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Hall IF, Kishta F, Xu Y, Baker AH, Kovacic JC. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition: at the axis of cardiovascular health and disease. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:223-236. [PMID: 38385523 PMCID: PMC10939465 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) line the luminal surface of blood vessels and play a major role in vascular (patho)-physiology by acting as a barrier, sensing circulating factors and intrinsic/extrinsic signals. ECs have the capacity to undergo endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a complex differentiation process with key roles both during embryonic development and in adulthood. EndMT can contribute to EC activation and dysfunctional alterations associated with maladaptive tissue responses in human disease. During EndMT, ECs progressively undergo changes leading to expression of mesenchymal markers while repressing EC lineage-specific traits. This phenotypic and functional switch is considered to largely exist in a continuum, being characterized by a gradation of transitioning stages. In this report, we discuss process plasticity and potential reversibility and the hypothesis that different EndMT-derived cell populations may play a different role in disease progression or resolution. In addition, we review advancements in the EndMT field, current technical challenges, as well as therapeutic options and opportunities in the context of cardiovascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Fernando Hall
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Franceska Kishta
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Yang Xu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Andrew H Baker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229ER, The Netherlands
| | - Jason C Kovacic
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Lowy Packer Building, 405 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School and University of New South Wales, 390 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
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2
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Smeda M, Jasztal A, Maleki EH, Bar A, Sternak M, Kwiatkowski G, Suraj-Prażmowska J, Proniewski B, Kieronska-Rudek A, Wojnar-Lason K, Skrzypek K, Majka M, Chrabaszcz K, Malek K, Chlopicki S. Endothelial-mesenchymal transition induced by metastatic 4T1 breast cancer cells in pulmonary endothelium in aged mice. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1050112. [PMID: 36504711 PMCID: PMC9731229 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1050112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing is a major risk factor for cancer metastasis but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we characterised ageing effects on cancer-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in the pulmonary circulation of female BALB/c mice in a metastatic 4T1 breast cancer model. The effect of intravenously injected 4T1 cells on pulmonary endothelium, pulmonary metastasis, lung tissue architecture, and systemic endothelium was compared between 40-week-old and 20-week-old mice. The 40-week-old mice showed features of ongoing EndMT in their lungs before 4T1 breast cancer cell injection. Moreover, they had preexisting endothelial dysfunction in the aorta detected by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to 20-week-old mice. The injection of 4T1 breast cancer cells into 40-week-old mice resulted in rapid EndMT progression in their lungs. In contrast, injection of 4T1 breast cancer cells into 20-week-old mice resulted in initiation and less pronounced EndMT progression. Although the number of metastases did not differ significantly between 20-week-old and 40-week-old mice, the lungs of older mice displayed altered lung tissue architecture and biochemical content, reflected in higher Amide II/Amide I ratio, higher fibronectin levels, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1α) levels as well as lower nitric oxide (NO) production. Our results indicate that age-dependent pre-existing endothelial dysfunction in the pulmonary endothelium of 40-week-old mice predisposed them to rapid EndMT progression in the presence of circulating 4T1 breast cancer cells what might contribute to a more severe metastatic breast cancer phenotype in these ageing mice compared to younger mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Smeda
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland,*Correspondence: Stefan Chlopicki, ; Marta Smeda,
| | - Agnieszka Jasztal
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ebrahim H Maleki
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Bar
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Sternak
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Kwiatkowski
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Suraj-Prażmowska
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bartosz Proniewski
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Kieronska-Rudek
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland,Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamila Wojnar-Lason
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland,Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Klaudia Skrzypek
- Department of Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Majka
- Department of Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Chrabaszcz
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland,Department of Experimental Physics of Complex Systems, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamilla Malek
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Stefan Chlopicki
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland,Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland,*Correspondence: Stefan Chlopicki, ; Marta Smeda,
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3
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Vorisek C, Weixler V, Dominguez M, Axt-Fliedner R, Hammer PE, Lin RZ, Melero-Martin JM, Del Nido PJ, Friehs I. Mechanical strain triggers endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition of the endocardium in the immature heart. Pediatr Res 2022; 92:721-728. [PMID: 34837068 PMCID: PMC9133271 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01843-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EndMT) plays a major role in cardiac fibrosis, including endocardial fibroelastosis but the stimuli are still unknown. We developed an endothelial cell (EC) culture and a whole heart model to test whether mechanical strain triggers TGF-β-mediated EndMT. METHODS Isolated ECs were exposed to 10% uniaxial static stretch for 8 h (stretch) and TGF-β-mediated EndMT was determined using the TGF-β-inhibitor SB431542 (stretch + TGF-β-inhibitor), BMP-7 (stretch + BMP-7) or losartan (stretch + losartan), and isolated mature and immature rats were exposed to stretch through a weight on the apex of the left ventricle. Immunohistochemical staining for double-staining with endothelial markers (VE-cadherin, PECAM1) and mesenchymal markers (αSMA) or transcription factors (SLUG/SNAIL) positive nuclei was indicative of EndMT. RESULTS Stretch-induced EndMT in ECs expressed as double-stained ECs/total ECs (cells: 46 ± 13%; heart: 15.9 ± 2%) compared to controls (cells: 7 ± 2%; heart: 3.1 ± 0.1; p < 0.05), but only immature hearts showed endocardial EndMT. Inhibition of TGF-β decreased the number of double-stained cells significantly, comparable to controls (cells/heart: control: 7 ± 2%/3.1 ± 0.1%, stretch: 46 ± 13%/15 ± 2%, stretch + BMP-7: 7 ± 2%/2.9 ± 0.1%, stretch + TGF-β-inhibitor (heart only): 5.2 ± 1.3%, stretch + losartan (heart only): 0.89 ± 0.1%; p < 0.001 versus stretch). CONCLUSIONS Endocardial EndMT is an age-dependent consequence of increased strain triggered by TGF- β activation. Local inhibition through either rebalancing TGF-β/BMP or with losartan was effective to block EndMT. IMPACT Mechanical strain imposed on the immature LV induces endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) formation through TGF-β-mediated activation of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in endocardial endothelial cells but has no effect in mature hearts. Local inhibition through either rebalancing the TGF-β/BMP pathway or with losartan blocks EndMT. Inhibition of endocardial EndMT with clinically applicable treatments may lead to a better outcome for congenital heart defects associated with EFE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Vorisek
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Viktoria Weixler
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Massiel Dominguez
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roland Axt-Fliedner
- Center for Prenatal Medicine and Fetal Therapy, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter E Hammer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruei-Zeng Lin
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Juan M Melero-Martin
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pedro J Del Nido
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ingeborg Friehs
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Huang M, Yang F, Zhang D, Lin M, Duan H, El-Mayta R, Zhang L, Qin L, Shewale SV, Pei L, Mitchell MJ, Rader DJ, Fan Y, Gong Y. Endothelial plasticity drives aberrant vascularization and impedes cardiac repair after myocardial infarction. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:372-388. [PMID: 35571674 PMCID: PMC9104847 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00047-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of death worldwide, largely because efficient interventions to restore cardiac function after MI are currently lacking. Here, we characterize vascular aberrancies induced by MI, and propose to target acquired endothelial cell (EC) changes to normalize vessels and promote cardiac repair after MI. Single-cell transcriptome analyses of MI-associated ECs indicates that ECs acquire mesenchymal gene signature that result in phenotypic and functional changes and lead to vessel abnormalities. We identify a PDGF/NF-κB/HIF-1α axis that induces Snail expression and mesenchymal phenotypes in ECs under hypoxia, altogether causing aberrant vascularization. EC-specific knockout of PDGFR-β, pharmacological PDGFR inhibition or nanoparticle-based targeted PDGFR-β siRNA delivery in mice attenuates vascular abnormalities in the infarcted tissue and improves cardiac repair after MI. These findings illustrate a mechanism controlling aberrant neovascularization after ischemia, and suggest that targeting PDGF/Snail-mediated endothelial plasticity may offer opportunities for normalizing vasculature and treating ischemic heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menggui Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of -Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of -Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Duo Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of -Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Maohuan Lin
- Division of Human Genetics and Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Hao Duan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of -Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Rakan El-Mayta
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Swapnil V. Shewale
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Liming Pei
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Michael J. Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Daniel J. Rader
- Division of Human Genetics and Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of -Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Yanqing Gong
- Division of Human Genetics and Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
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5
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Alvandi Z, Nagata Y, Passos LSA, Hashemi Gheinani A, Guerrero JL, Wylie‐Sears J, Romero DC, Morris BA, Sullivan SM, Yaghoubian KM, Alvandi A, Adam RM, Aikawa E, Levine RA, Bischoff J. Wnt Site Signaling Inhibitor Secreted Frizzled‐Related Protein 3 Protects Mitral Valve Endothelium From Myocardial Infarction–Induced Endothelial‐to‐Mesenchymal Transition. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e023695. [PMID: 35348006 PMCID: PMC9075477 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.023695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background
The onset and mechanisms of endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in mitral valve (MV) leaflets following myocardial infarction (MI) are unknown, yet these events are closely linked to stiffening of leaflets and development of ischemic mitral regurgitation. We investigated whether circulating molecules present in plasma within days after MI incite EndMT in MV leaflets.
Methods and Results
We examined the onset of EndMT in MV leaflets from 9 sheep with inferior MI, 8 with sham surgery, and 6 naïve controls. Ovine MVs 8 to 10 days after inferior MI displayed EndMT, shown by increased vascular endothelial cadherin/α‐smooth muscle actin–positive cells. The effect of plasma on EndMT in MV endothelial cells (VECs) was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, migration assays, and immunofluorescence. In vitro, post‐MI plasma induced EndMT marker expression and enhanced migration of mitral VECs; sham plasma did not. Analysis of sham versus post‐MI plasma revealed a significant drop in the Wnt signaling antagonist sFRP3 (secreted frizzled‐related protein 3) in post‐MI plasma. Addition of recombinant sFRP3 to post‐MI plasma reversed its EndMT‐inducing effect on mitral VECs. RNA‐sequencing analysis of mitral VECs exposed to post‐MI plasma showed upregulated FOXM1 (forkhead box M1). Blocking FOXM1 reduced EndMT transcripts in mitral VECs treated with post‐MI plasma. Finally, FOXM1 induced by post‐MI plasma was downregulated by sFRP3.
