Vitronectin decreases microvascular endothelial cell apoptosis

Multiplexed MRM-based proteomics for identification of circulating proteins as biomarkers of cardiovascular damage progression associated with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) by 2-4 fold, and is associated with endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, and chronic hyperglycaemia. The aim of this investigation was to assess, by a multimarker mass spectrometry approach, the predictive role of circulating proteins as biomarkers of cardiovascular damage progression associated with diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

The study considered 34 patients with both T2DM and CHD, 31 patients with T2DM and without CHD, and 30 patients without diabetes with a diagnosis of CHD. Plasma samples of subjects were analysed through a multiplexed targeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based assay, namely Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM), allowing the simultaneous detection of peptides derived from a protein of interest. Gene Ontology (GO) Analysis was employed to identify enriched GO terms in the biological process, molecular function, or cellular component categories. Non-parametric multivariate methods were used to classify samples from patients and evaluate the relevance of the analysed proteins' panel.

RESULTS

A total of 81 proteins were successfully quantified in the human plasma samples. Gene Ontology analysis assessed terms related to blood microparticles, extracellular exosomes and collagen-containing extracellular matrix. Preliminary evaluation using analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the differences in the proteomic profile among patient groups identified 13 out of the 81 proteins as significantly different. Multivariate analysis, including cluster analysis and principal component analysis, identified relevant grouping of the 13 proteins. The first main cluster comprises apolipoprotein C-III, apolipoprotein C-II, apolipoprotein A-IV, retinol-binding protein 4, lysozyme C and cystatin-C; the second one includes, albeit with sub-grouping, alpha 2 macroglobulin, afamin, kininogen 1, vitronectin, vitamin K-dependent protein S, complement factor B and mannan-binding lectin serine protease 2. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves obtained with the 13 selected proteins using a nominal logistic regression indicated a significant overall distinction (p < 0.001) among the three groups of subjects, with area under the ROC curve (AUC) ranging 0.91-0.97, and sensitivity and specificity ranging from 85 to 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted mass spectrometry approach indicated 13 multiple circulating proteins as possible biomarkers of cardiovascular damage progression associated with T2DM, with excellent classification results in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

The influence of microenvironment stiffness on endothelial cell fate: Implication for occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is characterized by phenotypic changes in fibrous proliferation, chronic inflammation and lipid accumulation mediated by vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) which are correlated with the stiffening and ectopic remodeling of local extracellular matrix (ECM). The native residents, ECs and SMCs, are not only affected by various chemical factors including inflammatory mediators and chemokines, but also by a range of physical stimuli, such as shear stress and ECM stiffness, presented in the microenvironmental niche. Especially, ECs, as a semi-selective barrier, can sense mechanical forces, respond quickly to changes in mechanical loading and provide context-specific adaptive responses to restore homeostasis. However, blood arteries undergo stiffening and lose their elasticity with age. Reports have shown that the ECM stiffening could influence EC fate by changing the cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation, cell to cell contact, migration and even communication with SMCs. The cell behaviour changes mediated by ECM stiffening are dependent on the activation of a signaling cascade of mechanoperception and mechanotransduction. Although the substantial evidence directly indicates the importance of ECM stiffening on the native ECs, the understanding about this complex interplay is still largely limited. In this review, we systematically summarize the roles of ECM stiffening on the behaviours of endothelial cells and elucidate the underlying details in biological mechanism, aiming to provide the process of how ECs integrate ECM mechanics and the highlights for bioaffinity of tissue-specific engineered scaffolds.

A Review of Integrin-Mediated Endothelial Cell Phenotype in the Design of Cardiovascular Devices

Sustained biomaterial thromboresistance has long been a goal and challenge in blood-contacting device design. Endothelialization is one of the most successful strategies to achieve long-term thromboresistance of blood-contacting devices, with the endothelial cell layer providing dynamic hemostatic regulation. It is well established that endothelial cell behavior is influenced by interactions with the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM). Numerous researchers have sought to exploit these interactions to generate improved blood-contacting devices by investigating the expression of hemostatic regulators in endothelial cells on various ECM coatings. The ability to select substrates that promote endothelial cell-mediated thromboresistance is crucial to advancing material design strategies to improve cardiovascular device outcomes. This review provides an overview of endothelial cell regulation of hemostasis, the major components found within the cardiovascular basal lamina, and the interactions of endothelial cells with prominent ECM components of the basement membrane. A summary of ECM-mimetic strategies used in cardiovascular devices is provided with a focus on the effects of key adhesion modalities on endothelial cell regulators of hemostasis.

Vitronectin from brain pericytes promotes adult forebrain neurogenesis by stimulating CNTF

Vitronectin (VTN) is a glycoprotein in the blood and affects hemostasis. VTN is also present in the extracellular matrix of various organs but little is known about its function in healthy adult tissues. We show, in adult mice, that VTN is uniquely expressed by approximately half of the pericytes of subventricular zone (SVZ) where neurogenesis continues throughout life. Intracerebral VTN antibody injection or VTN knockout reduced neurogenesis as well as expression of pro-neurogenic CNTF, and anti-neurogenic LIF and IL-6. Conversely, injections of VTN, or plasma from VTN+/+, but not VTN-/- mice, increased these cytokines. VTN promoted SVZ neurogenesis when LIF and IL-6 were suppressed by co-administration of a gp130 inhibitor. Unexpectedly, VTN inhibited FAK signaling and VTN-/- mice had increased FAK signaling in the SVZ. Further, an FAK inhibitor or VTN increased CNTF expression, but not in conditional astrocytic FAK knockout mice, suggesting that VTN increases CNTF through FAK inhibition in astrocytes. These results identify a novel role of pericyte-derived VTN in the brain, where it regulates SVZ neurogenesis through co-expression of CNTF, LIF and IL-6. VTN-integrin-FAK and gp130 signaling may provide novel targets to induce neurogenesis for cell replacement therapies.

Assessing the Minimum Time-Period of Normoxic Preincubation for Stable Adipose Stromal Cell-Derived Vascular Networks

Introduction

Pre-vascularization of tissue engineered grafts is a promising strategy to facilitate their improved viability following in vivo implantation. In this process, endothelial cells (ECs) form capillary-like networks that can anastomose with host vasculature. Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) are a commonly used cell population for tissue engineering and contain a subpopulation of ECs capable of assembling into robust vascular networks and anastomosing with the host. However, their initial vascular assembly is significantly impaired in hypoxic conditions (2% O₂). In this study, we explored the minimum period of normoxic (20% O₂) pre-treatment required to enable the formation of stable vascular networks.

Methods

ASC-derived vascular structures were allowed to preassemble in fibrin hydrogels in normoxia for 0, 2, 4, or 6 days and then transplanted into hypoxic environments for 6 days. Total vascular length, pericyte coverage, cell proliferation, apoptosis rates, and ECM production was assessed.

Results

Vascular assembly increased with time over the 6 days of culture. We found that 4 days was the minimum period of time required for stable vascular assembly. We compared the major differences in cell behavior and network structure at Days 2 and 4. Neither proliferation nor apoptosis differed, however, the Day 4 time-point was associated with a significant increase in pericyte coverage (46.1 ± 2.6%) compared to Day 2 (24.3 ± 5.3%).

Conclusions

These data suggest oxygen tension may be a mediator of EC-pericyte interactions during vascular assembly. Pre-vascularization strategies should incorporate a normoxic period of to enable successful vascular formation and development.

