Inhibition of endothelial cell movement by pericytes and smooth muscle cells: activation of a latent transforming growth factor-beta 1-like molecule by plasmin during co-culture

TGF-beta is required for vascular barrier function, endothelial survival and homeostasis of the adult microvasculature

Pericyte-endothelial cell (EC) interactions are critical to both vascular development and vessel stability. We have previously shown that TGF-β signaling between EC and mural cells participates in vessel stabilization in vitro. We therefore investigated the role of TGF-β signaling in maintaining microvessel structure and function in the adult mouse retinal microvasculature. TGF-β signaling was inhibited by systemic expression of soluble endoglin (sEng) and inhibition was demonstrated by reduced phospho-smad2 in the adult retina. Blockade of TGF-β signaling led to increased vascular and neural cell apoptosis in the retina, which was associated with decreased retinal function, as measured by electroretinogram (ERG). Perfusion of the inner retinal vasculature was impaired and was accompanied by defective autoregulation and loss of capillary integrity. Fundus angiography and Evans blue permeability assay revealed a breakdown of the blood-retinal-barrier that was characterized by decreased association between the tight junction proteins zo-1 and occludin. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling in cocultures of EC and 10T1/2 cells corroborated the in vivo findings, with impaired EC barrier function, dissociation of EC from 10T1/2 cells, and endothelial cell death, supporting the role of EC-mesenchymal interactions in TGF-β signaling. These results implicate constitutive TGF-β signaling in maintaining the integrity and function of the adult microvasculature and shed light on the potential role of TGF-β signaling in vasoproliferative and vascular degenerative retinal diseases.

Regulation of vascular integrity

The integrity of blood vessels is critical to vascular homeostasis. Maintenance of vascular integrity has been conventionally regarded as a passive process that is largely dependent on continuous blood flow. Recent studies, however, have begun unveiling molecular processes essential for maintenance of vascular integrity and homeostasis under physiological conditions, leading to the notion that maintenance of the vasculature is an active biological process that requires continuous, basal cellular signaling. Failure of this system results in serious consequences such as hemorrhage, edema, inflammation, and tissue ischemia. In this review, we will discuss the emerging concepts in regulation of vascular integrity with the emphasis on structural components of blood vessels that are essential for vascular maintenance.

The pericyte: cellular regulator of microvascular blood flow

The vascular system - through its development, response to injury, and remodeling during disease - constitutes one of the key organ systems sustaining normal human physiology; conversely, its dysregulation also underlies multiple pathophysiologic processes. Regulation of vascular endothelial cell function requires the integration of complex signals via multiple cell types, including arterial smooth muscle, capillary and post-capillary pericytes, and other perivascular cells such as glial and immune cells. Here, we focus on the pericyte and its roles in microvascular remodeling, reviewing current concepts in microvascular pathophysiology and offering new insights into the specific roles that pericyte-dependent signaling pathways may play in modulating endothelial growth and microvascular tone during pathologic angiogenesis and essential hypertension.

Senescence-messaging secretome: SMS-ing cellular stress

Oncogene-induced cellular senescence constitutes a strong anti-proliferative response, which can be set in motion following either oncogene activation or loss of tumour suppressor signalling. It serves to limit the expansion of early neoplastic cells and as such is a potent cancer-protective response to oncogenic events. Recently emerging evidence points to a crucial role in oncogene-induced cellular senescence for the 'senescence-messaging secretome' or SMS, setting the stage for cross-talk between senescent cells and their environment. How are such signals integrated into a coordinated response and what are the implications of this unexpected finding?

Endothelial-mural cell signaling in vascular development and angiogenesis

Mural cells are essential components of blood vessels and are necessary for normal development, homeostasis, and organ function. Alterations in mural cell density or the stable attachment of mural cells to the endothelium is associated with several human diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, venous malformation, and hereditary stroke. In addition mural cells are implicated in regulating tumor growth and have thus been suggested as potential antiangiogenic targets in tumor therapy. In recent years our knowledge of mural cell function and endothelial-mural cell signaling has increased dramatically, and we now begin to understand the mechanistic basis of the key signaling pathways involved. This is mainly thanks to sophisticated in vivo experiments using a broad repertoire of genetic technologies. In this review, we summarize the five currently best understood signaling pathways implicated in mural cell biology. We discuss PDGFB/PDGFRbeta- dependent pericyte recruitment, as well as the role of angiopoietins and Tie receptors in vascular maturation. In addition, we highlight the effects of sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling on adherens junction assembly and vascular stability, as well as the role of TGF-beta-signaling in mural cell differentiation. We further reflect recent data suggesting an important function for Notch3 signaling in mural cell maturation.

N-cadherin levels in endothelial cells are regulated by monolayer maturity and p120 availability

Endothelial cells (ECs) express VE-cadherin and N-cadherin, and recent data suggest that VE-cadherin levels are dependent on N-cadherin expression. While investigating changes in N-cadherin levels during endothelial monolayer maturation, the authors found that VE-cadherin levels are maintained in ECs despite a decrease in N-cadherin, suggesting that VE-cadherin levels may not depend on N-cadherin. Knockdown of N-cadherin did not affect VE-cadherin levels in ECs with low endogenous N-cadherin expression. Surprisingly, however, knockdown of N-cadherin in ECs with high endogenous N-cadherin expression increased VE-cadherin levels, suggesting an inverse relationship between the two. This was further supported by a decrease in VE-cadherin following overexpression of N-cadherin. Experiments in which p120, a catenin that binds N- and VE-cadherin, was knocked down or overexpressed indicate that these two cadherins compete for p120. These data demonstrate that VE-cadherin levels are not directly related to N-cadherin levels but may be inversely related due to competition for p120.

Peripheral nerve pericytes originating from the blood-nerve barrier expresses tight junctional molecules and transporters as barrier-forming cells

The objective of this study was to establish pure blood-nerve barrier (BNB)-derived peripheral nerve pericyte cell lines and to investigate their unique properties as barrier-forming cells. We isolated peripheral nerve, brain, and lung pericytes from transgenic rats harboring the temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen gene. These cell lines expressed several pericyte markers such as alpha-smooth muscle actin, NG2, osteopontin, and desmin, whereas they did not express endothelial cell markers such as vWF and PECAM. In addition, these cell lines expressed several tight junction molecules such as occludin, claudin-12, ZO-1, and ZO-2. In particular, the expression of occludin was detected in peripheral nerve and brain pericytes, although it was not detected in lung pericytes by a Western blot analysis. An immunocytochemical analysis confirmed that occludin and ZO-1 were localized at the cell-cell boundaries among the pericytes. Brain and peripheral nerve pericytes also showed significantly higher trans-pericyte electrical resistance values and lower inulin clearances than lung pericytes. We considered that occludin localized at the cell-cell boundaries among the pericytes might mechanically stabilize the microvessels of the BNB and the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, we also showed that these cell lines expressed many barrier-related transporters. ABCG2, p-gp, MRP-1, and Glut-1 were detected by a Western blot analysis and were observed in the cytoplasm and outer membrane by an immunocytochemical analysis. These transporters on pericytes might facilitate the peripheral nerve-to-blood efflux and blood-to-peripheral nerve influx transport of substrates in cooperation with those on endothelial cells in order to maintain peripheral nerve homeostasis.

