vivo. KLF4 transcriptional activity is responsible for the EndMT occurring in CCM1‐null ECs. KLF4 promotes TGFβ/BMP signaling through the production of BMP6. Importantly, in endothelial‐specific Ccm1 and Klf4 double knockout mice, we observe a strong reduction in the development of CCM and mouse mortality. Our data unveil KLF4 as a therapeutic target for CCM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noemi Rudini
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Bravi
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Corada
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Costanza Giampietro
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleanna Papa
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy on leave of absence at Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Molecular Neuro-Oncology University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Francesco Morini
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy on leave of absence at Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Maddaluno
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy on leave of absence at Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ralf H Adams
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Faculty of Medicine, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mukesh K Jain
- Case Cardiovascular Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA Department of Medicine University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gary K Owens
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Maria Grazia Lampugnani
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy Mario Negri Institute of Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Dejana
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden Department of Oncology and Oncohematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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66
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Amrutkar M, Chursa U, Kern M, Nuñez-Durán E, Ståhlman M, Sütt S, Borén J, Johansson BR, Marschall HU, Blüher M, Mahlapuu M. STK25 is a critical determinant in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. FASEB J 2016; 30:3628-3643. [PMID: 27421788 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600562r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, and 10-20% of patients with NAFLD progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with a high risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its high medical importance, the molecular mechanisms controlling progression from simple liver steatosis to NASH remain elusive. We recently identified serine/threonine protein kinase (STK)25 as a critical regulator of ectopic lipid deposition, systemic glucose, and insulin homeostasis. To elucidate the role of STK25 in the development of NASH, we challenged Stk25-knockout and transgenic mice with a methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet. We show that Stk25-/- mice are protected against MCD-diet-induced NASH, as evidenced by repressed liver steatosis, oxidative damage, inflammation, and fibrosis, whereas Stk25 transgenic mice developed a more severe NASH phenotype, compared with corresponding wild-type littermates. Consistently, NASH features were suppressed in STK25-deficient human hepatocytes cultured in MCD medium, and reciprocally enhanced in STK25-overexpressing cells. We also found a significant positive correlation in human liver biopsies between STK25 expression and NASH development. The study provides evidence for multiple roles of STK25 in NASH pathogenesis and future investigations to address the potential therapeutic relevance of pharmacological STK25 inhibitors in prevention and treatment of NASH are warranted.-Amrutkar, M., Chursa, U., Kern, M., Nuñez-Durán, E., Ståhlman, M., Sütt, S., Borén, J., Johansson, B. R., Marschall, H.-U., Blüher, M., Mahlapuu, M. STK25 is a critical determinant in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthias Kern
- Department of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and
| | - Silva Sütt
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research and
| | - Jan Borén
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and
| | - Bengt R Johansson
- Institute of Biomedicine, Electron Microscopy Unit, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Department of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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67
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Neurological Symptoms in a Cancer Patient With Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome. INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE 2016. [DOI: 10.1097/ipc.0000000000000353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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68
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Martinović Ž, Kovač D, Martinović C. Recurrences in stage II rectal carcinoma after curative resection alone: from the viewpoint of angiogenesis. World J Surg Oncol 2016; 14:122. [PMID: 27102733 PMCID: PMC4840965 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-016-0877-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in malignant tumor progression. The count of blood microvessels of the tumor has been recognized as an indicator of malignant potential of the tumors and provides the ability to predict tumors recurrence. The role endoglin in the Dukes B rectal cancer is still unexplored. The aims of this study were to examine immunohistochemical expression of endoglin in resected rectal cancer and investigate the relationship of tumor recurrence and other clinicopathological variables to the endoglin-assessed microvessel density of the tumor tissue and distal resection margins. Methods The study included 95 primary rectal adenocarcinomas, corresponding to 95 distal and 95 proximal resection margin specimens from surgical resection samples. Tumor specimens were paraffin embedded, and immunohistochemical staining for the CD105 endothelial antigen was performed to count CD105-MVD. For exact measurement of the CD105-MVD used, a computer-integrated system Alphelys Spot Browser 2 was used. Results The MVD was significantly higher in the tumor samples compared with the distal resection margins (p < 0.0001) and the proximal resection margins (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the MVD between distal and proximal resection margins (p = 0.147). The type of surgical resection was a significant factor for determining the recurrence of tumors (p = 0.0104). There was no significant effect of patients’ age, gender, tumor location, grade of differentiation, histological tumor type, and the size and depth of tumor invasion on the recurrence of the tumor. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the low CD105-MVD group of patients than in the high CD105-MVD group of patients (log rank test, p = 0.0406). Result of the multivariate analysis showed that the type of surgery (p = 0.0086), MVD tumors (p = 0.0385), and MVD of proximal resection margin (p = 0.0218) were the independent prognostic factors for the recurrent tumors. Conclusions CD105-assessed MVD could help to identify patients with more aggressive disease and increased risk of developing tumor recurrence after surgical treatment in stage II rectal cancer (RC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Željko Martinović
- Department of Surgery, Croatian Hospital "Dr. Fra Mato Nikolić", 72 276, Nova Bila, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Dražen Kovač
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51 000, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Cvita Martinović
- Department of Internal Medicine, Croatian Hospital "Dr. Fra Mato Nikolić", 72 276, Nova Bila, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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69
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Abstract
The mechanisms underlying discrimination between "self" and "non-self", a central immunological principle, require careful consideration in immune oncology therapeutics where eliciting anti-cancer immunity must be weighed against the risk of autoimmunity due to the self origin of tumors. Whole cell vaccines are one promising immunotherapeutic avenue whereby a myriad of tumor antigens are introduced in an immunogenic context with the aim of eliciting tumor rejection. Despite the possibility collateral damage to healthy tissues, cancer immunotherapy can be designed such that off target autoimmunity remains limited in scope and severity or completely non-existent. Here we provide an immunological basis for reconciling the safety of cancer vaccines, focusing on tumor endothelial cell vaccines, by discussing the following topics: (a) Antigenic differences between neoplastic and healthy tissues that can be leveraged in cancer vaccine design; (b) The layers of tolerance that control T cell responses directed against antigens expressed in healthy tissues and tumors; and, (c) The hierarchy of antigenic epitope selection and display in response to whole cell vaccines, and how antigen processing and presentation can afford a degree of selectivity against tumors. We conclude with an example of early clinical data utilizing ValloVax™, an immunogenic placental endothelial cell vaccine that is being advanced to target the tumor endothelium of diverse cancers, and we report on the safety and efficacy of ValloVax™ for inducing immunity against tumor endothelial antigens.