Conclusions
Reduced sFRP3 in post‐MI plasma facilitates EndMT in mitral VECs by increasing the transcription factor FOXM1. Restoring sFRP3 levels or inhibiting FOXM1 soon after MI may provide a novel strategy to modulate EndMT in the MV to prevent ischemic mitral regurgitation and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alvandi
- Vascular Biology Program Boston Children’s Hospital Boston MA
- Department of Surgery Harvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Yasufumi Nagata
- Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical School Boston MA
| | | | - Ali Hashemi Gheinani
- Department of Surgery Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard Cambridge MA
- Department of Urology Boston Children’s Hospital Boston MA
| | - J. Luis Guerrero
- Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical School Boston MA
| | | | - Dayana Carolina Romero
- Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Brittan A. Morris
- Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Suzanne M. Sullivan
- Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Koushiar M. Yaghoubian
- Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Amirhossein Alvandi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics University of Massachusetts Amherst MA
| | - Rosalyn M. Adam
- Department of Surgery Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Department of Urology Boston Children’s Hospital Boston MA
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences Cardiovascular MedicineBrigham and Women’s HospitalHarvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Robert A. Levine
- Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Joyce Bischoff
- Vascular Biology Program Boston Children’s Hospital Boston MA
- Department of Surgery Harvard Medical School Boston MA
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Aramini B, Masciale V, Grisendi G, Bertolini F, Maur M, Guaitoli G, Chrystel I, Morandi U, Stella F, Dominici M, Haider KH. Dissecting Tumor Growth: The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in Drug Resistance and Recurrence. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040976. [PMID: 35205721 PMCID: PMC8869911 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer is one of the most debated problems all over the world. Cancer stem cells are considered responsible of tumor initiation, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence. This subpopulation of cells has been found into the tumor bulk and showed the capacity to self-renew, differentiate, up to generate a new tumor. In the last decades, several studies have been set on the molecular mechanisms behind their specific characteristics as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, Hedgehog signaling, transcription factors, etc. The most powerful part of CSCs is represented by the niches as “promoter” of their self-renewal and “protector” from the common oncological treatment as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In our review article we highlighted the primary mechanisms involved in CSC tumorigenesis for the setting of further targets to control the metastatic process. Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is responsible for initiation, progression, and metastasis cascade in tumors. CSCs share characteristics with normal stem cells, i.e., self-renewal and differentiation potential, suggesting that they can drive cancer progression. Consequently, targeting CSCs to prevent tumor growth or regrowth might offer a chance to lead the fight against cancer. CSCs create their niche, a specific area within tissue with a unique microenvironment that sustains their vital functions. Interactions between CSCs and their niches play a critical role in regulating CSCs’ self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Differences observed in the frequency of CSCs, due to the phenotypic plasticity of many cancer cells, remain a challenge in cancer therapeutics, since CSCs can modulate their transcriptional activities into a more stem-like state to protect themselves from destruction. This plasticity represents an essential step for future therapeutic approaches. Regarding self-renewal, CSCs are modulated by the same molecular pathways found in normal stem cells, such as Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and Hedgehog signaling. Another key characteristic of CSCs is their resistance to standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, due to their capacity to rest in a quiescent state. This review will analyze the primary mechanisms involved in CSC tumorigenesis, with particular attention to the roles of CSCs in tumor progression in benign and malignant diseases; and will examine future perspectives on the identification of new markers to better control tumorigenesis, as well as dissecting the metastasis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Aramini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine–DIMES of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, G.B. Morgagni-L. Pierantoni Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (U.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentina Masciale
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (U.M.)
| | - Giulia Grisendi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Federica Bertolini
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Michela Maur
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Giorgia Guaitoli
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Isca Chrystel
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Uliano Morandi
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (U.M.)
| | - Franco Stella
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine–DIMES of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, G.B. Morgagni-L. Pierantoni Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
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Alsafadi DB, Abdullah MS, Bawadi R, Ahram M. The Association of RGS2 and Slug in the Androgen-induced Acquisition of Mesenchymal Features of Breast MDA-MB-453 Cancer Cells. Endocr Res 2022; 47:64-79. [PMID: 35168462 DOI: 10.1080/07435800.2022.2036752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells is a prerequisite to cancer cell invasion and metastasis. This process involves a network of molecular alterations. Androgen receptor (AR) plays an important role in the biology of breast cancers, particularly those dependent on AR expression like luminal AR (LAR) breast cancer subtype. We have recently reported that the AR agonist, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), induces a mesenchymal transition of MDA-MB-453 cells, concomitant with transcriptional up-regulation of Slug and regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2). OBJECTIVE The role of Slug and RGS2 in mediating the DHT-induced effects in these cells was investigated. METHODS MDA-MB-453 cells were used as a model system of LAR breast cancer. Immunofluorescence was used to examine cell morphology and protein localization. Protein expression was analyzed by immunoblotting. Protein localization was confirmed by cell fractionation followed by immunoblotting. Protein-protein interaction was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblotting. Transwell membranes were used to assess cell migration. Transfection of cells with siRNA molecules that target Slug and RGS2 mRNA was utilized to delineate the modes of action of these two molecules. RESULTS Treatment of MDA-MB-453 cells with DHT induced the expression of both proteins. In addition, AR-Slug, AR-RGS2, and Slug-RGS2 interactions were observed shortly after AR activation. Knocking down Slug abrogated the basal, but not the DHT-induced, cell migration and blocked DHT-induced mesenchymal transition. On the other hand, RGS2 knocked-down cells had an increased level of Slug protein and assumed mesenchymal cell morphology with induced migration, and the addition of DHT further elongated cell morphology and stimulated their migration. Inhibition of AR or β-catenin reverted the RGS2 knocked-down cells to the epithelial phenotype, but only inhibition of AR blocked their DHT-induced migration. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the involvement of RGS2 and Slug in a complex molecular network regulating the DHT-induced mesenchymal features in MDA-MB-453 cells. The study may offer a better understanding of the biological role of AR in breast cancer toward devising AR-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana B Alsafadi
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology, and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad S Abdullah
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology, and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Randa Bawadi
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mamoun Ahram
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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8
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The Roles of S100A4 and the EGF/EGFR Signaling Axis in Pulmonary Hypertension with Right Ventricular Hypertrophy. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11010118. [PMID: 35053115 PMCID: PMC8773074 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by increased pulmonary arterial pressure caused by the accumulation of mesenchymal-like cells in the pulmonary vasculature. PH can lead to right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) and, ultimately, heart failure and death. In PH etiology, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has emerged as a critical process governing the conversion of endothelial cells into mesenchymal cells, and S100A4, EGF, and EGFR are implicated in EndMT. However, a potential role of S100A4, EGF, and EGFR in PH has to date not been elucidated. We therefore quantified S100A4, EGF, and EGFR in patients suffering from chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH). To determine specificity for unilateral heart disease, the EndMT biomarker signature was further compared between PH patients presenting with RVH and patients suffering from aortic valve stenosis (AVS) with left ventricular hypertrophy. Reduced S100A4 concentrations were found in CTEPH and iPAH patients with RVH. Systemic EGF was increased in CTEPH but not in iPAH, while AVS patients displayed slightly diminished EGF levels. EGFR was downregulated in all patient groups when compared to healthy controls. Longitudinal data analysis revealed no effect of surgical therapies on EndMT markers. Pulmonary thrombo-endarterectomized samples were devoid of S100A4, while S100A4 tissue expression positively correlated with higher grades of Heath–Edwards histopathological lesions of iPAH-derived lung tissue. Histologically, EGFR was not detectable in CTEPH lungs or in iPAH lesions. Together, our data suggest an intricate role for S100A4 and EGF/EGFR in PH with right heart pathology.
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Razmara E, Bitaraf A, Karimi B, Babashah S. Functions of the SNAI family in chondrocyte-to-osteocyte development. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2021; 1503:5-22. [PMID: 34403146 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Different cellular mechanisms contribute to osteocyte development. And while critical roles for members of the zinc finger protein SNAI family (SNAIs) have been discussed in cancer-related models, there are few reviews summarizing their importance for chondrocyte-to-osteocyte development. To help fill this gap, we review the roles of SNAIs in the development of mature osteocytes from chondrocytes, including the regulation of chondro- and osteogenesis through different signaling pathways and in programmed cell death. We also discuss how epigenetic factors-including DNA methylation, histone methylation and acetylation, and noncoding RNAs-contribute differently to both chondrocyte and osteocyte development. To better grasp the important roles of SNAIs in bone development, we also review genotype-phenotype correlations in different animal models. We end with comments about the possible importance of the SNAI family in cartilage/bone development and the potential applications for therapeutic goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Razmara
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amirreza Bitaraf
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Karimi
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Babashah
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Gholami S, Mazidi Z, Pahlavan S, Moslem F, Hosseini M, Taei A, Hesaraki M, Barekat M, Aghdami N, Baharvand H. A Novel Insight into Endothelial and Cardiac Cells Phenotype in Systemic Sclerosis Using Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell. CELL JOURNAL 2021; 23:273-287. [PMID: 34308570 PMCID: PMC8286459 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2021.7244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Objective Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease associated with vascular damage and multi organ
fibrotic changes with unknown pathogenesis. Most SSc patients suffer from defective angiogenesis/vasculogenesis
and cardiac conditions leading to high mortality rates. We aimed to investigate the cardiovascular phenotype of SSc by
cardiogenic differentiation of SSc induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC).
