51
|
Bry M, Kivelä R, Leppänen VM, Alitalo K. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-B in Physiology and Disease. Physiol Rev 2014; 94:779-94. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00028.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B), discovered over 15 years ago, has long been seen as one of the more ambiguous members of the VEGF family. VEGF-B is produced as two isoforms: one that binds strongly to heparan sulfate in the pericellular matrix and a soluble form that can acquire binding via proteolytic processing. Both forms of VEGF-B bind to VEGF-receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) and the neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) coreceptor, which are expressed mainly in blood vascular endothelial cells. VEGF-B-deficient mice and rats are viable without any overt phenotype, and the ability of VEGF-B to induce angiogenesis in most tissues is weak. This has been a puzzle, as the related placenta growth factor (PlGF) binds to the same receptors and induces angiogenesis and arteriogenesis in a variety of tissues. However, it seems that VEGF-B is a vascular growth factor that is more tissue specific and can have trophic and metabolic effects, and its binding to VEGFR-1 shows subtle but important differences compared with that of PlGF. VEGF-B has the potential to induce coronary vessel growth and cardiac hypertrophy, which can protect the heart from ischemic damage as well as heart failure. In addition, VEGF-B is abundantly expressed in tissues with highly active energy metabolism, where it could support significant metabolic functions. VEGF-B also has a role in neuroprotection, but unlike other members of the VEGF family, it does not have a clear role in tumor progression. Here we review what is hitherto known about the functions of this growth factor in physiology and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maija Bry
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Kivelä
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veli-Matti Leppänen
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Yang T, Shen JB, Yang R, Redden J, Dodge-Kafka K, Grady J, Jacobson KA, Liang BT. Novel protective role of endogenous cardiac myocyte P2X4 receptors in heart failure. Circ Heart Fail 2014; 7:510-8. [PMID: 24622244 DOI: 10.1161/circheartfailure.113.001023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF), despite continuing progress, remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. P2X4 receptors (P2X4R) have emerged as potentially important molecules in regulating cardiac function and as potential targets for HF therapy. Transgenic P2X4R overexpression can protect against HF, but this does not explain the role of native cardiac P2X4R. Our goal is to define the physiological role of endogenous cardiac myocyte P2X4R under basal conditions and during HF induced by myocardial infarction or pressure overload. METHODS AND RESULTS Mice established with conditional cardiac-specific P2X4R knockout were subjected to left anterior descending coronary artery ligation-induced postinfarct or transverse aorta constriction-induced pressure overload HF. Knockout cardiac myocytes did not show P2X4R by immunoblotting or by any response to the P2X4R-specific allosteric enhancer ivermectin. Knockout hearts showed normal basal cardiac function but depressed contractile performance in postinfarct and pressure overload models of HF by in vivo echocardiography and ex vivo isolated working heart parameters. P2X4R coimmunoprecipitated and colocalized with nitric oxide synthase 3 (eNOS) in wild-type cardiac myocytes. Mice with cardiac-specific P2X4R overexpression had increased S-nitrosylation, cyclic GMP, NO formation, and were protected from postinfarct and pressure overload HF. Inhibitor of eNOS, L-N(5)-(1-iminoethyl)ornithine hydrochloride, blocked the salutary effect of cardiac P2X4R overexpression in postinfarct and pressure overload HF as did eNOS knockout. CONCLUSIONS This study establishes a new protective role for endogenous cardiac myocyte P2X4R in HF and is the first to demonstrate a physical interaction between the myocyte receptor and eNOS, a mediator of HF protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiehong Yang
- From Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut Medical Center, Farmington, CT (T.Y., J.S., R.Y., J.R., K.D.-K., J.G., B.T.L.); and Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (K.A.J.)
| | - Jian-bing Shen
- From Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut Medical Center, Farmington, CT (T.Y., J.S., R.Y., J.R., K.D.-K., J.G., B.T.L.); and Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (K.A.J.)
| | - Ronghua Yang
- From Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut Medical Center, Farmington, CT (T.Y., J.S., R.Y., J.R., K.D.-K., J.G., B.T.L.); and Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (K.A.J.)
| | - John Redden
- From Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut Medical Center, Farmington, CT (T.Y., J.S., R.Y., J.R., K.D.-K., J.G., B.T.L.); and Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (K.A.J.)
| | - Kimberly Dodge-Kafka
- From Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut Medical Center, Farmington, CT (T.Y., J.S., R.Y., J.R., K.D.-K., J.G., B.T.L.); and Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (K.A.J.)
| | - James Grady
- From Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut Medical Center, Farmington, CT (T.Y., J.S., R.Y., J.R., K.D.-K., J.G., B.T.L.); and Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (K.A.J.)
| | - Kenneth A Jacobson
- From Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut Medical Center, Farmington, CT (T.Y., J.S., R.Y., J.R., K.D.-K., J.G., B.T.L.); and Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (K.A.J.)
| | - Bruce T Liang
- From Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut Medical Center, Farmington, CT (T.Y., J.S., R.Y., J.R., K.D.-K., J.G., B.T.L.); and Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (K.A.J.).