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70
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Li X, Padhan N, Sjöström EO, Roche FP, Testini C, Honkura N, Sáinz-Jaspeado M, Gordon E, Bentley K, Philippides A, Tolmachev V, Dejana E, Stan RV, Vestweber D, Ballmer-Hofer K, Betsholtz C, Pietras K, Jansson L, Claesson-Welsh L. VEGFR2 pY949 signalling regulates adherens junction integrity and metastatic spread. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11017. [PMID: 27005951 PMCID: PMC4814575 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The specific role of VEGFA-induced permeability and vascular leakage in physiology and pathology has remained unclear. Here we show that VEGFA-induced vascular leakage depends on signalling initiated via the VEGFR2 phosphosite Y949, regulating dynamic c-Src and VE-cadherin phosphorylation. Abolished Y949 signalling in the mouse mutant Vegfr2Y949F/Y949F leads to VEGFA-resistant endothelial adherens junctions and a block in molecular extravasation. Vessels in Vegfr2Y949F/Y949F mice remain sensitive to inflammatory cytokines, and vascular morphology, blood pressure and flow parameters are normal. Tumour-bearing Vegfr2Y949F/Y949F mice display reduced vascular leakage and oedema, improved response to chemotherapy and, importantly, reduced metastatic spread. The inflammatory infiltration in the tumour micro-environment is unaffected. Blocking VEGFA-induced disassembly of endothelial junctions, thereby suppressing tumour oedema and metastatic spread, may be preferable to full vascular suppression in the treatment of certain cancer forms. Signals through VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) increase vascular permeability, promoting cancer progression. Here the authors show that a point mutation in VEGFR2 preventing its auto-phosphorylation leads to reduced metastatic spread and improved response to chemotherapy in tumor-bearing mice, without affecting tumor inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Li
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Narendra Padhan
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabet O Sjöström
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Francis P Roche
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Chiara Testini
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Naoki Honkura
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Miguel Sáinz-Jaspeado
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Gordon
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Katie Bentley
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Andrew Philippides
- Centre for Computational Neuroscience and Robotics, University of Sussex, Chichester 1 CI 104, Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabetta Dejana
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.,c/o IFOM-IEO Campus, Via Adamello, 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Radu V Stan
- Department of Pathology, Dartmouth College, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA
| | - Dietmar Vestweber
- Department of Vascular Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Kurt Ballmer-Hofer
- Biomolecular Research, Molecular Cell Biology, Paul-Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
| | - Christer Betsholtz
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.,Karolinska Institutet, Dept. Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Div. Vascular Biology, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristian Pietras
- Translational Cancer Research, Medicon Village, Lund University, Building 404:A3, 22381 Lund, Sweden
| | - Leif Jansson
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 571, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lena Claesson-Welsh
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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Gasparics Á, Rosivall L, Krizbai IA, Sebe A. When the endothelium scores an own goal: endothelial cells actively augment metastatic extravasation through endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 310:H1055-63. [PMID: 26993222 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00042.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an important mechanism during organ development and in certain pathological conditions. For example, EndMT contributes to myofibroblast formation during organ fibrosis, and it has been identified as an important source of cancer-associated fibroblasts, facilitating tumor progression. Recently, EndMT was proposed to modulate endothelial function during intravasation and extravasation of metastatic tumor cells. Evidence suggests that endothelial cells are not passive actors during transendothelial migration (TEM) of cancer cells, as there are profound changes in endothelial junctional protein expression, signaling, permeability, and contractility. This review describes these alterations in endothelial characteristics during TEM of metastatic tumor cells and discusses them in the context of EndMT. EndMT could play an important role during metastatic intravasation and extravasation, a novel hypothesis that may lead to new therapeutic approaches to tackle metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ákos Gasparics
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Rosivall
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Pediatrics and Nephrology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István A Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary; Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania; and
| | - Attila Sebe
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
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Yan XC, Cao J, Liang L, Wang L, Gao F, Yang ZY, Duan JL, Chang TF, Deng SM, Liu Y, Dou GR, Zhang J, Zheng QJ, Zhang P, Han H. miR-342-5p Is a Notch Downstream Molecule and Regulates Multiple Angiogenic Pathways Including Notch, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Transforming Growth Factor β Signaling. J Am Heart Assoc 2016; 5:JAHA.115.003042. [PMID: 26857067 PMCID: PMC4802463 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.115.003042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Endothelial cells (ECs) form blood vessels through angiogenesis that is regulated by coordination of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Notch, transforming growth factor β, and other signals, but the detailed molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Methods and Results Small RNA sequencing initially identified miR‐342‐5p as a novel downstream molecule of Notch signaling in ECs. Reporter assay, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis indicated that miR‐342‐5p targeted endoglin and modulated transforming growth factor β signaling by repressing SMAD1/5 phosphorylation in ECs. Transfection of miR‐342‐5p inhibited EC proliferation and lumen formation and reduced angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, as assayed by using a fibrin beads–based sprouting assay, mouse aortic ring culture, and intravitreal injection of miR‐342‐5p agomir in P3 pups. Moreover, miR‐342‐5p promoted the migration of ECs, accompanied by reduced endothelial markers and increased mesenchymal markers, indicative of increased endothelial–mesenchymal transition. Transfection of endoglin at least partially reversed endothelial–mesenchymal transition induced by miR‐342‐5p. The expression of miR‐342‐5p was upregulated by transforming growth factor β, and inhibition of miR‐342‐5p attenuated the inhibitory effects of transforming growth factor β on lumen formation and sprouting by ECs. In addition, VEGF repressed miR‐342‐5p expression, and transfection of miR‐342‐5p repressed VEGFR2 and VEGFR3 expression and VEGF‐triggered Akt phosphorylation in ECs. miR‐342‐5p repressed angiogenesis in a laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization model in mice, highlighting its clinical potential. Conclusions miR‐342‐5p acts as a multifunctional angiogenic repressor mediating the effects and interaction among angiogenic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Chun Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zi-Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Juan-Li Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tian-Fang Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - San-Ming Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guo-Rui Dou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qi-Jun Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hua Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Functional malignant cell heterogeneity in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors revealed by targeting of PDGF-DD. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E864-73. [PMID: 26831065 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1509384113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intratumoral heterogeneity is an inherent feature of most human cancers and has profound implications for cancer therapy. As a result, there is an emergent need to explore previously unmapped mechanisms regulating distinct subpopulations of tumor cells and to understand their contribution to tumor progression and treatment response. Aberrant platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) signaling in cancer has motivated the development of several antagonists currently in clinical use, including imatinib, sunitinib, and sorafenib. The discovery of a novel ligand for PDGFRβ, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-DD, opened the possibility of a previously unidentified signaling pathway involved in tumor development. However, the precise function of PDGF-DD in tumor growth and invasion remains elusive. Here, making use of a newly generated Pdgfd knockout mouse, we reveal a functionally important malignant cell heterogeneity modulated by PDGF-DD signaling in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET). Our analyses demonstrate that tumor growth was delayed in the absence of signaling by PDGF-DD. Surprisingly, ablation of PDGF-DD did not affect the vasculature or stroma of PanNET; instead, we found that PDGF-DD stimulated bulk tumor cell proliferation by induction of paracrine mitogenic signaling between heterogeneous malignant cell clones, some of which expressed PDGFRβ. The presence of a subclonal population of tumor cells characterized by PDGFRβ expression was further validated in a cohort of human PanNET. In conclusion, we demonstrate a previously unrecognized heterogeneity in PanNET characterized by signaling through the PDGF-DD/PDGFRβ axis.