Mechanisms of angiogenesis

Tissue activity of angiogenesis depends on the balance of many stimulating or inhibiting factors. The key signaling system that regulates proliferation and migration of endothelial cells forming the basis of any vessel are vascular endothelium growth factors (VEGF) and their receptors. The VEGF-dependent signaling system is necessary for formation of the embryonic vascular system. Neoangiogenesis during tumor growth is also associated with activation of this signaling system. The biological significance of the effect of such system on the cells depends on the content in tissue of various factors of the VEGF family and their receptors, while in the case of VEGFA it is defined by the ratio of different isoforms of this growth factor. A number of other signaling systems are also involved in regulation of the main steps of vessel formation. The signaling system Dll4/Notch regulates selection of endothelial cells for beginning of angiogenic expansion by endowing particular properties to endothelial cells leading in this process. An important step in vessel stabilization and maturation is vascular wall formation. Signaling system PDGFB/PDGFRbeta as well as angiopoietins Ang1, Ang2, and their receptor Tie2 are involved in recruiting mural cells (pericytes and smooth muscle cells). Identification of key molecules involved in the regulation of angiogenesis may provide new possibilities for development of drugs suitable for inhibition of angiogenesis or its stimulation in various pathologies.

Fitting a xenobiotic receptor into cell homeostasis: how the dioxin receptor interacts with TGFbeta signaling

As our knowledge on the mechanisms that control cell function increases, more complex signaling pathways and quite intricate cross-talks among regulatory proteins are discovered. Establishing accurate interactions between cellular networks is essential for a healthy cell and different alterations in signaling are known to underline human disease. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) is an extracellular cytokine that regulates such critical cellular responses as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, angiogenesis and migration, and it is assumed that the latency-associated protein LTBP-1 plays a relevant role in TGFbeta targeting and activation in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The dioxin receptor (AhR) is a unique intracellular protein long studied because of its critical role in xenobiotic-induced toxicity and carcinogenesis. Yet, a large set of studies performed in cellular systems and in vivo animal models have suggested important xenobiotic-independent functions for AhR in cell proliferation, differentiation and migration and in tissue homeostasis. Remarkably, AhR activity converges with TGFbeta-dependent signaling through LTBP-1 since cells lacking AhR expression have phenotypic alterations that can be explained, at least in part, by the coordinated regulation of both proteins. Here, we will discuss the existence of functional interactions between AhR and TGFbeta signaling. We will focus on regulatory and functional aspects by analyzing how AhR status determines TGFbeta activity and by proposing a mechanism through which LTBP-1, a novel AhR target gene, mediates such effects. We will integrate ECM proteases in the AhR-LTBP-1-TGFbeta axis and suggest a model that could help explain some in vivo phenotypes associated to AhR deficiency.

Differentiation of the pericyte in wound healing: The precursor, the process, and the role of the vascular endothelial cell

Pericytes play a crucial role in the homeostasis and maturation of newly formed vessels, but their precursor and the process of their differentiation remain unclear. In this study, we show that in vivo, pericytes in human granulation tissue taken from burn patients expressed CD13 and collagen I, which are cell markers of peripheral blood fibrocytes (PBFCs). Mouse PBFCs, ex vivo labeled by PKH-26 and administered intravenously back to mice, formed lumens in the granulation tissue and expressed pericyte marker NG2. Furthermore, in cell culture, human PBFCs in co-culture with human umbilical vascular endothelial cells or human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) expressed pericyte markers desmin and myosin heavy chain of smooth muscle cell, and some migrated to the membrane of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells or HDMECs to form PBFC/vascular endothelial cell clusters, or formed round PBFC only clusters with their nuclei aligned along a circle. The formation of PBFC/vascular endothelial cell clusters and round PBFC clusters were inhibited by an antibody against monocyte chemotactic protein-1. PBFCs cultured with homogenate of granulation tissue also expressed desmin and myosin heavy chain of smooth muscle cell. Our findings support that the PBFC is a precursor of pericytes, the differentiation of PBFCs is induced by vascular endothelial cells in a paracrine fashion.

The role of hypoxia in vascular injury and repair

Although the terms ischemia and hypoxia are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct processes that result in different modulatory effects at the cellular level. Hypoxia is a reduction in oxygen delivery below tissue demand, whereas ischemia is a lack of perfusion, characterized not only by hypoxia but also by insufficient nutrient supply. Hypoxia can be either acute or chronic, and both are centrally regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor, a transcription factor that governs the expression of key response genes such as vascular endothelial growth factor and erythropoietin. Whereas severe chronic hypoxia can cause cell death, less-severe hypoxia can protect against subsequent damage, a phenomenon known as hypoxic conditioning. Several important processes are characterized by hypoxia, including ischemia-reperfusion, tumor growth and progression, inflammation, myocardial ischemia, and a number of ocular pathologies.

Squamous metaplasia amplifies pathologic epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in COPD patients

Squamous metaplasia (SM) is common in smokers and is associated with airway obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A major mechanism of airway obstruction in COPD is thickening of the small airway walls. We asked whether SM actively contributes to airway wall thickening through alteration of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in COPD. Using immunohistochemical staining, airway morphometry, and fibroblast culture of lung samples from COPD patients; genome-wide analysis of an in vitro model of SM; and in vitro modeling of human airway epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, we provide evidence that SM, through the increased secretion of IL-1beta, induces a fibrotic response in adjacent airway fibroblasts. We identify a pivotal role for integrin-mediated TGF-beta activation in amplifying SM and driving IL-1beta-dependent profibrotic mesenchymal responses. Finally, we show that SM correlates with increased severity of COPD and that fibroblast expression of the integrin alpha(v)beta(8), which is the major mediator of airway fibroblast TGF-beta activation, correlated with disease severity and small airway wall thickening in COPD. Our findings have identified TGF-beta as a potential therapeutic target for COPD.