Integrin-FAK signaling rapidly and potently promotes mitochondrial function through STAT3

Background

STAT3 is increasingly becoming known for its non-transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial bioenergetic function upon activation of its S727 residue (S727-STAT3). Lengthy mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to cell death. We tested whether an integrin-FAK-STAT3 signaling pathway we recently discovered regulates mitochondrial function and cell survival, and treatments thereof.

Methods

Cultured mouse brain bEnd5 endothelial cells were treated with integrin, FAK or STAT3 inhibitors, FAK siRNA, as well as integrin and STAT3 activators. STAT3 null cells were transfected with mutant STAT3 plasmids. Outcome measures included oxygen consumption rate for mitochondrial bioenergetics, Western blotting for protein phosphorylation, mitochondrial membrane potential for mitochondrial integrity, ROS production, and cell counts.

Results

Vitronectin-dependent mitochondrial basal respiration, ATP production, and maximum reserve and respiratory capacities were suppressed within 4 h by RGD and αvβ3 integrin antagonist peptides. Conversely, integrin ligands vitronectin, laminin and fibronectin stimulated mitochondrial function. Pharmacological inhibition of FAK completely abolished mitochondrial function within 4 h while FAK siRNA treatments confirmed the specificity of FAK signaling. WT, but not S727A functionally dead mutant STAT3, rescued bioenergetics in cells made null for STAT3 using CRISPR-Cas9. STAT3 inhibition with stattic in whole cells rapidly reduced mitochondrial function and mitochondrial pS727-STAT3. Stattic treatment of isolated mitochondria did not reduce pS727 whereas more was detected upon phosphatase inhibition. This suggests that S727-STAT3 is activated in the cytoplasm and is short-lived upon translocation to the mitochondria. FAK inhibition reduced pS727-STAT3 within mitochondria and reduced mitochondrial function in a non-transcriptional manner, as shown by co-treatment with actinomycin. Treatment with the small molecule bryostatin-1 or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which indirectly activate S727-STAT3, preserved mitochondrial function during FAK inhibition, but failed in the presence of the STAT3 inhibitor. FAK inhibition induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, which was counteracted by bryostatin, and increased superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production. Bryostatin and HGF reduced the substantial cell death caused by FAK inhibition over a 24 h period.

Conclusion

These data suggest that extracellular matrix molecules promote STAT3-dependent mitochondrial function and cell survival through integrin-FAK signaling. We furthermore show a new treatment strategy for cell survival using S727-STAT3 activators.

Apoptosis and reduced microvascular density of the lamina propria during tooth eruption in rats

During tooth eruption, structural and functional changes must occur in the lamina propria to establish the eruptive pathway. In this study, we evaluate the structural changes that occur during lamina propria degradation and focus these efforts on apoptosis and microvascular density. Fragments of maxilla containing the first molars from 9-, 11-, 13- and 16-day-old rats were fixed, decalcified and embedded in paraffin. The immunohistochemical detection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), caspase-3 and MAC387 (macrophage marker), and the TUNEL method were applied to the histological molar sections. The numerical density of TUNEL-positive cells and VEGF-positive blood vessel profiles were also obtained. Data were statistically evaluated using a one-way anova with the post-hoc Kruskal-Wallis or Tukey test and a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Fragments of maxilla were embedded in Araldite for analysis under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TUNEL-positive structures, fibroblasts with strongly basophilic nuclei and macrophages were observed in the lamina propria at all ages. Using TEM, we identified processes of fibroblasts or macrophages surrounding partially apoptotic cells. We found a high number of apoptotic cells in 11-, 13- and 16-day-old rats. We observed VEGF-positive blood vessel profiles at all ages, but a significant decrease in the numerical density was found in 13- and 16-day-old rats compared with 9-day-old rats. Therefore, the establishment of the eruptive pathway during the mucosal penetration stage depends on cell death by apoptosis, the phagocytic activity of fibroblasts and macrophages, and a decrease in the microvasculature due to vascular cell death. These data point to the importance of vascular rearrangement and vascular neoformation during tooth eruption and the development of oral mucosa.

Vitamin k dependent proteins and the role of vitamin k2 in the modulation of vascular calcification: a review

Vascular calcification, a cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, is an actively regulated process involving vitamin K dependent proteins (VKDPs) among others. Vitamin K is an essential micronutrient, present in plants and animal fermented products that plays an important role as a cofactor for the post-translational γ-carboxylation of glutamic acid residues in a number of proteins. These VKDPs require carboxylation to become biologically active, and they have been identified as having an active role in vascular cell migration, angiogenesis and vascular calcification. This paper will review the process of vascular calcification and delineate the role that vitamin K2 plays in the modulation of that process, through the activation of VKDPs. One such VKDP is Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), which when activated inhibits osteogenic factors, thereby inhibiting vascular and soft tissue calcification.

Immunohistochemical analysis of neuropeptides (protein gene product 9.5, substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide) in hypertrophic burn scar with pain and itching

BACKGROUND

Neuropeptides have been recently reported as having an important role in wound repair, and relief from pain and itching sensation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of neuropeptides on the wound healing process in hypertrophic scar formation that accompanies severe pain and itching sensation.

METHODS

We collected forty-three hypertrophic scar specimens from hypertrophic scar release and skin graft under general anesthesia. Immunohistochemical stains for protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were performed. Pain and itching over the scar were recorded using verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS).

RESULTS

In the epidermis, PGP 9.5, SP, and CGRP were significantly increased in hypertrophic scars compared with matched unburned skin. In the reticular dermis, SP and CGRP were significantly increased in hypertrophic scars compared with control. The pain and itching verbal numerical rating scale in scar group were significantly higher compared to control. In the papillary dermis, the PGP represented significant correlation with Itching P (correlation coefficient 0.698) and the SP represented significant correlation with pain N (correlation coefficient -0.671). In the reticular dermis, the SP represented significant correlation with pain N (correlation coefficient -0.614) and CGRP represented significant correlation with pain P/Itching P (correlation coefficient 0.801/0.611).

CONCLUSIONS

Neuropeptides such as PGP 9.5, SP, and CGRP seem to affect scarring via sensory neurotransmission, it have a regulatory role for pain and itching sensation in hypertrophic scars.

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

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

Vitronectin inhibits neutrophil apoptosis through activation of integrin-associated signaling pathways

Vitronectin is present in large concentrations in serum and the extracellular matrix. Although vitronectin is known to modulate neutrophil adhesion and chemotaxis, and to contribute to neutrophil-associated proinflammatory processes, a role in apoptosis has not been demonstrated. In the present studies, we found that neutrophils demonstrated more rapid progression to spontaneous or TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-induced apoptosis when incubated under vitronectin-free conditions than when vitronectin was present. The ability of native vitronectin to delay neutrophil apoptosis was not recapitulated by the vitronectin somatomedin B domain. In contrast, inclusion of the cyclo[Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Val] peptide in cultures containing vitronectin resulted in enhanced neutrophil apoptosis, showing that the vitronectin RGD motif (Arg-Gly-Asp motif) was responsible for the antiapoptotic effects of vitronectin. Addition of antibodies to β(1), β(3), or β(5), but not to β(2) or β(4) integrins, reversed the ability of vitronectin to diminish neutrophil apoptosis. The ability of vitronectin to enhance neutrophil viability was dependent on activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 kinases, but not on the p38 kinase. Increased numbers of apoptotic neutrophils were present in the lungs of LPS-treated transgenic vitronectin-deficient mice, as compared with control mice. These results demonstrate a novel antiapoptotic function for vitronectin.