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74
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Paauwe M, Heijkants RC, Oudt CH, van Pelt GW, Cui C, Theuer CP, Hardwick JCH, Sier CFM, Hawinkels LJAC. Endoglin targeting inhibits tumor angiogenesis and metastatic spread in breast cancer. Oncogene 2016; 35:4069-79. [PMID: 26804178 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Endoglin, a transforming growth factor-β co-receptor, is highly expressed on angiogenic endothelial cells in solid tumors. Therefore, targeting endoglin is currently being explored in clinical trials for anti-angiogenic therapy. In this project, the redundancy between endoglin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling in angiogenesis and the effects of targeting both pathways on breast cancer metastasis were explored. In patient samples, increased endoglin signaling after VEGF inhibition was observed. In vitro TRC105, an endoglin-neutralizing antibody, increased VEGF signaling in endothelial cells. Moreover, combined targeting of the endoglin and VEGF pathway, with the VEGF receptor kinase inhibitor SU5416, increased antiangiogenic effects in vitro and in a zebrafish angiogenesis model. Next, in a mouse model for invasive lobular breast cancer, the effects of TRC105 and SU5416 on tumor growth and metastasis were explored. Although TRC105 and SU5416 decreased tumor vascular density, tumor volume was unaffected. Strikingly, in mice treated with TRC105, or TRC105 and SU5416 combined, a strong inhibition in the number of metastases was seen. Moreover, upon resection of the primary tumor, strong inhibition of metastatic spread by TRC105 was observed in an adjuvant setting. To confirm these data, we assessed the effects of endoglin-Fc (an endoglin ligand trap) on metastasis formation. Similar to treatment with TRC105 in the resection model, endoglin-Fc-expressing tumors showed strong inhibition of distant metastases. These results show, for the first time, that targeting endoglin, either with neutralizing antibodies or a ligand trap, strongly inhibits metastatic spread of breast cancer in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Paauwe
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R C Heijkants
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C H Oudt
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - G W van Pelt
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C Cui
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C P Theuer
- Tracon Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - J C H Hardwick
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C F M Sier
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - L J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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75
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Role of platelets in cancer and cancer-associated thrombosis: Experimental and clinical evidences. Thromb Res 2016; 139:65-76. [PMID: 26916298 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The primary hemostatic function of platelets has been recognized for more than a century, but increasing experimental and clinical evidences suggest that platelets are also important mediators of cancer. Cancer indeed influences platelet physiology, and activated platelets participate in each step of cancer development by promoting tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and cancer-associated thrombosis. Based on both the results of numerous experimental models addressing the involvement of platelets in cancer progression and the results of epidemiologic studies on the use of anti-platelet drugs to prevent cancer, platelets have been proposed as a potential target to reduce the short-term risk of cancer, cancer dissemination and cancer mortality. However, the cancer-associated thrombosis and the risk of bleeding due to anti-platelet drugs are not enough evaluated in experimental models. Therefore, the interesting contribution of platelets to cancer and cancer-associated thrombosis requires the standardization of preclinical and clinical models.
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76
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Abstract
The Rip1Tag2 transgenic mouse model of β-cell carcinogenesis has been instrumental in studying various aspects of tumor angiogenesis and in investigating the response to anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Thereby, the in-depth assessment of blood and lymphatic vessel phenotypes and functionality represents key experimental analyses. In this chapter, we describe basic protocols to assess tumor blood vessel morphology (pericyte coverage), functionality (perfusion, leakiness, and hypoxia), lymphatic tumor coverage, and tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis based on immunofluorescence microscopy analysis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Viral, Tumor/genetics
- Apoptosis
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/blood supply
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/genetics
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/pathology
- Cell Proliferation
- Insulin/genetics
- Insulinoma/blood supply
- Insulinoma/genetics
- Insulinoma/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Neoplasms, Experimental/blood supply
- Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/blood supply
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Bill
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Christofori
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.
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77
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Johansson-Percival A, Li ZJ, Lakhiani D, He B, Wang X, Hamzah J, Ganss R. Intratumoral LIGHT Restores Pericyte Contractile Properties and Vessel Integrity. Cell Rep 2015; 13:2687-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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Jonker L. TGF-β & BMP receptors endoglin and ALK1: overview of their functional role and status as antiangiogenic targets. Microcirculation 2015; 21:93-103. [PMID: 25279424 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, angiogenesis, is facilitated through a host of different signaling processes. Members of the TGF-β superfamily, TGF-β1, TGF-β3, and BMP9, are key propagators of both inhibition and initiation of angiogenesis. HHT, characterized by AVM and capillary bed defects, is caused by germline mutations in the ENG and ACVRL1/ALK1 genes, respectively. Clinical symptoms include epistaxis and GI hemorrhage. The membranous receptors endoglin and ALK1 activate proliferation and migration of endothelial cells during the angiogenic process via the downstream intracellular SMAD signaling pathway. Endothelial cell senescence or activation is dependent on the type of cytokine, ligand concentration, cell-cell interaction, and a multitude of other signaling molecules. Endoglin and ALK1 receptor levels in tumor vasculature correlate inversely with prognosis in humans, whereas in mice, endoglin deficiency decelerates tumor progression. Therefore, endoglin and ALK1 have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for antibody treatment in various cancers. Early phase clinical trials in humans are currently underway to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biological therapy targeting endoglin/ALK1-mediated cells signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Jonker
- North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, Carlisle, UK
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79
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van Beijnum JR, Nowak-Sliwinska P, Huijbers EJM, Thijssen VL, Griffioen AW. The great escape; the hallmarks of resistance to antiangiogenic therapy. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:441-61. [PMID: 25769965 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.010215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of antiangiogenic therapy in cancer treatment has led to the approval of different agents, most of them targeting the well known vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. Despite promising results in preclinical studies, the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy in the clinical setting remains limited. Recently, awareness has emerged on resistance to antiangiogenic therapies. It has become apparent that the intricate complex interplay between tumors and stromal cells, including endothelial cells and associated mural cells, allows for escape mechanisms to arise that counteract the effects of these targeted therapeutics. Here, we review and discuss known and novel mechanisms that contribute to resistance against antiangiogenic therapy and provide an outlook to possible improvements in therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy R van Beijnum
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.R.v.B., E.J.M.H., V.L.T., A.W.G.); and Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland (P.N.-S.)
| | - Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.R.v.B., E.J.M.H., V.L.T., A.W.G.); and Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland (P.N.-S.)
| | - Elisabeth J M Huijbers
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.R.v.B., E.J.M.H., V.L.T., A.W.G.); and Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland (P.N.-S.)
| | - Victor L Thijssen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.R.v.B., E.J.M.H., V.L.T., A.W.G.); and Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland (P.N.-S.)