Materials and Methods In this experimental study, we generated iPSC from two diffuse SSc patients, followed by
successful differentiation into endothelial cells (ECs) and cardiomyocytes (CMs).
Results SSc-derived EC (SSc-EC) expressed KDR, a nearly EC marker, similar to healthy control-EC (C1-EC). After
sorting and culturing KDR+ cells, the resulting EC expressed CD31, a late endothelial marker, but vascular endothelial
(VE)-cadherin expression markedly dropped resulting in a functional defect as reflected in tube formation failure of
SSc-EC. Interestingly, upregulation of SNAI1 (snail family transcriptional repressor 1) was observed in SSc-EC which
might underlie VE-cadherin downregulation. Furthermore, SSc-derived CM (SSc-CM) successfully expressed cardiac-
specific markers including ion channels, resulting in normal physiological behavior and responsiveness to cardioactive
drugs.
Conclusion This study provides an insight into impaired angiogenesis observed in SSc patients by evaluating in vitro
cardiovascular differentiation of SSc iPSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Gholami
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Mazidi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Pahlavan
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Moslem
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahya Hosseini
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adeleh Taei
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Hesaraki
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Barekat
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasser Aghdami
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Adjuto-Saccone M, Soubeyran P, Garcia J, Audebert S, Camoin L, Rubis M, Roques J, Binétruy B, Iovanna JL, Tournaire R. TNF-α induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition promoting stromal development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:649. [PMID: 34172716 PMCID: PMC8233393 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03920-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an important source of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which facilitates tumour progression. PDAC is characterised by abundant CAFs and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Here, we show that TNF-α strongly induces human endothelial cells to undergo EndMT. Interestingly, TNF-α strongly downregulates the expression of the endothelial receptor TIE1, and reciprocally TIE1 overexpression partially prevents TNF-α-induced EndMT, suggesting that TNF-α acts, at least partially, through TIE1 regulation in this process. We also show that TNF-α-induced EndMT is reversible. Furthermore, TNF-α treatment of orthotopic mice resulted in an important increase in the stroma, including CAFs. Finally, secretome analysis identified TNFSF12, as a regulator that is also present in PDAC patients. With the aim of restoring normal angiogenesis and better access to drugs, our results support the development of therapies targeting CAFs or inducing the EndMT reversion process in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Adjuto-Saccone
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Soubeyran
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Julie Garcia
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stéphane Audebert
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Marseille Protéomique, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Luc Camoin
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Marseille Protéomique, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Rubis
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Julie Roques
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Binétruy
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Aix-Marseille Université, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Juan Lucio Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Roselyne Tournaire
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France.
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12
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Li Y, Zhang YX, Ning DS, Chen J, Li SX, Mo ZW, Peng YM, He SH, Chen YT, Zheng CJ, Gao JJ, Yuan HX, Ou JS, Ou ZJ. Simvastatin inhibits POVPC-mediated induction of endothelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition. J Lipid Res 2021; 62:100066. [PMID: 33711324 PMCID: PMC8063863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2021.100066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), the process by which an endothelial cell (EC) undergoes a series of molecular events that result in a mesenchymal cell phenotype, plays an important role in atherosclerosis. 1-Palmitoyl-2-(5-oxovaleroyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POVPC), derived from the oxidation of 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine, is a proinflammatory lipid found in atherosclerotic lesions. Whether POVPC promotes EndMT and how simvastatin influences POVPC-mediated EndMT remains unclear. Here, we treated human umbilical vein ECs with POVPC, simvastatin, or both, and determined their effect on EC viability, morphology, tube formation, proliferation, and generation of NO and superoxide anion (O2•-). Expression of specific endothelial and mesenchymal markers was detected by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. POVPC did not affect EC viability but altered cellular morphology from cobblestone-like ECs to a spindle-like mesenchymal cell morphology. POVPC increased O2- generation and expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, Snail-1, Twist-1, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), TGF-β receptor II, p-Smad2/3, and Smad2/3. POVPC also decreased NO production and expression of CD31 and endothelial NO synthase. Simvastatin inhibited POVPC-mediated effects on cellular morphology, production of O2•- and NO, and expression of specific endothelial and mesenchymal markers. These data demonstrate that POVPC induces EndMT by increasing oxidative stress, which stimulates TGF-β/Smad signaling, leading to Snail-1 and Twist-1 activation. Simvastatin inhibited POVPC-induced EndMT by decreasing oxidative stress, suppressing TGF-β/Smad signaling, and inactivating Snail-1 and Twist-1. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of atherosclerosis that can be inhibited by simvastatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Xin Zhang
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Sheng Ning
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Chen
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Division of Hypertension and Vascular Diseases, Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shang-Xuan Li
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Wei Mo
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Ming Peng
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Hui He
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Ting Chen
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Juan Zheng
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Jun Gao
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao-Xiang Yuan
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Song Ou
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhi-Jun Ou
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Division of Hypertension and Vascular Diseases, Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Li L, Liu Q, Shang T, Song W, Xu D, Allen TD, Wang X, Jeong J, Lobe CG, Liu J. Aberrant Activation of Notch1 Signaling in Glomerular Endothelium Induces Albuminuria. Circ Res 2021; 128:602-618. [PMID: 33435713 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.120.316970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Glomerular capillaries are lined with a highly specialized fenestrated endothelium and contribute to the glomerular filtration barrier. The Notch signaling pathway is involved in regulation of glomerular filtration barrier, but its role in glomerular endothelium has not been investigated due to the embryonic lethality of animal models with genetic modification of Notch pathway components in the endothelium. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of aberrant activation of the Notch signaling in glomerular endothelium and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS We established the ZEG-NICD1 (notch1 intracellular domain)/Tie2-tTA/Tet-O-Cre transgenic mouse model to constitutively activate Notch1 signaling in endothelial cells of adult mice. The triple transgenic mice developed severe albuminuria with significantly decreased VE-cadherin (vascular endothelial cadherin) expression in the glomerular endothelium. In vitro studies showed that either NICD1 (Notch1 intracellular domain) lentiviral infection or treatment with Notch ligand DLL4 (delta-like ligand 4) markedly reduced VE-cadherin expression and increased monolayer permeability of human renal glomerular endothelial cells. In addition, Notch1 activation or gene knockdown of VE-cadherin reduced the glomerular endothelial glycocalyx. Further investigation demonstrated that activated Notch1 suppression of VE-cadherin was through the transcription factors SNAI1 (snail family transcriptional repressor 1) and ERG (Ets related gene), which bind to the -373 E-box and the -134/-118 ETS (E26 transformation-specific) element of the VE-cadherin promoter, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal novel regulatory mechanisms whereby endothelial Notch1 signaling dictates the level of VE-cadherin through the transcription factors SNAI1 and ERG, leading to dysfunction of glomerular filtration barrier and induction of albuminuria. Graphic Abstract: A graphic abstract is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Li
- Institute of Microvascular Medicine, Medical Research Center (L.L., Q.L., J.L.), Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,School of Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (L.L., T.S., W.S., X.W.)
| | - Qiang Liu
- Institute of Microvascular Medicine, Medical Research Center (L.L., Q.L., J.L.), Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Tongyao Shang
- School of Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (L.L., T.S., W.S., X.W.)
| | - Wei Song
- School of Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (L.L., T.S., W.S., X.W.)
| | - Dongmei Xu
- Department of Nephrology (D.X.), Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Thaddeus D Allen
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Division, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre (T.D.A., J.J., C.G.L.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics (T.D.A., C.G.L.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Tradewind BioScience, Daly City, California (T.D.A.)
| | - Xia Wang
- School of Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (L.L., T.S., W.S., X.W.)
| | - James Jeong
- General Internal Medicine, Markham Stouffville Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (J.J.)
| | - Corrinne G Lobe
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Division, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre (T.D.A., J.J., C.G.L.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics (T.D.A., C.G.L.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ju Liu
- Institute of Microvascular Medicine, Medical Research Center (L.L., Q.L., J.L.), Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Yasuzawa T, Nakamura T, Ueshima S, Mima A. Protective Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid on the Glomerular Endothelium via Inhibition of EndMT in Diabetes. J Diabetes Res 2021; 2021:2182225. [PMID: 34977254 PMCID: PMC8720008 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2182225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes-induced endothelial pathologies are hypothesized to lead to the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) possibly induces fibrosis, leading to glomerulosclerosis in the kidney. Furthermore, this could lead to albuminuria in diabetic nephropathy due to glomerular endothelial dysfunction. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), purified from fish oil, decreases inflammatory cytokine levels in glomerulonephritis. Here, we aimed at finding whether ethyl eicosapentaenoate (EPA-E) exerts renal protective effects via EndMT inhibition. To find out whether EPA inhibits EndMT in vitro, the changes in CD31 expression were studied in cultured mouse endothelial cells. The addition of the conditioned medium from the adipocyte culture significantly decreased the protein levels of CD31, while the addition of EPA-E partially reversed this inhibition. Further, EndMT inhibition by EPA-E treatment might occur via the inhibition of the protein kinase Cβ (PKCβ)/transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) signaling and not via microRNAs. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice fed a high-fat diet (60% from fat) exhibited mesangial expansion and albuminuria. Induction of EPA-E ameliorated the mesangial expansion and decreased albuminuria without affecting blood pressure, triglyceride and free fatty acid levels, and intraperitoneal glucose. These findings suggest that EPA-E exerts renal protective effects on endothelial cells, by normalizing EndMT followed by the PKCβ/TGF-β/PAI-1 signaling. Thus, EPA-E has the potential for imparting renal protection by regulating EndMT in DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshinori Yasuzawa
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Japan
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Health Science, Kio University, Nara, Japan
| | - Tomomi Nakamura
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Japan
| | - Shigeru Ueshima
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Japan
| | - Akira Mima
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
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15
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Androgen receptor promotes renal cell carcinoma (RCC) vasculogenic mimicry (VM) via altering TWIST1 nonsense-mediated decay through lncRNA-TANAR. Oncogene 2021; 40:1674-1689. [PMID: 33510354 PMCID: PMC7932923 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01616-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
While the androgen receptor (AR) may influence the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), its role to impact vasculogenic mimicry (VM) to alter the ccRCC progression and metastasis remains obscure. Here, we demonstrated that elevated AR expression was positively correlated with tumor-originated vasculogenesis in ccRCC patients. Consistently, in vitro research revealed AR promoted VM formation in ccRCC cell lines via modulating lncRNA-TANAR/TWIST1 signals. Mechanism dissection showed that AR could increase lncRNA-TANAR (TANAR) expression through binding to the androgen response elements (AREs) located in its promoter region. Moreover, we found that TANAR could impede nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) of TWIST1 mRNA by direct interaction with TWIST1 5'UTR. A preclinical study using in vivo mouse model with orthotopic xenografts of ccRCC cells further confirmed the in vitro data. Together, these results illustrated that AR-mediated TANAR signals might play a crucial role in ccRCC VM formation and metastasis, and targeting this newly identified AR/TANAR/TWIST1 signaling may help in the development of a novel anti-angiogenesis therapy to better suppress the ccRCC progression.