Pericytes promote endothelial cell survival through induction of autocrine VEGF-A signaling and Bcl-w expression

Endothelial cells (ECs) in blood vessels under formation are stabilized by the recruitment of pericytes, both in normal tissues and during angiogenesis in pathologic situations, including neoplasia. In the tumor vasculature, besides supporting the functionality of blood flow, pericytes protect ECs from antiangiogenic therapies, and have thus been implicated in clinical resistance to vascular targeting drugs. However, the molecular nature of the crosstalk between pericytes and ECs is largely unchartered. Herein, we identified pericyte-induced survival signals in ECs by isolation of vascular fragments derived from tumors that had been genetically or pharmacologically engineered to be either pericyte-rich or pericyte-poor. Pericytes induced the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-w in tumor ECs both in vivo and in vitro, thereby conveying protection from cytotoxic damage. The pericyte-dependent survival signaling in ECs was consequential to enforcement of an autocrine loop involving VEGF-A expression in ECs. Through molecular and functional studies, we delineated a signal transduction pathway in ECs downstream of integrin α(v) involving activation of NF-κB as the initiating event of the protective crosstalk from pericytes. Our elucidation of pericyte-derived pro-survival signaling in tumor ECs has potentially important implications for clinical development of antiangiogenic drugs, and suggests new therapeutic targets for rational multitargeting of cancer.

Interaction of late apoptotic and necrotic cells with vitronectin

Background

Vitronectin is an abundant plasma glycoprotein identified also as a part of extracellular matrix. Vitronectin is substantially enriched at sites of injured, fibrosing, inflamed, and tumor tissues where it is believed to be involved in wound healing and tissue remodeling. Little is known about the mechanism of vitronectin localization into the damaged tissues.

Methodology/Principal Findings

2E12 antibody has been described to bind a subset of late apoptotic cells. Using immunoisolation followed by mass spectrometry, we identified the antigen recognized by 2E12 antibody as vitronectin. Based on flow cytometry, we described that vitronectin binds to the late apoptotic and necrotic cells in cell cultures in vitro as well as in murine thymus and spleen in vivo. Confocal microscopy revealed that vitronectin binds to an intracellular cytoplasmic structure after the membrane rupture.

Conclusions/Significance

We propose that vitronectin could serve as a marker of membrane disruption in necrosis and apoptosis for flow cytometry analysis. Moreover, we suggest that vitronectin binding to dead cells may represent one of the mechanisms of vitronectin incorporation into the injured tissues.

Pro-apoptotic role of integrin β3 in glioma cells

Malignant gliomas are the most destructive type of brain cancer. In order to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of glioma cell death and survival, we previously established an alkylating agent 1, 3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU)-resistant variant of C6 rat glioma cells. Proteomic analysis indicated a significant down-regulation of integrin beta 3 (ITGB3) in the BCNU-resistant C6R cells. Re-expression of ITGB3 in C6R cells restored the BCNU sensitivity. In U87MG, U373MG, and T98G human glioma cells, there was a positive correlation between ITGB3 expression and the sensitivity to BCNU and etoposide, suggesting an important role of ITGB3 in glioma cell death. Over-expression of ITGB3 cDNA significantly increased the sensitivity of the human glioma cells to the anticancer drug-induced apoptosis. Nitric oxide showed an additive effect on the anticancer drug-induced glioma cell death by increasing ITGB3 expression. Subsequent dissection of signaling pathways indicated that extracellular signal-regulated kinase and unligated integrin-mediated cell death pathway may be involved in the pro-apoptotic role of ITGB3 in glioma cells. These results implicate ITGB3 in glioma cell death/survival and drug resistance.

Vitronectin accumulates in the interstitium but minimally impacts fibrogenesis in experimental chronic kidney disease

Vitronectin (Vtn) is a glycoprotein found in normal serum and pathological extracellular matrix. Given its known interactions with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and Vtn cellular receptors, especially αvβ3 integrin and the urokinase receptor (uPAR), this study was designed to investigate its role in renal fibrogenesis in the mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Kidney Vtn mRNA levels were increased ×1.8-5.1 and Vtn protein levels ×1.9-3 on days 7, 14, and 21 after UUO compared with sham kidney levels. Groups of age-matched C57BL/6 wild-type (Vtn+/+) and Vtn-/- mice (n = 10-11/group) were killed 7, 14, or 21 days after UUO. Absence of Vtn resulted in the following significant differences, but only on day 14: fewer αSMA+ interstitial myofibroblasts (×0.53), lower procollagen III mRNA levels (×0.41), lower PAI-1 protein (×0.23), higher uPA activity (×1.1), and lower αv protein (×0.32). The number of CD68+ macrophages did not differ between the genotypes. Despite these transient differences on day 14, the absence of Vtn had no effect on fibrosis severity based on both picrosirius red-positive interstitial area and total kidney collagen measured by the hydroxyproline assay. These findings suggest that despite significant interstitial Vtn deposition in the UUO model of chronic kidney disease, its fibrogenic role is either nonessential or redundant. These data are remarkable given Vtn's strong affinity for the potent fibrogenic molecule PAI-1.

Mast Cell Chymase Induces Conjunctival Epithelial Cell Apoptosis by a Mechanism Involving Degradation of Fibronectin

PURPOSE

To determine the mechanism of conjunctival epithelial injury in vernal keratoconjunctivitis, we investigated the effects of human chymase on conjunctival epithelial cells in vitro.

METHODS

Human conjunctival epithelial cells were incubated with human chymase for 24 or 48 hr at levels of activity that were likely to exist in the tear fluid of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Morphologic changes of the cells were observed by phase contrast microscopy. To determine the number of detached cells, we used an automated cell counter, while apoptotic cells were quantitated by flow cytometry. The level of soluble fibronectin in conditioned medium was measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Most of the cells in the incubation with chymase were detached by 24 hr. However, chymase-mediated apoptosis was a slower process and was only detected after incubation of cells with chymase for 36 to 48 hr. Both cell detachment and apoptosis were blocked when cells were incubated in fibronectin-coated plates. The increase of soluble fibronectin was dependent on the amount of chymase added and the exposure time. A caspase inhibitor (antiapoptotic agent) rescued cells from apoptosis but did not prevent cell detachment. These results indicate that chymase-induced apoptosis of conjunctival epithelial cells represents anoikis, which is a slowly occurring apoptotic process induced by lack of adhesion to an extracellular matrix.

CONCLUSIONS

Human mast cell chymase caused conjunctival epithelial cell detachment by degrading fibronectin, and this led to secondary apoptosis.

Activated mast cells induce endothelial cell apoptosis by a combined action of chymase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha

OBJECTIVE

Activated mast cells (MCs) induce endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis in vitro and are present at sites of plaque erosions in vivo. To further elucidate the role of MCs in endothelial apoptosis and consequently in plaque erosion, we have studied the molecular mechanisms involved in MC-induced EC apoptosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Primary cultures of rat cardiac microvascular ECs (RCMECs) and human coronary artery ECs (HCAECs) were treated either with rat MC releasate (ie, mediators released on MC activation), rat chymase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), or with human chymase and TNF-alpha, respectively. MC releasate induced RCMEC apoptosis by inactivating the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Akt-dependent survival signaling pathway, and apoptosis was partially inhibited by chymase and TNF-alpha inhibitors. Chymase avidly degraded both vitronectin (VN) and fibronectin (FN) produced by the cultured RCMECs. In addition, MC releasate inhibited the activation of NF-kappaB (p65) and activated caspase-8 and -9. Moreover, in HCAECs, human chymase and TNF-alpha induced additive levels of apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Activated MCs induce EC apoptosis by multiple mechanisms: chymase inactivates the FAK-mediated cell survival signaling, and TNF-alpha triggers apoptosis. Thus, by inducing EC apoptosis, MCs may contribute to plaque erosion and complications of atherosclerosis.

