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Specific Targeting of PEGylated Liposomal Doxorubicin (Doxil ®) to Tumour Cells Using a Novel TIMP3 Peptide. Molecules 2020; 26:molecules26010100. [PMID: 33379361 PMCID: PMC7795762 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin is a cytotoxic anthracycline derivative that has been used as a chemotherapeutic in many different forms of human cancer with some success. However, doxorubicin treatment has several side-effects, the most serious of which is cardiomyopathy, that can be fatal. Doxorubicin encapsulation in PEGylated liposomes (Doxil®) has been shown to increase tumour localisation and decrease cardiotoxicity. Conversely, the stability of such liposomes also leads to increased circulation times and accumulation in the skin, resulting in palmar planter erythrodysesthesia, while also limiting release of the drug at the tumour site. Specific targeting of such liposomes to tumour cells has been attempted using various receptor-specific peptides and antibodies. However, targeting a single epitope limits the likely number of tumour targets and increases the risk of tumour resistance through mutation. In this report, Doxil® was coupled to peptide sequence p700 derived from tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3. This Doxil® -P700 complex results in an approximately 100-fold increase in drug uptake, relative to Doxil® alone, by both mouse and human breast cancer cells and immortalised vascular cells resulting in an increase in cytotoxicity. Using p700 to target liposomes in this way may enable specific delivery of doxorubicin or other drugs to a broad range of cancers.
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VEGF Induce Vasculogenic Mimicry of Choroidal Melanoma through the PI3k Signal Pathway. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:3909102. [PMID: 31380420 PMCID: PMC6657640 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3909102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To explore the effect of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) on the vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation of Choroidal Melanoma (CM) through PI3k signal pathway, to find novel targets for CM therapy. Methods This research investigated the molecular mechanism of VEGF promoting VM formation of CM. First, we evaluated the expressions of VEGF in 20 CM specimens by immunohistochemical determination. Then we detected expressions of VEGF, AKT, MT1-MMP, MMP2, and MMP9 of OCM-1 in hypoxia. siRNA was used to inhibit the expression of VEGF, to realize the control of the VM formation. The VM formation was evaluated through wound healing assay, transwell assay, and apoptosis. And then we testify the correlation of the VM and the factors in protein and mRNA level preliminarily. Results VEGF protein was expressed in CM in all 20 cases of CM, especially along the VM. In hypoxia, the expression of VEGF in OCM-1 increased significantly. VEGF gene deletion reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OCM-1. VEGF gene deletion impaired the expression of invasive associated genes like VEGF, p-AKT, AKT, MT1-MMP, MMP2, and MMP9. These results indicate that VEGF induce VM formation in CM by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Conclusions VEGF promoted VM formation by the PI3K signal transduction pathway, indicating a molecular mechanism which may be used to develop new therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of CM.
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Londhe P, Gutwillig M, London C. Targeted Therapies in Veterinary Oncology. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2019; 49:917-931. [PMID: 31186124 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Advances in molecular biology have permitted a much more detailed understanding of cellular dysfunction at the molecular and genetic levels in cancer cells. This has resulted in the identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention, including proteins that regulate signal transduction, gene expression, and protein turnover. In many instances, small molecules are used to disrupt the function of these targets, often through competitive inhibition of ATP binding or the prevention of necessary protein-protein interactions. More than 40 small molecule inhibitors are now approved to treat a variety of human cancers, substantially impacting patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Londhe
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Megan Gutwillig
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Cheryl London
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and School of Medicine, Tufts University, Jaharis Building, Room 814, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 0211, USA.
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4
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Zhukova N, Rajagopal R, Lam A, Coleman L, Shipman P, Walwyn T, Williams M, Sullivan M, Campbell M, Bhatia K, Gottardo NG, Hansford JR. Use of bevacizumab as a single agent or in adjunct with traditional chemotherapy regimens in children with unresectable or progressive low-grade glioma. Cancer Med 2018; 8:40-50. [PMID: 30569607 PMCID: PMC6346232 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In pediatric low‐grade gliomas not amenable to complete resection, various chemotherapy regimens are the mainstream of treatment. An excellent overall survival of these patients makes justification of the intensification of chemotherapy difficult and calls for the development of new strategies. Bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has been successfully used in combination with irinotecan in a number of adult and pediatric studies and reports. Fifteen patients at median age of 7 years old (range 3 months to 15 years) were treated with bevacizumab in combination with conventional low‐toxicity chemotherapy. The majority had chiasmatic/hypothalamic and midline tumors, seven had confirmed BRAF pathway alterations including neurofibromatosis type 1 (2). Fourteen patients had more than one progression and three had radiotherapy. No deaths were documented, PFS at 11 and 15 months was 71.5% ± 13.9% and 44.7% ± 17.6% respectively. At the end of follow‐up 40% of patients has radiologically stable disease, three patients progressed shortly after completion of bevacizumab and two showed mixed response with progression of cystic component. Rapid visual improvement was seen in 6/8 patients, resolution of endocrine symptoms in 2/4 and motor function improvement in 4/6. No relation between histology or BRAF status and treatment response was observed. Treatment‐limiting toxicities included grade 4 proteinuria (2) and hypertension (2) managed with cessation (1) and pausing of therapy plus antihypertensives (1). In conclusion, bevacizumab is well tolerated and appears most effective for rapid tumor control to preserve vision and improve morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Zhukova
- Children's Cancer Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Revathi Rajagopal
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Clinical Hematology and Oncology, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, West Australia, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Adrienne Lam
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lee Coleman
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Shipman
- Department of Radiology, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, West Australia, Australia
| | - Thomas Walwyn
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Clinical Hematology and Oncology, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, West Australia, Australia
| | - Molly Williams
- Children's Cancer Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Sullivan
- Children's Cancer Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin Campbell
- Children's Cancer Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kanika Bhatia
- Children's Cancer Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas G Gottardo
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Clinical Hematology and Oncology, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, West Australia, Australia
| | - Jordan R Hansford
- Children's Cancer Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Graziani G, Ruffini F, Tentori L, Scimeca M, Dorio AS, Atzori MG, Failla CM, Morea V, Bonanno E, D'Atri S, Lacal PM. Antitumor activity of a novel anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 monoclonal antibody that does not interfere with ligand binding. Oncotarget 2018; 7:72868-72885. [PMID: 27655684 PMCID: PMC5341950 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) is a tyrosine kinase transmembrane receptor that has also a soluble isoform containing most of the extracellular ligand binding domain (sVEGFR-1). VEGF-A binds to both VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-1, whereas placenta growth factor (PlGF) interacts exclusively with VEGFR-1. In this study we generated an anti-VEGFR-1 mAb (D16F7) by immunizing BALB/C mice with a peptide that we had previously reported to inhibit angiogenesis and endothelial cell migration induced by PlGF. D16F7 did not affect binding of VEGF-A or PlGF to VEGFR-1, thus allowing sVEGFR-1 to act as decoy receptor for these growth factors, but it hampered receptor homodimerization and activation. D16F7 inhibited both the chemotactic response of human endothelial, myelomonocytic and melanoma cells to VEGFR-1 ligands and vasculogenic mimicry by tumor cells. Moreover, D16F7 exerted in vivo antiangiogenic effects in a matrigel plug assay. Importantly, D16F7 inhibited tumor growth and was well tolerated by B6D2F1 mice injected with syngeneic B16F10 melanoma cells. The antitumor effect was associated with melanoma cell apoptosis, vascular abnormalities and decrease of both monocyte/macrophage infiltration and myeloid progenitor mobilization. For all the above, D16F7 may be exploited in the therapy of metastatic melanoma and other tumors or pathological conditions involving VEGFR-1 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Ruffini
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucio Tentori
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa S Dorio
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cristina M Failla
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Morea
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania D'Atri
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pedro M Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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6