Activated pericyte attenuates endothelial functions: nitric oxide-cGMP rescues activated pericyte-associated endothelial dysfunctions

Hepatic stellate cells are liver-specific pericytes and exist in close proximity with endothelial cells. The activation of liver pericytes is intrinsic to liver pathogenesis, and leads to endothelial dysfunction, including the low bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). However, the role of nitric oxide in pericyte-endothelium cross-talk has not yet been elucidated. This work examines the cellular mechanism of action of NO in pericyte-mediated endothelial dysfunction. We used in vitro coculture and conditioned medium systems to study the effects of activated liver pericytes on endothelial function, and an egg yolk vascular bed model was used to study the effects of activated pericytes on angiogenesis. This study also demonstrates that activated pericytes attenuate the migration, proliferation, permeability, and NO production of endothelial cells. Our results demonstrate that activated pericytes restrict angiogenesis in egg yolk vascular bed models, and NO supplementation recovers 70% of the inhibition. Our results also demonstrate that supplementation with NO, sildenafil citrate (phosphodiesterase inhibitor), and 8-bromo-cGMP (cGMP analog) partially recovers activated-pericyte-mediated endothelium dysfunction. We conclude that NO-cGMP alleviates activated-pericyte-associated endothelial dysfunction, including angiogenesis, in a cGMP-dependent manner.

Thrombospondins in cancer

The thrombospondins (TSPs) are a family of five proteins that are involved in the tissue remodeling that is associated with embryonic development, wound healing, synaptogenesis, and neoplasia. These proteins mediate the interaction of normal and neoplastic cells with the extracellular matrix and surrounding tissue. In the tumor microenvironment, TSP-1 has been shown to suppress tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis and by activating transforming growth factor beta. TSP-1 inhibits angiogenesis through direct effects on endothelial cell migration and survival, and through effects on vascular endothelial cell growth factor bioavailability. In addition, TSP-1 may affect tumor cell function through interaction with cell surface receptors and regulation of extracellular proteases. Whereas the role of TSP-1 in the tumor microenvironment is the best characterized, the other TSPs may have similar functions. (Part of a Multi-author Review).

Iodine deficiency induces a thyroid stimulating hormone-independent early phase of microvascular reshaping in the thyroid

Expansion of the thyroid microvasculature is the earliest event during goiter formation, always occurring before thyrocyte proliferation; however, the precise mechanisms governing this physiological angiogenesis are not well understood. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry to measure gene expression and laser Doppler to measure blood flow in an animal model of goitrogenesis, we show that thyroid angiogenesis occurred into two successive phases. The first phase lasted a week and involved vascular activation; this process was thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-independent and was directly triggered by expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by thyrocytes as soon as the intracellular iodine content decreased. This early reaction was followed by an increase in thyroid blood flow and endothelial cell proliferation, both of which were mediated by VEGF and inhibited by VEGF-blocking antibodies. The second, angiogenic, phase was TSH-dependent and was activated as TSH levels increased. This phase involved substantial up-regulation of the major proangiogenic factors VEGF-A, fibroblast growth factor-2, angiopoietin 1, and NG2 as well as their receptors Flk-1/VEGFR2, Flt-1/VEGFR1, and Tie-2. In conclusion, goiter-associated angiogenesis promotes thyroid adaptation to iodine deficiency. Specifically, as soon as the iodine supply is limited, thyrocytes produce proangiogenic signals that elicit early TSH-independent microvascular activation; if iodine deficiency persists, TSH plasma levels increase, triggering the second angiogenic phase that supports thyrocyte proliferation.

VEGF and TGF-beta are required for the maintenance of the choroid plexus and ependyma

Although the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in developmental and pathological angiogenesis is well established, its function in the adult is less clear. Similarly, although transforming growth factor (TGF) β is involved in angiogenesis, presumably by mediating capillary (endothelial cell [EC]) stability, its involvement in quiescent vasculature is virtually uninvestigated. Given the neurological findings in patients treated with VEGF-neutralizing therapy (bevacizumab) and in patients with severe preeclampsia, which is mediated by soluble VEGF receptor 1/soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor 1 and soluble endoglin, a TGF-β signaling inhibitor, we investigated the roles of VEGF and TGF-β in choroid plexus (CP) integrity and function in adult mice. Receptors for VEGF and TGF-β were detected in adult CP, as well as on ependymal cells. Inhibition of VEGF led to decreased CP vascular perfusion, which was associated with fibrin deposition. Simultaneous blockade of VEGF and TGF-β resulted in the loss of fenestrae on CP vasculature and thickening of the otherwise attenuated capillary endothelium, as well as the disappearance of ependymal cell microvilli and the development of periventricular edema. These results provide compelling evidence that both VEGF and TGF-β are involved in the regulation of EC stability, ependymal cell function, and periventricular permeability.

Breast cyst fluid plasmin activity and its effect on TGF-beta2 activation

There are two types of breast cyst and women with apocrine breast cyst may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than cyst lined by flattened epithelium. Transforming growth factor-beta's growth inhibitory effect on epithelial cells suggests a potential protective role in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of plasmin in both breast cyst groups and the possible role of plasmin on transforming growth factor beta activation. Presence of high plasmin level may indicate its importance on activation process, but some other proteases may also involve in this activation mechanism.

Effect of plasmin, plasminogen activators and a plasmin inhibitor on bovine in vitro embryo production

In the present study, four experiments were conducted to investigate the possible effects of plasminogen activators (urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA)), plasmin, and a plasmin inhibitor (epsilon-aminocaproic acid (ϵ-ACA)) on different stages of bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP). The concentrations of these modifiers in IVP media were conditioned according to the plasminogen activator activity of bovine preovulatory follicular fluid. Media were modified in a single phase of IVP with an 18 h or 24 h incubation for in vitro maturation (IVM) and a 24 h or 48 h incubation for the IVF or in vitro culture (IVC), respectively. After IVM the oocytes were either fixed and stained or underwent IVF and IVC. The main findings were: (1) plasmin added to the 18 h IVM medium increased maturation rate without affecting fertilisation or embryo development rates; (2) t-PA added to the IVF medium significantly increased cleavage; (3) u-PA added to the IVC medium significantly increased embryo development rates; (4) the efficiency of all phases of IVP was reduced after the addition of ϵ-ACA; and (5) plasminogen addition had no effect in any IVP phase tested. We conclude that the members of the plasminogen activator–plasmin system contribute in different ways to bovine IVM, IVF and IVC.

