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Zhu Y, Su SA, Shen J, Ma H, Le J, Xie Y, Xiang M. Recent advances of the Ephrin and Eph family in cardiovascular development and pathologies. iScience 2024; 27:110556. [PMID: 39188984 PMCID: PMC11345580 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatoma (Eph) receptors, comprising the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), exert profound influence on diverse biological processes and pathological conditions such as cancer. Interacting with their corresponding ligands, erythropoietin-producing hepatoma receptor interacting proteins (Ephrins), Eph receptors regulate crucial events like embryonic development, tissue boundary formation, and tumor cell survival. In addition to their well-established roles in embryonic development and cancers, emerging evidence highlights the pivotal contribution of the Ephrin/Eph family to cardiovascular physiology and pathology. Studies have elucidated their involvement in cardiovascular development, atherosclerosis, postnatal angiogenesis, and, more recently, cardiac fibrosis and calcification, suggesting a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions in cardiovascular diseases. There remains a need for a comprehensive synthesis of their collective impact in the cardiovascular context. By exploring the intricate interactions between Eph receptors, ephrins, and cardiovascular system, this review aims to provide a holistic understanding of their roles and therapeutic potential in cardiovascular health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Sheng-an Su
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jian Shen
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jixie Le
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Meixiang Xiang
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Hangzhou 310009, China
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Corbo S, Nguyen D, Bhatia S, Darragh LB, Abdelazeem KNM, Court BV, Olimpo NA, Gadwa J, Yu J, Hodgson C, Samedi V, Garcia ES, Siu L, Saviola A, Heasley LE, Knitz MW, Pasquale EB, Karam SD. The pro-tumoral and anti-tumoral roles of EphA4 on T regulatory cells and tumor associated macrophages during HNSCC tumor progression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.13.607778. [PMID: 39211197 PMCID: PMC11361144 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.13.607778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a deadly cancer with poor response to targeted therapy, largely driven by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Here we examine the immune-modulatory role of the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA4 in HNSCC progression. Within the TME, EphA4 is primarily expressed on regulatory T cells (Tregs) and macrophages. In contrast ephrinB2, an activating ligand of EphA4, is expressed in tumor blood vessels. Using genetically engineered mouse models, we show that EphA4 expressed in Tregs promotes tumor growth, whereas EphA4 expressed in monocytes inhibits tumor growth. In contrast, ephrinB2 knockout in blood vessels reduces both intratumoral Tregs and macrophages. A novel specific EphA4 inhibitor, APY-d3-PEG4, reverses the accelerated tumor growth we had previously reported with EphB4 cancer cell knockout. EphA4 knockout in macrophages not only enhanced their differentiation into M2 macrophage but also increased Treg suppressive activity. APY-d3-PEG4 reversed the accelerated growth seen in the EphA4 knockout of monocytes but conferred no additional benefit when EphA4 was knocked out on Tregs. Underscoring an EphA4-mediated interplay between Tregs and macrophages, we found that knockout of EphA4 in Tregs not only decreases their activation but also reduces tumor infiltration of pro-tumoral M2 macrophages. These data identify Tregs as a primary target of APY-d3-PEG4 and suggest a role for Tregs in regulating macrophage conversion. These data also support the possible anti-cancer therapeutic value of bispecific peptides or antibodies capable of promoting EphA4 blockade in Tregs but not macrophages. Significance EphA4 in regulatory T cells has a pro-tumoral effect while EphA4 in macrophages plays an anti-tumoral role underscoring the necessity of developing biologically rational therapeutics.
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Chu LY, Wu FC, Guo HP, Xie JJ, Qu QQ, Li XH, Xu YW, Peng YH, Qiu B. Combined detection of serum EFNA1 and MMP13 as diagnostic biomarker for gastric cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15957. [PMID: 38987376 PMCID: PMC11237037 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65839-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We previously identified that serum EFNA1 and MMP13 were potential biomarker for early detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. In this study, our aim is to explore the diagnostic value of serum EFNA1 and MMP13 for gastric cancer. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the expression levels of serum EFNA1 and MMP13 in 210 GCs and 223 normal controls. The diagnostic value of EFNA1 and MMP13 was evaluated in an independent cohorts of GC patients and normal controls (n = 238 and 195, respectively). Receiver operating characteristics were used to calculate diagnostic accuracy. In training and validation cohorts, serum EFNA1 and MMP13 levels in the GC groups were significantly higher than those in the normal controls (P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of the combined detection of serum EFNA1 and MMP13 for GC was improved (0.794), compared with single biomarker used. Similar results were observed in the validation cohort. Importantly, the combined measurement of serum EFNA1 and MMP13 to detect early-stage GC also had acceptable diagnostic accuracy in training and validation cohort. Combined detection of serum EFNA1 and MMP13 could help identify early-stage GC, suggesting that it may be a promising tool for the early detection of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yu Chu
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Jiaying University, No. 146 Huangtang Road, Meizhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Control Research Center, the Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Fang-Cai Wu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Control Research Center, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Hai-Peng Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Control Research Center, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jian-Jun Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Qi-Qi Qu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Control Research Center, the Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xin-Hao Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Control Research Center, the Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yi-Wei Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Control Research Center, the Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, China.
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
| | - Yu-Hui Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Control Research Center, the Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, China.
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
| | - Bo Qiu
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Jiaying University, No. 146 Huangtang Road, Meizhou, China.