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Pagani E, Ruffini F, Antonini Cappellini GC, Scoppola A, Fortes C, Marchetti P, Graziani G, D'Atri S, Lacal PM. Placenta growth factor and neuropilin-1 collaborate in promoting melanoma aggressiveness. Int J Oncol 2016; 48:1581-9. [PMID: 26846845 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, which shares with VEGF-A the tyrosine kinase receptor VEGFR-1 and the co-receptor neuropilin-1 (NRP-1). In melanoma models, PlGF enhances tumour growth and neovessel formation, whereas NRP-1 promotes the metastatic process. Increased secretion of PlGF and expression of NRP-1 have also been involved in intrinsic or acquired resistance to anti‑angiogenic therapies. In this study we investigated whether PlGF and NRP-1 cooperate in promoting melanoma aggressiveness independently of VEGFR-1. For this purpose, the melanoma cell clones M14-N, expressing NRP-1 and lacking VEGFR-1, and M14-C, devoid of both receptors, were used. M14-N cells are characterized by an invasive phenotype and vasculogenic mimicry, whereas M14-C cells possess a negligible invasive capacity. The results indicated that M14-N cells secrete higher levels of PlGF than M14-C cells and that PlGF is involved in the invasion of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and vasculogenic mimicry of M14-N cells. In fact, neutralizing antibodies against PlGF reverted ECM invasion in response to PlGF and markedly reduced the formation of tubule-like structures. Moreover, M14-N cells migrated in response to PlGF and chemotaxis was specifically abrogated by anti-NRP-1 antibodies, demonstrating that PlGF directly activates NRP-1 in the absence of VEGFR-1. We also compared the levels of PlGF in the plasma of patients affected by metastatic melanoma with those of healthy donors and evaluated whether PlGF levels could be affected by a bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy regimen. Melanoma patients showed a 20-fold increase in plasma PlGF and the bevacizumab-containing regimen induced a reduction of VEGF-A and in a further increase of PlGF. In conclusion, our studies suggest that the activation of NRP-1 by PlGF directly contributes to melanoma aggressiveness and represents a potential compensatory pro-angiogenic mechanism that may contribute to the resistance to therapies targeting VEGF-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pagani
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, 'Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata'- IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Ruffini
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, 'Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata'- IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Scoppola
- Department of Oncology and Dermatological Oncology, 'Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata'- IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Fortes
- Epidemiology Unit, 'Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata'- IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Marchetti
- Department of Oncology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania D'Atri
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, 'Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata'- IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pedro Miguel Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, 'Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata'- IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Favia A, Pafumi I, Desideri M, Padula F, Montesano C, Passeri D, Nicoletti C, Orlandi A, Del Bufalo D, Sergi M, Ziparo E, Palombi F, Filippini A. NAADP-Dependent Ca(2+) Signaling Controls Melanoma Progression, Metastatic Dissemination and Neoangiogenesis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:18925. [PMID: 26733361 PMCID: PMC4702115 DOI: 10.1038/srep18925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel transduction pathway for the powerful angiogenic factor VEGF has been recently shown in endothelial cells to operate through NAADP-controlled intracellular release of Ca2+. In the present report the possible involvement of NAADP-controlled Ca2+ signaling in tumor vascularization, growth and metastatic dissemination was investigated in a murine model of VEGF-secreting melanoma. Mice implanted with B16 melanoma cells were treated with NAADP inhibitor Ned-19 every second day for 4 weeks and tumor growth, vascularization and metastatization were evaluated. Control specimens developed well vascularized tumors and lung metastases, whereas in Ned-19-treated mice tumor growth and vascularization as well as lung metastases were strongly inhibited. In vitro experiments showed that Ned-19 treatment controls the growth of B16 cells in vitro, their migratory ability, adhesive properties and VEGFR2 expression, indicating NAADP involvement in intercellular autocrine signaling. To this regard, Ca2+ imaging experiments showed that the response of B16 cells to VEGF stimulation is NAADP-dependent. The whole of these observations indicate that NAADP-controlled Ca2+ signaling can be relevant not only for neoangiogenesis but also for direct control of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Favia
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology,SAPIENZA University of Rome, 16 Via A. Scarpa, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Pafumi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology,SAPIENZA University of Rome, 16 Via A. Scarpa, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Desideri
- Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 53 Via E. Chianesi, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Padula
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology,SAPIENZA University of Rome, 16 Via A. Scarpa, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Montesano
- Department of Chemistry, SAPIENZA University of Rome, 5 Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Passeri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via di Tor Vegata, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology,SAPIENZA University of Rome, 16 Via A. Scarpa, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Augusto Orlandi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via di Tor Vegata, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 53 Via E. Chianesi, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Sergi
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technologies for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 1 Via R. Balzarini, 64023 Teramo, Italy
| | - Elio Ziparo
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology,SAPIENZA University of Rome, 16 Via A. Scarpa, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fioretta Palombi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology,SAPIENZA University of Rome, 16 Via A. Scarpa, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Filippini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology,SAPIENZA University of Rome, 16 Via A. Scarpa, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Lee JH, Lee SC, Cho A, Keum KC, Suh YG, Lee CS. Association Between Choroidal Thickness and Metabolic Activity on Positron Emission Tomography in Eyes With Choroidal Melanoma. Am J Ophthalmol 2015; 160:1111-1115.e2. [PMID: 26343006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2015.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between subfoveal choroidal thickness and metabolic activity in eyes with choroidal melanoma. DESIGN Retrospective, interventional case series. METHODS The medical records of 16 patients with unilateral choroidal melanoma who underwent ruthenium (Ru) 106 brachytherapy with adjuvant transpupillary thermotherapy and who had available pretreatment positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) images were retrospectively reviewed. Subfoveal choroidal thickness was measured in tumor eyes and in unaffected fellow eyes using enhanced-depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI OCT). Tumor eyes were divided into 2 groups (metabolically active and inactive) based on PET-CT findings and subfoveal choroidal thickness was compared between groups. Additionally, choroidal thickness measurements were compared before and after treatment. RESULTS Before treatment, mean choroidal thickness was 293.31 ± 46.80 μm in tumor eyes and 242.44 ± 65.37 μm in fellow eyes, a difference that was statistically significant (P = .003). Eyes with metabolically active tumors had a significantly thicker choroid (348.00 ± 17.32 μm) than eyes with metabolically inactive tumors (280.69 ± 42.04 μm, P = .019). In tumor eyes, mean choroidal thickness significantly decreased from pretreatment values to 253.56 ± 61.27 μm 6 months after treatment (P = .018). CONCLUSION Eyes with choroidal melanoma had thicker choroids than unaffected fellow eyes. Increased choroidal thickness was more prominent in metabolically active tumors. Choroidal thickness significantly decreased in tumor eyes 6 months after treatment.
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Li Q, Qiao G, Ma J, Li Y. Downregulation of VEGF expression attenuates malignant biological behavior of C6 glioma stem cells. Int J Oncol 2014; 44:1581-8. [PMID: 24627040 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Several lines of direct evidence show that gliomas express high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF can promote the growth of gliomas through angiogenesis. It is believed that gliomas originate in the brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs). However, the direct effect of VEGF on the biological behavior of BTSCs has not been completely elucidated. In this study, we established C6 glioma stem cells (C6GSCs) from the C6 glioma cells. Furthermore, we suppressed the VEGF expression of C6GSCs using lentiviral vector-VEGF shRNA. After transfection, the VEGF expression of C6GSCs was downregulated significantly. The proliferation and invasion capacity of transfected C6GSCs was impaired and the ability of differentiation was enhanced. The data demonstrate that downregulation of VEGF expression attenuates malignant biological behavior of C6GSCs. RNA interference of VEGF expression implies an effective anti-gliomas strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingquan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Guanqun Qiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Yingbin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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11
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Abstract
With recent advances in molecular biology, abnormalities in cancer cells that contribute to dysregulation of cell survival and proliferation are being characterized with greater precision. Through this process, key abnormalities in cancer cells involving proteins that regulate signal transduction, migration, mitosis and other critical processes have been identified. Such abnormalities often involve a class of proteins called kinases that act to phosphorylate other proteins in the cell, resulting in activation of these proteins in the absence of appropriate stimulation/regulation. Given their role in tumour biology, substantial effort has been directed at blocking the function of these proteins. Several approaches have been used, including monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors. While antibodies are primarily directed at cell surface proteins, small molecule inhibitors, also known as kinase inhibitors, target proteins throughout the cell. A variety of kinase inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of human cancers. In some instances, these inhibitors have exhibited significant clinical efficacy, and it is likely that their biological activity will be further enhanced as combination regimens with standard treatment modalities are explored. The use of kinase inhibitors in dogs and cats is relatively recent, although two inhibitors, toceranib (Palladia; Pfizer Animal Health, Madison, NJ, USA) and masitinib (Kinavet; Catalent Pharma Solutions, Somerset, NJ, USA) have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (USA) for use in dogs. This article reviews the biology of protein kinase dysfunction in human and animal cancers, and the application of specific kinase inhibitors to veterinary cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A London
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43214, USA.