The inhibitory effects of endostatin on endothelial cells are modulated by extracellular matrix

We investigated the ability of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to modulate the response of endothelial cells to both promoters and inhibitors of angiogenesis. Using human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC), we found that cells demonstrated different adhesive properties and proliferative responses to the growth factor VEGF depending upon which ECM protein with which they were in contact, with fibronectin having the most impact on VEGF-induced HDMEC proliferation and survival. More importantly, we observed that ECM could modulate the ability of the angiogenic inhibitor endostatin to prevent endothelial cell proliferation, survival and migration. We observed that growth on vitronectin or fibronectin impaired the ability of endostatin to inhibit VEGF-induced HDMEC proliferation to the greatest extent as determined by BrdU incorporation. We found that, following growth on collagen I or collagen IV, endostatin only inhibited VEGF-induced HDMEC proliferation at the highest dose tested (2500 ng/ml). In a similar manner, we observed that growth on ECM proteins modulated the ability of endostatin to induce endothelial cell apoptosis, with growth on collagen I, fibronectin and collagen IV impairing endostatin-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, endostatin inhibited VEGF-induced HDMEC migration following culture on collagen I, collagen IV and laminin, while migration was not inhibited by endostatin following HDMEC culture on other matrices including vitronectin, fibronectin and tenascin-C. These results suggest that different matrix proteins may affect different mechanisms of endostatin inhibition of angiogenesis. Taken together, our results suggest that the ECM may have a profound impact on the ability of angiostatic molecules such as endostatin to inhibit angiogenesis and thus may have impact on the clinical efficacy of such inhibitors.

The response of VEGF-stimulated endothelial cells to angiostatic molecules is substrate-dependent

Background

The microenvironment surrounding cells can exert multiple effects on their biological responses. In particular the extracellular matrix surrounding cells can profoundly influence their behavior. It has been shown that the extracellular matrix composition in tumors is vastly different than that found in normal tissue with increased amounts of certain matrices such as collagen I. It has been previously demonstrated that VEGF stimulation of endothelial cells growing on type I collagen results in the induction of bcl-2 expression and enhanced endothelial cell survival. We sought to investigate whether this increased endothelial cell survival resulted in the failure of angiostatic molecules to inhibit angiogenesis.

Results

We now demonstrate that VEGF-induced survival on collagen I impairs the ability of three known angiostatic molecules, TSP-1, IP-10 and endostatin to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation. Apoptosis of endothelial cells, growing on collagen I, induced by TSP-1 and IP-10 was also inhibited following VEGF stimulation. In contrast, endostatin induced apoptosis in these same cells. Further analysis determined that endostatin did not decrease the expression of bcl-2 nor did it increase activation of caspase-3 in the presence of VEGF. Alternatively, it appeared that in the presence of VEGF, endostatin induced the activation of caspase-8 in endothelial cells grown on collagen I. Furthermore, only endostatin had the ability to inhibit VEGF-induced sprout formation in collagen I gels.

Conclusion

These data suggest that TSP-1, IP-10 and endostatin inhibit endothelial cells via different mechanisms and that only endostatin is effective in inhibiting angiogenic activities in the presence of collagen I. Our results suggest that the efficacy of angiostatic treatments may be impaired depending on the context of the extracellular matrix within the tumor environment and thus could impede the efficacy of angiostatic therapies.

Engagement of integrin alpha4beta1 enhances thrombopoietin-induced megakaryopoiesis

OBJECTIVE

Studies in numerous adherent cell systems have indicated that engagement of integrins is required for cell survival and proliferation. Although not classically thought of as an adherent cell type, megakaryocytes in the marrow develop in juxtaposition to endothelial cells which display a number of integrin counter-receptors. Moreover, a number of other hematopoietic cell types, including stem cells and erythroid progenitors, have been shown to engage and be affected by integrin ligands.

METHODS

The role of beta1 integrins in thrombopoietin-mediated megakaryopoiesis was studied using both gain-of-function and loss-of-function strategies.

RESULTS

We found that pan-blockade of integrins with a relatively nonspecific disintegrin blocked TPO-induced MK growth, but that an alpha5beta1 disintegrin, and a function-blocking monoclonal antibody, failed to affect megakaryopoiesis in vitro. In contrast, a neutralizing alpha4beta1 monoclonal antibody blocked TPO-induced MK growth, and an integrin alpha4beta1 ligand, the H296 fragment of fibronectin, enhanced MK growth at all concentrations of TPO.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings have important implications for thrombopoiesis in general, and potentially for the enhanced platelet production found in states of systemic inflammation and following the use of therapeutic strategies designed to block alpha4beta1 integrin engagement in states of chronic inflammation and autoimmunity.

Infantile hemangioma is a proliferation of β4-negative endothelial cells adjacent to HLA-DR-Positive cells with dendritic cell morphology

Although hemangioma is referred as to the most common tumor in infancy, the underlying pathogenetic events and the biologic origin of this benign vascular neoplasm have remained obscure. By using immunohistochemistry on frozen sections of infantile hemangiomas, we show here that proliferating endothelial cells abundantly expressed alpha(v)beta(3) but lacked beta(4) integrins. Instead, regressing and involuting infantile hemangiomas due to treatment with IFN-alpha showed positive staining of beta(4) integrin, which might point to the angiogenic significance of beta(4) integrin in infantile hemangiomas. Moreover, immunofluorescence analysis revealed the existence of HLA-DR(+), mostly CD68(+) and partly DC-SIGN/CD209(+) cells with dendritic cell morphology in the intimate vicinity of hemangiomatous vessels. Such cells were also detected in the dermal microvascular unit in normal skin. The coupled occurrence of vascular structures and perivascular cells that were stained positive with markers of monocyte or macrophage or dendritic cells might suggest that the development of infantile hemangioma is a result of vasculogenesis, that is, the formation of primitive blood vessels from angioblasts, rather than of angiogenesis, that is, the sprouting of capillaries from preexisting vessels.

Do antiangiogenic protein fragments have amyloid properties?

Tumor growth requires proteolytic activity. As a consequence, protein breakdown products are present in the circulation of patients with cancer. Within the past decade a large number of proteolytic fragments have been identified that inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth. The mechanism of action of these inhibitors is still poorly understood. We recently found that the effects of the angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin on endothelial cells is critically dependent on the presence of cross-beta structure, a structure also present in amyloidogenic polypeptides in plaques of patients with amyloidosis, such as Alzheimer disease. We also showed that cross-beta structure containing endostatin is a ligand for tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). We noted that many angiogenesis inhibitors stimulate tPA-mediated plasminogen activation. Because the presence of cross-beta structure is the common denominator in tPA-binding ligands, we hypothesize that these endogenous antiangiogenic proteolytic fragments share features with amyloidogenic polypeptides. We postulate that the cross-beta structural fold is present in these antiangiogenic polypeptide fragments and that this structure mediates the inhibitory effects. The hypothesis provides new insights in the potential mechanisms of these angiogenesis inhibitors and offers opportunities to improve their use.