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16
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Fattahi M, Sheervalilou R, Hoseinpour N, Valiloo M, Pedram N, Montazeri V, Nejati K, Abtin M, Seif F, Alivand MR. The correlation between Twist 1 and 2 promoter methylation status and clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with breast cancer. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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17
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Cheng W, Li X, Liu D, Cui C, Wang X. Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: Role in Cardiac Fibrosis. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2020; 26:3-11. [PMID: 32851865 DOI: 10.1177/1074248420952233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a complex biological process by which endothelial cells lose their endothelial cell characteristics and acquire mesenchymal cell properties under certain physiological or pathological conditions. Recently, it has been found that EndMT plays an important role in the occurrence and development of fibrotic cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we first summarize the main induction pathways involved in EndMT process. In addition, we discuss the role of EndMT in fibrotic cardiovascular diseases and its potential implication in new therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Cheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, 91593Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, 91593Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Dongling Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, 91593Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Chaochu Cui
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, 91593Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xianwei Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, 91593Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
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18
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EMT and EndMT: Emerging Roles in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124271. [PMID: 32560057 PMCID: PMC7349630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) are physiological processes required for normal embryogenesis. However, these processes can be hijacked in pathological conditions to facilitate tissue fibrosis and cancer metastasis. In the eye, EMT and EndMT play key roles in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, the end-stage of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that leads to profound and permanent vision loss. Predominant in subretinal fibrotic lesions are matrix-producing mesenchymal cells believed to originate from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and/or choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) through EMT and EndMT, respectively. Recent evidence suggests that EMT of RPE may also be implicated during the early stages of AMD. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) is a key cytokine orchestrating both EMT and EndMT. Investigations in the molecular mechanisms underpinning EMT and EndMT in AMD have implicated a myriad of contributing factors including signaling pathways, extracellular matrix remodelling, oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction. Questions arise as to differences in the mesenchymal cells derived from these two processes and their distinct mechanistic contributions to the pathogenesis of AMD. Detailed discussion on the AMD microenvironment highlights the synergistic interactions between RPE and CECs that may augment the EMT and EndMT processes in vivo. Understanding the differential regulatory networks of EMT and EndMT and their contributions to both the dry and wet forms of AMD can aid the development of therapeutic strategies targeting both RPE and CECs to potentially reverse the aberrant cellular transdifferentiation processes, regenerate the retina and thus restore vision.
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19
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Weinstein N, Mendoza L, Álvarez-Buylla ER. A Computational Model of the Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition. Front Genet 2020; 11:40. [PMID: 32226439 PMCID: PMC7080988 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) form the lining of lymph and blood vessels. Changes in tissue requirements or wounds may cause ECs to behave as tip or stalk cells. Alternatively, they may differentiate into mesenchymal cells (MCs). These processes are known as EC activation and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), respectively. EndMT, Tip, and Stalk EC behaviors all require SNAI1, SNAI2, and Matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) function. However, only EndMT inhibits the expression of VE-cadherin, PECAM1, and VEGFR2, and also leads to EC detachment. Physiologically, EndMT is involved in heart valve development, while a defective EndMT regulation is involved in the physiopathology of cardiovascular malformations, congenital heart disease, systemic and organ fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Therefore, the control of EndMT has many promising potential applications in regenerative medicine. Despite the fact that many molecular components involved in EC activation and EndMT have been characterized, the system-level molecular mechanisms involved in this process have not been elucidated. Toward this end, hereby we present Boolean network model of the molecular involved in the regulation of EC activation and EndMT. The simulated dynamic behavior of our model reaches fixed and cyclic patterns of activation that correspond to the expected EC and MC cell types and behaviors, recovering most of the specific effects of simple gain and loss-of-function mutations as well as the conditions associated with the progression of several diseases. Therefore, our model constitutes a theoretical framework that can be used to generate hypotheses and guide experimental inquiry to comprehend the regulatory mechanisms behind EndMT. Our main findings include that both the extracellular microevironment and the pattern of molecular activity within the cell regulate EndMT. EndMT requires a lack of VEGFA and sufficient oxygen in the extracellular microenvironment as well as no FLI1 and GATA2 activity within the cell. Additionally Tip cells cannot undergo EndMT directly. Furthermore, the specific conditions that are sufficient to trigger EndMT depend on the specific pattern of molecular activation within the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Weinstein
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis Mendoza
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elena R Álvarez-Buylla
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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20
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Marmonti E, Savage H, Zhang A, Bedoya CAF, Morrell MG, Harden A, Buzbee M, Schadler K. Modulating sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors to improve chemotherapy efficacy against Ewing sarcoma. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:1206-1214. [PMID: 31922252 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tumor vasculature is innately dysfunctional. Poorly functional tumor vessels inefficiently deliver chemotherapy to tumor cells; vessel hyper-permeability promotes chemotherapy delivery primarily to a tumor's periphery. Here, we identify a method for enhancing chemotherapy efficacy in Ewing sarcoma (ES) in mice by modulating tumor vessel permeability. Vessel permeability is partially controlled by the G protein-coupled Sphinosine-1-phosphate receptors 1 and 2 (S1PR1 and S1PR2) on endothelial cells. S1PR1 promotes endothelial cell junction integrity while S1PR2 destabilizes it. We hypothesize that an imbalance of S1PR1:S1PR2 is partially responsible for the dysfunctional vascular phenotype characteristic of ES and that by altering the balance in favor of S1PR1, ES vessel hyper-permeability can be reversed. In our study, we demonstrate that pharmacologic activation of S1PR1 by SEW2871 or inhibition of S1PR2 by JTE-013 caused more organized, mature and functional tumor vessels. Importantly, S1PR1 activation or S1PR2 inhibition improved antitumor efficacy. Our data suggests that pharmacologic targeting of S1PR1 and S1PR2 may be a useful adjuvant to standard chemotherapy for ES patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Marmonti
- Department of Pediatric Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Hannah Savage
- Department of Pediatric Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Aiqian Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.,Department of Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Claudia A F Bedoya
- Department of Pediatric Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Miriam G Morrell
- Department of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Avis Harden
- Department of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Meridith Buzbee
- Department of Pediatric Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Keri Schadler
- Department of Pediatric Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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21
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Li W, Xue D, Xue M, Zhao J, Liang H, Liu Y, Sun T. Fucoidan inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via regulation of the HIF-1α pathway in mammary cancer cells under hypoxia. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:330-338. [PMID: 31289504 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of fucoidan on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line in a hypoxic microenvironment. Transwell and wound-healing assays were performed to analyze the invasion and migration of MDA-MB-231 human mammary cancer cells, respectively. The expression levels of EMT markers and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were detected through western blotting. Under hypoxia, fucoidan treatment inhibited proliferation of breast cancer cells. Fucoidan also suppressed the invasion and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells. Western blotting revealed that fucoidan treatment significantly reduced the protein expression levels of HIF-1α and HIF-1 target genes. Furthermore, the nuclear translocation and activity of HIF-1α were reduced. Fucoidan treatment significantly downregulated the expression levels of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin and vimentin), but upregulated the expression levels of the epithelial markers zonula occludens-1 and E-cadherin. In addition, overexpression of HIF1-α protected cells from fucoidan-mediated suppression of migration and invasion. These data suggested that fucoidan may inhibit EMT in human TNBC cells via downregulation of the HIF1-α signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University of Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, P.R. China
| | - Dingshan Xue
- Department of Senior Grade Three, Qingdao West Coast District No. 1 Senior High School, Qingdao, Shandong 266555, P.R. China
| | - Meilan Xue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University of Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, P.R. China
| | - Jinglan Zhao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of Qingdao Center Medical Group, Qingdao, Shandong 266042, P.R. China
| | - Hui Liang
- The Institute of Human Nutrition, Qingdao University of Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, P.R. China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University of Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, P.R. China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University of Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, P.R. China
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22
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Piera-Velazquez S, Jimenez SA. Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition: Role in Physiology and in the Pathogenesis of Human Diseases. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:1281-1324. [PMID: 30864875 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that endothelial cells are capable of undergoing endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a newly recognized type of cellular transdifferentiation. EndMT is a complex biological process in which endothelial cells adopt a mesenchymal phenotype displaying typical mesenchymal cell morphology and functions, including the acquisition of cellular motility and contractile properties. Endothelial cells undergoing EndMT lose the expression of endothelial cell-specific proteins such as CD31/platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule, von Willebrand factor, and vascular-endothelial cadherin and initiate the expression of mesenchymal cell-specific genes and the production of their encoded proteins including α-smooth muscle actin, extra domain A fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, fibroblast specific protein-1, also known as S100A4 protein, and fibrillar type I and type III collagens. Transforming growth factor-β1 is considered the main EndMT inducer. However, EndMT involves numerous molecular and signaling pathways that are triggered and modulated by multiple and often redundant mechanisms depending on the specific cellular context and on the physiological or pathological status of the cells. EndMT participates in highly important embryonic development processes, as well as in the pathogenesis of numerous genetically determined and acquired human diseases including malignant, vascular, inflammatory, and fibrotic disorders. Despite intensive investigation, many aspects of EndMT remain to be elucidated. The identification of molecules and regulatory pathways involved in EndMT and the discovery of specific EndMT inhibitors should provide novel therapeutic approaches for various human disorders mediated by EndMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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23