Oxidised, glycated LDL selectively influences tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 gene expression and protein production in human retinal capillary pericytes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their natural inhibitors, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), regulate important biological processes including the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix, proteolysis of cell surface proteins, proteinase zymogen activation, angiogenesis and inflammation. Studies have shown that their balance is altered in retinal microvascular tissues in diabetes. Since LDLs modified by oxidation/glycation are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications, we examined the effects of modified LDL on the gene expression and protein production of MMPs and TIMPs in retinal pericytes.

METHODS

Quiescent human retinal pericytes were exposed to native LDL (N-LDL), glycated LDL (G-LDL) and heavily oxidised and glycated LDL (HOG-LDL) for 24 h. We studied the expression of the genes encoding MMPs and TIMPs mRNAs by analysis of microarray data and quantitative PCR, and protein levels by immunoblotting and ELISA.

RESULTS

Microarray analysis showed that MMP1, MMP2, MMP11, MMP14 and MMP25 and TIMP1, TIMP2, TIMP3 and TIMP4 were expressed in pericytes. Of these, only TIMP3 mRNA showed altered regulation, being expressed at significantly lower levels in response to HOG- vs N-LDL. Quantitative PCR and immunoblotting of cell/matrix proteins confirmed the reduction in TIMP3 mRNA and protein in response to HOG-LDL. In contrast to cellular TIMP3 protein, analysis of secreted TIMP1, TIMP2, MMP1 and collagenase activity indicated no changes in their production in response to modified LDL. Combined treatment with N- and HOG-LDL restored TIMP3 mRNA expression to a level comparable with that after N-LDL alone.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Among the genes encoding for MMPs and TIMPs expressed in retinal pericytes, TIMP3 is uniquely regulated by HOG-LDL. Reduced TIMP3 expression might contribute to microvascular abnormalities in diabetic retinopathy.

Latent forms of TGF-beta: molecular structure and mechanisms of activation

TGF-beta proteins are produced as latent, high molecular weight complexes. The latent form of TGF-beta 1 (L-TGF-beta 1) in human platelets comprises three components: the mature TGF-beta 1 molecule, the N-terminal remnant of the TGF-beta 1 precursor in dimeric form and a novel component denoted TGF-beta 1-binding protein (TGF-beta 1-BP). Recombinant TGF-beta 1 expressed in CHO cells, which lacks TGF-beta 1-BP, is also produced as a latent form. Thus, the N-terminal remnant of the TGF-beta 1 precursor is sufficient for TGF-beta 1 latency, and it was denoted TGF-beta 1 latency-associated peptide (TGF-beta 1-LAP). The cDNA for TGF-beta 1-BP has been cloned. It is mainly composed of two different kinds of repeat sequences, i.e. 16 epidermal growth factor-like repeats and three copies of a cysteine-rich repeat hitherto not found in other proteins. The function of TGF-beta 1-BP remains to be elucidated. Activation of L-TGF-beta can be achieved by different chemical and enzymic treatments, or by incubation with certain cell types. Understanding of the physiological activation mechanisms and the in vivo roles of L-TGF-beta will be important for future clinical applications of TGF-beta.

Regulation of epithelial proliferation by TGF-beta

The closely related mammalian TGF-betas (TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3) are potent inhibitors of proliferation of many cell types in vitro. TGF-beta 1 has been demonstrated to be growth inhibitory in vivo for epithelial, endothelial, myeloid and lymphoid cells. Utilizing skin keratinocytes as a model system for studying the mechanism of TGF-beta 1-induced growth inhibition, it has been demonstrated that TGF-beta 1 rapidly inhibits transcription of the c-myc gene. Antisense c-myc oligonucleotides inhibit proliferation of keratinocytes as effectively as does TGF-beta 1, indicating that TGF-beta 1 suppression of c-myc expression is an important component of this growth inhibition. Studies utilizing DNA tumour virus transforming gene constructs have shown that the retinoblastoma gene product, pRb, or a related protein, is needed for TGF-beta 1 suppression of c-myc transcription. Thus, TGF-beta 1 may act through a tumour suppressor gene product, pRb, to suppress transcription of a proto-oncogene, c-myc, and subsequently inhibit cell proliferation.

Contextual role for angiopoietins and TGFbeta1 in blood vessel stabilization

We used a 3D in-vitro model of angiogenesis to investigate the effects of different growth factors on vessel formation and stabilization in vitro. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was the only factor that induced the formation, elongation and sprouting of capillary-like structures (CLS) by bovine retinal capillary endothelial cells (BREC), an effect that was dose-dependent and saturable. Basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) enhanced capillary formation in the presence of VEGF, leading to a more complex network of CLS and a higher rate of BrdU incorporation than VEGF alone, indicating that whereas VEGF acts as a morphogen, FGF2 is primarily a mitogen. Addition of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) to the 3D assay along with VEGF and FGF2, reduced tube formation in a dose-dependent manner. When added at the time of cell plating TGFbeta1 completely suppressed formation of VEGF/FGF2-stimulated CLS. Angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) prevented regression of the TGFbeta1-induced CLS, an effect that was blocked by angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), but required the continuous presence of VEGF.

Pericyte Rho GTPase mediates both pericyte contractile phenotype and capillary endothelial growth state

Pericytes regulate microvascular development and maturation through the control of endothelial cell motility, proliferation, and differentiation. The Rho GTPases have recently been described as key regulators of pericyte shape and contractile phenotype by signaling through the actin cytoskeleton in an isoactin-specific manner. In this report, we reveal that Rho GTPase-dependent signal transduction not only influences pericyte shape and contractile potential but also modulates capillary endothelial proliferative status and pericyte-endothelial interactions in vitro. We provide evidence that overexpression of mutant Rho GTPases, but not other Ras-related small GTPases, significantly alters pericyte shape, contractility, and endothelial growth state in microvascular cell co-cultures. In particular, we describe the use of a silicon substrate deformation assay to demonstrate that pericyte contractility is Rho GTP- and Rho kinase-dependent; further, we describe a novel in vitro system for examining pericyte-mediated endothelial growth arrest and show that control pericytes are capable of growth-arresting capillary endothelial cells in a cell contact-dependent manner, whereas pericytes overexpressing dominant-active and -negative Rho GTPase are comparably incompetent. These data strongly suggest that signaling through the pericyte Rho GTPase pathway may provide critical cues to the processes of microvascular stabilization, maturation, and contractility during development and disease.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factors and Receptors in the Rat Corpus Luteum: Localization and Identification of an Effect on Luteogenesis1

Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors (PDGFRs) play a vital role in regulating cell growth and angiogenesis. In this study, the expression of the family of PDGFs and PDGFRs in the ovarian corpus luteum were identified and characterized, and an effect of their activity on development of the corpus luteum revealed. Gonadotropin-stimulated immature rats were utilized as a model of induced ovulation, luteogenesis, and pseudopregnancy. Levels of ovarian mRNA for Pdgfb and Pdgfd, and their receptor, Pdgfrb, increased significantly as early as 4 h after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection in immature rats primed with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Gonadotropin regulation of Pdgfb expression was confirmed by in vitro promoter-reporter assays, which showed a 2- to 3-fold increase in Pdgfb promoter activity in response to luteinizing hormone (LH). Inhibition studies implicated protein kinase A, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen activated protein kinase signaling pathways in the LH-induced upregulation. In the corpus luteum, PDGFA, PDGFB, PDGFC, and PDGFRA were localized to a population of luteal parenchymal/steroidogenic cells. PDGFRB was expressed primarily in what appeared to be cells of the luteal microvasculature. Intraovarian injection of an inhibitor of PDGF receptor activity, the tyrphostin AG1295, prior to injection of hCG in eCG-primed immature rats resulted in a significant 21.86%+/-11.15% decrease in corpora lutea per treated ovary in comparison to the contralateral vehicle-injected control ovary. In addition, the treated ovary of 3 of 16 rats showed widespread hemorrhage throughout the entire ovary, indicating a possible role for PDGF receptor activity in maintenance of the ovarian vasculature.

Morphogenic protein epimorphin protects intestinal epithelial cells from oxidative stress by the activation of EGF receptor and MEK/ERK, PI3 kinase/Akt signals

Epimorphin is a mesenchymal protein that regulates morphogenesis of epithelial cells. Our preliminary study suggested a novel function of epimorphin in enhancing survival of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC). Oxidative stress leads to cell injury and death and is suggested to be a key contributor to pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. This study was conducted to determine whether epimorphin protects IEC from oxidative stress. Rat intestinal epithelial cell line IEC-6 was cultured with epimorphin (10 and 20 mug/ml), and the life span of IEC was assessed. The mean life span of IEC-6 cells was prolonged 1.9-fold (P < 0.0006) by treatment with epimorphin. We then examined the epimorphin signaling pathways. Epimorphin phosphorylated epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, activated the MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3) kinase/Akt pathways, phosphorylated Bad, and induced Bcl-X(L) and survivin. Hydrogen peroxide (1 mM) induced cell death in 92% of IEC-6 cells, but epimorphin dramatically diminished (88.7%) cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide (P < 0.0001). This protective effect of epimorphin was significantly attenuated by inhibitors of MEK and PI3 kinase (P < 0.0001) or EGF receptor-neutralizing antibody (P = 0.0007). In wound assays, the number of migrated cells in the wound area decreased (72.5%) by treatment with 30 muM hydrogen peroxide, but epimorphin increased the number of migrated cells 3.18-fold (P < 0.0001). These results support a novel function of epimorphin in protecting IEC from oxidative stress. This anti-oxidative function of epimorphin is dramatic and is likely mediated by the activation of EGF receptors and the MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase and PI3 kinase/Akt signaling pathways and through the induction of anti-apoptotic factors.

Heterotypic RPE-choroidal endothelial cell contact increases choroidal endothelial cell transmigration via PI 3-kinase and Rac1

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the major cause of non-preventable blindness. Severe forms of AMD involve breaching of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) barrier by underlying choroidal endothelial cells (CECs), followed by migration into, and subsequent neovascularization of the neurosensory retina. However, little is known about the interactions between RPE and CECs and the signaling events leading to CEC transmigration. While soluble chemotactic factors secreted from RPE can contribute to inappropriate CEC transmigration, other unidentified stimuli may play an additional role. Using a coculture model that maintains the natural structural orientation of CECs to the basal aspect of RPE, we show that "contact" with RPE and/or RPE extracellular matrix increases CEC transmigration of the RPE barrier. From a biochemical standpoint, contact between CECs and RPE results in an increase in the activity of the GTPase Rac1 within the CECs; this increase is dependent on upstream activation of PI 3-K and Akt1. To confirm a link between these signaling molecules and increased CEC transmigration, we performed transmigration assays while inhibiting both PI 3-K and Rac1 activity, and observed that both decreased CEC transmigration. We hypothesize that contact between CECs and RPE stimulates a signaling pathway involving PI 3-K, Akt1, and Rac1 that facilitates CEC transmigration across the RPE barrier, an important step in the development of neovascular AMD.

Development of the endothelium

Our understanding of the regulation of vascular development has exploded over the past decade. Prior to this time, our knowledge of vascular development was primarily based on classic descriptive studies. The identification of stem cells, lineage markers, specific growth factors and their receptors, and signalling pathways has facilitated a rapid expansion in information regarding details of the mechanisms that govern development of the vascular system.

BMP1 controls TGFbeta1 activation via cleavage of latent TGFbeta-binding protein

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1), an important regulator of cell behavior, is secreted as a large latent complex (LLC) in which it is bound to its cleaved prodomain (latency-associated peptide [LAP]) and, via LAP, to latent TGFbeta-binding proteins (LTBPs). The latter target LLCs to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1)-like metalloproteinases play key roles in ECM formation, by converting precursors into mature functional proteins, and in morphogenetic patterning, by cleaving the antagonist Chordin to activate BMP2/4. We provide in vitro and in vivo evidence that BMP1 cleaves LTBP1 at two specific sites, thus liberating LLC from ECM and resulting in consequent activation of TGFbeta1 via cleavage of LAP by non-BMP1-like proteinases. In mouse embryo fibroblasts, LAP cleavage is shown to be predominantly matrix metalloproteinase 2 dependent. TGFbeta1 is a potent inducer of ECM formation and of BMP1 expression. Thus, a role for BMP1-like proteinases in TGFbeta1 activation completes a novel fast-forward loop in vertebrate tissue remodeling.

A mathematical model for the regulation of tumor dormancy based on enzyme kinetics

In this paper we present a two-compartment model for tumor dormancy based on an idea of Zetter [1998, Ann. Rev. Med. 49, 407-422] to wit: The vascularization of a secondary (daughter) tumor can be suppressed by an inhibitor originating from a larger primary (mother) tumor. We apply this idea at the avascular level to develop a model for the remote suppression of secondary avascular tumors via the secretion of primary avascular tumor inhibitors. The model gives good agreement with the observations of [De Giorgi et al., 2003, Derm. Surgery 29, 664-667]. These authors reported on the emergence of a polypoid melanoma at a site remote from a primary polypoid melanoma after excision of the latter. The authors observed no recurrence of the melanoma at the primary site, but did observe secondary tumors at secondary sites 5-7 cm from the primary site within a period of 1 month after the excision of the primary site. We attempt to provide a reasonable biochemical/cell biological model for this phenomenon. We show that when the tumors are sufficiently remote, the primary tumor will not influence the secondary tumor while, if they are too close together, the primary tumor can effectively prevent the growth of the secondary tumor, even after it is removed. It should be possible to use the model as the basis for a testable hypothesis.