The C-terminal domain of canstatin suppresses in vivo tumor growth associated with proliferation of endothelial cells

Angiogenesis is crucial for the growth and metastasis of solid tumors with sizes larger than a few cubic millimeter Canstatin, the non-collagenous 1 (NC1) domain of alpha2 chain of type IV collagen, was previously shown to inhibit proliferation of endothelial cells in vitro and suppress in vivo tumor growth. Our previous studies showed that canstatin-N, the N-terminal 1-89 amino acid fragment of canstatin, inhibited the neovascularization in vivo, potently induced apoptosis of endothelial cells in vitro, and suppressed in vivo tumor growth in BALB/c mice. In the present study, we demonstrated that canstatin-C, the C-terminal 157-227 amino acid fragment of canstatin, also specifically inhibited in vitro the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and induced apoptosis, but the apoptosis-inducing activity, while close to that of the full-length canstatin, was much lower than that of canstatin-N. Canstatin-C also suppressed in vivo tumor growth in BALB/c mice at a dosage of 10mg/kg/day. These results suggest that canstatin-C is an anti-angiogenic domain of canstatin mainly associated with the specific inhibition of proliferation of endothelial cells, whereas canstatin-N with the potential apoptosis-inducing activity on endothelial cells.

Engagement of alphavbeta3 integrin regulates proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells

Hepatic stellate cells are the major source of the extracellular matrix that accumulates in fibrotic liver. During progressive liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cells proliferate, but during resolution of fibrosis there is extensive stellate cell apoptosis that coincides with degradation of the liver scar. We have examined the possibility that the fate of stellate cells is influenced by the extracellular matrix through the intermediary of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin. alpha(v)beta(3) integrin was expressed by activated, myofibroblastic rat and human stellate cells in culture. Antagonism of this integrin using neutralizing antibodies, echistatin, or small inhibitory RNA to silence alpha(v) subunit expression inhibited stellate cell proliferation and their expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and activated forms of p44 and p42 MAPK. These alpha(v)beta(3) antagonists also increased apoptosis of cultured stellate cells, and this was associated with an increase in the BAX/BCL-2 protein ratio, induction of nuclear DNA fragmentation, and activation of intracellular caspase-3. Expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 by activated stellate cells was reduced by the alpha(v)beta(3) antagonists, while matrix metalloproteinase-9 synthesis was enhanced. Stellate cells incubated with active recombinant matrix metalloproteinase-9 showed enhanced apoptosis, while cells treated with a synthetic inhibitor of this protease showed increased survival. Our studies suggest that alpha(v)beta(3) integrin regulates the fate of hepatic stellate cells. Degradation of alpha(v)beta(3) ligands surrounding activated stellate cells during resolution of liver fibrosis might decrease alpha(v)beta(3) integrin ligation, suppressing stellate cell proliferation and inducing a fibrolytic, matrix metalloproteinase-secreting phenotype that may prime stellate cells for apoptosis.

Apoptotic cues from the extracellular matrix: regulators of angiogenesis

A variety of factors cooperate to regulate neovessel formation and persistence. Proangiogenic growth factors have remained an area of intense interest due to their capacity to promote endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and to initiate the angiogenic program. These growth factors are associated with increased cell survival, yet paradoxically, angiogenic ECs are more susceptible to apoptosis than quiescent ECs. Survival is regulated by cooperation between growth factor receptors and integrins, which are in turn governed by the composition of the local extracellular matrix (ECM). Integrin-mediated signaling is altered or disrupted by the presence of soluble, rather than matrix-bound ligands, thus providing a means by which ECM remodeling can influence both integrin- and growth factor-mediated events. Ultimately, the collaboration of these factors determines whether ECs survive or die, thereby regulating neovascularization.

Parallel phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways subserve the mitogenic and antiapoptotic actions of insulin-like growth factor I in osteoblastic cells

IGF-I is an endocrine and paracrine regulator of skeletal homeostasis, principally by virtue of its anabolic effects on osteoblastic cells. In the current study, we examined the intracellular signaling pathways by which IGF-I promotes proliferation and survival in SaOS-2 human osteoblastic cells. Inhibition of each of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3 kinase), p42/44 MAPK, and p70s6 kinase pathways partially inhibited the ability of IGF-I to stimulate osteoblast proliferation and survival. Because activation of p70s6 kinase is downstream of both PI-3 kinase and p42/44 MAPK activation in osteoblasts treated with IGF-I, this ribosomal kinase represents a convergence point for IGF-I-induced PI-3 kinase and p42/44 MAPK signaling in osteoblastic cells. In addition, abrogation of PI-3 kinase-dependent Akt signaling, which does not inhibit IGF-I-induced p70s6 kinase phosphorylation, also inhibited the antiapoptotic effects of IGF-I in osteoblasts. Finally, interruption of G beta gamma signaling partially abrogated the ability of IGF-I to promote osteoblast survival, without inhibiting signaling through PI-3 kinase/Akt, p42/44 MAPKs, or p70s6 kinase. These data suggest that IGF-I signals osteoblast mitogenesis and survival through parallel, partly overlapping intracellular pathways involving PI-3 kinase, p42/44 MAPKs, and G beta gamma subunits.

Pericellular plasmin induces smooth muscle cell anoikis

Smooth muscle cell (SMC) rarefaction is involved in the development of several vascular pathologies. We suggest that the plasminogen activation system is a potential extracellular signal that can induce pericellular proteolysis and apoptosis of vascular SMCs. Using primary cultures of arterial SMCs, we show that plasmin generated from plasminogen on the cell surface induces cell retraction and fibronectin fragmentation, leading to detachment and morphological/biochemical changes characteristic of apoptosis (also called anoikis). The generation of cell-bound plasmin mediated by tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), constitutively expressed by VSMCs, requires binding of plasminogen to the cell surface and is inhibited by epsilon-aminocaproic acid (IC50=0.9+/-0.2 mM), a competitor of plasminogen binding to membrane glycoproteins. Conversely, addition of alpha2-antiplasmin, which blocks free plasmin in the cell supernatant, could not fully prevent anoikis. Finally, an MMP inhibitor failed to prevent VSMC anoikis, arguing for a direct involvement of plasmin in this phenomenon. Indeed, similar changes are induced by plasmin directly added to VSMCs or to arterial rings, ex-vivo. We show for the first time that pathological anoikis can be triggered by a process that requires functional assembly of the plasminogen activation system on the surface of VSMCs.

Induction of apoptosis in vascular cells by plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and high molecular weight kininogen correlates with their anti-adhesive properties

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and two-chain high molecular weight kininogen (HKa) exert anti-adhesive properties in vitronectin-dependent cell adhesion. Here, the hypothesis was tested that these anti-adhesive components promote apoptosis in vascular cells. PAI-1 or HKa induced a 2- to 3-fold increase in apoptosis of human umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) adherent to vitronectin, as determined by annexin V-FACS assay, similar to alphav-integrin inhibitor cyclo-(Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Val)-peptide (cRGDfV). Apoptosis occurred after 12 h incubation and was attributable to caspase 3 activation that in turn induced DNA fragmentation. Induction of apoptosis strongly correlated with the anti-adhesive effect of PAI-1 and HKa on these cells. In contrast, PAI-1 and HKa did not affect fibronectin-dependent adhesion or cell survival. uPA did not influence apoptosis in vitronectin- or fibronectin-adherent cells. In atherosclerotic vessel sections, congruent distribution of vitronectin, PAI-1, HK, and of components of the urokinase plasminogen activator/receptor system with apoptotic cells lining foam cell lesions was demonstrated by immunostaining. These results indicate that inhibition of vitronectin-dependent cell adhesion through PAI-1 and HKa correlates with apoptosis induction in vascular cells mediated through the caspase 3 pathway. Co-distribution of apoptosis with plasminogen activation system components in atherosclerosis exemplifies the significance of anti-adhesive mechanisms and apoptosis for tissue remodeling, such as in neointima development.