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Shimizu-Motohashi Y, Asakura A. Angiogenesis as a novel therapeutic strategy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy through decreased ischemia and increased satellite cells. Front Physiol 2014; 5:50. [PMID: 24600399 PMCID: PMC3927135 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common hereditary muscular dystrophy caused by mutation in dystrophin, and there is no curative therapy. Dystrophin is a protein which forms the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DGC) at the sarcolemma linking the muscle cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. When dystrophin is absent, muscle fibers become vulnerable to mechanical stretch. In addition to this, accumulating evidence indicates DMD muscle having vascular abnormalities and that the muscles are under an ischemic condition. More recent studies demonstrate decreased vascular densities and impaired angiogenesis in the muscles of murine model of DMD. Therefore, generation of new vasculature can be considered a potentially effective strategy for DMD therapy. The pro-angiogenic approaches also seem to be pro-myogenic and could induce muscle regeneration capacity through expansion of the satellite cell juxtavascular niche in the mouse model. Here, we will focus on angiogenesis, reviewing the background, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor-pathway, effect, and concerns of this strategy in DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Shimizu-Motohashi
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School Minneapolis, MN, USA ; Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical School Minneapolis, MN, USA ; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Atsushi Asakura
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School Minneapolis, MN, USA ; Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical School Minneapolis, MN, USA ; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Duan LJ, Takeda K, Fong GH. Hypoxia inducible factor-2α regulates the development of retinal astrocytic network by maintaining adequate supply of astrocyte progenitors. PLoS One 2014; 9:e84736. [PMID: 24475033 PMCID: PMC3903483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we investigate the role of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-2α in coordinating the development of retinal astrocytic and vascular networks. Three Cre mouse lines were used to disrupt floxed Hif-2α, including Rosa26CreERT2, Tie2Cre, and GFAPCre. Global Hif-2α disruption by Rosa26CreERT2 led to reduced astrocytic and vascular development in neonatal retinas, whereas endothelial disruption by Tie2Cre had no apparent effects. Hif-2α deletion in astrocyte progenitors by GFAPCre significantly interfered with the development of astrocytic networks, which failed to reach the retinal periphery and were incapable of supporting vascular development. Perplexingly, the abundance of strongly GFAP+ mature astrocytes transiently increased at P0 before they began to lag behind the normal controls by P3. Pax2+ and PDGFRα+ astrocytic progenitors and immature astrocytes were dramatically diminished at all stages examined. Despite decreased number of astrocyte progenitors, their proliferation index or apoptosis was not altered. The above data can be reconciled by proposing that HIF-2α is required for maintaining the supply of astrocyte progenitors by slowing down their differentiation into non-proliferative mature astrocytes. HIF-2α deficiency in astrocyte progenitors may accelerate their differentiation into astrocytes, a change which greatly interferes with the replenishment of astrocyte progenitors due to insufficient time for proliferation. Rapidly declining progenitor supply may lead to premature cessation of astrocyte development. Given that HIF-2α protein undergoes oxygen dependent degradation, an interesting possibility is that retinal blood vessels may regulate astrocyte differentiation through their oxygen delivery function. While our findings support the consensus that retinal astrocytic template guides vascular development, they also raise the possibility that astrocytic and vascular networks may mutually regulate each other's development, mediated at least in part by HIF-2α.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Duan
- The Center for Vascular Biology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Kotaro Takeda
- The Center for Vascular Biology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Guo-Hua Fong
- The Center for Vascular Biology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Kivelä R, Bry M, Robciuc MR, Räsänen M, Taavitsainen M, Silvola JMU, Saraste A, Hulmi JJ, Anisimov A, Mäyränpää MI, Lindeman JH, Eklund L, Hellberg S, Hlushchuk R, Zhuang ZW, Simons M, Djonov V, Knuuti J, Mervaala E, Alitalo K. VEGF-B-induced vascular growth leads to metabolic reprogramming and ischemia resistance in the heart. EMBO Mol Med 2014; 6:307-21. [PMID: 24448490 PMCID: PMC3958306 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201303147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenic growth factors have recently been linked to tissue metabolism. We have used genetic gain- and loss-of function models to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of action of vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B) in the heart. A cardiomyocyte-specific VEGF-B transgene induced an expanded coronary arterial tree and reprogramming of cardiomyocyte metabolism. This was associated with protection against myocardial infarction and preservation of mitochondrial complex I function upon ischemia-reperfusion. VEGF-B increased VEGF signals via VEGF receptor-2 to activate Erk1/2, which resulted in vascular growth. Akt and mTORC1 pathways were upregulated and AMPK downregulated, readjusting cardiomyocyte metabolic pathways to favor glucose oxidation and macromolecular biosynthesis. However, contrasting with a previous theory, there was no difference in fatty acid uptake by the heart between the VEGF-B transgenic, gene-targeted or wildtype rats. Importantly, we also show that VEGF-B expression is reduced in human heart disease. Our data indicate that VEGF-B could be used to increase the coronary vasculature and to reprogram myocardial metabolism to improve cardiac function in ischemic heart disease. Subject Categories Cardiovascular System; Metabolism See also: C Kupatt and R Hinkel (March 2014)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riikka Kivelä
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
56
|
Jeltsch M, Leppänen VM, Saharinen P, Alitalo K. Receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated angiogenesis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2013; 5:5/9/a009183. [PMID: 24003209 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a009183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The endothelial cell is the essential cell type forming the inner layer of the vasculature. Two families of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are almost completely endothelial cell specific: the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors (VEGFR1-3) and the Tie receptors (Tie1 and Tie2). Both are key players governing the generation of blood and lymphatic vessels during embryonic development. Because the growth of new blood and lymphatic vessels (or the lack thereof) is a central element in many diseases, the VEGF and the Tie receptors provide attractive therapeutic targets in various diseases. Indeed, several drugs directed to these RTK signaling pathways are already on the market, whereas many are in clinical trials. Here we review the VEGFR and Tie families, their involvement in developmental and pathological angiogenesis, and the different possibilities for targeting them to either block or enhance angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jeltsch
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|