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Yang M, Mu Y, Yu X, Gao D, Zhang W, Li Y, Liu J, Sun C, Zhuang J. Survival strategies: How tumor hypoxia microenvironment orchestrates angiogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116783. [PMID: 38796970 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
During tumor development, the tumor itself must continuously generate new blood vessels to meet their growth needs while also allowing for tumor invasion and metastasis. One of the most common features of tumors is hypoxia, which drives the process of tumor angiogenesis by regulating the tumor microenvironment, thus adversely affecting the prognosis of patients. In addition, to overcome unsuitable environments for growth, such as hypoxia, nutrient deficiency, hyperacidity, and immunosuppression, the tumor microenvironment (TME) coordinates angiogenesis in several ways to restore the supply of oxygen and nutrients and to remove metabolic wastes. A growing body of research suggests that tumor angiogenesis and hypoxia interact through a complex interplay of crosstalk, which is inextricably linked to the TME. Here, we review the TME's positive contribution to angiogenesis from an angiogenesis-centric perspective while considering the objective impact of hypoxic phenotypes and the status and limitations of current angiogenic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengrui Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Yufeng Mu
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Dandan Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Ye Li
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Jingyang Liu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
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Bostan IS, Mihaila M, Roman V, Radu N, Neagu MT, Bostan M, Mehedintu C. Landscape of Endometrial Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Target Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2027. [PMID: 38893147 PMCID: PMC11171255 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one the most prevalent gynecological cancers and, unfortunately, has a poor prognosis due to low response rates to traditional treatments. However, the progress in molecular biology and understanding the genetic mechanisms involved in tumor processes offers valuable information that has led to the current classification that describes four molecular subtypes of endometrial cancer. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancers, such as genetic mutations, defects in the DNA mismatch repair pathway, epigenetic changes, or dysregulation in angiogenic or hormonal signaling pathways. The preclinical genomic and molecular investigations presented allowed for the identification of some molecules that could be used as biomarkers to diagnose, predict, and monitor the progression of endometrial cancer. Besides the therapies known in clinical practice, targeted therapy is described as a new cancer treatment that involves identifying specific molecular targets in tumor cells. By selectively inhibiting these targets, key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression can be disrupted while normal cells are protected. The connection between molecular biomarkers and targeted therapy is vital in the fight against cancer. Ongoing research and clinical trials are exploring the use of standard therapy agents in combination with other treatment strategies like immunotherapy and anti-angiogenesis therapy to improve outcomes and personalize treatment for patients with endometrial cancer. This approach has the potential to transform the management of cancer patients. In conclusion, enhancing molecular tools is essential for stratifying the risk and guiding surgery, adjuvant therapy, and cancer treatment for women with endometrial cancer. In addition, the information from this review may have an essential value in the personalized therapy approach for endometrial cancer to improve the patient's life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirela Mihaila
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Center of Immunology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (V.R.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Titu Maiorescu University, 040314 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viviana Roman
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Center of Immunology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (V.R.)
| | - Nicoleta Radu
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 011464 Bucharest, Romania;
- Biotechnology Department, National Institute for Chemistry and Petrochemistry R&D of Bucharest, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Teodora Neagu
- Department of Immunology, ‘Victor Babes’ National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marinela Bostan
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Center of Immunology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (V.R.)
- Department of Immunology, ‘Victor Babes’ National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Claudia Mehedintu
- Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 011132 Bucharest, Romania; (I.-S.B.); (C.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 050471 Bucharest, Romania
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Chen-Li G, Martinez-Archer R, Coghi A, Roca JA, Rodriguez FJ, Acaba-Berrocal L, Berrocal MH, Wu L. Beyond VEGF: Angiopoietin-Tie Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Retinopathy. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2778. [PMID: 38792322 PMCID: PMC11122151 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Complications from diabetic retinopathy such as diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) constitute leading causes of preventable vision loss in working-age patients. Since vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of these complications, VEGF inhibitors have been the cornerstone of their treatment. Anti-VEGF monotherapy is an effective but burdensome treatment for DME. However, due to the intensive and burdensome treatment, most patients in routine clinical practice are undertreated, and therefore, their outcomes are compromised. Even in adequately treated patients, persistent DME is reported anywhere from 30% to 60% depending on the drug used. PDR is currently treated by anti-VEGF, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) or a combination of both. Similarly, a number of eyes, despite these treatments, continue to progress to tractional retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage. Clearly there are other molecular pathways other than VEGF involved in the pathogenesis of DME and PDR. One of these pathways is the angiopoietin-Tie signaling pathway. Angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) plays a major role in maintaining vascular quiescence and stability. It acts as a molecular brake against vascular destabilization and inflammation that is usually promoted by angiopoietin 2 (Ang2). Several pathological conditions including chronic hyperglycemia lead to Ang2 upregulation. Recent regulatory approval of the bi-specific antibody, faricimab, may improve long term outcomes in DME. It targets both the Ang/Tie and VEGF pathways. The YOSEMITE and RHINE were multicenter, double-masked, randomized non-inferiority phase 3 clinical trials that compared faricimab to aflibercept in eyes with center-involved DME. At 12 months of follow-up, faricimab demonstrated non-inferior vision gains, improved anatomic outcomes and a potential for extended dosing when compared to aflibercept. The 2-year results of the YOSEMITE and RHINE trials demonstrated that the anatomic and functional results obtained at the 1 year follow-up were maintained. Short term outcomes of previously treated and treatment-naive eyes with DME that were treated with faricimab during routine clinical practice suggest a beneficial effect of faricimab over other agents. Targeting of Ang2 has been reported by several other means including VE-PTP inhibitors, integrin binding peptide and surrobodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genesis Chen-Li
- Asociados de Mácula Vitreo y Retina de Costa Rica, San José 60612, Costa Rica (R.M.-A.); (A.C.)