Mast cell chymase induces smooth muscle cell apoptosis by a mechanism involving fibronectin degradation and disruption of focal adhesions

OBJECTIVE

Chymase released from activated mast cells has been shown to induce apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in vitro. The proteolytic activity of chymase is essential for the proapoptotic effect, but the mechanism of chymase-induced apoptosis has remained unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here we show by means of FACS analysis, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting that mast cell-derived chymase induces SMC apoptosis by a mechanism involving degradation of an extracellular matrix component, fibronectin (FN), with subsequent disruption of focal adhesions. The FN degradation products induced SMC apoptosis of similar magnitude and with similar changes in outside-in signaling, as did chymase. Sodium orthovanadate, an inhibitor of tyrosine phosphatases, inhibited the chymase-induced SMC apoptosis. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), one of the key mediators of integrin-extracellular matrix interactions and cell survival, was rapidly degraded in the presence of chymase or FN degradation products. Loss of phosphorylated FAK (p-FAK) resulted in a rapid dephosphorylation of the p-FAK-dependent downstream mediator Akt.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that chymase-secreting mast cells can mediate apoptosis of neighboring SMCs through a mechanism involving degradation of pericellular FN and disruption of the p-FAK-dependent cell-survival signaling cascade.

The phospholipids sphingosine-1-phosphate and lysophosphatidic acid prevent apoptosis in osteoblastic cells via a signaling pathway involving G(i) proteins and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase

The naturally occurring phospholipids lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) have recently emerged as bioactive compounds that exert mitogenic effects in many cell types, including osteoblasts. In the current study, we examined the ability of each of these compounds to influence osteoblast survival. Using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate nick-end labeling and DNA fragmentation assays, we found that both LPA and S1P dose-dependently inhibited (by at least 50% and 40%, respectively) the apoptosis induced by serum withdrawal in cultures of primary calvarial rat osteoblasts and SaOS-2 cells. The antiapoptotic effects were inhibited by pertussis toxin, wortmannin, and LY294002, implicating G(i) proteins and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3 kinase) in the signaling pathway that mediates phospholipid-induced osteoblast survival. Specific inhibitors of p42/44 MAPK signaling did not block LPA- or S1P-induced osteoblast survival. LPA and S1P induced PI-3 kinase-dependent activation of p70 S6 kinase, but rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of p70 S6 kinase activation, did not prevent phospholipid-induced osteoblast survival. LPA and S1P also inhibited apoptosis in Swiss 3T3 fibroblastic cells in a G(i) protein-dependent fashion. In fibroblastic cells, however, the antiapoptotic effects of S1P were sensitive to inhibition of both PI-3 kinase and p42/44 MAPK signaling, whereas those of LPA were partially abrogated by inhibitors of p42/44 MAPK signaling but not by PI-3 kinase inhibitors. These data demonstrate that LPA and S1P potently promote osteoblast survival in vitro, and that cell-type specificity exists in the antiapoptotic signaling pathways activated by phospholipids.

Pro-angiogenic activities of CYR61 (CCN1) mediated through integrins alphavbeta3 and alpha6beta1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

CYR61 (CCN1) is an extracellular matrix-associated protein of the CCN family, which also includes CTGF (CCN2), NOV (CCN3), WISP-1 (CCN4), WISP-2 (CCN5), and WISP-3 (CCN6). Purified CYR61 induces neovascularization in corneal implants, and Cyr61-null mice suffer embryonic death due to vascular defects, thus establishing that CYR61 is an important regulator of angiogenesis. Aberrant expression of Cyr61 is associated with breast cancer, wound healing, and vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. In culture, CYR61 functions through integrin-mediated pathways to promote cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Here we show that CYR61 can also promote cell survival and tubule formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Furthermore, we have dissected the integrin receptor requirements of CYR61 with respect to its pro-angiogenic activities. Thus, CYR61-induced cell adhesion and tubule formation occur through interaction with integrin alpha(6)beta(1) in early passage endothelial cells in which integrins have not been activated. By contrast, in endothelial cells in which integrins are activated by phorbol ester or vascular endothelial growth factor, CYR61-promoted cell adhesion, migration, survival, growth factor-induced mitogenesis, and endothelial tubule formation are all mediated through integrin alpha(v)beta(3). These findings indicate that CYR61 is an activation-dependent ligand of integrin alpha(v)beta(3) and an activation-independent ligand of integrin alpha(6)beta(1) and that these integrins differentially mediate the pro-angiogenic activities of CYR61. These findings help to define the mechanisms by which CYR61 acts as an angiogenic regulator, provide a molecular interpretation for the loss of vascular integrity and increased apoptosis of vascular cells in Cyr61-null mice, and underscore the importance of CYR61 in the development and homeostasis of the vascular system.

Retroviral delivery of dominant-negative vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 to murine wounds inhibits wound angiogenesis

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent paracrine signal for initiating angiogenesis. Although VEGF can bind to several cell surface receptors, VEGF receptor type 2 (VEGFR2, a.k.a. KDR or flk-1) is the primary receptor responsible for VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation. To determine whether the VEGF-VEGFR2 signaling axis has an important role in wound healing angiogenesis, we used a retrovirus to deliver a signaling-defective truncated VEGFR2 (tm VEGFR2) to block VEGF-VEGFR2-induced endothelial cell proliferation in murine wounds. We show that the retroviral construct effectively blocked phosphorylation of VEGFR2 in vitro and we were able to express the truncated receptor in murine wounds. We achieved significant reduction of angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation in murine wounds, but this did not lead to delayed wound closure. In contrast, there was a corresponding increase in wound contraction, showing that functional VEGFR2 intracellular signaling is not critical for normal closure of excisional dermal wounds. Our results show a novel relationship between wound bed vascularity and wound contraction.

Integrin activation is required for VEGF and FGF receptor protein presence on human microvascular endothelial cells

Endothelial cell proliferation and migration is initiated by growth factors including FGF and VEGF that bind to specific transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases. Mechanisms that regulate in vivo expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) are not well understood. Since it is well known that different matrices influence the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells in culture, we hypothesized that changes in the extracellular matrix environment can regulate growth factor receptors on endothelial cells. We cultured human microvascular endothelial cells on different matrices (vitronectin, laminin, fibronectin, fibrin, and collagen IV) and examined for the presence of growth factor receptors (FGFR-1, FGFR-2, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2). We show that vitronectin increased the presence of all four growth factor receptors and most notably, VEGFR-1. In contrast, fibrin decreased all four receptors, especially FGFR-1 and FGFR-2. Inhibiting phosphotyrosine signaling abolished immunostaining for all four receptors, regardless of the matrix, but was not dependent on activating the Fyn-Shc pathway. Cells plated on vitronectin in the presence of blocking antibodies to integrins alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 similarly decreased presence of these growth factor receptors. Our data suggests a possible mechanism of how matrix-integrin interactions regulate endothelial cell responsiveness to growth factors and anchorage-dependent cell growth.