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Chikkamenahalli LL, Jessen E, Bernard CE, Ip WE, Breen-Lyles M, Cipriani G, Pullapantula SR, Li Y, AlAsfoor S, Wilson L, Koch KL, Kuo B, Shulman RJ, Chumpitazi BP, McKenzie TJ, Kellogg TA, Tonascia J, Hamilton FA, Sarosiek I, McCallum R, Parkman HP, Pasricha PJ, Abell TL, Farrugia G, Dasari S, Grover M. Single cell atlas of human gastric muscle immune cells and macrophage-driven changes in idiopathic gastroparesis. iScience 2024; 27:108991. [PMID: 38384852 PMCID: PMC10879712 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal immune cells, particularly muscularis macrophages (MM) interact with the enteric nervous system and influence gastrointestinal motility. Here we determine the human gastric muscle immunome and its changes in patients with idiopathic gastroparesis (IG). Single cell sequencing was performed on 26,000 CD45+ cells obtained from the gastric tissue of 20 subjects. We demonstrate 11 immune cell clusters with T cells being most abundant followed by myeloid cells. The proportions of cells belonging to the 11 clusters were similar between IG and controls. However, 9/11 clusters showed 578-11,429 differentially expressed genes. In IG, MM had decreased expression of tissue-protective and microglial genes and increased the expression of monocyte trafficking and stromal activating genes. Furthermore, in IG, IL12 mediated JAK-STAT signaling involved in the activation of tissue-resident macrophages and Eph-ephrin signaling involved in monocyte chemotaxis were upregulated. Patients with IG had a greater abundance of monocyte-like cells. These data further link immune dysregulation to the pathophysiology of gastroparesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik Jessen
- Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Cheryl E. Bernard
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Enteric Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - W.K. Eddie Ip
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Margaret Breen-Lyles
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Enteric Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Gianluca Cipriani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Enteric Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Suraj R. Pullapantula
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Enteric Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shefaa AlAsfoor
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Enteric Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Laura Wilson
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Braden Kuo
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - James Tonascia
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Frank A. Hamilton
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Irene Sarosiek
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Gianrico Farrugia
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Enteric Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Surendra Dasari
- Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Madhusudan Grover
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Enteric Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - the NIDDK Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium (GpCRC)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Enteric Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
- Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
- University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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Owens HA, Thorburn LE, Walsby E, Moon OR, Rizkallah P, Sherwani S, Tinsley CL, Rogers L, Cerutti C, Ridley AJ, Williams J, Knäuper V, Ager A. Alzheimer's disease-associated P460L variant of EphA1 dysregulates receptor activity and blood-brain barrier function. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:2016-2033. [PMID: 38184788 PMCID: PMC10984439 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genome-wide association studies link susceptibility to late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) with EphA1. Sequencing identified a non-synonymous substitution P460L as a LOAD risk variant. Other Ephs regulate vascular permeability and immune cell recruitment. We hypothesized that P460L dysregulates EphA1 receptor activity and impacts neuroinflammation. METHODS EphA1/P460L receptor activity was assayed in isogenic Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) cells. Soluble EphA1/P460L (sEphA1/sP460L) reverse signaling in brain endothelial cells was assessed by T-cell recruitment and barrier function assays. RESULTS EphA1 and P460L were expressed in HEK cells, but membrane and soluble P460L were significantly reduced. Ligand engagement induced Y781 phosphorylation of EphA1 but not P460L. sEphA1 primed brain endothelial cells for increased T-cell recruitment; however, sP460L was less effective. sEphA1 decreased the integrity of the brain endothelial barrier, while sP460L had no effect. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that P460L alters EphA1-dependent forward and reverse signaling, which may impact blood-brain barrier function in LOAD. HIGHLIGHTS EphA1-dependent reverse signaling controls recruitment of T cells by brain endothelial cells. EphA1-dependent reverse signaling remodels brain endothelial cell contacts. LOAD-associated P460L variant of EphA1 shows reduced membrane expression and reduced ligand responses. LOAD-associated P460L variant of EphA1 fails to reverse signal to brain endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen A. Owens
- Division of Infection and ImmunitySchool of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
- School of DentistryCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Lauren E. Thorburn
- Division of Infection and ImmunitySchool of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Elisabeth Walsby
- Division of Cancer & GeneticsSchool of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Owen R. Moon
- Division of Infection and ImmunitySchool of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Pierre Rizkallah
- Division of Infection and ImmunitySchool of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Subuhi Sherwani
- Division of Infection and ImmunitySchool of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Caroline L. Tinsley
- Division of Infection and ImmunitySchool of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Louise Rogers
- Division of Infection and ImmunitySchool of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Camilla Cerutti
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of BristolBristolUK
| | - Anne J. Ridley
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of BristolBristolUK
| | | | | | - Ann Ager
- Division of Infection and ImmunitySchool of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
- Systems Immunity University Research InstituteCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
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Wu X, Tao W, Wang Y, Wu Q, Ye C, Song X, Guo X, Liu J. Increased Serum EphrinA1 Is Associated with Parenchymal Hematoma after Ischemic Stroke. Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 52:651-657. [PMID: 37105137 DOI: 10.1159/000530449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous preclinical studies reported that the level of serum EphrinA1 was associated with blood-brain barrier disruption; however, its role in predicting parenchymal hematoma (PH) after ischemic stroke is underexplored. We aimed to explore the association between the level of serum EphrinA1 and PH in patients with ischemic stroke. METHODS Patients with ischemic stroke after onset from West China Hospital, Sichuan University, were prospectively enrolled between January 2017 and December 2019. The level of serum EphrinA1 at baseline was measured after admission. PH was diagnosed as hematoma within the infarct territory detected on the brain CT/MRI scans within 7 days after onset but not on the initial scan according to European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS) III criteria. The association between the level of serum EphrinA1 and PH after ischemic stroke was assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 667 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 67.20 ± 14.31 years, and 57.87% (368/667) were males. Of the 667 patients, 65 (9.75%) patients had PH. The median of EphrinA1 on admission was 82.83 ng/mL (IQR, 70.11-93.75 ng/mL). Compared with patients without PH, those with PH had a higher level of serum EphrinA1 (p = 0.024). Patients were divided into 3 categories based on EphrinA1 tertiles (T1, <79.11 ng/mL, n = 223; T2, 79.11-93.75 ng/mL, n = 222; and T3, >93.75 ng/mL, n = 222). After adjusting for age, sex, atrial fibrillation, smoking, statins, antiplatelets, Trail of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥15, patients in the second and third EphrinA1 tertiles showed a significant increase in PH compared with those in the lowest tertile (OR 2.44, 95% CI: 1.10-5.40, p = 0.028; OR 2.61, 95% CI: 1.19-5.74, p = 0.017, respectively). Additionally, adjusting for reperfusion therapy (thrombolysis and/or endovascular therapy), only patients in the highest group (tertile 3) had a significantly higher risk of PH compared to the lowest group (OR 2.30, 95% CI: 1.03-5.13, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION Higher serum EphrinA1 is independently associated with a higher risk of PH after ischemic stroke. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate our findings and elucidate the potential role of EphrinA1 in PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmao Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,