| | - Rebeca Martinez-Archer
- Asociados de Mácula Vitreo y Retina de Costa Rica, San José 60612, Costa Rica (R.M.-A.); (A.C.)
| | - Andres Coghi
- Asociados de Mácula Vitreo y Retina de Costa Rica, San José 60612, Costa Rica (R.M.-A.); (A.C.)
| | | | | | - Luis Acaba-Berrocal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, School of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Lihteh Wu
- Asociados de Mácula Vitreo y Retina de Costa Rica, San José 60612, Costa Rica (R.M.-A.); (A.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, School of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Kaur G, Roy B. Decoding Tumor Angiogenesis for Therapeutic Advancements: Mechanistic Insights. Biomedicines 2024; 12:827. [PMID: 38672182 PMCID: PMC11048662 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels within the tumor microenvironment, is considered a hallmark of cancer progression and represents a crucial target for therapeutic intervention. The tumor microenvironment is characterized by a complex interplay between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors, regulating the vascularization necessary for tumor growth and metastasis. The study of angiogenesis involves a spectrum of techniques, spanning from biomarker assessment to advanced imaging modalities. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the molecular intricacies, regulatory dynamics, and clinical implications of tumor angiogenesis. By delving into these aspects, we gain a deeper understanding of the processes driving vascularization in tumors, paving the way for the development of novel and effective antiangiogenic therapies in the fight against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Kaur
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Bipradas Roy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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5
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Ge Z, Zhang Q, Lin W, Jiang X, Zhang Y. The role of angiogenic growth factors in the immune microenvironment of glioma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1254694. [PMID: 37790751 PMCID: PMC10542410 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1254694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenic growth factors (AGFs) are a class of secreted cytokines related to angiogenesis that mainly include vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and angiopoietins (ANGs). Accumulating evidence indicates that the role of AGFs is not only limited to tumor angiogenesis but also participating in tumor progression by other mechanisms that go beyond their angiogenic role. AGFs were shown to be upregulated in the glioma microenvironment characterized by extensive angiogenesis and high immunosuppression. AGFs produced by tumor and stromal cells can exert an immunomodulatory role in the glioma microenvironment by interacting with immune cells. This review aims to sum up the interactions among AGFs, immune cells and cancer cells with a particular emphasis on glioma and tries to provide new perspectives for understanding the glioma immune microenvironment and in-depth explorations for anti-glioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiaofan Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yanyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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6
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Lahooti B, Akwii RG, Zahra FT, Sajib MS, Lamprou M, Alobaida A, Lionakis MS, Mattheolabakis G, Mikelis CM. Targeting endothelial permeability in the EPR effect. J Control Release 2023; 361:212-235. [PMID: 37517543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The characteristics of the primary tumor blood vessels and the tumor microenvironment drive the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, which confers an advantage towards enhanced delivery of anti-cancer nanomedicine and has shown beneficial effects in preclinical models. Increased vascular permeability is a landmark feature of the tumor vessels and an important driver of the EPR. The main focus of this review is the endothelial regulation of vascular permeability. We discuss current challenges of targeting vascular permeability towards clinical translation and summarize the structural components and mechanisms of endothelial permeability, the principal mediators and signaling players, the targeted approaches that have been used and their outcomes to date. We also critically discuss the effects of the tumor-infiltrating immune cells, their interplay with the tumor vessels and the impact of immune responses on nanomedicine delivery, the impact of anti-angiogenic and tumor-stroma targeting approaches, and desirable nanoparticle design approaches for greater translational benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Lahooti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Racheal G Akwii
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Fatema Tuz Zahra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Md Sanaullah Sajib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Margarita Lamprou
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Ahmed Alobaida
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michail S Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - George Mattheolabakis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
| | - Constantinos M Mikelis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA; Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece.