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12
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Ning Q, Liu C, Hou L, Meng M, Zhang X, Luo M, Shao S, Zuo X, Zhao X. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 activation promotes migration and invasion of breast cancer cells through epithelial-mesenchymal transition. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65217. [PMID: 23776453 PMCID: PMC3679135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1 or Flt-1), a tyrosine kinase receptor, is highly expressed in breast cancer tissues, but near absent in normal breast tissue. While VEGFR-1 expression is associated with poor prognosis of women with breast cancer, it is not clear whether it is involved in the aggressiveness of breast cancer. Thus, the present study examined whether VEGFR-1 activation is associated with the invasiveness of breast cancer. We reported that VEGFR-1 was detected in 60.6% of invasive breast carcinoma tissue sections. In addition, VEGFR-1 expression positively correlated with lymph node-positive tumor status, low expression level of membranous E-cadherin, and high expression levels of N-cadherin and Snail. We found that PlGF-mediated VEGFR-1 activation promoted migration and invasion in MCF-7 (luminal) cells and led to morphologic and molecular changes of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This was blocked by the down-regulation of VEGFR-1. Conversely, down-regulation of VEGFR-1 in MDA-MB-231 (post-EMT) cells resulted in morphologic and molecular changes similar to mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), and exogenous PlGF could not reverse these changes. Moreover, VEGFR-1 activation led to an increase in nuclear translocation of Snail. Finally, MDA-MB-231 cells expressing shRNA against VEGFR-1 significantly decreased the tumor growth and metastasis capacity in a xenograft model. Histological examination of VEGFR-1/shRNA-expressing tumor xenografts showed up-regulation of E-cadherin and down-regulation of N-cadherin and Snail. These findings suggest that VEGFR-1 may promote breast cancer progression and metastasis, and therapies that target VEGFR-1 may be beneficial in the treatment of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Ning
- Department of Oncology, the First hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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13
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The effect of bevacizumab on human malignant melanoma cells with functional VEGF/VEGFR2 autocrine and intracrine signaling loops. Neoplasia 2013; 14:612-23. [PMID: 22904678 DOI: 10.1593/neo.11948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptors for the angiogenic factor VEGF are expressed by tumor cancer cells including melanoma, although their functionality remains unclear. Paired human melanoma cell lines WM115 and WM239 were used to investigate differences in expression and functionality of VEGF and VEGFR2 in vitro and in vivo with the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab. Both WM115 and WM239 cells expressed VEGF and VEGFR2, the levels of which were modulated by hypoxia. Detection of native and phosphorylated VEGFR2 in subcellular fractions under serum-free conditions showed the presence of a functional autocrine as well as intracrine VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling loops. Interestingly, treatment of WM115 and WM239 cells with increasing doses of bevacizumab (0-300 µg/ml) in vitro did not show any significant inhibition of VEGFR2 phosphorylation. Small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sunitinib, caused an inhibition of VEGFR2 phosphorylation in WM239 but not in WM115 cells. An increase in cell proliferation was observed in WM115 cells treated with bevacizumab, whereas sunitinib inhibited proliferation. When xenografted to immune-deficient mice, we found bevacizumab to be an effective antiangiogenic but not antitumorigenic agent for both cell lines. Because bevacizumab is unable to neutralize murine VEGF, this supports a paracrine angiogenic response. We propose that the failure of bevacizumab to generate an antitumorigenic effect may be related to its generation of enhanced autocrine/intracrine signaling in the cancer cells themselves. Collectively, these results suggest that, for cancers with intracrine VEGF/ VEGFR2 signaling loops, small-molecule inhibitors of VEGFR2 may be more effective than neutralizing antibodies at disease control.
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Ferreira AK, Freitas VM, Levy D, Ruiz JLM, Bydlowski SP, Rici REG, Filho OMR, Chierice GO, Maria DA. Anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic activity of synthetic phosphoethanolamine. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57937. [PMID: 23516420 PMCID: PMC3597720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer, and represents the third most common urological malignancy. Despite the advent of targeted therapies for RCC and the improvement of the lifespan of patients, its cost-effectiveness restricted the therapeutic efficacy. In a recent report, we showed that synthetic phosphoethanolamine (Pho-s) has a broad antitumor activity on a variety of tumor cells and showed potent inhibitor effects on tumor progress in vivo. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We show that murine renal carcinoma (Renca) is more sensitive to Pho-s when compared to normal immortalized rat proximal tubule cells (IRPTC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In vitro anti-angiogenic activity assays show that Pho-s inhibits endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. In addition, Pho-s has anti-proliferative effects on HUVEC by inducing a cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. It causes a decrease in cyclin D1 mRNA, VEGFR1 gene transcription and VEGFR1 receptor expression. Pho-s also induces nuclear fragmentation and affects the organization of the cytoskeleton through the disruption of actin filaments. Additionally, Pho-s induces apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. The putative therapeutic potential of Pho-s was validated in a renal carcinoma model, on which our remarkable in vivo results show that Pho-s potentially inhibits lung metastasis in nude mice, with a superior efficacy when compared to Sunitinib. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, our findings provide evidence that Pho-s is a compound that potently inhibits lung metastasis, suggesting that it is a promising novel candidate drug for future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adilson Kleber Ferreira
- Biochemistry and Biophysical Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Experimental Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Morais Freitas
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Débora Levy
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Hematology (LIM-31), Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jorge Luiz Mária Ruiz
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Hematology (LIM-31), Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio Paulo Bydlowski
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Hematology (LIM-31), Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rose Eli Grassi Rici
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of the Veterinary Medicine and Zootecny, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Durvanei Augusto Maria
- Biochemistry and Biophysical Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Experimental Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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15
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Hamerlik P, Lathia JD, Rasmussen R, Wu Q, Bartkova J, Lee M, Moudry P, Bartek J, Fischer W, Lukas J, Rich JN, Bartek J. Autocrine VEGF-VEGFR2-Neuropilin-1 signaling promotes glioma stem-like cell viability and tumor growth. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 209:507-20. [PMID: 22393126 PMCID: PMC3302235 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20111424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autocrine VEGFR2 signaling in glioma stem-like cells evades VEGF neutralization. Although vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is traditionally regarded as an endothelial cell protein, evidence suggests that VEGFRs may be expressed by cancer cells. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a lethal cancer characterized by florid vascularization and aberrantly elevated VEGF. Antiangiogenic therapy with the humanized VEGF antibody bevacizumab reduces GBM tumor growth; however, the clinical benefits are transient and invariably followed by tumor recurrence. In this study, we show that VEGFR2 is preferentially expressed on the cell surface of the CD133+ human glioma stem-like cells (GSCs), whose viability, self-renewal, and tumorigenicity rely, at least in part, on signaling through the VEGF-VEGFR2–Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) axis. We find that the limited impact of bevacizumab-mediated VEGF blockage may reflect ongoing autocrine signaling through VEGF–VEGFR2–NRP1, which is associated with VEGFR2–NRP1 recycling and a pool of active VEGFR2 within a cytosolic compartment of a subset of human GBM cells. Whereas bevacizumab failed to inhibit prosurvival effects of VEGFR2-mediated signaling, GSC viability under unperturbed or radiation-evoked stress conditions was attenuated by direct inhibition of VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase activity and/or shRNA-mediated knockdown of VEGFR2 or NRP1. We propose that direct inhibition of VEGFR2 kinase may block the highly dynamic VEGF–VEGFR2–NRP1 pathway and inspire a GBM treatment strategy to complement the currently prevalent ligand neutralization approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Hamerlik
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center and Centre for Genotoxic Stress Research, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Vascular endothelial growth factor A gene (VEGFA) polymorphisms and expression of VEGFA gene in lung cancer patients of Kashmir Valley (India). Tumour Biol 2012; 33:833-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-011-0306-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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17
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Yang L, Chen G, Mohanty S, Scott G, Fazal F, Rahman A, Begum S, Hynes RO, Xu L. GPR56 Regulates VEGF production and angiogenesis during melanoma progression. Cancer Res 2011; 71:5558-68. [PMID: 21724588 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-4543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a critical step during cancer progression. The VEGF is a major stimulator for angiogenesis and is predominantly contributed by cancer cells in tumors. Inhibition of the VEGF signaling pathway has shown promising therapeutic benefits for cancer patients, but adaptive tumor responses are often observed, indicating the need for further understanding of VEGF regulation. We report that a novel G protein-coupled receptor, GPR56, inhibits VEGF production from the melanoma cell lines and impedes melanoma angiogenesis and growth, through the serine threonine proline-rich segment in its N-terminus and a signaling pathway involving protein kinase Cα. We also present evidence that the two fragments of GPR56, which are generated by autocatalyzed cleavage, played distinct roles in regulating VEGF production and melanoma progression. Finally, consistent with its suppressive roles in melanoma progression, the expression levels of GPR56 are inversely correlated with the malignancy of melanomas in human subjects. We propose that components of the GPR56-mediated signaling pathway may serve as new targets for antiangiogenic treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liquan Yang