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.R.v.B., E.J.M.H., V.L.T., A.W.G.); and Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland (P.N.-S.)
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80
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Langlois B, Saupe F, Rupp T, Arnold C, van der Heyden M, Orend G, Hussenet T. AngioMatrix, a signature of the tumor angiogenic switch-specific matrisome, correlates with poor prognosis for glioma and colorectal cancer patients. Oncotarget 2015; 5:10529-45. [PMID: 25301723 PMCID: PMC4279391 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis represents a rate-limiting step during tumor progression. Targeting angiogenesis is already applied in cancer treatment, yet limits of anti-angiogenic therapies have emerged, notably because tumors adapt and recur after treatment. Therefore, there is a strong need to better understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying tumor angiogenesis. Using the RIP1-Tag2 transgenic murine model, we identified 298 genes that are deregulated during the angiogenic switch, revealing an ingression/expansion of specific stromal cell types including endothelial cells and pericytes, but also macrophages and perivascular mesenchymal cells. Canonical TGF-β signaling is up-regulated during the angiogenic switch, especially in tumor-associated macrophages and fibroblasts. The matrisome, comprising extracellular matrix (ECM) and ECM-associated molecules, is significantly enriched, which allowed us to define the AngioMatrix signature as the 110 matrisomal genes induced during the RIP1-Tag2 angiogenic switch. Several AngioMatrix molecules were validated at expression level. Ablation of tenascin-C, one of the most highly induced ECM molecules during the switch, resulted in reduced angiogenesis confirming its important role. In human glioma and colorectal samples, the AngioMatrix signature correlates with the expression of endothelial cell markers, is increased with tumor progression and finally correlates with poor prognosis demonstrating its diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Langlois
- Inserm U1109, MN3T team, Molière, Strasbourg, 67200, France. Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Falk Saupe
- Inserm U1109, MN3T team, Molière, Strasbourg, 67200, France. Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Tristan Rupp
- Inserm U1109, MN3T team, Molière, Strasbourg, 67200, France. Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Christiane Arnold
- Inserm U1109, MN3T team, Molière, Strasbourg, 67200, France. Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Michaël van der Heyden
- Inserm U1109, MN3T team, Molière, Strasbourg, 67200, France. Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Gertraud Orend
- Inserm U1109, MN3T team, Molière, Strasbourg, 67200, France. Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Thomas Hussenet
- Inserm U1109, MN3T team, Molière, Strasbourg, 67200, France. Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. LabEx Medalis, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France. Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, 67000, France
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81
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Bill R, Fagiani E, Zumsteg A, Antoniadis H, Johansson D, Haefliger S, Albrecht I, Hilberg F, Christofori G. Nintedanib Is a Highly Effective Therapeutic for Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Pancreas (PNET) in the Rip1Tag2 Transgenic Mouse Model. Clin Cancer Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-3036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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82
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Cunha SI, Bocci M, Lövrot J, Eleftheriou N, Roswall P, Cordero E, Lindström L, Bartoschek M, Haller BK, Pearsall RS, Mulivor AW, Kumar R, Larsson C, Bergh J, Pietras K. Endothelial ALK1 Is a Therapeutic Target to Block Metastatic Dissemination of Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2015; 75:2445-56. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-3706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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83
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Prognostic Significance of Microvessel Density Determining by Endoglin in Stage II Rectal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2015; 2015:504179. [PMID: 26089870 PMCID: PMC4454763 DOI: 10.1155/2015/504179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. The role of endoglin in the Dukes B rectal cancer is still unexplored. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of endoglin (CD105) in resected rectal cancer and to evaluate the relationship between microvessels density (MVD), clinicopathological factors, and survival rates. Methods. The study included 95 primary rectal adenocarcinomas, corresponding to 67 adjacent and 73 distant normal mucosa specimens from surgical resection samples. Tumor specimens were paraffin-embedded and immunohistochemical staining for the CD105 endothelial antigen was performed to count CD105-MVD. For exact measurement of the CD105-MVD used a computer-integrated system Alphelys Spot Browser 2 was used. Results. The intratumoral CD105-MVD was significantly higher compared with corresponding adjacent mucosa (P < 0.0001) and distant mucosa specimens (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the CD105-MVD according to patients age, gender, tumor location, grade of differentiation, histological type, depth of tumor invasion, and tumor size. The overall survival rate was significantly higher in the low CD105-MVD group of patients than in the high CD105-MVD group of patients (log-rank test, P = 0.0406). Conclusion. CD105-assessed MVD could help to identify patients with possibility of poor survival in the group of stage II RC.
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84
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Krizbai IA, Gasparics Á, Nagyőszi P, Fazakas C, Molnár J, Wilhelm I, Bencs R, Rosivall L, Sebe A. Endothelial-mesenchymal transition of brain endothelial cells: possible role during metastatic extravasation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119655. [PMID: 25742314 PMCID: PMC4350839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression towards metastasis follows a defined sequence of events described as the metastatic cascade. For extravasation and transendothelial migration metastatic cells interact first with endothelial cells. Yet the role of endothelial cells during the process of metastasis formation and extravasation is still unclear, and the interaction between metastatic and endothelial cells during transendothelial migration is poorly understood. Since tumor cells are well known to express TGF-β, and the compact endothelial layer undergoes a series of changes during metastatic extravasation (cell contact disruption, cytoskeletal reorganization, enhanced contractility), we hypothesized that an EndMT may be necessary for metastatic extravasation. We demonstrate that primary cultured rat brain endothelial cells (BEC) undergo EndMT upon TGF-β1 treatment, characterized by the loss of tight and adherens junction proteins, expression of fibronectin, β1-integrin, calponin and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). B16/F10 cell line conditioned and activated medium (ACM) had similar effects: claudin-5 down-regulation, fibronectin and SMA expression. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling during B16/F10 ACM stimulation using SB-431542 maintained claudin-5 levels and mitigated fibronectin and SMA expression. B16/F10 ACM stimulation of BECs led to phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. SB-431542 prevented SMA up-regulation upon stimulation of BECs with A2058, MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 ACM as well. Moreover, B16/F10 ACM caused a reduction in transendothelial electrical resistance, enhanced the number of melanoma cells adhering to and transmigrating through the endothelial layer, in a TGF-β-dependent manner. These effects were not confined to BECs: HUVECs showed TGF-β-dependent SMA expression when stimulated with breast cancer cell line ACM. Our results indicate that an EndMT may be necessary for metastatic transendothelial migration, and this transition may be one of the potential mechanisms occurring during the complex phenomenon known as metastatic extravasation.