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7
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Zhang Y, Xu S, Jiang F, Hu M, Han Y, Wang Y, Liu Z. A comprehensive insight into the role of molecular pathways affected by the Angiopoietin and Tie system involved in hematological malignancies' pathogenesis. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154677. [PMID: 37467636 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis has been recognized as a critical factor in developing solid tumors and hematological malignancies. How angiogenesis affects the molecular pathways in malignancies is still a mystery. The angiopoietin family, one of the known molecular mediators for angiogenesis, encourages angiogenesis by attaching to Tie receptors on cell surfaces. Angiopoietin, Tie, and particularly the molecular pathways they mediate have all been the subject of recent studies that have established their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential. Here, we've reviewed the function of molecular pathways impacted by the Angiogenin and Tie system in hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Shoufang Xu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Feiyu Jiang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Mengsi Hu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Yetao Han
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Yingjian Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.
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Callegari K, Dash S, Uchida H, Shingai Y, Liu C, Khodarkovskaya A, Lee Y, Ito A, Lopez A, Zhang T, Xiang J, Kluk MJ, Sanchez T. Molecular profiling of the stroke-induced alterations in the cerebral microvasculature reveals promising therapeutic candidates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2205786120. [PMID: 37058487 PMCID: PMC10120001 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2205786120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke-induced cerebral microvascular dysfunction contributes to aggravation of neuronal injury and compromises the efficacy of current reperfusion therapies. Understanding the molecular alterations in cerebral microvessels in stroke will provide original opportunities for scientific investigation of novel therapeutic strategies. Toward this goal, using a recently optimized method which minimizes cell activation and preserves endothelial cell interactions and RNA integrity, we conducted a genome-wide transcriptomic analysis of cerebral microvessels in a mouse model of stroke and compared these transcriptomic alterations with the ones observed in human, nonfatal, brain stroke lesions. Results from these unbiased comparative analyses have revealed the common alterations in mouse stroke microvessels and human stroke lesions and identified shared molecular features associated with vascular disease (e.g., Serpine1/Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1, Hemoxygenase-1), endothelial activation (e.g., Angiopoietin-2), and alterations in sphingolipid metabolism and signaling (e.g., Sphigosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 2). Sphingolipid profiling of mouse cerebral microvessels validated the transcript data and revealed the enrichment of sphingomyelin and sphingoid species in the cerebral microvasculature compared to brain and the stroke-induced increase in ceramide species. In summary, our study has identified novel molecular alterations in several microvessel-enriched, translationally relevant, and druggable targets, which are potent modulators of endothelial function. Our comparative analyses have revealed the presence of molecular features associated with cerebral microvascular dysfunction in human chronic stroke lesions. The results shared here provide a detailed resource for therapeutic discovery of candidates for neurovascular protection in stroke and potentially, other pathologies exhibiting cerebral microvascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keri Callegari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Sabyasachi Dash
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Hiroki Uchida
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Yuto Shingai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Catherine Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Anne Khodarkovskaya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Yunkyoung Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Akira Ito
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Amanda Lopez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Jenny Xiang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Michael J. Kluk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Teresa Sanchez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
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Huang H, Saddala MS, Mukwaya A, Mohan RR, Lennikov A. Association of Placental Growth Factor and Angiopoietin in Human Retinal Endothelial Cell-Pericyte co-Cultures and iPSC-Derived Vascular Organoids. Curr Eye Res 2023; 48:297-311. [PMID: 36458540 PMCID: PMC10417885 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2149808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Placental growth factor (PlGF) and Angiopoietin (Ang)-1 are two proteins that are involved in the regulation of endothelial cell (EC) growth and vasculature formation. In the retina and endothelial cells, pericytes are the major source of both molecules. The purpose of this study is to examine the association of PlGF and Ang-1 with human EC/pericyte co-cultures and iPSC-derived vascular organoids. METHODS In this study, we used co-cultures of human primary retinal endothelial cells (HREC) and primary human retinal pericytes (HRP), western blotting, immunofluorescent analysis, TUNEL staining, LDH-assays, and RNA seq analysis, as well as human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), derived organoids (VO) to study the association between PlGF and Ang-1. RESULTS Inhibition of PlGF by PlGF neutralizing antibody in HREC-HRP co-cultures resulted in the increased expression of Ang-1 and Tie-2 in a dose-dependent manner. This upregulation was not observed in HREC and HRP monocultures but only in co-cultures suggesting the association of pericytes and endothelial cells. Furthermore, Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) inhibition abolished the Ang-1 and Tie-2 upregulation by PlGF inhibition. The pericyte viability in high-glucose conditions was also reduced by VEGFR1 neutralization. Immunofluorescent analysis showed that Ang-1 and Ang-2 were expressed mainly by perivascular cells in the VO. RNA seq analysis of the RNA isolated from VO in high glucose conditions indicated increased PlGF and Ang-2 expressions in the VO. PlGF inhibition increased the expression of Ang-1 and Tie-2 in VO, increasing the pericyte coverage of the VO microvascular network. CONCLUSION Combined, these results suggest PlGF's role in the regulation of Ang-1 and Tie-2 expression through VEGFR1. These findings provide new insights into the neovascularization process in diabetic retinopathy and new targets for potential therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Madhu Sudhana Saddala