| | - Wendan Tao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chen Ye
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xindi Song
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaonan Guo
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Zhang Y, Zhang J, Pan G, Guan T, Zhang C, Hao A, Li Y, Ren H. Effects of EFNA1 on cell phenotype and prognosis of esophageal carcinoma. World J Surg Oncol 2021; 19:242. [PMID: 34399788 PMCID: PMC8369630 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-021-02362-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To investigate the expression and clinical significance of EFNA1 in broad-spectrum tumors, and to evaluate its relationship with prognosis and biological functions of esophageal carcinoma (ESCA). Methods EFNA1 expression in various cancers was analyzed according to the data in the TCGA database. The clinical data were integrated, to analyze the relationship with ESCA clinical parameters and prognosis, and EFNA1 expression in ESCA tissue samples was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Based on bioinformatics, the functional background of EFNA1 overexpression was analyzed. EFNA1 knockout cell model was established by EFNA1-shRNA transfecting ESCA cells, and the effect of knocking down EFNA1 on the proliferation of ESCA cells was detected by MTT. Results Among 7563 samples from TCGA, the EFNA1 gene highly expressed in 15 samples with common cancers and endangered the prognosis of patients with tumors. Its overexpression in ESCA and its influence on the prognosis were most significant. EFNA1 expression in 80 samples with ESCA and their paired samples was tested by IHC to verify its high expression (paired t test, P < 0.001) in ESCA tissues. It was found that EFNA1 expression was related to clinical factors (TNM staging, P = 0.031; lymph node metastasis, P = 0.043; infiltration, P = 0.016). Meanwhile, EFNA1 was found to be an independent risk factor based on the COX multi-factor analysis. And to further explore the importance of EFNA1 in tumors, EC-9706 and ECA109 cells were screened from 8 ESCA-related cell lines to build EFNA1 knockdown cell models. The results showed that EFNA1 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation of tumor cells (P < 0.05). In terms of molecular mechanism, EFNA1 related genes were significantly enriched in the proliferative pathway according to the pathway enrichment analysis. It was found that knocking down EFNA1 did inhibit cell proliferation based on cell experiments. Conclusions EFNA1 overexpression in ESCA tissue is related to the prognosis of patients. Knocking down EFNA1 can significantly inhibit the proliferation of ESCA cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-021-02362-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Zhang
- Ward 2, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College, No. 27, Taishun Street, Tiefeng District, Qiqihar, 161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jinning Zhang
- Ward 2, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College, No. 27, Taishun Street, Tiefeng District, Qiqihar, 161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Guanlong Pan
- Ward 2, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College, No. 27, Taishun Street, Tiefeng District, Qiqihar, 161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Tianhao Guan
- Ward 2, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College, No. 27, Taishun Street, Tiefeng District, Qiqihar, 161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Changhao Zhang
- Ward 2, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College, No. 27, Taishun Street, Tiefeng District, Qiqihar, 161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - An Hao
- Ward 2, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College, No. 27, Taishun Street, Tiefeng District, Qiqihar, 161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yan Li
- Ward 2, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College, No. 27, Taishun Street, Tiefeng District, Qiqihar, 161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Hai Ren
- Ward 2, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College, No. 27, Taishun Street, Tiefeng District, Qiqihar, 161000, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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Hao YP, Wang WY, Qiao Q, Li G. EFNA1 is a potential key gene that correlates with immune infiltration in low-grade glioma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26188. [PMID: 34087884 PMCID: PMC8183727 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
EFNA1 is a key gene that is associated with the pathogenesis of several human cancers. However, the prognostic role of EFNA1 in many cancers and the relationship between EFNA1 and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in different cancers remain unclear.The expression levels of EFNA1 in 33 types of cancer in the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database were collected via the UCSC Xena browser. The clinical data of LGG (low grade glioma) patients were downloaded from the TCGA database. The glioma data from the CGGA (Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas) database were also downloaded to verify the results. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to investigate the prognostic value of EFNA1 in different cancers using R software. We verified the differential expression of EFNA1 in glioma and normal brain tissue via gene expression profiling interactive analysis. We evaluated the relationship between the expression level of EFNA1 and the clinicopathological features of LGG patients via the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The immune infiltration levels were evaluated via tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER) and CIBERSORT, and the correlations between EFNA1 and immune cell levels were investigated via TIMER. Finally, we conducted gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to explore the potential mechanisms.Data from the TCGA database showed that EFNA1 was differentially expressed in many kinds of cancers when compared with normal tissues. Upregulated EFNA1 expression in esophageal carcinoma (ESCA), cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC), and LGG correlated with shorter patient overall survival (OS) times. The Cox regression analysis revealed that the expression of EFNA1 was also a risk factor for the disease-specific survival (DSS) and progression-free interval (PFI) of LGG patients. The multiple Cox regression analysis revealed that EFNA1 was an independent prognostic factor for LGG patients. In addition, EFNA1 expression was increased in the WHO grade III group and the 1p19q non-codeletion group. Moreover, EFNA1 expression was positively correlated with the levels of infiltrating CD4+ T cells, myeloid dendritic cells and neutrophils in LGG. GSEA suggested that several GO and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) items associated with nervous system function and apoptotic pathway were significantly enriched in the EFNA1-low and EFNA1-high expression phenotypes.EFNA1 may play a pivotal role in the development of LGG and may serve as a potential marker for LGG prognosis and therapy.