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Yu Z, Lin L, Jiang Y, Chin I, Wang X, Li X, Lo EH, Wang X. Recombinant FGF21 Protects Against Blood-Brain Barrier Leakage Through Nrf2 Upregulation in Type 2 Diabetes Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:2314-2327. [PMID: 30022432 PMCID: PMC6339597 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1234-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage is a characteristic feature of diabetes mellitus pathology and plays significant roles in diabetes-associated neurological disorders. However, effective treatments for diabetes targeting BBB damage are yet to be developed. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a potent regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that recombinant FGF21 (rFGF21) administration may reduce type 2 diabetes (T2D)-induced BBB disruption via NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) upregulation. Our experimental results show that rFGF21 treatment significantly ameliorated BBB permeability and preserved junction protein expression in db/db mice in vivo. This protective effect was further confirmed by ameliorated transendothelial permeability and junction protein loss by rFGF21 under hyperglycemia and IL1β (HG-IL1β) condition in cultured human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) in vitro. We further reveal that rFGF21 can activate FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) that increases its binding with Kelch ECH-associating protein 1 (Keap1), a repressor of Nrf2, thereby reducing Keap1-Nrf2 interaction leading to Nrf2 release. These data suggest that rFGF21 administration may decrease T2D-induced BBB permeability, at least in part via FGFR1-Keap1-Nrf2 activation pathway. This study may provide an impetus for development of therapeutics targeting BBB damage in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanyang Yu
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Z. Yu, ; Y. Jiang, ; I. Chin, ; E. Lo, ; X. Wang, )
| | - Li Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China (L. Lin, ; X. Wang, ; X. Li, )
| | - Yinghua Jiang
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Z. Yu, ; Y. Jiang, ; I. Chin, ; E. Lo, ; X. Wang, )
| | - Ian Chin
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Z. Yu, ; Y. Jiang, ; I. Chin, ; E. Lo, ; X. Wang, )
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China (L. Lin, ; X. Wang, ; X. Li, )
| | - Xiaokun Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China (L. Lin, ; X. Wang, ; X. Li, )
| | - Eng H. Lo
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Z. Yu, ; Y. Jiang, ; I. Chin, ; E. Lo, ; X. Wang, )
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Z. Yu, ; Y. Jiang, ; I. Chin, ; E. Lo, ; X. Wang, )
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24
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Liu T, Ma W, Xu H, Huang M, Zhang D, He Z, Zhang L, Brem S, O'Rourke DM, Gong Y, Mou Y, Zhang Z, Fan Y. PDGF-mediated mesenchymal transformation renders endothelial resistance to anti-VEGF treatment in glioblastoma. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3439. [PMID: 30150753 PMCID: PMC6110798 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05982-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer. However, most malignant solid tumors exhibit robust resistance to current anti-angiogenic therapies that primarily target VEGF pathways. Here we report that endothelial-mesenchymal transformation induces glioblastoma (GBM) resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy by downregulating VEGFR-2 expression in tumor-associated endothelial cells (ECs). We show that VEGFR-2 expression is markedly reduced in human and mouse GBM ECs. Transcriptome analysis verifies reduced VEGFR-2 expression in ECs under GBM conditions and shows increased mesenchymal gene expression in these cells. Furthermore, we identify a PDGF/NF-κB/Snail axis that induces mesenchymal transformation and reduces VEGFR-2 expression in ECs. Finally, dual inhibition of VEGFR and PDGFR eliminates tumor-associated ECs and improves animal survival in GBM-bearing mice. Notably, EC-specific knockout of PDGFR-β sensitizes tumors to VEGF-neutralizing treatment. These findings reveal an endothelial plasticity-mediated mechanism that controls anti-angiogenic therapy resistance, and suggest that vascular de-transformation may offer promising opportunities for anti-vascular therapy in cancer. Resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies often occurs in patients. Here, the authors demonstrate the role of PDGF signaling in GBM resistance to anti-VEGF treatment via a mechanism that involves endothelial-mesenchymal transformation and transcriptional regulation of VEGFR-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianrun Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Wenjuan Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China & Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Haineng Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Menggui Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Duo Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Zhenqiang He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China & Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Steven Brem
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Donald M O'Rourke
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yanqing Gong
- Division of Human Genetics and Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yonggao Mou
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China & Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Zhenfeng Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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25
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Souilhol C, Harmsen MC, Evans PC, Krenning G. Endothelial–mesenchymal transition in atherosclerosis. Cardiovasc Res 2018; 114:565-577. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Celine Souilhol
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease (IICD), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Martin C Harmsen
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul C Evans
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease (IICD), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Guido Krenning
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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26
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Xie Y, Liao J, Yu Y, Guo Q, Yang Y, Ge J, Chen H, Chen R. Endothelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition in human idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:961-969. [PMID: 29115553 PMCID: PMC5780177 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by left ventricular dilation and cardiac fibrosis. Emerging evidence indicated that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT) is a crucial event during organ fibrosis. This study was performed to clarify whether Endo-MT contributed to the progression of cardiac fibrosis in DCM. Cardiac samples from patients with DCM and control were obtained. The presence of endothelial markers, cluster of differentiation (CD)31 and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, and mesenchymal markers, α smooth muscle actin (SMA) and fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1) was performed using immunohistochemistry. Co-localization of endothelial markers and mesenchymal markers were identified using confocal immunofluorescence staining. Serum procollagen type I carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP) and procollagen type III amino-terminal propeptide (PIIINP) were measured by ELISA. Protein levels of Wnt, β-catenin and Snail were determined using western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry and double-immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the expression of CD31 and VE-cadherin were significantly decreased in DCM samples, whereas the FSP-1, and αSMA were significantly increased. CD31 and VE-cadherin labeling indexes were respectively negatively correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (CD31 r=−0.82, P<0.01; VE-cadherin r=−0.73, P<0.01), while FSP-1 and αSMA were positively associated with LVEDD (αSMA r=0.65, P<0.01, FSP1 r=0.53, P<0.01) and left ventricular ejection fraction (αSMA r=−0.18, P<0.05; FSP1 r=−0.21, P<0.05). Furthermore, PICP and PIIINP levels were positively associated with the co-expression labeling indexes (CD31/SMA co-labeling index and PICP r=0.727, P<0.01; CD31/SMA co-labeling index and PIIINP r=0.741, P<0.01; VE-Cadherin/FSP-1 co-labeling index and PICP r=0.716, P<0.01; VE-cadherin/FSP-1 co-labeling index and PIIINP r=0.648, P<0.05). Western blot analysis indicated that proteins levels of Wnt signaling and snail were significantly increased in DCM samples. These results suggested that Endo-MT is potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis and remodeling during the development of DCM, indicating a potential therapeutic target for DCM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeqing Xie
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jianquan Liao
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Qi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yingzhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Junbo Ge
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Haozhu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Ruizhen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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27
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Li A, Peng W, Xia X, Li R, Wang Y, Wei D. Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: A Potential Mechanism for Atherosclerosis Plaque Progression and Destabilization. DNA Cell Biol 2017; 36:883-891. [PMID: 28920704 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2017.3779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a cellular reprogramming mechanism by which endothelial cells acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. EndMT is associated with fibroproliferative diseases, such as cancer progression and metastasis and cardiac and kidney fibrosis, and this condition has been extensively investigated over the past decade. Recently, studies showed that EndMT contributes to the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesion and plaque destabilization. Unstable atherosclerotic plaque rupture and subsequent thrombosis are the main pathological causes of acute cardiovascular events. EndMT is plastic and reversible. Therefore, our enhanced understanding on the mechanisms controlling EndMT and its roles in the atherosclerosis plaque progression and instability may provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to stabilize and reverse atherosclerotic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afang Li
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China , Hengyang, China
| | - Wenxi Peng
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China , Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaodan Xia
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China , Hengyang, China .,2 Affiliated Nanhua Hospital of University of South China , Hengyang, China
| | - Rongqing Li
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China , Hengyang, China
| | - Yu Wang
- 3 Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, China
| | - Dangheng Wei
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China , Hengyang, China
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Mammoto T, Jiang A, Jiang E, Mammoto A. Role of Twist1 Phosphorylation in Angiogenesis and Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2017; 55:633-644. [PMID: 27281171 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2016-0012oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease in which microvessel remodeling is deregulated. However, the mechanism by which deregulated angiogenesis contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. Here we show that a transcription factor, Twist1, controls angiogenesis through the angiopoietin-Tie2 pathway, and that deregulation of this mechanism mediates pathological angiogenesis and collagen deposition in a bleomycin-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model. Twist1 knockdown decreases Tie2 expression and attenuates endothelial cell sprouting in vitro. Angiogenesis is also inhibited in fibrin gel implanted on Tie2-specific Twist1 conditional knockout (Twist1fl/fl/Tie2-cre) mouse lung in vivo. Inhibition of Twist1 phosphorylation at the serine 42 (Ser42) residue by treating endothelial cells with a mutant construct (Twist1S42A) decreases Tie2 expression and attenuates angiogenesis compared with full-length Twist1 in vitro and in vivo. Bleomycin challenge up-regulates Twist1 Ser42 phosphorylation and Tie2 expression, increases blood vessel density, and induces collagen deposition in the mouse lung, whereas these effects are attenuated in Twist1fl/fl/Tie2-cre mice or in mice treated with Twist1S42A mutant construct. These results indicate that Twist1 Ser42 phosphorylation contributes to the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis through angiopoietin-Tie2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadanori Mammoto
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amanda Jiang
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elisabeth Jiang
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Akiko Mammoto
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Autocrine Human Growth Hormone Promotes Invasive and Cancer Stem Cell-Like Behavior of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by STAT3 Dependent Inhibition of CLAUDIN-1 Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061274. [PMID: 28617312 PMCID: PMC5486096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite progress in diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the clinical outcome is still unsatisfactory. Increased expression of human growth hormone (hGH) in HCC has been reported and is associated with poor survival outcome in HCC patients. Herein, we investigated the mechanism of the oncogenic effects of hGH in HCC cell lines. In vitro functional assays demonstrated that forced expression of hGH in these HCC cell lines promoted cell proliferation, cell survival, anchorage-independent growth, cell migration, and invasion, as previously reported. In addition, forced expression of hGH promoted cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties of HCC cells. The increased invasive and CSC-like properties of HCC cells with forced expression of hGH were mediated by inhibition of the expression of the tight junction component CLAUDIN-1. Consistently, depletion of CLAUDIN-1 expression increased the invasive and CSC-like properties of HCC cell lines. Moreover, forced expression of CLAUDIN-1 abrogated the acquired invasive and CSC-like properties of HCC cell lines with forced expression of hGH. We further demonstrated that forced expression of hGH inhibited CLAUDIN-1 expression in HCC cell lines via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mediated inhibition of CLAUDIN-1 transcription. Hence, we have elucidated a novel hGH-STAT3-CLAUDIN-1 axis responsible for invasive and CSC-like properties in HCC. Inhibition of hGH should be considered as a therapeutic option to hinder progression and relapse of HCC.