Microarray analysis of blood microvessels from PDGF-B and PDGF-Rbeta mutant mice identifies novel markers for brain pericytes

Normal blood microvessels are lined by pericytes, which contribute to microvessel development and stability through mechanisms that are poorly understood. Pericyte deficiency has been implicated in the pathogenesis of microvascular abnormalities associated with diabetes and tumors. However, the unambiguous identification of pericytes is still a problem because of cellular heterogeneity and few available molecular markers. Here we describe an approach to identify pericyte markers based on transcription profiling of pericyte-deficient brain microvessels isolated from platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-B)-/- and PDGF beta receptor (PDGFRbeta)-/- mouse mutants. The approach was validated by the identification of known pericyte markers among the most down-regulated genes in PDGF-B-/- and PDGFRbeta-/- microvessels. Of candidates for novel pericyte markers, we selected ATP-sensitive potassium-channel Kir6.1 (also known as Kcnj8) and sulfonylurea receptor 2, (SUR2, also known as Abcc9), both part of the same channel complex, as well as delta homologue 1 (DLK1) for in situ hybridization, which demonstrated their specific expression in brain pericytes of mouse embryos. We also show that Kir6.1 is highly expressed in pericytes in brain but undetectable in pericytes in skin and heart. The three new brain pericyte markers are signaling molecules implicated in ion transport and intercellular signaling, potentially opening new windows on pericyte function in brain microvessels.

Sucralfate prevents the delay of wound repair in intestinal epithelial cells by hydrogen peroxide through NF-kappaB pathway

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that sucralfate (SF) has therapeutic effects on colonic inflammation in ulcerative colitis. The aim of this study was to clarify the function of SF for wound repair in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC).

METHODS

(1) Activation of signal proteins [ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), IkappaB-alpha] in IEC-6 cells after stimulation with 10(-4) M potassium sucrose octasulfate (SOS), which is the functional element of SF, was assessed by Western blot. (2) Induction of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, TGF-alpha, EGF, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA after stimulation of IEC-6 cells with SOS was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. (3) IEC-6 cells were wounded and cultured for 24 h with various concentrations of SOS in the absence or presence of 20 microM H(2)O(2). Epithelial migration or proliferation was assessed by counting migrating cells or bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells across the wound border.

RESULTS

(1) SOS activated IkappaB-alpha, but it did not activate ERK1/2 MAPK. (2) SOS enhanced the expression of COX-2 mRNA, but it did not change the mRNA expression of other growth factors. (3) SOS did not enhance wound repair in IEC-6 cells, but it decreased the number of dead cells (maximum, 74%) (P < 0.01) in a dose-dependent manner and prevented the diminishment of epithelial migration (maximum, 61%) (P < 0.01) and proliferation (maximum, 37%) (P < 0.05) induced by H(2)O(2). These functions of SOS were suppressed by the NF-kappaB and COX-2 inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

SOS prevented the delay of wound repair in IEC-6 cells induced by H(2)O(2), probably through induction of COX-2 and an anti-apoptotic mechanism. These effects of SOS might be given through the activation of the NF-kappaB pathway.

Pericytes from human non-small cell lung carcinomas: An attractive target for anti-angiogenic therapy

Anti-angiogenic strategies have largely focused on endothelial cells and progenitors. However, pericytes are also an important component of vasculature. Perivascular cells from normal tissues have been widely reported, yet have not been extensively studied from human tumors. We have investigated pericytes from tumors of patients with lung cancer, the leader of cancer-related deaths in both men and women. Antibodies and magnetic beads were used to isolate cells from non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). The morphology of the pericytes was distinct with multiple elongated cytoplasmic extensions. Molecular expression of angiogenic genes was quantified by RT-PCR. Flow cytometric analysis shows that NSCLC pericytes express antigens such NG2 and VEGFR1 and present the ganglioside 3G5. The value of pericytes as models of tumor vasculature was demonstrated in cell-culture-based angiogenesis assays such as tube formation and proliferation. Results show that pericytes from some NSCLC but not all were able to maintain tubes networks on Matrigel. Pericyte function can be influenced by angiogenic growth factors or anti-angiogenic agents. Pericytes displayed invasive action against NSCLC clusters in the absence of other cell types. Perivascular cells contribute to the progression of disease and are an attractive target for anti-angiogenic therapy.

Angiogenic recruitment of pericytes from bone marrow after stroke

Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) contribute to revascularization after ischemia. However, the mechanisms by which BMDCs support vessel remodeling after cerebral ischemia are not clear. Using mouse chimeras that express enhanced green fluorescent protein in reconstituted bone marrow, we investigated the role of BMDCs in revascularization and brain repair after middle cerebral artery occlusion of murine brain. After ischemia, two populations of BMDCs were observed, one in the brain parenchyma and another associated with the vasculature. The number of BMDCs that infiltrated the brain parenchyma peaked at 7 days and persisted through 14 days, the last time point observed. The majority of BMDCs were characterized as microglia, based on cell-type-specific marker expression. We observed a robust angiogenic response after cerebral ischemia. Bone marrow-derived cells associated with remodeling blood vessels were negative for endothelial markers, but were surrounded by basal lamina and expressed desmin and vimentin, identifying these cells as pericytes. Quantification of BMDCs that expressed desmin revealed increasing desmin expression with time. Perivascular associated BMDCs that expressed desmin were immunoreactive for the angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta. These findings suggest that pericytes are recruited from the periphery and are involved in blood vessel stabilization during ischemia-induced angiogenesis.

Rotavirus double-stranded RNA induces apoptosis and diminishes wound repair in rat intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) recognizes double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Rotaviruses, having a dsRNA genome, infect intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and cause acute gastroenteritis in young children. The aim of the present study was to clarify the pathophysiological function of rotavirus dsRNA in IEC.

METHODS

Expression of TLR3 mRNA or protein in IEC cell lines (IEC-6, HT-29, Caco-2) was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot analysis or immunohistochemistry. Induction of cytokines (TNF-alpha, interferon-beta, interleukin-6) mRNA and activation of signal proteins (ERK1/2 MAPK and IkappaB-alpha) in IEC after stimulation with rotavirus dsRNA were assessed by RT-PCR or Western blot analysis. IEC-6 cells were wounded and cell migration into wound areas after stimulation with rotavirus dsRNA (1-25 microg/mL) was assessed. Induction of apoptosis after stimulation with rotavirus dsRNA was also assessed.