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Zhang H, Prins J, Vreeken D, Florijn BW, de Bruin RG, van Hengel ORJ, van Essen MF, Duijs JMGJ, Van Esch H, van der Veer EP, van Zonneveld AJ, van Gils JM. Comprehensive analysis of neuronal guidance cue expression regulation during monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation reveals post-transcriptional regulation of semaphorin7A by the RNA-binding protein quaking. Innate Immun 2021; 27:118-132. [PMID: 33241976 PMCID: PMC7882812 DOI: 10.1177/1753425920966645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, monocytes differentiate into macrophages. Comprehensive analysis of gene expression regulation of neuronal guidance cue (NGC) ligands and receptors in the monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation process is not available yet. We performed transcriptome profiling in both human primary PBMCs/PBMC-derived macrophages and THP-1 cells/THP-1-macrophages using microarray or RNA sequencing methods. Pathway analysis showed that the axonal guidance pathway is significantly regulated upon monocyte differentiation. We confirmed NGC ligands and receptors which were consistently regulated, including SEMA4D, SEMA7A, NRP1, NRP2, PLXNA1 and PLXNA3. The involvement of RNA-binding protein quaking (QKI) in the regulation of NGC expression was investigated using monocytes and macrophages from a QKI haplo-insufficient patient and her healthy sibling. This revealed a positive correlation of SEMA7A expression with QKI expression. In silico analysis of 3'UTRs of NGCs proposed the competitive binding of QKI to proximal microRNA targeting sites as the mechanism of QKI-dependent regulation of SEMA7A. RNA immunoprecipitation confirmed an interaction of QKI with the 3'UTR of SEMA7A. Loss of SEMA7A resulted in monocyte differentiation towards a more anti-inflammatory macrophage. Taken together, the axonal guidance pathway is regulated during monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation, and the regulation is in line with the necessary functional adaption for the specialised role of macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayu Zhang
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Jurriën Prins
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Dianne Vreeken
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Barend W Florijn
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben G de Bruin
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar RJ van Hengel
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Mieke F van Essen
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques MGJ Duijs
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde Van Esch
- Department of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eric P van der Veer
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Anton Jan van Zonneveld
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Janine M van Gils
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
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10
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Abstract
Cardiovascular pathologies are often induced by inflammation. The associated changes in the inflammatory response influence vascular endothelial biology; they complicate the extent of ischaemia and reperfusion injury, direct the migration of immune competent cells and activate platelets. The initiation and progression of inflammation is regulated by the classical paradigm through the system of cytokines and chemokines. Therapeutic approaches have previously used this knowledge to control the extent of cardiovascular changes with varying degrees of success. Neuronal guidance proteins (NGPs) have emerged in recent years and have been shown to be significantly involved in the control of tissue inflammation and the mechanisms of immune cell activation. Therefore, proteins of this class might be used in the future as targets to control the extent of inflammation in the cardiovascular system. In this review, we describe the role of NGPs during cardiovascular inflammation and highlight potential therapeutic options that could be explored in the future.
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11
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Vreeken D, Zhang H, van Zonneveld AJ, van Gils JM. Ephs and Ephrins in Adult Endothelial Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165623. [PMID: 32781521 PMCID: PMC7460586 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands are important guidance molecules during neurological and vascular development. In recent years, it has become clear that the Eph protein family remains functional in adult physiology. A subset of Ephs and ephrins is highly expressed by endothelial cells. As endothelial cells form the first barrier between the blood and surrounding tissues, maintenance of a healthy endothelium is crucial for tissue homeostasis. This review gives an overview of the current insights of the role of ephrin ligands and receptors in endothelial function and leukocyte recruitment in the (patho)physiology of adult vascular biology.
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12
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Hao Y, Li G. Role of EFNA1 in tumorigenesis and prospects for cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110567. [PMID: 32745910 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major threats to human health. It is of vital importance to reveal the mechanisms of tumorigenesis, identify effective biomarkers and develop novel treatments to improve patient outcome. EFNA1 (ephrinA1) is a member of the EFN family, and it has been studied extensively since its discovery in 1990. Increasing evidence indicates that EFNA1 plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of tumors. We provide a detailed overview of the expression and prognostic value of EFNA1 in different types of human malignancies. We briefly discuss the mechanisms of EFNA1 induction in hypoxic environments and its pro-angiogenic function in different cancer cells. We describe the effects of EFNA1 on tumor growth, invasiveness and metastasis. We summarize recent advances in EFNA1-associated cancer therapeutics with emphasis on the prospect of novel anti-tumor methods based on EFNA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongping Hao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Guang Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, 110001, China.
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13
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de Boer ECW, van Gils JM, van Gils MJ. Ephrin-Eph signaling usage by a variety of viruses. Pharmacol Res 2020; 159:105038. [PMID: 32565311 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ephrin-Eph signaling is a receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathway involved in a variety of cellular mechanisms, of which many are related to the adhesion or migration of cells. Both the Eph receptor and ephrin ligand are abundantly present on a wide variety of cell types, and strongly evolutionary conserved. This review provides an overview of how 18 genetically diverse viruses utilize the Eph receptor (Eph), ephrin ligand (ephrin) or ephrin-Eph signaling to their advantage in their viral life cycle. Both Ephs and ephrins have been shown to serve as entry receptors for a variety of viruses, via both membrane fusion and endocytosis. Ephs and ephrins are also involved in viral transmission by vectors, associated with viral replication or persistence and lastly to neurological damage caused by viral infection. Although therapeutic opportunities targeting Ephs or ephrins do not seem feasible yet, the current research does propose two models for the viral usage of ephrin-Eph signaling. Firstly, the viral entry model, in which membrane molecules are used for viral entry, leading to cells being used for replication or as a transporter. Secondly, the advantageous expression ephrin-Eph signaling model, where viruses adapt the expression of Ephs or ephrins to change cell-cell interaction to their advantage. These models can guide future research questions on the usage of Ephs or ephrins by viruses and therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther C W de Boer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Janine M van Gils
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Marit J van Gils
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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14
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Harnessing the Power of Eph/ephrin Biosemiotics for Theranostic Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13060112. [PMID: 32492868 PMCID: PMC7345574 DOI: 10.3390/ph13060112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive basic biological knowledge of the Eph/ephrin system in the physiologic setting is needed to facilitate an understanding of its role and the effects of pathological processes on its activity, thereby paving the way for development of prospective therapeutic targets. To this end, this review briefly addresses what is currently known and being investigated in order to highlight the gaps and possible avenues for further investigation to capitalize on their diverse potential.