- Departments of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14612, USA
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18
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Ruffini F, Failla CM, Orecchia A, Bani MR, Dorio AS, Fortes C, Zambruno G, Graziani G, Giavazzi R, D'Atri S, Lacal PM. Expression of the soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 in cutaneous melanoma: role in tumour progression. Br J Dermatol 2011; 164:1061-70. [PMID: 21198538 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.10200.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, placenta growth factor (PlGF) and their corresponding membrane receptors are involved in autocrine and paracrine regulation of melanoma growth and metastasis. Besides the membrane receptors, a soluble form of the VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-1 (sVEGFR-1) has been identified, that behaves both as a decoy receptor, sequestering VEGF-A and PlGF, and as an extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule, promoting endothelial cell adhesion and migration through the interaction with α5β1 integrin. OBJECTIVES To analyse whether sVEGFR-1 plays a role during melanoma progression. METHODS sVEGFR-1 expression was evaluated in a panel of 36 melanoma cell lines and 11 primary human melanocyte cultures by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis and in specimens of primary or metastatic melanoma lesions from 23 patients by immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS sVEGFR-1 expression was highly upregulated in melanoma cell lines with respect to human melanocytes. Interestingly, cell lines obtained from cutaneous metastases showed a significant reduction of sVEGFR-1 expression, as compared with cell lines derived from primary tumours. These results were confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis of sections from primary skin melanomas and the corresponding cutaneous metastases, suggesting that modulation of sVEGFR-1 expression influences ECM invasion by melanoma cells and metastasis localization. Moreover, we provide evidence that adhesion of melanoma cells to sVEGFR-1 is favoured by the activation of a VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 autocrine loop. CONCLUSIONS Our data strongly suggest that sVEGFR-1 plays a role in melanoma progression and that low sVEGFR-1/VEGF-A and sVEGFR-1/transmembrane VEGFR-1 ratios might predict a poor outcome in patients with melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ruffini
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, 00167 Rome, Italy
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19
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Yeramian A, Sorolla A, Velasco A, Santacana M, Dolcet X, Valls J, Abal L, Moreno S, Egido R, Casanova JM, Puig S, Vilella R, Llombart-Cussac A, Matias-Guiu X, Martí RM. Inhibition of activated receptor tyrosine kinases by Sunitinib induces growth arrest and sensitizes melanoma cells to Bortezomib by blocking Akt pathway. Int J Cancer 2011; 130:967-78. [PMID: 21445974 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.26096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite the use of multiple therapeutic strategies, metastatic melanoma remains a challenge for oncologists. Thus, new approaches using combinational treatment may be used to try to improve the prognosis of this disease. In this report, we have analyzed the expression of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in melanoma specimens and in four metastatic melanoma cell lines. Both melanoma specimens and cell lines expressed RTKs, suggesting that they may represent eventual targets for multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Suntinib. Sunitinib reduced the proliferation of two melanoma cell lines (M16 and M17) and increased apoptosis in one of them (M16). Moreover, the two metastatic melanoma cell lines harbored an activated receptor (PDGFRα and VEGFR, respectively), and Sunitinib suppressed the phosphorylation of the RTKs and their downstream targets Akt and ribosomal protein S6, in these two cell lines. Similar results were obtained when either PDGFRα or VEGFR2 expression was silenced by lentiviral-mediated short-hairpin RNA delivery in M16 and M17, respectively. To evaluate the interaction between Sunitinib and Bortezomib, median dose effect analysis using MTT assay was performed, and combination index was calculated. Bortezomib synergistically enhanced the Sunitinib-induced growth arrest in Sunitinib-sensitive cells (combination index < 1). Moreover, LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, sensitized melanoma cells to Bortezomib treatment, suggesting that downregulation of phospho-Akt by Sunitinib mediates the synergy obtained by Bortezomib + Sunitinib cotreatment. Altogether, our results suggest that melanoma cells harboring an activated RTK may be clinically responsive to pharmacologic RTK inhibition by Sunitinib, and a strategy combining Sunitinib and Bortezomib, may provide therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andree Yeramian
- Pathology Group, Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRB-Lleida, Lleida, Spain
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20
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Yi ZY, Feng LJ, Xiang Z, Yao H. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 activation mediates epithelial to mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J INVEST SURG 2011; 24:67-76. [PMID: 21345006 DOI: 10.3109/08941939.2010.542272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the molecular mechanism of Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) in invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to test expression of VEGFR-1 and its ligand VEGF-B19 in four hepatoma carcinoma cell. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to test the change of expression of E-cadherin or α-catenin. RESULTS VEGF-B-treated cells exhibited a change in E-cadherin from an organized, membrane-bound structure to a disorganized state that was dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. The maximal changes in E-cadherin were observed 24 hr after treatment of cells with VEGF-B. α-catenin was observed to translocate to the nucleus from its usual membrane-bound location 24 hr after treatment with either VEGF-B. Expression of the epithelial adhesion molecules E-cadherin was observed to decrease 48 hours after VEGF-B treatment. The nuclear expression of α-catenin was observed to increase 24 hr after treatment with VEGF-B. CONCLUSIONS VEGFR-1 on tumor cells may contribute to the aggressive behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inducing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Targeting VEGFR-1 and downstream mediators of EMT may provide the foundation for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for this morbid and lethal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeng Yong Yi
- Liver Disease Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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21
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Luan Q, Sun J, Li C, Zhang G, Lv Y, Wang G, Li C, Ma C, Gao T. Mutual enhancement between heparanase and vascular endothelial growth factor: a novel mechanism for melanoma progression. Cancer Lett 2011; 308:100-11. [PMID: 21624769 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2010] [Revised: 03/23/2011] [Accepted: 04/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Heparanase is closely related to growth factors in the role of promoting tumor progression. Among them, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is necessary for tumor vascularity and metastasis. Release of VEGF by heparanase can initiate relative signaling pathways, resulting in an up-regulation of transcriptional factors related with heparanase. Therefore, VEGF likely has a potential function as a regulator of heparanase expression in melanoma. We hypothesized that a novel mechanism exists where heparanase and VEGF are mutually enhanced in melanoma. Our study was conducted to validate the hypothetical mutual enhancement and elucidate its effect on melanoma progression. We found that the addition of exogenous VEGF and its cDNA transfection induce heparanase over-expression by means of western-blot and real-time RT-PCR, while anti-VEGF siRNA reduces heparanase expression in A2058 and WM793 melanoma cell lines. Likewise, VEGF expression is also regulated by heparanase in these two cell lines. Additionally, the cells with mutual enhancement phenotypes exhibit higher proliferation and transmigration capacity. PD98059, a specific inhibitor of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, is involved in this mutual enhancement. These data are the first to show that heparanase and VEGF have a mutual enhancement in melanoma cells, which may be a novel mechanism for promoting melanoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Luan
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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22
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The impact of intravitreal bevacizumab therapy on choroidal melanoma. Am J Ophthalmol 2011; 151:323-8.e2. [PMID: 21168817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2010.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2010] [Revised: 08/14/2010] [Accepted: 08/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the clinical course and ancillary findings of 3 patients with choroidal melanoma who inadvertently received multiple intravitreal injections of bevacizumab for a presumed diagnosis of choroidal neovascular membrane. DESIGN Observational case series. METHODS Three patients with choroidal melanomas who received a series of monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab for presumed choroidal neovascularization were evaluated. Clinical, ultrasonographic, and angiographic findings are presented. Histopathologic features are correlated with clinical features in 2 patients who underwent enucleation. RESULTS Lack of benefit in halting tumor progression was observed in all 3 cases. In 2 cases treated with enucleation, there was evidence of bevacizumab-induced gliotic/fibrotic retinal changes. CONCLUSIONS We present 3 cases of choroidal melanomas that showed progression while patients received multiple intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. The use of the drug led to the formation of a gliotic/fibrotic membrane that resulted in masking of the underlying tumor and consequently delayed the correct diagnosis.