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
- Wilmer Bioinformatics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anthony Mukwaya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical, and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Uganda
| | - Rajiv R. Mohan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Anton Lennikov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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10
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Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Asthma: Friends or Foes? Cells 2022; 11:cells11213521. [PMID: 36359917 PMCID: PMC9654069 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by variable airflow limitation and airway hyperresponsiveness. A plethora of immune and structural cells are involved in asthma pathogenesis. The roles of neutrophils and their mediators in different asthma phenotypes are largely unknown. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are net-like structures composed of DNA scaffolds, histones and granular proteins released by activated neutrophils. NETs were originally described as a process to entrap and kill a variety of microorganisms. NET formation can be achieved through a cell-death process, termed NETosis, or in association with the release of DNA from viable neutrophils. NETs can also promote the resolution of inflammation by degrading cytokines and chemokines. NETs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various non-infectious conditions, including autoimmunity, cancer and even allergic disorders. Putative surrogate NET biomarkers (e.g., double-strand DNA (dsDNA), myeloperoxidase-DNA (MPO-DNA), and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3)) have been found in different sites/fluids of patients with asthma. Targeting NETs has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy in several diseases. However, different NETs and NET components may have alternate, even opposite, consequences on inflammation. Here we review recent findings emphasizing the pathogenic and therapeutic potential of NETs in asthma.
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11
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Angiogenesis, Lymphangiogenesis, and Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Few Certainties and Many Outstanding Questions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101720. [PMID: 35626756 PMCID: PMC9139415 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation, predominantly affecting the lung parenchyma and peripheral airways, that results in progressive and irreversible airflow obstruction. COPD development is promoted by persistent pulmonary inflammation in response to several stimuli (e.g., cigarette smoke, bacterial and viral infections, air pollution, etc.). Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, and lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels, are features of airway inflammation in COPD. There is compelling evidence that effector cells of inflammation (lung-resident macrophages and mast cells and infiltrating neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, etc.) are major sources of a vast array of angiogenic (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), angiopoietins) and/or lymphangiogenic factors (VEGF-C, -D). Further, structural cells, including bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts/myofibroblasts, and airway smooth muscle cells, can contribute to inflammation and angiogenesis in COPD. Although there is evidence that alterations of angiogenesis and, to a lesser extent, lymphangiogenesis, are associated with COPD, there are still many unanswered questions.
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12
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Alcohol and Head and Neck Cancer: Updates on the Role of Oxidative Stress, Genetic, Epigenetics, Oral Microbiota, Antioxidants, and Alkylating Agents. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11010145. [PMID: 35052649 PMCID: PMC8773066 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) concerns more than 890,000 patients worldwide annually and is associated with the advanced stage at presentation and heavy outcomes. Alcohol drinking, together with tobacco smoking, and human papillomavirus infection are the main recognized risk factors. The tumorigenesis of HNC represents an intricate sequential process that implicates a gradual acquisition of genetic and epigenetics alterations targeting crucial pathways regulating cell growth, motility, and stromal interactions. Tumor microenvironment and growth factors also play a major role in HNC. Alcohol toxicity is caused both directly by ethanol and indirectly by its metabolic products, with the involvement of the oral microbiota and oxidative stress; alcohol might enhance the exposure of epithelial cells to carcinogens, causing epigenetic modifications, DNA damage, and inaccurate DNA repair with the formation of DNA adducts. Long-term markers of alcohol consumption, especially those detected in the hair, may provide crucial information on the real alcohol drinking of HNC patients. Strategies for prevention could include food supplements as polyphenols, and alkylating drugs as therapy that play a key role in HNC management. Indeed, polyphenols throughout their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions may counteract or limit the toxic effect of alcohol whereas alkylating agents inhibiting cancer cells’ growth could reduce the carcinogenic damage induced by alcohol. Despite the established association between alcohol and HNC, a concerning pattern of alcohol consumption in survivors of HNC has been shown. It is of primary importance to increase the awareness of cancer risks associated with alcohol consumption, both in oncologic patients and the general population, to provide advice for reducing HNC prevalence and complications.
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