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15
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Vreeken D, Bruikman CS, Cox SML, Zhang H, Lalai R, Koudijs A, van Zonneveld AJ, Hovingh GK, van Gils JM. EPH receptor B2 stimulates human monocyte adhesion and migration independently of its EphrinB ligands. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:999-1011. [PMID: 32337793 PMCID: PMC7496365 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2a0320-283rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular basis of atherosclerosis is not fully understood and mice studies have shown that Ephrins and EPH receptors play a role in the atherosclerotic process. We set out to assess the role for monocytic EPHB2 and its Ephrin ligands in human atherosclerosis and show a role for EPHB2 in monocyte functions independently of its EphrinB ligands. Immunohistochemical staining of human aortic sections at different stages of atherosclerosis showed that EPHB2 and its ligand EphrinB are expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and that expression proportionally increases with plaque severity. Functionally, stimulation with EPHB2 did not affect endothelial barrier function, nor did stimulation with EphrinB1 or EphrinB2 affect monocyte‐endothelial interactions. In contrast, reduced expression of EPHB2 in monocytes resulted in decreased monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and a decrease in monocyte transmigration, mediated by an altered morphology and a decreased ability to phosphorylate FAK. Our results suggest that EPHB2 expression in monocytes results in monocyte accumulation by virtue of an increase of transendothelial migration, which can subsequently contribute to atherosclerotic plaque progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne Vreeken
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Suzanne Bruikman
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Martinus Leonardus Cox
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Huayu Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Reshma Lalai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Angela Koudijs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anton Jan van Zonneveld
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard Kornelis Hovingh
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janine Maria van Gils
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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16
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Shiuan E, Inala A, Wang S, Song W, Youngblood V, Chen J, Brantley-Sieders DM. Host deficiency in ephrin-A1 inhibits breast cancer metastasis. F1000Res 2020; 9:217. [PMID: 32399207 PMCID: PMC7194498 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.22689.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The conventional dogma of treating cancer by focusing on the elimination of tumor cells has been recently refined to include consideration of the tumor microenvironment, which includes host stromal cells. Ephrin-A1, a cell surface protein involved in adhesion and migration, has been shown to be tumor suppressive in the context of the cancer cell. However, its role in the host has not been fully investigated. Here, we examine how ephrin-A1 host deficiency affects cancer growth and metastasis in a murine model of breast cancer. Methods: 4T1 cells were orthotopically implanted into the mammary fat pads or injected into the tail veins of ephrin-A1 wild-type (
Efna1+/+), heterozygous (
Efna1+/-), or knockout (
Efna1-/-) mice. Tumor growth, lung metastasis, and tumor recurrence after surgical resection were measured. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to analyze various cell populations in primary tumors and tumor-bearing lungs. Results: While primary tumor growth did not differ between
Efna1+/+,
Efna1+/-, and
Efna1-/- mice, lung metastasis and primary tumor recurrence were significantly decreased in knockout mice.
Efna1-/- mice had reduced lung colonization of 4T1 cells compared to
Efna1+/+ littermate controls as early as 24 hours after tail vein injection. Furthermore, established lung lesions in
Efna1-/- mice had reduced proliferation compared to those in
Efna1+/+ controls. Conclusions: Our studies demonstrate that host deficiency of ephrin-A1 does not impact primary tumor growth but does affect metastasis by providing a less favorable metastatic niche for cancer cell colonization and growth. Elucidating the mechanisms by which host ephrin-A1 impacts cancer relapse and metastasis may shed new light on novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Shiuan
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Ashwin Inala
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Shan Wang
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.,Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Wenqiang Song
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.,Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | | | - Jin Chen
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.,Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Dana M Brantley-Sieders
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
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17
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Shiuan E, Inala A, Wang S, Song W, Youngblood V, Chen J, Brantley-Sieders DM. Host deficiency in ephrin-A1 inhibits breast cancer metastasis. F1000Res 2020; 9:217. [PMID: 32399207 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.22689.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The conventional dogma of treating cancer by focusing on the elimination of tumor cells has been recently refined to include consideration of the tumor microenvironment, which includes host stromal cells. Ephrin-A1, a cell surface protein involved in adhesion and migration, has been shown to be tumor suppressive in the context of the cancer cell. However, its role in the host has not been fully investigated. Here, we examine how ephrin-A1 host deficiency affects cancer growth and metastasis in a murine model of breast cancer. Methods: 4T1 cells were orthotopically implanted into the mammary fat pads or injected into the tail veins of ephrin-A1 wild-type ( Efna1 +/+), heterozygous ( Efna1 +/-), or knockout ( Efna1 -/-) mice. Tumor growth, lung metastasis, and tumor recurrence after surgical resection were measured. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to analyze various cell populations in primary tumors and tumor-bearing lungs. Results: While primary tumor growth did not differ between Efna1 +/+, Efna1 +/-, and Efna1 -/- mice, lung metastasis and primary tumor recurrence were significantly decreased in knockout mice. Efna1 -/- mice had reduced lung colonization of 4T1 cells compared to Efna1 +/+ littermate controls as early as 24 hours after tail vein injection. Furthermore, established lung lesions in Efna1 -/- mice had reduced proliferation compared to those in Efna1 +/+ controls. Conclusions: Our studies demonstrate that host deficiency of ephrin-A1 does not impact primary tumor growth but does affect metastasis by providing a less favorable metastatic niche for cancer cell colonization and growth. Elucidating the mechanisms by which host ephrin-A1 impacts cancer relapse and metastasis may shed new light on novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Shiuan
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Ashwin Inala
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Shan Wang
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.,Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Wenqiang Song
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.,Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | | | - Jin Chen
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.,Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Dana M Brantley-Sieders
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
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18
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Peripheral loss of EphA4 ameliorates TBI-induced neuroinflammation and tissue damage. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:210. [PMID: 31711546 PMCID: PMC6844068 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1605-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The continuum of pro- and anti-inflammatory response elicited by traumatic brain injury (TBI) is suggested to play a key role in the outcome of TBI; however, the underlying mechanisms remain ill -defined. METHODS Here, we demonstrate that using bone marrow chimeric mice and systemic inhibition of EphA4 receptor shifts the pro-inflammatory milieu to pro-resolving following acute TBI. RESULTS EphA4 expression is increased in the injured cortex as early as 2 h post-TBI and on CX3CR1gfp-positive cells in the peri-lesion. Systemic inhibition or genetic deletion of EphA4 significantly reduced cortical lesion volume and shifted the inflammatory profile of peripheral-derived immune cells to pro-resolving in the damaged cortex. These findings were consistent with in vitro studies showing EphA4 inhibition or deletion altered the inflammatory state of LPS-stimulated monocyte/macrophages towards anti-inflammatory. Phosphoarray analysis revealed that EphA4 may regulate pro-inflammatory gene expression by suppressing the mTOR, Akt, and NF-κB pathways. Our human metadata analysis further demonstrates increased EPHA4 and pro-inflammatory gene expression, which correlates with reduced AKT concurrent with increased brain injury severity in patients. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings implicate EphA4 as a novel mediator of cortical tissue damage and neuroinflammation following TBI.