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Doerr M, Morrison J, Bergeron L, Coomber BL, Viloria-Petit A. Differential effect of hypoxia on early endothelial–mesenchymal transition response to transforming growth beta isoforms 1 and 2. Microvasc Res 2016; 108:48-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Claudin 1 in Breast Cancer: New Insights. J Clin Med 2015; 4:1960-76. [PMID: 26633531 PMCID: PMC4693152 DOI: 10.3390/jcm4121952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudin 1 is a small transmembrane protein responsible for maintaining the barrier function that exists between epithelial cells. A tight junction protein that regulates the paracellular transport of small ions across adjacent cells, claudin 1 maintains cellular polarity and plays a major role in cell-cell communication and epithelial cell homeostasis. Long considered to be a putative tumor suppressor in human breast cancer, new studies suggest a role much more complex. While most invasive breast cancers exhibit a down regulation or absence of claudin 1, some aggressive subtypes that exhibit high claudin 1 levels have now been described. Furthermore, a causal role for claudin 1 in breast cancer progression has recently been demonstrated in some breast cancer cell lines. In this review we highlight new insights into the role of claudin 1 in breast cancer, including its involvement in collective migration and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT).
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Development of Endothelial-Specific Single Inducible Lentiviral Vectors for Genetic Engineering of Endothelial Progenitor Cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17166. [PMID: 26612671 PMCID: PMC4661691 DOI: 10.1038/srep17166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are able to migrate to tumor vasculature. These cells, if genetically modified, can be used as vehicles to deliver toxic material to, or express anticancer proteins in tumor. To test this hypothesis, we developed several single, endothelial-specific, and doxycycline-inducible self-inactivating (SIN) lentiviral vectors. Two distinct expression cassettes were inserted into a SIN-vector: one controlled by an endothelial lineage-specific, murine vascular endothelial cadherin (mVEcad) promoter for the expression of a transactivator, rtTA2S-M2; and the other driven by an inducible promoter, TREalb, for a firefly luciferase reporter gene. We compared the expression levels of luciferase in different vector constructs, containing either the same or opposite orientation with respect to the vector sequence. The results showed that the vector with these two expression cassettes placed in opposite directions was optimal, characterized by a robust induction of the transgene expression (17.7- to 73-fold) in the presence of doxycycline in several endothelial cell lines, but without leakiness when uninduced. In conclusion, an endothelial lineage-specific single inducible SIN lentiviral vector has been developed. Such a lentiviral vector can be used to endow endothelial progenitor cells with anti-tumor properties.
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Marsan M, Van den Eynden G, Limame R, Neven P, Hauspy J, Van Dam PA, Vergote I, Dirix LY, Vermeulen PB, Van Laere SJ. A core invasiveness gene signature reflects epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition but not metastatic potential in breast cancer cell lines and tissue samples. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89262. [PMID: 24586640 PMCID: PMC3931724 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Metastases remain the primary cause of cancer-related death. The acquisition of invasive tumour cell behaviour is thought to be a cornerstone of the metastatic cascade. Therefore, gene signatures related to invasiveness could aid in stratifying patients according to their prognostic profile. In the present study we aimed at identifying an invasiveness gene signature and investigated its biological relevance in breast cancer. Methods & Results We collected a set of published gene signatures related to cell motility and invasion. Using this collection, we identified 16 genes that were represented at a higher frequency than observed by coincidence, hereafter named the core invasiveness gene signature. Principal component analysis showed that these overrepresented genes were able to segregate invasive and non-invasive breast cancer cell lines, outperforming sets of 16 randomly selected genes (all P<0.001). When applied onto additional data sets, the expression of the core invasiveness gene signature was significantly elevated in cell lines forced to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The link between core invasiveness gene expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition was also confirmed in a dataset consisting of 2420 human breast cancer samples. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that CIG expression is not associated with a shorter distant metastasis free survival interval (HR = 0.956, 95%C.I. = 0.896–1.019, P = 0.186). Discussion These data demonstrate that we have identified a set of core invasiveness genes, the expression of which is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cell lines and in human tissue samples. Despite the connection between epithelial-mesenchymal transition and invasive tumour cell behaviour, we were unable to demonstrate a link between the core invasiveness gene signature and enhanced metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melike Marsan
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, Oncology Center, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Gert Van den Eynden
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, Oncology Center, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ridha Limame
- Laboratory for Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Jan Hauspy
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, Oncology Center, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Luc Y. Dirix
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, Oncology Center, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter B. Vermeulen
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, Oncology Center, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Steven J. Van Laere
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, Oncology Center, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Dll4-containing exosomes induce capillary sprout retraction in a 3D microenvironment. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4031. [PMID: 24504253 PMCID: PMC3916896 DOI: 10.1038/srep04031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Delta-like 4 (Dll4), a membrane-bound Notch ligand, plays a fundamental role in vascular development and angiogenesis. Dll4 is highly expressed in capillary endothelial tip cells and is involved in suppressing neighboring stalk cells to become tip cells during angiogenesis. Dll4-Notch signaling is mediated either by direct cell-cell contact or by Dll4-containing exosomes from a distance. However, whether Dll4-containing exosomes influence tip cells of existing capillaries is unknown. Using a 3D microfluidic device and time-lapse confocal microscopy, we show here for the first time that Dll4-containing exosomes causes tip cells to lose their filopodia and trigger capillary sprout retraction in collagen matrix. We demonstrate that Dll4 exosomes can freely travel through 3D collagen matrix and transfer Dll4 protein to distant tip cells. Upon reaching endothelial sprout, it causes filopodia and tip cell retraction. Continuous application of Dll4 exosomes from a distance lead to significant reduction of sprout formation. This effect correlates with Notch signaling activation upon Dll4-containing exosome interaction with recipient endothelial cells. Furthermore, we show that Dll4-containing exosomes increase endothelial cell motility while suppressing their proliferation. These data revealed novel functions of Dll4 in angiogenesis through exosomes.