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Affiliation(s)
- István A. Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Liviu Rebreanu Str. 86, 310414, Arad, Romania
| | - Ákos Gasparics
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad Square 4, 1089, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Nagyőszi
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Judit Molnár
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Rita Bencs
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad Square 4, 1089, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Rosivall
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad Square 4, 1089, Budapest, Hungary
- Pediatrics and Nephrology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad Square 4, 1089, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Sebe
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad Square 4, 1089, Budapest, Hungary
- * E-mail:
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85
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Xiao L, Kim DJ, Davis CL, McCann JV, Dunleavey JM, Vanderlinden AK, Xu N, Pattenden SG, Frye SV, Xu X, Onaitis M, Monaghan-Benson E, Burridge K, Dudley AC. Tumor Endothelial Cells with Distinct Patterns of TGFβ-Driven Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Cancer Res 2015; 75:1244-54. [PMID: 25634211 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-1616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) occurs during development and underlies the pathophysiology of multiple diseases. In tumors, unscheduled EndMT generates cancer-associated myofibroblasts that fuel inflammation and fibrosis, and may contribute to vascular dysfunction that promotes tumor progression. We report that freshly isolated subpopulations of tumor-specific endothelial cells (TEC) from a spontaneous mammary tumor model undergo distinct forms of EndMT in response to TGFβ stimulation. Although some TECs strikingly upregulate α smooth muscle actin (SMA), a principal marker of EndMT and activated myofibroblasts, counterpart normal mammary gland endothelial cells (NEC) showed little change in SMA expression after TGFβ treatment. Compared with NECs, SMA(+) TECs were 40% less motile in wound-healing assays and formed more stable vascular-like networks in vitro when challenged with TGFβ. Lineage tracing using ZsGreen(Cdh5-Cre) reporter mice confirmed that only a fraction of vessels in breast tumors contain SMA(+) TECs, suggesting that not all endothelial cells (EC) respond identically to TGFβ in vivo. Indeed, examination of 84 TGFβ-regulated target genes revealed entirely different genetic signatures in TGFβ-stimulated NEC and TEC cultures. Finally, we found that basic FGF (bFGF) exerts potent inhibitory effects on many TGFβ-regulated genes but operates in tandem with TGFβ to upregulate others. ECs challenged with TGFβ secrete bFGF, which blocks SMA expression in secondary cultures, suggesting a cell-autonomous or lateral-inhibitory mechanism for impeding mesenchymal differentiation. Together, our results suggest that TGFβ-driven EndMT produces a spectrum of EC phenotypes with different functions that could underlie the plasticity and heterogeneity of the tumor vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Dae Joong Kim
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Clayton L Davis
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - James V McCann
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - James M Dunleavey
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Alissa K Vanderlinden
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Nuo Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Samantha G Pattenden
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Stephen V Frye
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Xia Xu
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mark Onaitis
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Elizabeth Monaghan-Benson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Keith Burridge
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. McAllister Heart Institute, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Andrew C Dudley
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. McAllister Heart Institute, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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86
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Meseure D, Drak Alsibai K, Nicolas A. Pivotal role of pervasive neoplastic and stromal cells reprogramming in circulating tumor cells dissemination and metastatic colonization. CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT SOCIETY 2014; 7:95-115. [PMID: 25523234 PMCID: PMC4275542 DOI: 10.1007/s12307-014-0158-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Reciprocal interactions between neoplastic cells and their microenvironment are crucial events in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Pervasive stromal reprogramming and remodeling that transform a normal to a tumorigenic microenvironment modify numerous stromal cells functions, status redox, oxidative stress, pH, ECM stiffness and energy metabolism. These environmental factors allow selection of more aggressive cancer cells that develop important adaptive strategies. Subpopulations of cancer cells acquire new properties associating plasticity, stem-like phenotype, unfolded protein response, metabolic reprogramming and autophagy, production of exosomes, survival to anoikis, invasion, immunosuppression and therapeutic resistance. Moreover, by inducing vascular transdifferentiation of cancer cells and recruiting endothelial cells and pericytes, the tumorigenic microenvironment induces development of tumor-associated vessels that allow invasive cells to gain access to the tumor vessels and to intravasate. Circulating cancer cells can survive in the blood stream by interacting with the intravascular microenvironment, extravasate through the microvasculature and interact with the metastatic microenvironment of target organs. In this review, we will focus on many recent paradigms involved in the field of tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Meseure
- Platform of Investigative Pathology and Department of Biopathology, Curie Institute, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248, Paris, Cedex 05, France,
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87
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Gordon MS, Robert F, Matei D, Mendelson DS, Goldman JW, Chiorean EG, Strother RM, Seon BK, Figg WD, Peer CJ, Alvarez D, Adams BJ, Theuer CP, Rosen LS. An open-label phase Ib dose-escalation study of TRC105 (anti-endoglin antibody) with bevacizumab in patients with advanced cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:5918-26. [PMID: 25261556 PMCID: PMC4570619 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-1143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Endoglin, an endothelial cell membrane receptor expressed on angiogenic tumor vessels, is essential for angiogenesis and upregulated in the setting of VEGF inhibition. TRC105 is an anti-endoglin IgG1 monoclonal antibody that potentiates VEGF inhibitors in preclinical models. This study assessed safety, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of TRC105 in combination with bevacizumab. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Patients (n = 38) with advanced solid tumors, Eastern Cooperative Group performance status 0-1, and normal organ function were treated with escalating doses of TRC105 plus bevacizumab until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity using a standard 3 + 3 phase I design. RESULTS TRC105 and bevacizumab were well tolerated at their recommended single-agent doses (10 mg/kg) when the initial dose of TRC105 was delayed by one week and divided over 2 days to limit the frequency of headache. The concurrent administration of bevacizumab and TRC105 did not otherwise potentiate known toxicities of TRC105 or bevacizumab. Hypertension and proteinuria were observed, though not at rates expected for single-agent bevacizumab. Several patients who had previously progressed on bevacizumab or VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGFR TKI) treatment experienced reductions in tumor volume, including two partial responses by RECIST, and 6 remained without progression for longer periods than during their prior VEGF inhibitor therapy. CONCLUSIONS TRC105 was well tolerated with bevacizumab and clinical activity was observed in a VEGF inhibitor-refractory population. Ongoing clinical trials are testing TRC105 in combination with bevacizumab in glioblastoma and with VEGFR TKIs in renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and soft tissue sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniela Matei
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | - E Gabriela Chiorean
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana. University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Ben K Seon
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York
| | - William D Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Cody J Peer