Identification of the anti-angiogenic site within vascular basement membrane-derived tumstatin

Components of vascular basement membrane are involved in regulating angiogenesis. Recently, tumstatin (the NC1 domain of alpha3 chain of type IV collagen) was identified as possessing anti-angiogenic activity. In the present study, the anti-angiogenic activity of tumstatin was localized to the putative 54-132-amino acid Tum-5 domain, and the activity mediated by alpha(v)beta(3) integrin interaction in an RGD-independent manner. The recombinant Tum-5 produced in Escherichia coli and Pichia Pastoris specifically inhibited proliferation and caused apoptosis of endothelial cells with no significant effect on nonendothelial cells. Tum-5 also inhibited tube formation of endothelial cells on Matrigel and induced G1 endothelial cell cycle arrest. Moreover, anti-angiogenic effect of Tum-5 was also examined in vivo using both a Matrigel plug assay in C57BL/6 mice and human prostate cancer (PC-3) xenografts in nude mice. The in vivo results demonstrate that Tum-5 at 1 mg/kg significantly inhibited growth of PC-3 tumors in association with a decrease in CD31 positive vasculature. These in vivo studies also show that, at molar equivalents, human Tum-5 is at least 10-fold more active than human endostatin. In addition, these studies for the first time suggest that through the action of endogenous inhibitors, alpha(v)beta(3) integrin may also function as a negative regulator of angiogenesis. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that Tum-5, a domain derived from tumstatin, is an effective inhibitor of tumor-associated angiogenesis and a promising candidate for the treatment of cancer.

Suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated endothelial cell protection by survivin targeting

The protective genes that mediate endothelial cell (EC) survival during angiogenesis have not been completely characterized. Here, we show that an antisense oligonucleotide to the apoptosis inhibitor survivin suppressed de novo expression of survivin in ECs by vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF). In contrast, the survivin antisense oligonucleotide did not affect anti-apoptotic bcl-2 levels in endothelium. When assessed in cell death assays, antisense targeting of survivin abolished the anti-apoptotic function of VEGF against tumor necrosis factor-alpha- or ceramide-induced cell death, enhanced caspase-3 activity, promoted the generation of a approximately 17-kd active caspase-3 subunit, and increased cleavage of the caspase substrate, polyADP ribose polymerase. In contrast, the survivin antisense oligonucleotide had no effect on EC viability in the absence of VEGF. Antisense oligonucleotides to platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31), lymphocyte function-associated molecule-3 (LFA-3, CD58), or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, CD54) did not reduce the anti-apoptotic function of VEGF in endothelium. When tested on other angiogenic activities mediated by VEGF, survivin antisense treatment induced rapid regression of three-dimensional vascular capillary networks, but did not affect EC migration/chemotaxis. These data suggest that the anti-apoptotic properties of VEGF during angiogenesis are primarily mediated by the induced expression of survivin in ECS: Manipulation of this pathway may increase EC viability in compensatory angiogenesis or facilitate EC apoptosis and promote vascular regression during tumor angiogenesis.

Preferential susceptibility of brain tumors to the antiangiogenic effects of an alpha(v) integrin antagonist

OBJECTIVE

Brain tumors are highly angiogenic, and their growth and spread depend on the generation of new blood vessels. We examined the effect of the cyclic peptide antagonist pentapeptide EMD 121974, an antiangiogenic agent, on orthotopic and heterotopic brain tumor growth.

METHODS

The human brain tumor cell lines DAOY (medulloblastoma) and U87 MG (glioblastoma) were injected into either the forebrain (orthotopic) or the subcutis (heterotopic) of nude mice, and daily systemic treatment with the active peptide was initiated after tumors were established.

RESULTS

All control animals with orthotopic brain tumors and that received the inactive peptide EMD 135981 daily died as a result of tumor progression within 4 to 6 weeks; tumors measured 3 to 5 mm in diameter. In contrast, mice with orthotopic tumors that were treated daily with the active peptide survived for more than 16 weeks, and histological examination of the brains after 4, 8, and 12 weeks showed either no tumors or microscopic residual tumors. The growth of these brain tumor cells injected simultaneously or separately into the subcutis of nude mice (heterotopic model) was not affected by the active peptide, suggesting that the brain environment is a critical determinant of brain tumor susceptibility to growth inhibition by this pentapeptide.

CONCLUSION

The cyclic pentapeptide EMD 121974 may become a treatment option specific to brain tumors. Because of its antiangiogenic effect, its use may be especially indicated after tumors are removed surgically.

Apoptosis during cardiovascular development

Morphogenesis and developmental remodeling of cardiovascular tissues involve coordinated regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. In the heart, clear evidence points toward focal apoptosis as a contributor to development of the embryonic outflow tract, cardiac valves, conducting system, and the developing coronary vasculature. Apoptosis in the heart is likely regulated by survival and death signals that are also present in many other tissues. Cell type-specific regulation may be superimposed on general cell death/survival machinery through tissue-specific transcriptional pathways. In the vasculature, apoptosis almost certainly contributes to developmental vessel regression, and it is of proven importance in remodeling of arterial structure in response to local changes in hemodynamics. Physical forces, growth factors, and extracellular matrix drive vascular cell survival pathways, and considerable evidence points to local nitric oxide production as an important but complex regulator of vascular cell death. In both the heart and vasculature, progress has been impeded by inadequate information concerning the incidence of apoptosis, its relative importance compared with the diverse cell behaviors that remodel developing tissues, and by our primitive knowledge concerning regulation of cell death in these tissues. However, tools are now available to better understand apoptosis in normal and abnormal development of cardiovascular structures, and a framework has been established that should lead to considerable progress in the coming years.

Two RGD-independent alpha vbeta 3 integrin binding sites on tumstatin regulate distinct anti-tumor properties

Vascular basement membrane is an important regulator of angiogenesis and undergoes many alterations during angiogenesis and these changes are speculated to influence neovascularization. Recently, fragments of collagen molecules have been identified to possess anti-angiogenic activity. Tumstatin (alpha3(IV)NC1 domain) is one such novel molecule with distinct anti-tumor properties and possesses an N-terminal (amino acids 54-132) anti-angiogenic and a C-terminal (amino acids 185-203) anti-tumor cell activity (Maeshima, Y., et al. 2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 21340-21348). Previous studies have identified the 185-203 amino acid sequence as a ligand for alpha(v)beta(3) integrin (Shahan, T. A., et al. (1999) Cancer Res. 59, 4584-4590). In the present study, we found distinct additional RGD-independent alpha(v)beta(3) integrin binding site within 54-132 amino acids of tumstatin. This site is not essential for inhibition of tumor cell proliferation but necessary for the anti-angiogenic activity. A fragment of tumstatin containing 54-132 amino acid (tum-2) binds both endothelial cells and melanoma cells but only inhibited proliferation of endothelial cells, with no effect on tumor cell proliferation. A similar experiment with fragment of tumstatin containing the 185-203 amino acid (tum-4) demonstrates that it binds both endothelial cells and melanoma cells but only inhibits the proliferation of melanoma cells. The presence of cyclic RGD peptides did not affect the alpha(v)beta(3) integrin-mediated activity of tumstatin, although significant inhibition of endothelial cell binding to vitronectin was observed. The two distinct RGD-independent binding sites on tumstatin suggest unique alpha(v)beta(3) integrin-mediated mechanisms governing the two distinct anti-tumor properties of tumstatin.