RESULTS

Expression of TLR3 mRNA and TLR3 protein was detected in IEC. Expression of TLR3 mRNA in IEC-6 tended to be up-regulated by exposure to IFN-gamma. Induction of cytokine mRNA and activation of the signal proteins were detected after stimulation with rotavirus dsRNA. Apoptosis was induced and epithelial migration into the wound area was dose-dependently diminished (44.1-94.4%, P < 0.01) by exposure to rotavirus dsRNA. Diminishment of wound repair was suppressed by anti-TLR3 antibody or caspase inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

Rotavirus dsRNA induces severe apoptosis and diminishes wound repair in IEC through TLR3, which might be involved in the pathogenesis of rotavirus-induced enteritis.

Endothelial EphrinB2 Is Controlled by Microenvironmental Determinants and Associates Context-Dependently With CD31

Objective— The EphB ligand ephrinB2 has been identified as a critical determinant of arterial endothelial differentiation and as a positive regulator of invading endothelial cells during angiogenesis. This study was aimed at identifying determinants of endothelial cell ephrinB2 expression.

Methods and Results— Arteriovenous asymmetrical endothelial cell ephrinB2 expression in vivo is lost on transfer into culture with aortic endothelial cells becoming partially ephrinB2-negative and saphenous vein endothelial cells becoming partially ephrinB2-positive. Contact with smooth muscle cells and angiogenic stimulation by vascular endothelial growth factor lead to an increased endothelial cell ephrinB2 expression. Quiescent, smooth muscle-contacting endothelial cells express ephrinB2 uniformly on their luminal surface. In contrast, monolayer endothelial cells translocate ephrinB2 to interendothelial cell junctions, which is strongly enhanced by EphB4-Fc-mediated receptor body activation. Junctional ephrinB2 colocalizes and coimmunoprecipitates with CD31.

Conclusions— This study identifies distinct regulatory mechanisms of endothelial ephrinB2 expression and cellular distribution in quiescent and activated endothelial cells. The data demonstrate that endothelial cell ephrinB2 expression is controlled by microenvironmental determinants rather than being an intrinsic endothelial cell differentiation marker.

Brain endothelial hemostasis regulation by pericytes

Pericytes are known to regulate brain capillary endothelial functions. The purpose of this study was to define the hemostatic regulatory role of human brain pericytes. We used blood-brain barrier models consisting of human pericytes grown on transwell membrane inserts and cocultured with human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBEC), or pericytes grown in direct contact with HBEC. When grown in cocultures in which pericytes were physically separated from endothelial cells, pericytes induced significant changes in endothelial tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein: tPA mRNA level was decreased in pericyte cocultures (52%+/-25% of monocultures, P < 0.05) and tPA protein level was decreased (66%+/-23% of monocultures, P < 0.05). Pericyte effects on endothelial fibrinolysis were enhanced when the two cell types were cocultured in direct contact, with tPA protein reduced in cocultures compared with monocultures (25%+/-15% of monocultures, P < 0.05). Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide (LPS)), used as a standardized stimulus to define brain-specific inflammation-induced change, amplified pericyte-induced enhanced release of the tPA inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1); the latter was released by endothelial cells first cocultured with pericytes and then incubated with LPS in the absence of pericytes. Pericytes (in contrast to endothelial cells and astrocytes) were found to be the principal in vitro source of the serpin protease nexin-1 (PN-1), known to have primarily antithrombin effects. These in vitro findings suggest that pericytes negatively regulate brain endothelial cell fibrinolysis, while pericyte expression of PN-1 may provide endogenous anticoagulant activity.

Developmental roles of the BMP1/TLD metalloproteinases

The astacin family (M12A) of the metzincin subclan MA(M) of metalloproteinases has been detected in developing and mature individuals of species that range from hydra to humans. Functions of this family of metalloproteinase vary from digestive degradation of polypeptides, to biosynthetic processing of extracellular proteins, to activation of growth factors. This review will focus on a small subgroup of the astacin family; the bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1)/Tolloid (TLD)-like metalloproteinases. In vertebrates, the BMP1/TLD-like metalloproteinases play key roles in regulating formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) via biosynthetic processing of various precursor proteins into mature functional enzymes, structural proteins, and proteins involved in initiating mineralization of the ECM of hard tissues. Roles in ECM formation include: processing of the C-propeptides of procollagens types I-III, to yield the major fibrous components of vertebrate ECM; proteolytic activation of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, necessary to formation of covalent cross-links in collagen and elastic fibers; processing of NH2-terminal globular domains and C-propeptides of types V and XI procollagen chains to yield monomers that are incorporated into and control the diameters of collagen type I and II fibrils, respectively; processing of precursors for laminin 5 and collagen type VII, both of which are involved in securing epidermis to underlying dermis; and maturation of small leucine-rich proteoglycans. The BMP1/TLD-related metalloproteinases are also capable of activating the vertebrate transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-like "chalones" growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8, also known as myostatin), and GDF11 (also known as BMP11), involved in negative feedback inhibition of muscle and neural tissue growth, respectively; by freeing them from noncovalent latent complexes with their cleaved prodomains. BMP1/TLD-like proteinases also liberate the vertebrate TGF-beta-like morphogens BMP2 and 4 and their invertebrate ortholog decapentaplegic, from latent complexes with the vertebrate extracellular antagonist chordin and its invertebrate ortholog short gastrulation (SOG), respectively. The result is formation of the BMP signaling gradients that form the dorsal-ventral axis in embryogenesis. Thus, BMP1/TLD-like proteinases appear to be key to regulating and orchestrating formation of the ECM and signaling by various TGF-beta-like proteins in morphogenetic and homeostatic events.

The bioactivity of transforming growth factor-beta1 can be regulated via binding to dermal collagens in mink lung epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

The bioactivity of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is known to be regulated by some components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), but the possibility that it might be regulated by collagen, the richest ECM component, has never been previously reported.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate the possible role that different types of collagens might play on the bioactivity of TGF-beta1.

METHODS

The interaction of 125I-TGF-beta1 and various types of collagen was examined by a solid-phase assay and by a co-precipitation assay. The bioactivity of TGF-beta1 was assessed by a proliferation assay in which mink lung epithelial cells were examined in the presence and absence of collagens.