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | | | | | - Lee S Rosen
- UCLA Department of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
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88
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Shenoy AK, Lu J. Cancer cells remodel themselves and vasculature to overcome the endothelial barrier. Cancer Lett 2014; 380:534-544. [PMID: 25449784 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor to distant organs mostly via the bloodstream. During the metastatic process, cancer cells invade blood vessels to enter circulation, and later exit the vasculature at a distant site. Endothelial cells that line blood vessels normally serve as a barrier to the movement of cells into or out of the blood. It is thus critical to understand how metastatic cancer cells overcome the endothelial barrier. Epithelial cancer cells acquire increased motility and invasiveness through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which enables them to move toward vasculature. Cancer cells also express a variety of adhesion molecules that allow them to attach to vascular endothelium. Finally, cancer cells secrete or induce growth factors and cytokines to actively prompt vascular hyperpermeability that compromises endothelial barrier function and facilitates transmigration of cancer cells through the vascular wall. Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying metastatic dissemination may help develop new anti-metastasis therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anitha K Shenoy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - Jianrong Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
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Abstract
Endoglin is a homodimeric cell membrane glycoprotein receptor for transforming growth factor β and bone morphogenetic proteins. Endoglin is essential for angiogenesis, being densely expressed on proliferating endothelial cells and upregulated during hypoxia. Its expression is implicated in development of resistance to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition. TRC105 is an antibody that binds endoglin and prevents endothelial cell activation. Targeting endoglin and the VEGF pathway concurrently improves treatment in vitro and appears to reverse resistance to bevacizumab in some refractory cancer patients. Randomized trials are under way to assess the clinical benefit of adding TRC105 therapy to bevacizumab therapy. Further trials are under way to assess the activity of TRC105 with small-molecule inhibitors of the VEGF pathway in renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and soft tissue sarcoma. Stratification of soft tissue sarcomas based on endoglin expression levels is proposed to identify patients most likely to benefit from TRC105 treatment. The development of a TRC105 antibody-drug conjugate is also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee S Rosen
- Hematology-Oncology, UCLA Medical Center Santa Monica, 2020 Santa Monica Blvd, Ste 600, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA,
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90
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Liu Y, Tian H, Blobe GC, Theuer CP, Hurwitz HI, Nixon AB. Effects of the combination of TRC105 and bevacizumab on endothelial cell biology. Invest New Drugs 2014; 32:851-9. [PMID: 24994097 PMCID: PMC4169868 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-014-0129-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Endoglin, or CD105, is a cell membrane glycoprotein that is overexpressed on proliferating endothelial cells (EC), including those found in malignancies and choroidal neovascularization. Endoglin mediates the transition from quiescent endothelium, characterized by the relatively dominant state of Smad 2/3 phosphorylation, to active angiogenesis by preferentially phosphorylating Smad 1/5/8. The monoclonal antibody TRC105 binds endoglin with high avidity and is currently being tested in phase 1b and phase 2 clinical trials. In this report, we evaluated the effects of TRC105 on primary human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) as a single agent and in combination with bevacizumab. As single agents, both TRC105 and bevacizumab efficiently blocked HUVEC tube formation, and the combination of both agents achieved even greater levels of inhibition. We further assessed the effects of each drug on various aspects of HUVEC function. While bevacizumab was observed to inhibit HUVEC viability in nutrient-limited medium, TRC105 had little effect on HUVEC viability, either alone or in combination with bevacizumab. Additionally, both drugs inhibited HUVEC migration and induced apoptosis. At the molecular level, TRC105 treatment of HUVEC lead to decreased Smad 1/5/8 phosphorylation in response to BMP-9, a primary ligand for endoglin. Together, these results indicate that TRC105 acts as an effective anti-angiogenic agent alone and in combination with bevacizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingmiao Liu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 2631, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Hongyu Tian
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 2631, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Gerard C. Blobe
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 2631, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | | | - Herbert I. Hurwitz
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 2631, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Andrew B. Nixon
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 2631, Durham, NC 27710 USA
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Toi H, Tsujie M, Haruta Y, Fujita K, Duzen J, Seon BK. Facilitation of endoglin-targeting cancer therapy by development/utilization of a novel genetically engineered mouse model expressing humanized endoglin (CD105). Int J Cancer 2014; 136:452-61. [PMID: 24866768 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Endoglin (ENG) is a TGF-β coreceptor and essential for vascular development and angiogenesis. A chimeric antihuman ENG (hENG) monoclonal antibody (mAb) c-SN6j (also known as TRC105) shows promising safety and clinical efficacy features in multiple clinical trials of patients with various advanced solid tumors. Here we developed a novel genetically engineered mouse model to optimize the ENG-targeting clinical trials. We designed a new targeting vector that contains exons 4-8 of hENG gene to generate novel genetically engineered mice (GEMs) expressing functional human/mouse chimeric (humanized) ENG with desired epitopes. Genotyping of the generated mice confirmed that we generated the desired GEMs. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that humanized ENG protein of the GEMs expresses epitopes defined by 7 of our 8 anti-hENG mAbs tested. Surprisingly the homozygous GEMs develop normally and are healthy. Established breast and colon tumors as well as metastasis and tumor microvessels in the GEMs were effectively suppressed by systemic administration of anti-hENG mAbs. Additionally, test result indicates that synergistic potentiation of antitumor efficacy can be induced by simultaneous targeting of two distinct epitopes by anti-hENG mAbs. Sorafenib and capecitabine also showed antitumor efficacy in the GEMs. The presented novel GEMs are the first GEMs that express the targetable humanized ENG. Test results indicate utility of the GEMs for the clinically relevant studies. Additionally, we generated GEMs expressing a different humanized ENG containing exons 5-6 of hENG gene, and the homozygous GEMs develop normally and are healthy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Toi
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY; Department of Surgery, Megumino Hospital, Eniwa, Hokkaido, Japan
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Abstract
Unlike other blood cells, platelets are small anucleate structures derived from marrow megakaryocytes. Thought for almost a century to possess solely hemostatic potentials, platelets, however, play a much wider role in tissue regeneration and repair and interact intimately with tumor cells. On one hand, tumor cells induce platelet aggregation (TCIPA), known to act as the trigger of cancer-associated thrombosis. On the other hand, platelets recruited to the tumor microenvironment interact, directly, with tumor cells, favoring their proliferation, and, indirectly, through the release of a wide palette of growth factors, including angiogenic and mitogenic proteins. In addition, the role of platelets is not solely confined to the primary tumor site. Indeed, they escort tumor cells, helping their intravasation, vascular migration, arrest, and extravasation to the tissues to form distant metastasis. As expected, nonspecific or specific inhibition of platelets and their content represents an attractive novel approach in the fight against cancer. This review illustrates the role played by platelets at primary tumor sites and in the various stages of the metastatic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi A Goubran
- Saskatoon Cancer Centre and Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, SK, Canada.