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19
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Darling TK, Lamb TJ. Emerging Roles for Eph Receptors and Ephrin Ligands in Immunity. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1473. [PMID: 31333644 PMCID: PMC6620610 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Eph receptors are the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases and mediate a myriad of essential processes in humans from embryonic development to adult tissue homeostasis through interactions with membrane-bound ephrin ligands. The ubiquitous expression of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands among the cellular players of the immune system underscores the importance of these molecules in orchestrating an optimal immune response. This review provides an overview of the various roles of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands in immune cell development, activation, and migration. We also discuss the role of Eph receptors in disease pathogenesis as well as the implications of Eph receptors as future immunotherapy targets. Given the diverse and critical roles of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands throughout the immune system during both resting and activated states, this review aims to highlight the critical yet underappreciated roles of this family of signaling molecules in the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayer K Darling
- Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis Program, Emory University Laney Graduate School, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Tracey J Lamb
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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20
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Chen F, Liu Z, Peng W, Gao Z, Ouyang H, Yan T, Ding S, Cai Z, Zhao B, Mao L, Cao Z. Activation of EphA4 induced by EphrinA1 exacerbates disruption of the blood-brain barrier following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion via the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:2651-2658. [PMID: 30186497 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VD) is a syndrome characterized by progressive cognitive decline. According to previous studies, stroke is considered to be a risk factor for VD. The disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is pivotal to the pathology of stroke, as it contributes to post-stroke inflammation and edema. It has been reported that the Eph/Ephrin signaling pathway serves an important role in central nervous system injury. However, the role of EphrinA1/EphA4 signaling in BBB damage following ischemic stroke has not yet been reported. Oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion was performed to detect changes in EphrinA1 and EphA4 expression in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). Male mice were randomly divided into four groups [Sham, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), I/R+EphrinA1 and I/R+EphA4] to observe the role of EphrinA1 and EphA4 under I/R conditions in vivo. The results of the present study revealed that the expression of EphrinA1 and EphA4 was significantly increased following I/R in vitro and in vivo. The administration of soluble ligand EphrinA1 enhanced CD68+ cell accumulation, brain edema and dysfunction of the BBB, with lower expression levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Claudin-5. In addition, EphrinA1-treated mice had a higher level of caspase-3 and a lower level of phosphorylated-protein kinase B. However, the effects of EphrinA1 were abolished by EphA4-Fc, an inhibitor of EphA4. These results suggested that EphrinA1 exerted its effects on I/R injury via the activated EphA4 receptor. In addition, EphrinA1 decreased ZO-1 and Claudin-5 expression through the Rho/Rho associated kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway, which was attenuated by the pharmacological inhibition of Rho (C3 transferase) or ROCK (Y-27632). In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that the activation of EphA4 induced by EphrinA1 contributes to BBB damage following ischemic stroke through the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway, which highlights a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke and may help the development of preventative interventions for VD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangbin Chen
- Institute of Psychiatry, The 102nd Hospital of PLA, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyang Liu
- Institute of Psychiatry, The 102nd Hospital of PLA, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
| | - Wei Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, The 92nd Hospitial of PLA, Nanping, Fujian 353000, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqin Gao
- Institute of Psychiatry, The 102nd Hospital of PLA, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
| | - Hui Ouyang
- Institute of Psychiatry, The 102nd Hospital of PLA, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
| | - Tongjun Yan
- Institute of Psychiatry, The 102nd Hospital of PLA, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
| | - Songbai Ding
- Institute of Psychiatry, The 102nd Hospital of PLA, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
| | - Zhankui Cai
- Institute of Psychiatry, The 102nd Hospital of PLA, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Institute of Psychiatry, The 102nd Hospital of PLA, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
| | - Longjin Mao
- Institute of Psychiatry, The 102nd Hospital of PLA, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyong Cao
- Institute of Psychiatry, The 102nd Hospital of PLA, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
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21
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Funk SD, Finney AC, Yurdagul A, Pattillo CB, Orr AW. EphA2 stimulates VCAM-1 expression through calcium-dependent NFAT1 activity. Cell Signal 2018; 49:30-38. [PMID: 29793020 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cell activation by proinflammatory stimuli drives leukocyte recruitment through enhanced expression of counter-receptors such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). We previously demonstrated that activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2 with its ligand ephrin-A1 induces VCAM-1 expression. Here, we sought to characterize the proinflammatory signaling pathways involved. Analysis of over-represented transcription factors in ephrin-A1-induced genes identified multiple potential transcriptional regulators, including the Rel family members nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB/p65) and nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT). While ephrin-A1 failed to induce endothelial NF-κB activation, NF-κB inhibitors prevented ephrin-A1-induced VCAM-1 expression, suggesting basal NF-κB activity is required. In contrast, ephrin-A1 induced a robust EphA2-dependent increase in NFAT activation, and mutation of the NF-κB/NFAT-binding sites in the VCAM-1 promoter blunted ephrin-A1-induced promoter activity. NFAT activation classically occurs through calcium-dependent calcineurin activation, and inhibiting NFAT signaling with calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine A, FK506) or direct NFAT inhibitors (A-285222) was sufficient to block ephrin-A1-induced VCAM-1 expression. Consistent with robust NFAT activation, ephrin-A1-induced an EphA2-dependent calcium influx in endothelial cells that was required for ephrin-A1-induced NFAT activation and VCAM-1 expression. This work provides the first data showing EphA2-dependent calcium influx and NFAT activation and identifies NFAT as a novel EphA2-dependent proinflammatory pathway in endothelial activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Daniel Funk
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Renal Division, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Alexandra C Finney
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, United States
| | - Arif Yurdagul
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, United States; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States
| | - Christopher B Pattillo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, United States
| | - A Wayne Orr
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, United States; Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, United States; Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, United States.