RESULTS

Activated native dimeric TGF-beta1 bound to type I collagen in a dose-dependent manner, while monomeric TGF-beta1 bound poorly to the collagen. Type III collagen, and type I gelatin, a heat-denatured type I collagen, also showed a similar interaction with TGF-beta1, however, type IV collagen showed a weak interaction. In the presence of types I and III collagens, the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta1 on the proliferation of mink lung epithelial cells was sustained, thus suggesting that the bioactivity of TGF-beta1 had been enhanced. Type I gelatin also enhanced the inhibition of cell growth, but its effect was weak in comparison with that of type I collagen. The amount of TGF-beta1 which remained intact in the conditioned medium after incubation with MLEC in the presence of types I and III collagens was more than that incubated without collagen.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that types I and III collagens, the two most abundant components of the interstitial collagens, can potentially bind to activated TGF-beta1 and regulate the bioactivity of this growth factor, thereby possibly maintaining the biologically available TGF-beta1 level.

The role of pericytes in blood-vessel formation and maintenance

Blood vessels are composed of two interacting cell types. Endothelial cells form the inner lining of the vessel wall, and perivascular cells--referred to as pericytes, vascular smooth muscle cells or mural cells--envelop the surface of the vascular tube. Over the last decades, studies of blood vessels have concentrated mainly on the endothelial cell component, especially when the first angiogenic factors were discovered, while the interest in pericytes has lagged behind. Pericytes are, however, functionally significant; when vessels lose pericytes, they become hemorrhagic and hyperdilated, which leads to conditions such as edema, diabetic retinopathy, and even embryonic lethality. Recently, pericytes have gained new attention as functional and critical contributors to tumor angiogenesis and therefore as potential new targets for antiangiogenic therapies. Pericytes are complex. Their ontogeny is not completely understood, and they perform various functions throughout the body. This review article describes the current knowledge about the nature of pericytes and their functions during vessel growth, vessel maintenance, and pathological angiogenesis.

Cell population dynamics modulate the rates of tissue growth processes

The development and testing of a discrete model describing the dynamic process of tissue growth in three-dimensional scaffolds is presented. The model considers populations of cells that execute persistent random walks on the computational grid, collide, and proliferate until they reach confluence. To isolate the effect of population dynamics on tissue growth, the model assumes that nutrient and growth factor concentrations remain constant in space and time. Simulations start either by distributing the seed cells uniformly and randomly throughout the scaffold, or from an initial condition designed to simulate the migration and cell proliferation phase of wound healing. Simulations with uniform seeding show that cell migration enhances tissue growth by counterbalancing the adverse effects of contact inhibition. This beneficial effect, however, diminishes and disappears completely for large migration speeds. By contrast, simulations with the "wound" seeding mode show a continual enhancement of tissue regeneration rates with increasing cell migration speeds. We conclude that cell locomotory parameters and the spatial distribution of seed cells can have profound effects on the dynamics of the process and, consequently, on the pattern and rates of tissue growth. These results can guide the design of experiments for testing the effectiveness of biomimetic modifications for stimulating tissue growth.

Apoptosis of human endothelial cells is accompanied by proteolytic processing of latent TGF-beta binding proteins and activation of TGF-beta

Transforming growth factors beta (TGF-betas) are multifunctional cytokines that modulate cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. Numerous effects initiated by TGF-betas in vitro have been described, but the role of TGF-beta targeting and activation under physiological conditions has gained very little attention and understanding. We report here that apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is accompanied by release of truncated large latent TGF-beta complexes from the pericellular matrix followed by activation of TGF-beta. The activation of TGF-beta during apoptosis was accompanied by enhanced secretion of beta1-LAP protein, and apoptotic HUVECs acquired the capacity to induce the release of latent TGF-beta-binding proteins (LTBPs) from extracellular matrices. Activated TGF-beta, in turn, attenuated apoptotic death of HUVECs. Current results indicate that the activation of TGF-beta accompanies the apoptosis of HUVECs, and may play a protective feedback role against apoptotic cell death. The results suggest a role for TGF-beta as a putative extracellular modulator of apoptosis.

VEGF profiling and angiogenesis in human microtissues

Owing to its dual impact on tissue engineering (neovascularization of tissue implants) and cancer treatment (prevention of tumor-induced vascularization), management and elucidation of vascularization phenomena remain clinical priorities. Using a variety of primary human cells and (neoplastic) cell lines assembled in microtissues by gravity-enforced self-aggregation in hanging drops we (i) studied size and age-dependent VEGF production of microtissues in comparison to isogenic monolayer cultures, (ii) characterized the self-organization and VEGF-production potential of mixed-cell spheroids, (iii) analyzed VEGF-dependent capillary formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cells coated onto several human primary cell spheroids, and (iv) profiled endostatin action on vascularization in human microtissues. Precise understanding of vascularization in human microtissues may foster advances in clinical tissue implant engineering, tumor treatment, as well as drug discovery and drug-function analysis.

[Vascularization of the head and neck during development]

One of the earliest priorities of the embryonic vascular system is to ensure the metabolic needs of the head. This review covers some of the principles that govern the cellular assembly and localization of blood vessels in the head. In order to understand the development and organization of the cephalic vascular tree, one needs to recall the morphogenetic movements underlying vertebrate head formation and giving rise to the constituent cells of the vascular system. Some of the major signaling molecules involved in vascular development are discussed, including the angiopoietins, the endothelins, the FGFs, the Notch receptors, the PDGFs, Sonic hedgehog, the TGF family and the VEGFs, in order to underline similarities between embryonic and postnatal vascular development, even in the context of increasingly divergent form.

GDF11 forms a bone morphogenetic protein 1-activated latent complex that can modulate nerve growth factor-induced differentiation of PC12 cells

All transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily members are synthesized as precursors with prodomain sequences that are proteolytically removed by subtilisin-like proprotein convertases (SPCs). For most superfamily members, this is believed sufficient for activation. Exceptions are TGF-betas 1 to 3 and growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8), also known as myostatin, which form noncovalent, latent complexes with their SPC-cleaved prodomains. Sequence similarities between TGF-betas 1 to 3, myostatin, and superfamily member GDF11, also known as bone morphogenetic protein 11 (BMP11), prompted us to examine whether GDF11 might be capable of forming a latent complex with its cleaved prodomain. Here we demonstrate that GDF11 forms a noncovalent latent complex with its SPC-cleaved prodomain and that this latent complex is activated via cleavage at a single specific site by members of the developmentally important BMP1/Tolloid family of metalloproteinases. Evidence is provided for a molecular model whereby formation and activation of this complex may play a general role in modulating neural differentiation. In particular, mutant GDF11 prodomains impervious to cleavage by BMP1/Tolloid proteinases are shown to be potent stimulators of neurodifferentiation, with potential for therapeutic applications.