| | - Julie Stakiw
- Saskatoon Cancer Centre and Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, SK, Canada
| | | | - Thierry Burnouf
- Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Bhatt RS, Atkins MB. Molecular pathways: can activin-like kinase pathway inhibition enhance the limited efficacy of VEGF inhibitors? Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:2838-45. [PMID: 24714770 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-2788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway is critical for tumor angiogenesis. However, VEGF pathway inhibition has been limited by intrinsic and acquired resistance. Simultaneously targeting multiple steps involved in tumor angiogenesis is a potential means of overcoming this resistance. Activin like kinase 1 (ALK1) and endoglin (ENG) have effects on angiogenesis that are distinct from those of VEGF. Whereas VEGF is important for vessel initiation, ALK1 and endoglin are involved in vessel network formation. Thus, ALK1 and endoglin pathway inhibitors are attractive partners for VEGF-based combination antiangiogenic therapy. Genetic evidence supports a role for this receptor family and its ligands, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) 9 and 10, in vascular development. Patients with genetic alterations in ALK1 or endoglin develop hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, a disorder characterized by abnormal vessel development. There are several inhibitors of the ALK1 pathway advancing in clinical development for treatment of various tumor types, including renal cell and ovarian carcinomas. Targeting of alternate angiogenic pathways, particularly in combination with VEGF pathway blockade, holds the promise of optimally inhibiting angiogenically driven tumor progression. Clin Cancer Res; 20(11); 2838-45. ©2014 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupal S Bhatt
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology-Oncology and Cancer Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts and Departments of Oncology and Medicine, Georgetown-Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Michael B Atkins
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology-Oncology and Cancer Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts and Departments of Oncology and Medicine, Georgetown-Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, District of Columbia
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94
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Liu Y, Starr MD, Brady JC, Dellinger A, Pang H, Adams B, Theuer CP, Lee NY, Hurwitz HI, Nixon AB. Modulation of circulating protein biomarkers following TRC105 (anti-endoglin antibody) treatment in patients with advanced cancer. Cancer Med 2014; 3:580-91. [PMID: 24574330 PMCID: PMC4101749 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
TRC105 is an endoglin-targeting drug that possesses anti-angiogenic and antitumor potential. Analysis of the initial phase I trial of TRC105 demonstrated good tolerability and efficacy in cancer patients. In this report, we analyzed multiple circulating biomarkers at baseline, cycle 2 day 1 (C2D1), and end of study (EOS) for each patient. The baseline level and the fold change from baseline to both C2D1 and EOS for each marker were statistically analyzed. At C2D1, seven markers were significantly downregulated (angiopoietin-2 [Ang-2], insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 [IGFBP-3], plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1] total, platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF]-AA, PDGF-BB, thrombospondin-1 [TSP-1], and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]-D). Meanwhile, seven markers were upregulated by C2D1 (E-Cadherin, soluble Endoglin [sEnd], E-Selectin, interleukin-6 [IL-6], osteopontin [OPN], TSP-2, and von Willebrand factor [vWF]). At EOS, seven markers were upregulated including Ang-2, C-reactive protein (CRP), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), IGFBP-1, IL-6, TSP-2, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). A statistical trend was also seen for increases of VEGF-A and placenta growth factor (PlGF) at EOS. Throughout treatment, sEnd levels significantly increased, an observation that was recapitulated in cultured endothelial cells. This is the first report of plasma-based biomarkers in patients receiving TRC105. TRC105 treatment by C2D1 was associated with decreases in several angiogenic factors, including Ang-2, PDGF isoforms, and VEGF isoforms, offering insight into the mechanisms underlying TRC105's anti-angiogenic, antitumor function. Increases in sEnd were the most significant of all observed biomarker changes and may reflect direct drug effects. Additionally, biomarker changes in response to TRC105 are distinct from those seen in patients treated with VEGF-targeting drugs, suggesting the possible utility of combining these two classes of angiogenesis inhibitors in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingmiao Liu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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95
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Anti-angiogenic therapy for cancer: current progress, unresolved questions and future directions. Angiogenesis 2014; 17:471-94. [PMID: 24482243 PMCID: PMC4061466 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-014-9420-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 507] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tumours require a vascular supply to grow and can achieve this via the expression of pro-angiogenic growth factors, including members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of ligands. Since one or more of the VEGF ligand family is overexpressed in most solid cancers, there was great optimism that inhibition of the VEGF pathway would represent an effective anti-angiogenic therapy for most tumour types. Encouragingly, VEGF pathway targeted drugs such as bevacizumab, sunitinib and aflibercept have shown activity in certain settings. However, inhibition of VEGF signalling is not effective in all cancers, prompting the need to further understand how the vasculature can be effectively targeted in tumours. Here we present a succinct review of the progress with VEGF-targeted therapy and the unresolved questions that exist in the field: including its use in different disease stages (metastatic, adjuvant, neoadjuvant), interactions with chemotherapy, duration and scheduling of therapy, potential predictive biomarkers and proposed mechanisms of resistance, including paradoxical effects such as enhanced tumour aggressiveness. In terms of future directions, we discuss the need to delineate further the complexities of tumour vascularisation if we are to develop more effective and personalised anti-angiogenic therapies.
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96
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Girolamo F, Dallatomasina A, Rizzi M, Errede M, Wälchli T, Mucignat MT, Frei K, Roncali L, Perris R, Virgintino D. Diversified expression of NG2/CSPG4 isoforms in glioblastoma and human foetal brain identifies pericyte subsets. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84883. [PMID: 24386429 PMCID: PMC3873429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
NG2/CSPG4 is a complex surface-associated proteoglycan (PG) recognized to be a widely expressed membrane component of glioblastoma (WHO grade IV) cells and angiogenic pericytes. To determine the precise expression pattern of NG2/CSPG4 on glioblastoma cells and pericytes, we generated a panel of >60 mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against the ectodomain of human NG2/CSPG4, partially characterized the mAbs, and performed a high-resolution distributional mapping of the PG in human foetal, adult and glioblastoma-affected brains. The reactivity pattern initially observed on reference tumour cell lines indicated that the mAbs recognized 48 immunologically distinct NG2/CSPG4 isoforms, and a total of 14 mAbs was found to identify NG2/CSPG4 isoforms in foetal and neoplastic cerebral sections. These were consistently absent in the adult brain, but exhibited a complementary expression pattern in angiogenic vessels of both tumour and foetal tissues. Considering the extreme pleomorphism of tumour areas, and with the aim of subsequently analysing the distributional pattern of the NG2/CSPG4 isoforms on similar histological vessel typologies, a preliminary study was carried out with endothelial cell and pericyte markers, and with selected vascular basement membrane (VBM) components. On both tumour areas characterized by 'glomeruloid' and 'garland vessels', which showed a remarkably similar cellular and molecular organization, and on developing brain vessels, spatially separated, phenotypically diversified pericyte subsets with a polarized expression of key surface components, including NG2/CSPG4, were disclosed. Interestingly, the majority of the immunolocalized NG2/CSPG4 isoforms present in glioblastoma tissue were present in foetal brain, except for one isoform that seemed to be exclusive of tumour cells, being absent in foetal brain. The results highlight an unprecedented, complex pattern of NG2/CSPG4 isoform expression in foetal and neoplastic CNS, discriminating between phenotype-specific and neoplastic versus non-neoplastic variants of the PG, thus opening up vistas for more selective immunotherapeutic targeting of brain tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Girolamo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Alice Dallatomasina