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22
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Malik VA, Di Benedetto B. The Blood-Brain Barrier and the EphR/Ephrin System: Perspectives on a Link Between Neurovascular and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:127. [PMID: 29706868 PMCID: PMC5906525 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interactions among endothelial cells (EC) forming blood vessels and their surrounding cell types are essential to establish the blood-brain barrier (BBB), an integral part of the neurovascular unit (NVU). Research on the NVU has recently seen a renaissance to especially understand the neurobiology of vascular and brain pathologies and their frequently occurring comorbidities. Diverse signaling molecules activated in the near proximity of blood vessels trigger paracellular pathways which regulate the formation and stabilization of tight junctions (TJ) between EC and thereby influence BBB permeability. Among regulatory molecules, the erythropoietin-producing-hepatocellular carcinoma receptors (EphR) and their Eph receptor-interacting signals (ephrins) play a pivotal role in EC differentiation, angiogenesis and BBB integrity. Multiple EphR-ligand interactions between EC and other cell types influence different aspects of angiogenesis and BBB formation. Such interactions additionally control BBB sealing properties and thus the penetration of substances into the brain parenchyma. Thus, they play critical roles in the healthy brain and during the pathogenesis of brain disorders. In this mini-review article, we aim at integrating the constantly growing literature about the functional roles of the EphR/ephrin system for the development of the vascular system and the BBB and in the pathogenesis of neurovascular and neuropsychiatric disorders. We suggest the hypothesis that a disrupted EphR/ephrin signaling at the BBB might represent an underappreciated molecular hub of disease comorbidity. Finally, we propose the possibility that the EphR/ephrin system bears the potential of becoming a novel target for the development of alternative therapeutic treatments, focusing on such comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Malik
- RG Neuro-Glia Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Di Benedetto
- RG Neuro-Glia Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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23
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Dendritic spine density and EphrinB2 levels of hippocampal and anterior cingulate cortex neurons increase sequentially during formation of recent and remote fear memory in the mouse. Behav Brain Res 2018; 344:120-131. [PMID: 29444449 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Memory consolidation is a dynamic process that involves a sequential remodeling of hippocampal-cortical circuits. Although synaptic events underlying memory consolidation are well assessed, fine molecular events controlling this process deserve further characterization. To this aim, we challenged male C57BL/6N mice in a contextual fear conditioning (CFC) paradigm and tested their memory 24 h, 7 days or 36 days later. Mice displayed a strong fear response at all time points with an increase in dendritic spine density and protein levels of the cell adhesion factor EphrinB2 in CA1 hippocampal neurons 24 h and 7 days post conditioning (p.c.), and in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) neurons 36 days p.c. We then investigated whether the formation of remote memory and neuronal modifications in the ACC would depend on p.c. protein synthesis in hippocampal neurons. Bilateral intrahippocampal infusions with the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin administered immediately p.c. decreased fear response, neuronal spine growth and EphrinB2 protein levels of hippocampal and ACC neurons 24 h and 36 days p.c., respectively. Anisomycin infusion 24 h p.c. had no effects on fear response, increase in spine density and in EphrinB2 protein levels in ACC neurons 36 days p.c. Our results thus confirm that early but not late p.c. hippocampal protein synthesis is necessary for the formation of remote memory and provide the first evidence of a possible involvement of EphrinB2 in neuronal plasticity in the ACC.
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24
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DuSablon A, Parks J, Whitehurst K, Estes H, Chase R, Vlahos E, Sharma U, Wert D, Virag J. EphrinA1-Fc attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189307. [PMID: 29236774 PMCID: PMC5728502 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
EphrinA1, a membrane-bound receptor tyrosine kinase ligand expressed in healthy cardiomyocytes, is lost in injured cells following myocardial infarction. Previously, we have reported that a single intramyocardial injection of chimeric ephrinA1-Fc at the time of ischemia reduced injury in the nonreperfused myocardium by 50% at 4 days post-MI by reducing apoptosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. In a clinically relevant model of acute ischemia (30min)/reperfusion (24hr or 4 days) injury, we now demonstrate that ephrinA1-Fc reduces infarct size by 46% and completely preserves cardiac function (ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and chamber dimensions) in the short-term (24hrs post-MI) as well as long-term (4 days). At 24 hours post-MI, diminished serum inflammatory cell chemoattractants in ephrinA1-Fc-treated mice reduces recruitment of neutrophils and leukocytes into the myocardium. Differences in relative expression levels of EphA-Rs are described in the context of their putative role in mediating cardioprotection. Validation by Western blotting of selected targets from mass spectrometry analyses of pooled samples of left ventricular tissue homogenates from mice that underwent 30min ischemia and 24hr of reperfusion (I/R) indicates that ephrinA1-Fc administration alters several regulators of signaling pathways that attenuate apoptosis, promote autophagy, and shift from FA metabolism in favor of increased glycolysis to optimize anaerobic ATP production. Taken together, reduced injury is due a combination of adaptive metabolic reprogramming, improved cell survival, and decreased inflammatory cell recruitment, suggesting that ephrinA1-Fc enhances the capacity of the heart to withstand an ischemic insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustin DuSablon
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Justin Parks
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - K’Shylah Whitehurst
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Heather Estes
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Robert Chase
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Eleftherios Vlahos
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Uma Sharma
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David Wert
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jitka Virag
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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25
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Kim M, Yoo HJ, Kim M, Kim J, Baek SH, Song M, Lee JH. EPHA6 rs4857055 C > T polymorphism associates with hypertension through triglyceride and LDL particle size in the Korean population. Lipids Health Dis 2017; 16:230. [PMID: 29208002 PMCID: PMC5718072 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-017-0620-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptors might contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. A genome-wide association study indicated that the Eph receptor A6 gene (EPHA6) associated with at least 1 blood pressure (BP) phenotype. The objective of the present study was to determine whether EPHA6 is a novel candidate gene for hypertension in a Korean population. METHODS A total 2146 study participants with normotension and hypertension were included. Genotype data were obtained using a Korean Chip. To assess the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and BP, we performed a linear regression analysis, which showed that rs4850755 in the EPHA6 gene was the SNP most highly associated with both systolic and diastolic BP. RESULTS The presence of the TT genotype of the EPHA6 rs4857055 C > T SNP was associated with a higher risk of hypertension after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and drinking [odds ratio 1.533, P = 0.001]. In the control group, significant associations were observed between systolic BP and the rs4857055 polymorphism and between diastolic BP and the rs4857055 polymorphism. In the hypertension group, a significant association was observed between systolic BP and the rs4857055 polymorphism. In the hypertension group, subjects with the TT genotype showed significantly higher systolic BP than CC subjects. Additionally, in the hypertension group, TT carriers showed a higher tendency of serum triglyceride (P = 0.069) and significantly higher apolipoprotein B (P = 0.015) and smaller low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size (P < 0.001) than either TC or CC subjects. CONCLUSIONS These results could suggest that the EPHA6 rs4857055 C > T SNP is a novel candidate gene for hypertension in the Korean population. Additionally, the TT genotype could be associated with hypertriglyceridemia and small LDL particle size in hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjoo Kim