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Cheng JC, Chang HM, Leung PCK. Transforming growth factor-β1 inhibits trophoblast cell invasion by inducing Snail-mediated down-regulation of vascular endothelial-cadherin protein. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:33181-92. [PMID: 24106276 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.488866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human trophoblast cells express transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and TGF-β receptors. It has been shown that TGF-β1 treatment decreases the invasiveness of trophoblast cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying TGF-β1-decreased trophoblast invasion are still not fully understood. In the current study, we demonstrated that treatment of HTR-8/SVneo human trophoblast cells with TGF-β1 decreased cell invasion and down-regulated the expression of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin). In addition, the inhibitory effect of TGF-β1 on VE-cadherin was confirmed in primary cultures of human trophoblast cells. Moreover, knockdown of VE-cadherin using siRNA decreased the invasiveness of HTR-8/SVneo cells and primary cultures of trophoblast cells. Treatment with TGF-β1 induced the activation of Smad-dependent signaling pathways and the expression of Snail and Slug. Knockdown of Smads attenuated TGF-β1-induced up-regulation of Snail and Slug and down-regulation of VE-cadherin. Interestingly, depletion of Snail, but not Slug, attenuated TGF-β1-induced down-regulation of VE-cadherin. Furthermore, overexpression of Snail suppressed VE-cadherin expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses showed the direct binding of Snail to the VE-cadherin promoter. These results provide evidence that Snail mediates TGF-β1-induced down-regulation of VE-cadherin, which subsequently contributed to TGF-β1-decreased trophoblast cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Chien Cheng
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3V5, Canada
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Mammoto T, Jiang E, Jiang A, Lu Y, Juan AM, Chen J, Mammoto A. Twist1 controls lung vascular permeability and endotoxin-induced pulmonary edema by altering Tie2 expression. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73407. [PMID: 24023872 PMCID: PMC3759405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tight regulation of vascular permeability is necessary for normal development and deregulated vascular barrier function contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, cancer and inflammation. The angiopoietin (Ang)-Tie2 pathway is known to control vascular permeability. However, the mechanism by which the expression of Tie2 is regulated to control vascular permeability has not been fully elucidated. Here we show that transcription factor Twist1 modulates pulmonary vascular leakage by altering the expression of Tie2 in a context-dependent way. Twist1 knockdown in cultured human lung microvascular endothelial cells decreases Tie2 expression and phosphorylation and increases RhoA activity, which disrupts cell-cell junctional integrity and increases vascular permeability in vitro. In physiological conditions, where Ang1 is dominant, pulmonary vascular permeability is elevated in the Tie2-specific Twist1 knockout mice. However, depletion of Twist1 and resultant suppression of Tie2 expression prevent increase in vascular permeability in an endotoxin-induced lung injury model, where the balance of Angs shifts toward Ang2. These results suggest that Twist1-Tie2-Angs signaling is important for controlling vascular permeability and modulation of this mechanism may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for pulmonary edema and other diseases caused by abnormal vascular permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadanori Mammoto
- 1 Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elisabeth Jiang
- 1 Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Amanda Jiang
- 1 Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yongbo Lu
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Aimee M. Juan
- 3 Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jing Chen
- 3 Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Akiko Mammoto
- 1 Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Teng J, Wang X, Xu Z, Tang N. HBx-dependent activation of Twist mediates STAT3 control of epithelium-mesenchymal transition of liver cells. J Cell Biochem 2013; 114:1097-104. [PMID: 23161342 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of liver cells with HBx expression on epithelium-mesenchymal transition (EMT) change using Western blot analysis and Transwell assay to assess EMT-related protein expression and cell mobility. Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were used to test the Twist promoter containing different STAT3 binding loci. Electrophoretic mobility band-shift assay (EMSA) was used to detect Twist activity. Results showed that HBx expression affected the EMT-related protein expression and the cell mobility of liver cancer cells (MHCC97) and liver cells (HL-7702) in vitro or in vivo. These proteins exhibited reversed expression to a certain extent after Twist inhibition. In addition, the wound-healing capability and the mobility of HL-7702/HBx cells were lower than those treated with control-siRNA. The expressions of p-STAT3 and Twist were positively correlated with HBx expression. The second STAT-3 binding sequence in the Twist promoter region of the HL-7702/HBx cells was the first locus. Twist activity in the HL-7702/HBx2 cells was higher than that in HL-7702 cells. Moreover, the activity decreased when the cells were treated with HBx-siRNA to inhibit HBx expression, or with STAT3 inhibitor to reduce STAT3 activation. Therefore, Twist is essential for the regulation of the mobility of liver cells with HBx expression. HBx activates the Twist promoter by activating STAT3 and promotes EMT occurrence in liver cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Teng
- Medical Laboratory, Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen 361009, China
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Maddaluno L, Rudini N, Cuttano R, Bravi L, Giampietro C, Corada M, Ferrarini L, Orsenigo F, Papa E, Boulday G, Tournier-Lasserve E, Chapon F, Richichi C, Retta SF, Lampugnani MG, Dejana E. EndMT contributes to the onset and progression of cerebral cavernous malformations. Nature 2013; 498:492-6. [DOI: 10.1038/nature12207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 344] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Blanchard AA, Ma X, Dueck KJ, Penner C, Cooper SC, Mulhall D, Murphy LC, Leygue E, Myal Y. Claudin 1 expression in basal-like breast cancer is related to patient age. BMC Cancer 2013; 13:268. [PMID: 23721519 PMCID: PMC3674926 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Defects in tight junctions, gate-keepers of the integrity of the epidermal barrier function, are known to contribute to cancer development. As such, enhancing our understanding of how the expression of proteins involved in these junctions is regulated in cancer, remains a priority. Although the expression of one of these proteins, claudin 1, is down regulated in most invasive human breast cancers (HBC), we have recently shown that high levels of claudin 1, characterized tumors belonging to the very aggressive basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) subtype. In these tumors, the claudin 1 protein, usually localized in the cell membrane, is often mislocalized to the cytoplasm. Methods To examine the clinical relevance of this observation, we have generated and analyzed an invasive HBC tissue microarray consisting of 151 breast tumor samples; 79 of which presented a basal-like phenotype (i.e. ER-ve, PR-ve HER2-ve, CK5/6 or EGFR+ve). We also interrogated the outcome of claudin 1 knockdown in a human BLBC cell line, BT-20. Results Immunohistochemical analysis of this patient cohort revealed a significant association between high claudin 1 expression and BLBCs in women 55 years of age and older. Interestingly, no significant association was found between claudin 1 and nodal involvement, tumor grade or tumor size. Regression analysis however, showed a significant positive association between claudin 1 and claudin 4, even though claudin 4 did not significantly correlate with patient age. Claudin 1 knockdown in BT-20 cells resulted in decreased cell migration. It also significantly altered the expression of several genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT); in particular, SERPINE 1 (PAI1) and SSP1 (osteopontin), known to inhibit EMT and cancer cell migration. Conversely, genes known to maintain EMT through their interaction, SNAIL2, TCF4 and FOXC2 were significantly down regulated. Conclusions The association of high claudin 1 protein levels observed in tumors derived from older women with BLBC, suggests that claudin 1 has the potential to serve as a marker which can identify a specific subgroup of patients within the BLBC subtype and thus, further contribute to the characterization of these ill-defined breast cancers. More importantly, our studies strongly suggest that claudin 1 directly participates in promoting breast cancer progression, possibly through the alteration of expression of EMT genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne A Blanchard
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Bowers SLK, Baudino TA. Cardiac Myocyte–Fibroblast Interactions and the Coronary Vasculature. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2012; 5:783-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s12265-012-9407-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Kim JY, Kim YM, Yang CH, Cho SK, Lee JW, Cho M. Functional regulation of Slug/Snail2 is dependent on GSK-3β-mediated phosphorylation. FEBS J 2012; 279:2929-39. [PMID: 22727060 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2012.08674.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Snail family proteins regulate transcription of molecules for cell-cell adhesion during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Based on putative glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) phosphorylation sites within the Slug/Snail2, we explored the significance of GSK-3β-mediated phosphorylation in Slug/Snail2 expression during EMT. Mutation of the putative GSK-3β phosphorylation sites (S92/96A or S100/104A) enhanced the Slug/Snail2-mediated EMT properties of E-cadherin repression and vimentin induction, compared with wild-type Slug/Snail2. S92/96A mutation inhibited degradation of Slug/Snail2 and S100/104A mutation extended nuclear stabilization. Inhibition of GSK-3β activity caused similar effects, as did the phosphorylation mutations. Thus, our study suggests that GSK-3β-mediated phosphorylation of Slug/Snail2 controls its turnover and localization during EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Young Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Jeju National University, South Korea
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Khaidakov M, Mitra S, Mehta JL. Adherence junction proteins in angiogenesis: modulation by aspirin and salicylic acid. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2012; 13:187-93. [PMID: 22240749 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0b013e32834eecdc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of neovasculature correlates with plaque instability and rupture as well as tumor growth and aggressiveness. In recent years, aspirin has emerged as a powerful modality in prophylaxis of cardiovascular events, which may be linked to its inhibitory effects on angiogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied the role of endothelial adherens junctions in angiogenesis and the modulation of adherens junctions by acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and salicylic acid as mechanisms of the angiostatic potential of these agents. Exposure of human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVECs) to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) significantly enhanced tube formation. The disruption of adherens junctions as well as phosphorylation and cytoplasmic translocation of VE-cadherin and p120 catenin were early consequences of VEGF addition to the medium bathing the HUVECs. Pretreatment with ASA and salicylic acid prevented changes in adherence junction proteins and inhibited VEGF-induced tube formation by HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION Angiogenesis is associated with significant alterations in adherens junctions. Both ASA and salicylic acid reduce angiogenesis by modulating adherens junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magomed Khaidakov
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212, USA.
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Twist expression associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2012; 367:195-203. [PMID: 22581441 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-012-1333-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the expression of Twist in gastric cancer tissues and its correlation between Twist and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). By means of RT-PCR and Western blot, the mRNA and protein expressions of Twist, E-cadherin, and Vimentin in 61 gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues were detected. The positive rates of Twist, E-cadherin, and Vimentin mRNA expression in gastric cancer tissues were 73.9. 40.6, and 60.9 %, respectively; compared to the expression of these genes in adjacent normal tissues (2.9, 75.4, and 27.5 %), the differences were significant (p < 0.05). The E-cadherin protein expression level in gastric cancer tissues was significantly lower than that in the adjacent normal tissues (p < 0.05). After the transfection of Twist siRNA into the MKN45 cells, the protein expression of Twist was significantly reduced (p < 0.05), the protein expression of E-cadherin was significantly increased, and the number of cells that passed through the Transwell chamber was significantly lower than that in the non-transfected control group as well as the transfected control group (p < 0.05). Twist may be associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer and the tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis of gastric cancer.