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23
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Mehnert JM, McCarthy MM, Jilaveanu L, Flaherty KT, Aziz S, Camp RL, Rimm DL, Kluger HM. Quantitative expression of VEGF, VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, and VEGF-R3 in melanoma tissue microarrays. Hum Pathol 2009; 41:375-84. [PMID: 20004943 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2009.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2009] [Revised: 08/10/2009] [Accepted: 08/18/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is required for progression and metastasis of melanoma. Analysis of angiogenic molecules in benign and malignant tissues may allow identification of markers useful for prediction of sensitivity to antiangiogenic agents. We hypothesized that differential expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, and VEGF-R3 would be higher in melanomas than nevi and higher in advanced melanoma. Using automated quantitative analysis, we quantified VEGF, -R1, -R2 and -R3 expression in melanoma tissue microarrays composed of 540 nevi and 468 melanoma specimens (198 primaries, 270 metastases). VEGF, VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, and VEGF-R3 expression was significantly higher in melanomas than nevi by unpaired t tests (P < .0001). VEGF-R2 expression was higher in metastatic specimens (P < .0001), but VEGF-R3 expression was higher in primaries (P < .0001). VEGF was coexpressed with all 3 receptors when assessed by Spearman's rank correlation. VEGF, VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, and VEGF-R3 expression is higher in melanomas than nevi. Higher expression of VEGF-R2 was found in metastases versus primaries, supporting the idea that selection for an angiogenic phenotype in metastatic melanoma is conferred via up-regulation of VEGF-R2. However, higher expression of VEGF-R3 was seen on primary lesions, potentially implicating this receptor in initiation of lymphatic tumor spread. Clinical trials using antiangiogenic agents in melanoma should include correlative assays of VEGF, VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, and VEGF-R3 as biomarkers of response to therapy, preferably using quantitative methods such as automated quantitative analysis. Such assessments could assist with evaluation of these molecules as therapeutic targets in melanoma, ultimately facilitating improved selection of patients for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice M Mehnert
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Carlson JA, Ross JS, Slominski AJ. New techniques in dermatopathology that help to diagnose and prognosticate melanoma. Clin Dermatol 2009; 27:75-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2008.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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25
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Molhoek KR, Griesemann H, Shu J, Gershenwald JE, Brautigan DL, Slingluff CL. Human melanoma cytolysis by combined inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin and vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2. Cancer Res 2008; 68:4392-7. [PMID: 18519701 PMCID: PMC2727753 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-5844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a vital role in tumor angiogenesis. VEGF is produced by human melanomas, and the VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) is expressed by most advanced stage melanomas, suggesting the possibility of an autocrine loop. Here, we show that bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody, inhibits proliferation of VEGFR-2(+) melanoma cell lines by an average of 41%; however, it failed to inhibit proliferation of VEGFR-2(neg) melanoma cell lines. The growth inhibitory effect of bevacizumab was eliminated by VEGFR-2 knockdown with small interfering RNA, showing that VEGF autocrine growth in melanoma is mediated through VEGFR-2. However, bevacizumab inhibition of autocrine signals did not completely inhibit cell proliferation nor cause cell death. Cell survival is mediated partially through mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is inhibited by rapamycin. Combination of bevacizumab with rapamycin caused loss of half of the VEGFR-2(+) melanoma cells, but no reduction in the number of VEGFR-2(neg) melanoma cells. The results show (a) an autocrine growth loop active in VEGFR-2(+) melanoma, (b) a nonangiogenic mechanism for inhibition of melanoma by blocking autocrine VEGFR-2 activation, and (c) a possible therapeutic role for combination of inhibitors of mTOR plus VEGF in selected melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrington R. Molhoek
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Heinrich Griesemann
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jianfen Shu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jeffrey E. Gershenwald
- Departments of Surgical Oncology and Cancer Biology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David L. Brautigan
- Center for Cell Signaling, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Craig L. Slingluff
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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26
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Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion increases vascular endothelial growth factor and cancer growth in rats. J Surg Res 2008; 148:158-63. [PMID: 18468635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2007.12.787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2007] [Revised: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 12/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In liver surgery, the hepatic pedicle often is clamped to reduce blood loss, and later unclamped, representing hepatic ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) with induction of hypoxia. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression reportedly is induced by hypoxia; further, some cancer cells express the VEGF receptor (flt-1, flk-1/KDR). We hypothesized that I/R-induced VEGF expression could enhance growth of microscopic tumor via VEGF receptors on tumor cells, thus promoting liver metastasis in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Time-dependent VEGF expression in liver and plasma was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in rats subjected to 60 min of 70% hepatic I/R (I/R group). Other rats given an intrasplenic inoculation of a rat colon adenocarcinoma cell line (RCH-H4) were divided 3 days later into three groups: group A, untreated; group B, sham operation; group C, 70% I/R for 60 min. Liver metastasis was evaluated on day 14. Expression of flt-1 and flk-1/KDR was examined in RCN-H4 cells, and effects of exogenous VEGF on RCN-H4 cell proliferation were determined by MTT assays. RESULTS Hepatic VEGF expression increased significantly in the I/R group compared to the control group. Liver metastasis was more extensive in group C than in groups A and B. RCN-H4 cells expressed flt-1 and flk-1/KDR, while exogenous VEGF increased RCN-H4 cell proliferation. CONCLUSION Hepatic ischemia reperfusion leads to induction of VEGF and this is associated with increased tumor burden in an animal model of colon cancer metastasis.
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Youssoufian H, Hicklin DJ, Rowinsky EK. Review: monoclonal antibodies to the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 in cancer therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2007; 13:5544s-5548s. [PMID: 17875787 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-1107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a fundamental mechanism of cancer growth and invasion. Current translational approaches are using both small-molecule inhibitors and antibodies that modulate various steps of these processes, and several such compounds have already received regulatory approval for the therapy of specific indications in cancer. Among the many molecular targets involved in the control of angiogenesis, the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2; or kinase insert domain-containing receptor) is attractive as shown in part by the efficacy of small-molecule inhibitors directed to this receptor. Two small-molecule inhibitors that target VEGFR-2 have recently been granted approval for the treatment of renal cell cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The development of antibodies that can selectively block VEGFR-2 could potentially result in improved potency or tolerability. Here, we discuss the role of VEGFR-2 in cancer and ongoing efforts to develop highly specific monoclonal antibodies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagop Youssoufian
- Clinical Affairs Department, ImClone Systems, Inc., Branchburg, New Jersey 08876, USA.