No grip, no growth: the conceptual basis of excessive proteolysis in the treatment of cancer

The formation of new bloodvessels, called angiogenesis, is critical for a tumour to grow beyond a few mm(3) in size. A provisional matrix promotes endothelial cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and survival. Synthesis and degradation of this matrix closely resemble processes that occur during coagulation and fibrinolysis. Degradation of the matrix and fibrinolysis are tightly controlled and balanced by stimulators and inhibitors of the plasminogen activation system. Here we give an overview of these processes during tumour progression. We postulate a novel way to inhibit angiogenesis by removal of the matrix through specific and localised overstimulation of the plasminogen activation system.

Distinct antitumor properties of a type IV collagen domain derived from basement membrane

Vascular basement membrane is an important structural component of blood vessels. During angiogenesis this membrane undergoes many alterations and these changes are speculated to influence the formation of new capillaries. Type IV collagen is a major component of vascular basement membrane, and recently we identified a fragment of type IV collagen alpha2 chain with specific anti-angiogenic properties (Kamphaus, G. D., Colorado, P. C., Panka, D. J., Hopfer, H., Ramchandran, R., Torre, A., Maeshima, Y., Mier, J. W., Sukhatme, V. P., and Kalluri, R. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 1209-1215). In the present study we characterize two different antitumor activities associated with the noncollagenous 1 (NC1) domain of the alpha3 chain of type IV collagen. This domain was previously discovered to possess a C-terminal peptide sequence (amino acids 185-203) that inhibits melanoma cell proliferation (Han, J., Ohno, N., Pasco, S., Monboisse, J. C., Borel, J. P., and Kefalides, N. A. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 20395-20401). In the present study, we identify the anti-angiogenic capacity of this domain using several in vitro and in vivo assays. The alpha3(IV)NC1 inhibited in vivo neovascularization in matrigel plug assays and suppressed tumor growth of human renal cell carcinoma (786-O) and prostate carcinoma (PC-3) in mouse xenograft models associated with in vivo endothelial cell-specific apoptosis. The anti-angiogenic activity was localized to amino acids 54-132 using deletion mutagenesis. This anti-angiogenic region is separate from the 185-203 amino acid region responsible for the antitumor cell activity. Additionally, our experiments indicate that the antitumor cell activity is not realized until the peptide region is exposed by truncation of the alpha3(IV)NC1 domain, a requirement not essential for the anti-angiogenic activity of this domain. Collectively, these results effectively highlight the distinct and unique antitumor properties of the alpha3(IV)NC1 domain and the potential use of this molecule for inhibition of tumor growth.

Vitronectin deficiency is associated with increased wound fibrinolysis and decreased microvascular angiogenesis in mice

BACKGROUND

Vitronectin has several putative functions including regulating hemostasis, cell adhesion, and cell migration. However, the targeted deletion of vitronectin in mice results in normal development and normal coagulation parameters. To determine whether vitronectin may be necessary for nondevelopmental processes, we examined the response to tissue injury in vitronectin-null mice.

METHODS

We examined wound healing in control and vitronectin-null mice by healing rate, zymography, reverse zymography, and Western blots.

RESULTS

We found that dermal wound healing was slightly delayed in mice lacking vitronectin. More importantly, we found extensive areas of delayed hemorrhage near the sprouting tips of microvessels between days 7 and 14, which temporally coincided with increased urokinase-type plasminogen activator and tissue-type plasminogen activator activity by zymography. Though Western blots confirmed the presence of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 protein throughout wound repair and reverse zymograms showed decreased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity between days 7 and 14.

CONCLUSIONS

Loss of vitronectin in mice was associated with changes in the fibrinolytic balance, and this may have led to focal sites of delayed hemorrhage. The mechanism that resulted in decreased angiogenesis and the formation of larger blood vessels in response to tissue injury remains unknown. This study suggests that vitronectin may have several distinct functions that are not required for normal development but are manifested in response to tissue injury.

Regulation of angiogenesis in vivo by ligation of integrin alpha5beta1 with the central cell-binding domain of fibronectin

Angiogenesis depends on the cooperation of growth factors and cell adhesion events. Although alphav integrins have been shown to play critical roles in angiogenesis, recent studies in alphav-null mice suggest that other adhesion receptors and their ligands also regulate this process. Evidence is now provided that the integrin alpha5beta1 and its ligand fibronectin are coordinately up-regulated on blood vessels in human tumor biopsies and play critical roles in angiogenesis, resulting in tumor growth in vivo. Angiogenesis induced by multiple growth factors in chick embryos was blocked by monoclonal antibodies to the cell-binding domain of fibronectin. Furthermore, application of fibronectin or a proteolytic fragment of fibronectin containing the central cell-binding domain to the chick chorioallantoic membrane enhanced angiogenesis in an integrin alpha5beta1-dependent manner. Importantly, antibody, peptide, and novel nonpeptide antagonists of integrin alpha5beta1 blocked angiogenesis induced by several growth factors but had little effect on angiogenesis induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in both chick embryo and murine models. In fact, these alpha5beta1 antagonists inhibited tumor angiogenesis, thereby causing regression of human tumors in animal models. Thus, fibronectin and integrin alpha5beta1, like integrin alphavbeta3, contribute to an angiogenesis pathway that is distinct from VEGF-mediated angiogenesis, yet important for the growth of tumors.

Role of alpha(v) integrins and angiogenesis during wound repair

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing blood vessels, is thought to be critical for wound repair. Yet few studies have critically examined dermal wound repair in a system in which angiogenesis was impaired. Since alpha(v)-containing integrins are critical for angiogenesis, we administered either an alpha(v) integrin blocking antibody or cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp peptide into a murine excisional wound model to restrict wound angiogenesis. Although both methods markedly decreased wound angiogenesis, decreased angiogenesis had no significant effect on wound epithelization, contraction, or ultimate wound closure. These results suggest that if other cellular components of wound healing are intact, moderate impairment of angiogenesis alone does not necessarily retard normal wound healing.

Hypertension-induced end-organ damage : A new transgenic approach to an old problem

Angiotensin (Ang) II-induced organ damage has fascinated students of hypertension since the work of Wilson and Byrom. We are investigating a double transgenic rat (dTGR) model, in which rats transgenic for the human angiotensinogen and renin genes are crossed. These rats develop moderately severe hypertension but die of end-organ cardiac and renal damage by week 7. The heart shows necrosis and fibrosis, whereas the kidneys resemble the hemolytic-uremic syndrome vasculopathy. Surface adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) are expressed early on the endothelium, while the corresponding ligands are found on circulating leukocytes. Leukocyte infiltration in the vascular wall accompanies PAI-1, MCP-1, and VEGF expression. The expression of TGF-beta and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins follows, which is accompanied by fibrinoid vasculitis in small vessels of the heart and kidneys. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and AT1 receptor blockers each lowered blood pressure and shifted pressure natriuresis partially leftward by different mechanisms. When combined, they normalized blood pressure, pressure natriuresis, and protected from vasculopathy completely. Renin inhibition lowered blood pressure partially, but protected from vasculopathy completely. Endothelin receptor blockade had no influence on blood pressure but protected from vasculopathy and improved survival. We show evidence that Ang II stimulates oxidative stress directly or indirectly via endothelin 1 and that NFkappaB is upregulated in this model. We speculate that the transcription factors NFkappaB and AP-1 are involved with initiating chemokine and cytokine expression, leading to the above cascade. The unique model and our pharmacological probes will enable us to test these hypotheses.