- COMT – Centre for Molecular and Translational Oncology and Department of Biosciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Rizzi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Mariella Errede
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Thomas Wälchli
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Teresa Mucignat
- S.O.C. for Experimental Oncology 2, The National Cancer Institute Aviano, CRO-IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Karl Frei
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luisa Roncali
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Perris
- COMT – Centre for Molecular and Translational Oncology and Department of Biosciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- S.O.C. for Experimental Oncology 2, The National Cancer Institute Aviano, CRO-IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Daniela Virgintino
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
- * E-mail:
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97
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Hosman AE, Devlin HL, Silva BM, Shovlin CL. Specific cancer rates may differ in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia compared to controls. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2013; 8:195. [PMID: 24354965 PMCID: PMC3891994 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-8-195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, affects ~1 in 5,000, and causes multi-systemic vascular lesions and life-limiting complications. Life expectancy is surprisingly good, particularly for patients over 60ys. We hypothesised that individuals with HHT may be protected against life-limiting cancers. Methods To compare specific cancer rates in HHT patients and controls, we developed a questionnaire capturing data on multiple relatives per respondent, powered to detect differences in the four most common solid non skin cancers (breast, colorectal, lung and prostate), each associated with significant mortality. Blinded to cancer responses, reports of HHT-specific features allowed assignment of participants and relatives as HHT-subjects, unknowns, or controls. Logistic and quadratic regressions were used to compare rates of specific cancer types between HHT subjects and controls. Results 1,307 participants completed the questionnaire including 1,007 HHT-subjects and 142 controls. The rigorous HHT diagnostic algorithm meant that 158 (12%) completed datasets were not assignable either to HHT or control status. For cancers predominantly recognised as primary cancers, the rates in the controls generally matched age-standardised rates for the general population. HHT subjects recruited through the survey had similar demographics to controls, although the HHT group reported a significantly greater smoking habit. Combining data of participants and uniquely-reported relatives resulted in an HHT-arm of 2,161 (58% female), and control-arm of 2,817 (52% female), with median ages of 66ys [IQR 53–77] and 77ys [IQR 65–82] respectively. In both crude and age-adjusted regression, lung cancers were significantly less frequent in the HHT arm than controls (age-adjusted odds ratio 0.48 [0.30, 0.70], p = 0.0012). Breast cancer prevalence was higher in HHT than controls (age-adjusted OR 1.52 [1.07, 2.14], p = 0.018). Overall, prostate and colorectal cancer rates were equivalent, but the pattern of colorectal cancer was modified, with a higher prevalence in younger HHT patients than controls. Conclusions These preliminary survey data suggest clinically significant differences in the rates of lung, breast and colorectal cancer in HHT patients compared to controls. For rare diseases in which longitudinal studies take decades to recruit equivalent datasets, this type of methodology provides a good first-step method for data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Claire L Shovlin
- NHLI Cardiovascular Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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98
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Abstract
During metastasis, cancer cells disseminate to other parts of the body by entering the bloodstream in a process that is called intravasation. They then extravasate at metastatic sites by attaching to endothelial cells that line blood vessels and crossing the vessel walls of tissues or organs. This Review describes how cancer cells cross the endothelial barrier during extravasation and how different receptors, signalling pathways and circulating cells such as leukocytes and platelets contribute to this process. Identification of the mechanisms that underlie cancer cell extravasation could lead to the development of new therapies to reduce metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Reymond
- 1] Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK. [2] Centre de Recherche de Biochimie Macromoléculaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) - UMR5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, Cedex 5, France. [3]
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Antibody-directed coupling of endoglin and MMP-14 is a key mechanism for endoglin shedding and deregulation of TGF-β signaling. Oncogene 2013; 33:3970-9. [PMID: 24077288 PMCID: PMC3969897 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endoglin is a transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) coreceptor that serves as a prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic vascular target in human cancer. A number of endoglin ectodomain-targeting antibodies (Abs) can effectively suppress both normal and tumor-associated angiogenesis, but their molecular actions remain poorly characterized. Here we define a key mechanism for TRACON105 (TRC105), a humanized monoclonal Ab in clinical trials for treatment of advanced or metastatic tumors. TRC105, along with several other endoglin Abs tested, enhance endoglin shedding through direct coupling of endoglin and the membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-14 at the cell surface to release the antiangiogenic factor, soluble endoglin (sEng). In addition to this coupling process, endoglin shedding is further amplified by increased MMP-14 expression that requires TRC105 concentration-dependent c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. There were also notable counterbalancing effects on canonical Smad signaling in which TRC105 abrogated both the steady-state and TGF-β-induced Smad1/5/8 activation while augmenting Smad2/3 activation. Interestingly, TRC105-induced sEng and aberrant Smad signaling resulted in an excessive migratory response through enhanced stress fiber formation and disruption of endothelial cell–cell junctions. Collectively, our study defines endoglin shedding and deregulated TGF-β signaling during migration as major mechanisms by which TRC105 inhibits angiogenesis.
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Wang X, Abraham S, McKenzie JAG, Jeffs N, Swire M, Tripathi VB, Luhmann UFO, Lange CAK, Zhai Z, Arthur HM, Bainbridge J, Moss SE, Greenwood J. LRG1 promotes angiogenesis by modulating endothelial TGF-β signalling. Nature 2013; 499:306-11. [PMID: 23868260 PMCID: PMC3836402 DOI: 10.1038/nature12345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 354] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant neovascularization contributes to diseases such as cancer, blindness and atherosclerosis, and is the consequence of inappropriate angiogenic signalling. Although many regulators of pathogenic angiogenesis have been identified, our understanding of this process is incomplete. Here we explore the transcriptome of retinal microvessels isolated from mouse models of retinal disease that exhibit vascular pathology, and uncover an upregulated gene, leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (Lrg1), of previously unknown function. We show that in the presence of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), LRG1 is mitogenic to endothelial cells and promotes angiogenesis. Mice lacking Lrg1 develop a mild retinal vascular phenotype but exhibit a significant reduction in pathological ocular angiogenesis. LRG1 binds directly to the TGF-β accessory receptor endoglin, which, in the presence of TGF-β1, results in promotion of the pro-angiogenic Smad1/5/8 signalling pathway. LRG1 antibody blockade inhibits this switch and attenuates angiogenesis. These studies reveal a new regulator of angiogenesis that mediates its effect by modulating TGF-β signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Sabu Abraham
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Jenny A G McKenzie
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Natasha Jeffs
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Matthew Swire
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Vineeta B Tripathi
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Ulrich F O Luhmann
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Clemens A K Lange
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
- University Eye Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Zhenhua Zhai
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, UK
| | | | - James Bainbridge
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Stephen E Moss
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - John Greenwood
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
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