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28
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Taylor KH, Smith AN, Higginbotham M, Schwartz DD, Carpenter DM, Whitley EM. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in canine oral malignant melanoma. Vet Comp Oncol 2007; 5:208-18. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5829.2007.00130.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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29
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Cristina C, Díaz-Torga G, Góngora A, Guida MC, Perez-Millán MI, Baldi A, Becu-Villalobos D. Fibroblast growth factor-2 in hyperplastic pituitaries of D2R knockout female mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2007; 293:E1341-51. [PMID: 17848635 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00260.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) knockout (KO) female mice develop chronic hyperprolactinemia and pituitary hyperplasia. Our objective was to study the expression of the mitogen fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) and its receptor, FGFR1, comparatively in pituitaries from KO and wild-type (WT) female mice. We also evaluated FGF2 subcellular localization and FGF2 effects on pituitary function. FGF2-induced prolactin release showed a similar response pattern in both genotypes, even though basal and FGF2-stimulated release was higher in KO. FGF2 stimulated pituitary cellular proliferation (MTS assay and [(3)H]thymidine incorporation), with no differences between genotypes. FGF2 concentration (measured by ELISA) in whole pituitaries or cultured cells was lower in KO (P < 0.00001 and 0.00014). Immunofluorescence histochemistry showed less FGF2 in pituitaries from KO females and revealed a distinct FGF2 localization pattern between genotypes, being predominantly nuclear in KO and cytosolic in WT pituitaries. Finally, FGF2 could not be detected in the conditioned media from pituitary cultures of both genotypes. FGFR1 levels (Western blot and immunohistochemistry) were higher in pituitaries of KO. Basal concentration of phosphorylated ERKs was lower in KO cells (P = 0.018). However, when stimulated with FGF2, a significantly higher increment of ERK phosphorylation was evidenced in KO cells (P < or = 0.02). We conclude that disruption of the D2R caused an overall decrease in pituitary FGF2 levels, with an increased distribution in the nucleus, and increased FGFR1 levels. These results are important in the search for reliable prognostic indicators for patients with pituitary dopamine-resistant prolactinomas, which will make tumor-specific therapy possible.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Growth Processes/physiology
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism
- Female
- Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/metabolism
- Hyperplasia
- Immunohistochemistry
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Phosphorylation
- Pituitary Gland, Anterior/cytology
- Pituitary Gland, Anterior/metabolism
- Pituitary Gland, Anterior/pathology
- Prolactin/metabolism
- Prolactinoma/metabolism
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/deficiency
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Cristina
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, V Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Moser C, Lang SA, Stoeltzing O. The direct effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy on tumor cells. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2007; 6:564-71. [PMID: 17681102 DOI: 10.3816/ccc.2007.n.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members are essential mediators of tumor angiogenesis. The multiple functions of the VEGFs are mediated through complex interactions between their ligands, the high-affinity tyrosine kinase receptors, and co-receptors (neuropilins). Emerging evidence has shown that these receptors, formerly described as being exclusively expressed on endothelial cells, are also expressed on a number of nonendothelial cells, including tumor cells. Moreover, it has been shown that their receptors (VEGFRs) are functional in a number of nonendothelial systems, where they can serve as targets for anti-VEGF therapy. As the expression of VEGFRs on tumor cells contributes to the understanding of the complex roles of VEGF within the tumor microenvironment and elucidation of VEGF activity might further refine antineoplastic regimens, this article will review the main effects and selective interactions of the VEGFRs, the evidence for their expression and function on tumor cells, and the direct efforts of anti-VEGF therapy on tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Moser
- Departments of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, University of Regensburg Medical Center, Germany
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Park SI, Shah AN, Zhang J, Gallick GE. Regulation of angiogenesis and vascular permeability by Src family kinases: opportunities for therapeutic treatment of solid tumors. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2007; 11:1207-17. [PMID: 17845146 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.11.9.1207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant expression or activation of protein tyrosine kinases, including Src and related Src family kinases, is a common occurrence in many human cancers, resulting in deregulation of expression of numerous mediators of cellular functions, including pro-angiogenic molecules. In addition, Src activation regulates vascular permeability of endothelial cells. How these processes contribute to tumor progression and metastasis are the subjects of this review. As Src-selective inhibitors have entered clinical trials for a number of solid tumors, further understanding of the roles of Src kinases in mediating tumor angiogenesis as well as modulating tumor/microenvironment interactions will provide insights into the best use of these inhibitors in treating patients afflicted with tumors in which Src is activated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serk In Park
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Ghosh S, Maity P. Augmented antitumor effects of combination therapy with VEGF antibody and cisplatin on murine B16F10 melanoma cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2007; 7:1598-608. [PMID: 17996669 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2007.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2006] [Revised: 08/07/2007] [Accepted: 08/08/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies with EAC tumor model demonstrated that a VEGF polyclonal antibody combined with cisplatin inhibited tumor growth. Here we report the antitumor effect of VEGF antibody plus cisplatin on a murine metastatic tumor model specially emphasizing its effect on different angiogenic parameters both in vitro and in vivo. Mouse B16F10 melanoma cells were cultured in vitro in DMEM media containing 10% FBS, nonessential amino acids and antibiotics in a 5% CO(2) incubator at 37 degrees C and the effect of VEGF antibody singly and in combination with cisplatin on this cell was assessed by MTT assay, matrigel invasion study and MMP-9 expression study in vitro. In vivo studies were performed by two tumor models viz B16F10 solid tumor model and B16LuF10 lung tumor model. The mice treated with VEGF antibody (PAb) alone, cisplatin alone and combination of VEGF antibody and cisplatin on alternative days from the next day of tumor transplantation. Antitumor as well as antiangiogenic efficacy was monitored by measuring tumor burden, survivability, MVD measurement, serum NO value measurement and bcl-2 expression study. It was observed that administration of combined therapy with VEGF antibody and cisplatin augmented antitumor activity in B16F10 melanoma models than the either agents alone. Thus our experiments show a successful VEGF antibody based combination therapy with cisplatin and suggests that the enhancement of antitumor activity could be explained by a concomitant effect on both endothelial and tumor cell compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Ghosh
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata-700026, India
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Einspahr JG, Thomas TL, Saboda K, Nickolof BJ, Warneke J, Curiel-Lewandrowski C, Ranger-Moore J, Duckett L, Bangert J, Fruehauf JP, Alberts DS. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in early cutaneous melanocytic lesion progression. Cancer 2007; 110:2519-27. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.23076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Marcellini M, De Luca N, Riccioni T, Ciucci A, Orecchia A, Lacal PM, Ruffini F, Pesce M, Cianfarani F, Zambruno G, Orlandi A, Failla CM. Increased melanoma growth and metastasis spreading in mice overexpressing placenta growth factor. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2006; 169:643-54. [PMID: 16877362 PMCID: PMC1698793 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2006.051041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Placenta growth factor (PlGF), a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor family, plays an important role in adult pathological angiogenesis. To further investigate PlGF functions in tumor growth and metastasis formation, we used transgenic mice overexpressing PlGF in the skin under the control of the keratin 14 promoter. These animals showed a hypervascularized phenotype of the skin and increased levels of circulating PlGF with respect to their wild-type littermates. Transgenic mice and controls were inoculated intradermally with B16-BL6 melanoma cells. The tumor growth rate was fivefold increased in transgenic animals compared to wild-type mice, in the presence of a similar percentage of tumor necrotic tissue. Tumor vessel area was increased in transgenic mice as compared to controls. Augmented mobilization of endothelial and hematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow was observed in transgenic animals, possibly contributing to tumor vascularization. The number and size of pulmonary metastases were significantly higher in transgenic mice compared to wild-type littermates. Finally, PlGF promoted tumor cell invasion of the extracellular matrix and increased the activity of selected matrix metalloproteinases. These findings indicate that PlGF, in addition to enhancing tumor angiogenesis and favoring tumor growth, may directly influence melanoma dissemination.
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Carlson JA, Ross JS, Slominski A, Linette G, Mysliborski J, Hill J, Mihm M. Molecular diagnostics in melanoma. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 52:743-75; quiz 775-8. [PMID: 15858465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Molecular pathology is rapidly evolving, featuring continuous technologic improvements that offer novel clinical opportunities for the recognition of disease predisposition, for identifying sub-clinical disease, for more accurate diagnosis, for selecting efficacious and non-toxic therapy, and for monitoring of disease outcome. Currently, the identification and prognosis of primary cutaneous melanoma is based on histologic factors (tumor depth and ulceration) and clinical factors (number of lymph node and/or distant metastases). However, metastasis can occur in patients with thin melanomas, and sentinel lymph node biopsy does not identify all patients at risk for distant metastasis. New markers exist that correlate with melanoma progression, which may aid in melanoma identification, prognostication, and detection of minimal residual disease/early recurrence. Moreover, not many therapeutic options exist for melanoma as no regimen prolongs survival. Emerging data with investigational therapies suggest that certain markers might play a crucial role in identifying patients who will respond to therapy or show utility in the monitoring the response to therapy. Herein, molecular diagnostics that can potentially benefit the individual melanoma patient will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Andrew Carlson
- Division of Dermatopathology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York 12208, USA.
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Frazier K, Jazan E, McBride CM, Pecchi S, Renhowe PA, Shafer CM, Taylor C, Bussiere D, He MM, Jansen JM, Lapointe G, Ma S, Vora J, Wiesmann M. Design and structure–activity relationship of heterocyclic analogs of 4-amino-3-benzimidazol-2-ylhydroquinolin-2-ones as inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2006; 16:2247-51. [PMID: 16446087 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2005] [Revised: 01/05/2006] [Accepted: 01/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Herein are described a series of novel heterocyclic analogs of the 4-amino-3-benzimidazol-2-ylhydroquinolin-2-one scaffold. These compounds are potent inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases and exhibit favorable pharmacokinetic profiles. The synthesis and SAR of these compounds are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Frazier
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Biopharma Division, Chiron Corporation, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Research into the pathophysiology of photodamaged skin has revealed correlations with certain aspects of acute and chronic wound healing. In wound healing, growth factors accumulate at the wound site and interact synergistically to initiate and coordinate wound healing. OBJECTIVES To review the effects of topical growth factors in wound healing and their potential use in treating photodamaged skin. METHODS A mixture of multiple growth factors derived from human fibroblasts was applied topically to 14 patients twice daily for 60 days to stimulate the remodeling phase of wound healing. RESULTS A total of 78.6% of patients with photodamaged skin showed clinical improvement at 60 days. New collagen formation increased by 37%, and epidermal thickening increased by 27%. CONCLUSIONS These data, as well as other studies of growth factors in wound healing, demonstrate positive cosmetic and clinical outcomes of topical application of growth factors for the treatment of photodamaged skin.