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Overlapping and divergent signaling pathways of N-cadherin and VE-cadherin in endothelial cells. Blood 2012; 119:2159-70. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-09-381012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) express 2 members of the cadherin family, VE and N-cadherin. Although VE-cadherin induces EC homotypic adhesion, N-cadherin function in ECs remains largely unknown. EC-specific inactivation of either VE or N-cadherin leads to early fetal lethality suggesting that these cadherins play a nonredundant role in vascular development. We report here that VE-cadherin negatively controls junctional localization and expression of N-cadherin by limiting p120-catenin availability and reducing β-catenin transcriptional activity. Using EC lines expressing either VE or N-cadherin we found that both cadherins inhibit cell proliferation and apoptosis. Both trigger the phosphatidylinositol-3-OH-kinase (PI3K)–AKT-Forkhead-box protein-O1 (FoxO1) pathway and reduce β-catenin transcriptional activity. The extent of signaling correlates with the total level of cadherins regardless of the type of cadherin expressed. In contrast, basal and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)–induced cell motility is promoted by N-cadherin and strongly inhibited by VE-cadherin. This opposite effect is partly because of the ability of VE-cadherin to associate with FGF receptor and the density-enhanced phosphatase-1 (Dep-1) which, in turn, inhibits receptor signaling. We conclude that VE and N-cadherin have both additive and divergent effects on ECs. Differences in signaling are due, in part, to cadherin association with growth factor receptors and modulation of their downstream signaling.
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van Meeteren LA, ten Dijke P. Regulation of endothelial cell plasticity by TGF-β. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 347:177-86. [PMID: 21866313 PMCID: PMC3250609 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-011-1222-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence has demonstrated that endothelial cells can have a remarkable plasticity. By a process called Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT) endothelial cells convert to a more mesenchymal cell type that can give rise to cells such as fibroblasts, but also bone cells. EndMT is essential during embryonic development and tissue regeneration. Interestingly, it also plays a role in pathological conditions like fibrosis of organs such as the heart and kidney. In addition, EndMT contributes to the generation of cancer associated fibroblasts that are known to influence the tumor-microenvironment favorable for the tumor cells. EndMT is a form of the more widely known and studied Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Like EMT, EndMT can be induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Indeed many studies have pointed to the important role of TGF-β receptor/Smad signaling and downstream targets, such as Snail transcriptional repressor in EndMT. By selective targeting of TGF-β receptor signaling pathological EndMT may be inhibited for the therapeutic benefit of patients with cancer and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens A van Meeteren
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Centre for Biomedical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Yamaguchi I, Tchao BN, Burger ML, Yamada M, Hyodo T, Giampietro C, Eddy AA. Vascular endothelial cadherin modulates renal interstitial fibrosis. Nephron Clin Pract 2011; 120:e20-31. [PMID: 22126970 DOI: 10.1159/000332026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Renal interstitial fibrosis is a final common pathway of all chronic, progressive kidney diseases. Peritubular capillary rarefaction is strongly correlated with fibrosis. The adherens junction protein vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) is thought to play a critical role in vascular integrity. We hypothesized that VE-cadherin modulates the renal microcirculation during fibrogenesis and ultimately affects renal fibrosis. METHODS Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was used as a renal fibrosis model in VE-cadherin heterozygote (VE+/-) and wild-type (WT) mice, and the kidneys were harvested at days 3, 7, and 14. Peritubular capillary changes and fibrogenesis were investigated. RESULTS VE+/- mice had lower levels of VE-cadherin protein than WT mice at 3 and 7, but not 14 days after UUO. Vascular permeability was significantly greater in VE+/- mice 7 days after UUO, while peritubular capillary density was not significantly different in VE+/- and WT mice. Interstitial myofibroblast numbers and collagen I and III mRNA levels were significantly higher in VE+/- mice, consistent with a stronger early fibrogenic response. Expression of the pericyte marker neuron-glial antigen 2 was upregulated after UUO, but was not greater in VE+/- mice compared to the WT mice. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that VE-cadherin controls vascular permeability and limits fibrogenesis after UUO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuyo Yamaguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101-1309, USA.
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Zou W, Yang Y, Wu Y, Sun L, Chi Y, Wu W, Yun X, Xie J, Gu J. Negative role of trihydrophobin 1 in breast cancer growth and migration. Cancer Sci 2010; 101:2156-62. [PMID: 20735431 PMCID: PMC11158160 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2010.01656.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Trihydrophobin 1 (TH1) is a member of the negative elongation factor complex, which is involved in transcriptional pausing. Although the negative elongation factor complex attenuates the estrogen receptor α-mediated transcription, little is known about the relationship between TH1 and tumor progression. Here, we report that the protein level of TH1 was negatively correlated with the aggressiveness of human breast cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that TH1 expression in clinical stage III-IV primary breast cancer tissues was statistically significantly lower than that in stage I-II breast tissues (P < 0.01), and especially inversely associated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001). Furthermore, we showed that overexpression of TH1 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells inhibited, and knockdown of TH1 in MCF-7 cells enhanced, cell proliferation and migratory ability. Moreover, upregulation of TH1 in MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in the decrease of cyclin D1, β-catenin, and ERK activity, and the increase of p21. In contrast, knockdown of TH1 in MCF-7 cells enhanced the expression of cyclin D1 and β-catenin, increased the activity of ERK, and downregulated the expression of p21. Additionally, overexpression of TH1 in MDA-MB-231 cells prevented. However, knockdown of TH1 in MCF-7 cells induced a number of molecular and cellular alterations associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Taken together, our results suggest that TH1 might play an important role in regulation of proliferation and invasion in human breast cancer, and could be a potential target for human breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiying Zou
- Gene Research Center, Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Kirschner KM, Sciesielski LK, Scholz H. Wilms' tumour protein Wt1 stimulates transcription of the gene encoding vascular endothelial cadherin. Pflugers Arch 2010; 460:1051-61. [PMID: 20811903 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-010-0873-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Revised: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The Wilms' tumour gene, Wt1, encodes a zinc finger protein, which is mutated in a subset of paediatric renal carcinomas known as Wilms' tumours (nephroblastomas). Recent findings indicate that Wt1, beside its role in genitourinary development, is also necessary for normal vascularisation of the embryonic heart, and may even be involved in tumour angiogenesis. The original purpose of this study was to decipher potential downstream signalling pathways of Wt1 for blood vessel formation. We found that the Wt1(-KTS) protein, which functions as a transcription factor, stimulated the expression of cadherin 5 (CDH5, vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin) and other vascular genes, i.e. those encoding vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 and 2, and angiopoietin-2. Furthermore, an enhancer element was identified in the first intron of the CDH5 gene, which bound to the Wt1(-KTS) protein and was necessary for reporter gene activation by Wt1(-KTS) in transiently transfected cell lines. Wt1 and VE-cadherin proteins could be co-localised by double immunofluorescence staining in maturating glomeruli of embryonic murine kidneys. VE-cadherin transcripts were reduced in some but not all tissues of Wt1-deficient mouse embryos. These results indicate that Wt1 can stimulate vascular gene transcription. By demonstrating that Wt1(-KTS) protein trans-activates an enhancer element in the first intron we identified CDH5 as a novel target gene of Wt1. It is suggested that transcriptional activation of CDH5 by Wt1 fulfils regulatory functions during vascular development and kidney formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin M Kirschner
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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Harris ES, Nelson WJ. VE-cadherin: at the front, center, and sides of endothelial cell organization and function. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2010; 22:651-8. [PMID: 20708398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2010.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2010] [Revised: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 07/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells form cell-cell adhesive structures, called adherens and tight junctions, which maintain tissue integrity, but must be dynamic for leukocyte transmigration during the inflammatory response and cellular remodeling during angiogenesis. This review will focus on Vascular Endothelial (VE)-cadherin, an endothelial-specific cell-cell adhesion protein of the adherens junction complex. VE-cadherin plays a key role in endothelial barrier function and angiogenesis, and consequently VE-cadherin availability and function are tightly regulated. VE-cadherin also participates directly and indirectly in intracellular signaling pathways that control cell dynamics and cell cycle progression. Here we highlight recent work that has advanced our understanding of multiple regulatory and signaling mechanisms that converge on VE-cadherin and have consequences for endothelial barrier function and angiogenic remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Harris
- Department of Biology, The James H. Clark Center, Bio-X Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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The E-cadherin repressor slug and progression of human extrahepatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2010; 29:88. [PMID: 20594328 PMCID: PMC2905342 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-29-88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study explored the expression and function of Slug in human extrahepatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma (EHC) to identify its role in tumor progression. METHODS The expression of Snail and Slug mRNA in 52 human tissue samples of EHC was investigated. The mRNA of Snail and Slug were quantified using reverse transcriptase-PCR, and correlations with E-cadherin expression and clinicopathological factors were investigated. We then investigated transfection of Slug cDNA in endogenous E-cadherin-positive human EHC FRH0201 cells, selectively induced the loss of E-cadherin protein expression, and then small interfering RNA (siRNA) for inhibition of Slug expression in endogenous Slug-positive human EHC QBC939 cells, selectively induced the loss of Slug protein expression. A Boyden chamber transwell assay was used for invasion. RESULTS Slug mRNA was overexpressed in 18 cases (34.6%) of EHC compared with adjacent noncancerous tissue. E-Cadherin protein expression determined in the same 52 cases by immunohistochemistry was significantly down-regulated in those cases with Slug mRNA overexpression (P = 0.0001). The tumor and nontumor ratio of Slug mRNA was correlated with nodal metastasis(p = 0.0102), distant metastasis (p = 0.0001)and Survival time(p = 0.0443). However, Snail mRNA correlated with neither E-cadherin expression nor tumor invasiveness. By inhibiting Slug expression by RNA interference, we found that reduced Slug levels upregulated E-cadherin and decreased invasion in QBC939 cell. When the QBC939 cells was infected with Slug cDNA,, significant E-cadherin was downregulated and increased invasion in QBC939 cell. CONCLUSIONS The results suggested that Slug expression plays an important role in both the regulation of E-cadherin expression and in the acquisition of invasive potential in human EHC. Slug is possibly a potential target for an antitumor therapy blocking the functions of invasion and metastasis in human EHCs.
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