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LHMDS mediated tandem acylation–cyclization of 2-aminobenzenecarbonitriles with 2-benzymidazol-2-yl acetates: a short and efficient route to the synthesis of 4-amino-3-benzimidazol-2-ylhydroquinolin-2-ones. Tetrahedron Lett 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2005.11.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Wey JS, Fan F, Gray MJ, Bauer TW, McCarty MF, Somcio R, Liu W, Evans DB, Wu Y, Hicklin DJ, Ellis LM. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 promotes migration and invasion in pancreatic carcinoma cell lines. Cancer 2005; 104:427-38. [PMID: 15952180 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.21145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) is one of three receptor tyrosine kinases for VEGF, a key regulator of angiogenesis in cancer. Although VEGFRs initially were believed to be expressed exclusively on endothelial cells (ECs), recent studies have demonstrated the presence of VEGFR-1 on non-EC types. The authors hypothesized that VEGFR-1 is present and functional in pancreatic carcinoma cells, contributing to the malignant phenotype. METHODS The authors assessed the expression of VEGFR-1 and its ligands in 11 pancreatic carcinoma cell lines by reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and/or Western blot analysis. The function of VEGFR-1 was evaluated by treating two representative cell lines with VEGF-B, a selective ligand for VEGFR-1, and/or a specific anti-VEGFR-1 antibody and assessing the effects on signaling, migration, invasion, and proliferation. RESULTS All 11 pancreatic carcinoma cell lines expressed VEGFR-1 mRNA and protein, as well as the VEGFR-1 ligands VEGF-A and VEGF-B. Two representative cell lines (L3.6 and Panc-1) exhibited VEGF-B-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. A VEGFR-1 neutralizing antibody abrogated signaling, confirming that the ligand effect was mediated through VEGFR-1. VEGFR-1 stimulation by VEGF-A or VEGF-B was found to promote migration in both cell lines. Panc-1 cells also demonstrated enhanced Matrigel invasion after VEGFR-1 stimulation. VEGFR-1-dependent migration and invasion were blocked by the VEGFR-1 neutralizing antibody. VEGFR-1 activation did not appear to enhance cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS VEGFR-1 appears to be expressed ubiquitously in pancreatic carcinoma cell lines, in which it induces signaling and promotes migration and invasion. Overexpression of VEGF in tumors may activate tumor cells bearing VEGFR-1 via an autocrine pathway. Agents targeting VEGF or its receptors may have a dual inhibitory effect on tumor growth by suppressing both angiogenesis and tumor cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane S Wey
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Kim EJ, Park HY, Yaar M, Gilchrest BA. Modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in melanocytes. Exp Dermatol 2005; 14:625-33. [PMID: 16026585 DOI: 10.1111/j.0906-6705.2005.00345.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is constitutively produced by keratinocytes, but has no known epidermal target cell. We now report that normal human melanocytes (Mc) maintained in serum-free, hormone-, and growth factor-supplemented medium lacking phorbol ester and choleragen constitutively express VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1), VEGFR-2, and neuropilin-1. Furthermore, stimulation of Mc with VEGF165 isoform leads to phosphorylation of VEGFR-2, the receptor responsible for most of the VEGF-mediated effects in endothelial cells, suggesting that the receptor is functional. Interestingly, in Mc, VEGFR-2 expression is induced by ultraviolet irradiation and is downregulated by VEGF and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Prolonged culture (>8 weeks) in the presence of phorbol ester abrogates VEGFR-2 expression, explaining previous reports that Mc do not express VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. These data suggest that VEGF may play a role in Mc behavior in skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen J Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Arita S, Kikkawa F, Kajiyama H, Shibata K, Kawai M, Mizuno K, Nagasaka T, Ino K, Nomura S. Prognostic importance of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in the uterine sarcoma. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2005; 15:329-36. [PMID: 15823121 DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1438.2005.15225.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors play an important role in tumor progression; however, there is no report regarding this factor in uterine sarcoma. Thirty-nine patients with uterine sarcoma, 14 carcinosarcomas, 4 endometrial stromal sarcomas, and 21 leiomyosarcomas, were studied. By immunohistochemical staining, VEGF was not detected in normal uterine smooth muscle, but VEGF receptor-1 (flt-1) and VEGF receptor-2 (flk-1) were observed in 14 and 4 of 14 normal smooth muscles, respectively. Of 39 sarcomas, 25 expressed VEGF, and 38 and 34 sarcomas expressed flt-1 and flk-1 at various intensities, respectively. The staining intensity of VEGF, flt-1, and flk-1 was significantly higher in sarcoma than in normal uterine smooth muscle, but that of phospho-flt-1 (p-flt-1) was significantly lower in sarcoma than in normal uterine smooth muscle. When sarcomas were divided into two groups according to staining intensity, a significant difference in survival curves was observed in only p-flt-1 of leiomyosarcoma (P= 0.008), and in all sarcomas, a lower survival curve was also observed in the high staining intensity group than in the low staining intensity group, although there was no significant difference (P= 0.102). In conclusion, VEGF and its receptors are suggested to be involved in progression of uterine sarcoma, but only the p-flt-1 level significantly affected the survival of leiomyosarcoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Arita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Gesundheit B, Klement G, Senger C, Kerbel R, Kieran M, Baruchel S, Becker L. Differences in vasculature between pilocytic and anaplastic astrocytomas of childhood. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 41:516-26. [PMID: 14595708 DOI: 10.1002/mpo.10308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical manifestations of childhood pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) and anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) markedly differ, especially in the time to progression and prognosis. Because of the aggressive course and poor survival rate of AA, one would expect it to be associated with a high angiogenic index. Counterintuitively, we often find higher microvessel density counts in PA than in AA. PROCEDURE We examined the differences in type or density of microvasculature between the two neoplasms. To differentiate established, mature vessels from immature growing ones, we used antibodies to Factor VIII (FVIII) to stain endothelial cells (ECs) of blood vessels and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) antibodies to stain vessels supported by adventitia. RESULTS We found that large, mature, alpha-SMA-positive vessels predominated in PA, and small, immature, alpha-SMA-negative vessels in AA. The vessel maturation index was 54.5% for PA, and 6.1% for AA. Immunostaining with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and anti-flt-1/VEGF receptor-1 antibodies showed distinct tissue patterns. VEGF immunoreactivity occurred mainly in the processes of the tumor astrocytes in PA; the opposite was observed in AA. flt-1/VEGFR-1 was detected in the tumor cells of AA but not in those of PA. CONCLUSIONS We propose that the predominance of small, alpha-SMA-negative vessels in AA represents immature, unstable vasculature with a potentially greater susceptibility to anti-angiogenic therapy. The expression of both flt-1 and VEGF by AA tumor cells also suggests a possible autocrine growth-promoting function for VEGF in addition to its role as paracrine pro-angiogenic growth factor for activated ECs, thus making anti-angiogenesis an attractive therapeutic target in the treatment of AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gesundheit
- Department of Paediatrics, New Agent and Innovative Therapy Program, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Sulaimon SS, Kitchell BE. The Basic Biology of Malignant Melanoma: Molecular Mechanisms of Disease Progression and Comparative Aspects. J Vet Intern Med 2003; 17:760-72. [PMID: 14658711 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2003.tb02513.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma (MM) is a life-threatening disease characterized by a highly aggressive biologic behavior in both humans and dogs. Despite improvements in diagnosis and patient care, most deaths from MM are due to metastases that are resistant to conventional treatment modalities. To ultimately reduce the mortality associated with metastatic disease, it is necessary to better define the fundamental molecular mechanisms of malignant tumor progression. The progression of disease is a consequence of the complex interactions between malignantly transformed cells and host factors. Characterization of the stages of tumor progression and the changes occurring in highly malignant cells is important for the development of effective treatment regimens. The dys-regulated molecular mechanisms of transformed melanocytes are presently being characterized. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular phases in the progression of MM, which include genetic instability, dysregulated proliferation of melanocytes, increased invasion and metastasis, and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shola S Sulaimon
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Abstract
The induction of angiogenesis is a critical point in the development of most human tumors - including melanomas. Some of the earliest studies in the field of tumor angiogenesis showed that transplantation of human melanoma fragments into the hamster cheek pouch stimulated blood vessel growth. Since then, numerous studies have demonstrated that human melanomas also induce angiogenesis. The prognostic importance of the degree of melanoma vascularization, however, has remained controversial. Elevated expression of several angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and interleukin-8, has been detected in primary cutaneous melanomas, and the importance of these mediators in promoting melanoma angiogenesis and metastasis has been confirmed in tumor xenotransplant models. Based upon these findings, several clinical trials of angiogenesis inhibitors have been initiated in human melanoma patients and are currently underway. Recent experimental evidence indicates that tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis also plays an important role in mediating tumor spread to regional lymph nodes. These observations have important implications for prognosis and treatment of human melanomas.
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Fitzpatrick RE, Rostan EF. Reversal of photodamage with topical growth factors: a pilot study. J COSMET LASER THER 2003; 5:25-34. [PMID: 12745596 DOI: 10.1080/14764170310000817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interest in the reversal of facial photodamage has increased significantly among patients and physicians in the past decade. Though surgical procedures may be very effective, the associated healing time and potential risks have spurred the development of non-surgical treatments. There has also been an increasing depth of knowledge regarding wound healing and its control by growth factors as well as its modulation by the topical application of growth factors. Bioengineered tissue cultures have resulted in the ability to collect naturally occurring human growth factors in their tissue concentrations. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to determine if the twice daily application of a combination of multiple growth factors to photodamaged facial skin results in any evidence of improvement after 60 days. METHODS Fourteen patients applied a gel containing a mixture of eight different growth factors (Nouricel-MD) to photodamaged facial skin twice daily. Prior to the study and at days there were clinical evaluations of photodamage (Fitzpatrick scale), 3 mm punch biopsies and optical profilometry. Patient questionnaires were answered at 60 days. RESULTS Eleven of 14 patients showed clinical improvement in at least one facial area. The peri-orbital region showed a statistically significant improvement (p = 0.0003). Optical profilometry showed a statistically significant reduction in Ra measurement (p=0.0075) and shadowing (p=0.02), both indicating a decrease in the depth and number of textural irregularities or fine lines. Biopsies revealed new collagen formation in the Grenz zone (37% increase in thickness) and thickening of the epidermis by 27%. Eight of 14 patients felt their wrinkles were improved, while 12 of 14 felt their skin texture was improved. CONCLUSIONS The application of a mixture of topical growth factors may stimulate the repair of facial photodamage resulting in new collagen formation, epidermal thickening and the clinical appearance of smoother skin with less visible wrinkling.
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Fitzpatrick TE, Lash GE, Yanaihara A, Charnock-Jones DS, Macdonald-Goodfellow SK, Graham CH. Inhibition of breast carcinoma and trophoblast cell invasiveness by vascular endothelial growth factor. Exp Cell Res 2003; 283:247-55. [PMID: 12581744 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-4827(02)00044-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent endothelial cell mitogen and angiogenic growth factor that enhances endothelial cell invasion through the extracellular matrix (ECM). While various cell types express VEGF receptors, little is known about the biological actions of VEGF on nonendothelial cells. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to determine the effect of VEGF on the in vitro invasiveness and proliferation of human MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells and human HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated the presence of transcripts encoding VEGF receptors (VEGFR) -1, -2, and -3 as well as neuropilins-1 and -2 in the trophoblast cells, and the presence of transcripts encoding VEGFR-2 and neuropilins-1 and -2 in the breast carcinoma cells. Both cell lines also expressed transcripts for VEGF-A, -B, -C and -D, as well as for placenta growth factor (PlGF). Although incubation with exogenous VEGF-A(165) or VEGF-A(121) did not affect the rate of proliferation of either the trophoblast or the breast carcinoma cells, incubation with these molecules reduced their ability to invade through reconstituted ECM (Matrigel). The effect of VEGF-A(165) on the invasiveness of both cell lines was inhibited by the inclusion of a neutralizing antibody to VEGF. Exogenous VEGF-A(165) also decreased the cell surface expression of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (a molecule required for invasion) by the breast carcinoma and trophoblast cells. These results indicate that the biological actions of VEGF on certain cell types may differ from the effects of this molecule on vascular endothelial cells, and therefore are relevant to angiogenesis-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania E Fitzpatrick
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
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Srivastava A, Ralhan R, Kaur J. Angiogenesis in cutaneous melanoma: pathogenesis and clinical implications. Microsc Res Tech 2003; 60:208-24. [PMID: 12539175 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.10259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Neovacularization is an essential step in the multistage progression of malignant melanoma. The onset of new blood vessel formation is ushered in by the release of VEGF and numerous other angiogenic molecules by the tumor cells. Human melanoma is unique among neoplasms that both avascular (early horizontal growth phase characterized by very slow progression and 99%, 10-year survival) and vascular (late radial and vertical growth phase associated with rapid growth, metastasis and death in many cases), phases are discernible by the naked eye. Although cell biologists have made great strides in unraveling the mechanisms involved in the laying down of tumor vasculature and the factors that inhibit it, clinicians treating melanoma have been rather slow to realize and utilize the full potential of suppressing the tumor blood flow to the best advantage of the patient. We suggest a consorted endeavor by all the melanoma experts across the globe to establish an "angiogenesis database" wherein they pool the blood flow and vascularity information along with Breslow's thickness, Clark's level of invasion, lymphatic and vascular invasion, regression, and outcome of their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Srivastava
- Department of Surgical Discipline, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029, India.
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Simonetti O, Lucarini G, Brancorsini D, Nita P, Bernardini ML, Biagini G, Offidani A. Immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in cutaneous melanocytic lesions. Cancer 2002; 95:1963-70. [PMID: 12404291 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.10888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an endothelial cell mitogen, plays a hierarchical role in regulating physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. Moreover, the transformation from noninvasive to invasive carcinomas is accompanied by focal disruption and discontinuity of the basement membrane. Several groups of proteases have been implicated in tumor cell invasion, including the 72-kDa gelatinase A/Type IV collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase 2 [MMP-2]) and the 92-kDa gelatinase B/Type IV collagenase (MMP-9). METHODS The authors assessed the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF and metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 in paraffin embedded biopsy specimens of malignant melanomas (18 invasive melanomas and 10 in situ melanomas); dysplastic nevi with architectural disorder and cytologic atypia of melanocytes; Spitz nevi; and compound or predominantly intradermal, ordinary, benign melanocytic nevi. RESULTS Strong cytoplasmic staining for VEGF was observed in melanoma cells in as many as 77% of primary invasive melanomas, whereas only 25% of the in situ melanomas exhibited a detectable immunoreactivity for VEGF. It is interesting to note that no immunoreactivity was shown by any nevi; Spitz nevi, in particular, showed negative immunoreactivity to VEGF. Invasive melanomas and in situ melanomas displayed coexpression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, although to a variable extent. In particular, high MMP-2 staining was observed in 14 of 18 invasive melanomas; moreover, strong MMP-2 expression also was observed in 60% of in situ melanomas, whereas the residual 40% of those melanomas showed a moderate level of positivity. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the current data showing that malignant melanocytic tumors displayed strong VEGF expression, whereas benign melanocytic proliferations showed no immunoreactivity for VEGF, VEGF also may be used as a discriminating factor to distinguish malignant melanoma from lesions of uncertain histology.
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Straume O, Akslen LA. Importance of vascular phenotype by basic fibroblast growth factor, and influence of the angiogenic factors basic fibroblast growth factor/fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 and ephrin-A1/EphA2 on melanoma progression. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2002; 160:1009-19. [PMID: 11891198 PMCID: PMC1867162 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)64922-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The expression of several angiogenic factors and receptors was examined in a series of vertical growth phase cutaneous melanomas using high-throughput tissue microarray technology and immunohistochemistry. The results were correlated with microvessel density, clinicopathological features, and patient survival. Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was significantly associated with increased microvessel density. Also, we found an independent prognostic importance of vascular phenotype by endothelial cell expression of bFGF; cases with positive vessels had the best prognosis and these tumors revealed a low frequency of vascular invasion (14%) when compared with bFGF-negative vessels (47%). This bFGF-negative phenotype was significantly increased in metastatic lesions. Strong tumor cell expression of FLT-4, ephrin-A1, and EphA2 was associated with increased melanoma thickness, and ephrin-A1 staining was related to decreased survival (P = 0.039). Expression of EphA2 in tumor cells was associated with increased tumor cell proliferation (Ki-67 positivity), indicating possible autocrine growth stimulation. Thus, our findings indicate the presence of phenotypic diversity among tumor-associated vessels, and subgroups defined by bFGF expression may be of clinical importance. bFGF was associated with microvessel density, whereas the ephrin-A1/EphA2 pathway might also be important for tumor cell proliferation and patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oddbjørn Straume
- Department of Pathology, The Gade Institute, HaukelandUniversity Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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