- Research Center for Silver Science, Institute of Symbiotic Life-TECH, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Hye Jin Yoo
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Minkyung Kim
- Research Center for Silver Science, Institute of Symbiotic Life-TECH, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jiyoo Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea.,National Leading Research Laboratory of Clinical Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics, Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Seung Han Baek
- Institute of Convergence Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Min Song
- Department of Library and Information Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jong Ho Lee
- Research Center for Silver Science, Institute of Symbiotic Life-TECH, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea. .,Department of Food and Nutrition, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea. .,National Leading Research Laboratory of Clinical Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics, Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
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26
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Daoud A, Gopal U, Kaur J, Isaacs JS. Molecular and functional crosstalk between extracellular Hsp90 and ephrin A1 signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 8:106807-106819. [PMID: 29290990 PMCID: PMC5739775 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eph receptor tyrosine kinase family member EphA2 plays a pivotal role in modulating cytoskeletal dynamics to control cancer cell motility and invasion. EphA2 is frequently upregulated in diverse solid tumors and has emerged as a viable druggable target. We previously reported that extracellular Hsp90 (eHsp90), a known pro-motility and invasive factor, collaborates with EphA2 to regulate tumor invasion in the absence of its cognate ephrin ligand. Here, we aimed to further define the molecular and functional relationship between EphA2 and eHsp90. Ligand dependent ephrin A1 signaling promotes RhoA activation and altered cell morphology to favor transient cell rounding, retraction, and diminished adhesion. Exposure of EphA2-expressing cancer cells to ligand herein revealed a unique role for eHsp90 as an effector of cytoskeletal remodeling. Notably, blockade of eHsp90 via either neutralizing antibodies or administration of cell-impermeable Hsp90-targeted small molecules significantly attenuated ligand dependent cell rounding in diverse tumor types. Although eHsp90 blockade did not appear to influence receptor internalization, downstream signaling events were augmented. In particular, eHsp90 activated a Src-RhoA axis to enhance ligand dependent cell rounding, retraction, and ECM detachment. Moreover, eHsp90 signaling via this axis stimulated activation of the myosin pathway, culminating in formation of an EphA2-myosin complex. Inhibition of either eHsp90 or Src was sufficient to impair ephrin A1 mediated Rho activation, activation of myosin intermediates, and EphA2-myosin complex formation. Collectively, our data support a paradigm whereby eHsp90 and EphA2 exhibit molecular crosstalk and functional cooperation within a ligand dependent context to orchestrate cytoskeletal events controlling cell morphology and attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelkader Daoud
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, 29412, Charleston, USA
| | - Udhayakumar Gopal
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, 29412, Charleston, USA.,Current address: Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, NC, 27708, Durham, USA
| | - Jasmine Kaur
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, 29412, Charleston, USA
| | - Jennifer S Isaacs
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, 29412, Charleston, USA
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27
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Finney AC, Funk SD, Green JM, Yurdagul A, Rana MA, Pistorius R, Henry M, Yurochko A, Pattillo CB, Traylor JG, Chen J, Woolard MD, Kevil CG, Orr AW. EphA2 Expression Regulates Inflammation and Fibroproliferative Remodeling in Atherosclerosis. Circulation 2017; 136:566-582. [PMID: 28487392 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.116.026644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic plaque formation results from chronic inflammation and fibroproliferative remodeling in the vascular wall. We previously demonstrated that both human and mouse atherosclerotic plaques show elevated expression of EphA2, a guidance molecule involved in cell-cell interactions and tumorigenesis. METHODS Here, we assessed the role of EphA2 in atherosclerosis by deleting EphA2 in a mouse model of atherosclerosis (Apoe-/-) and by assessing EphA2 function in multiple vascular cell culture models. After 8 to 16 weeks on a Western diet, male and female mice were assessed for atherosclerotic burden in the large vessels, and plasma lipid levels were analyzed. RESULTS Despite enhanced weight gain and plasma lipid levels compared with Apoe-/- controls, EphA2-/-Apoe-/- knockout mice show diminished atherosclerotic plaque formation, characterized by reduced proinflammatory gene expression and plaque macrophage content. Although plaque macrophages express EphA2, EphA2 deletion does not affect macrophage phenotype, inflammatory responses, and lipid uptake, and bone marrow chimeras suggest that hematopoietic EphA2 deletion does not affect plaque formation. In contrast, endothelial EphA2 knockdown significantly reduces monocyte firm adhesion under flow. In addition, EphA2-/-Apoe-/- mice show reduced progression to advanced atherosclerotic plaques with diminished smooth muscle and collagen content. Consistent with this phenotype, EphA2 shows enhanced expression after smooth muscle transition to a synthetic phenotype, and EphA2 depletion reduces smooth muscle proliferation, mitogenic signaling, and extracellular matrix deposition both in atherosclerotic plaques and in vascular smooth muscle cells in culture. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data identify a novel role for EphA2 in atherosclerosis, regulating both plaque inflammation and progression to advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Cell culture studies suggest that endothelial EphA2 contributes to atherosclerotic inflammation by promoting monocyte firm adhesion, whereas smooth muscle EphA2 expression may regulate the progression to advanced atherosclerosis by regulating smooth muscle proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Finney
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Steven D Funk
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Jonette M Green
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Arif Yurdagul
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Mohammad Atif Rana
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Rebecca Pistorius
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Miriam Henry
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Andrew Yurochko
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Christopher B Pattillo
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - James G Traylor
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Jin Chen
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Matthew D Woolard
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Christopher G Kevil
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - A Wayne Orr
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.).
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Ding L, Shen Y, Ni J, Ou Y, Ou Y, Liu H. EphA4 promotes cell proliferation and cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance via the AKT pathway in multiple myeloma. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317694298. [PMID: 28351297 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317694298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Eph receptor A4 (EphA4), a member of the erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) family, has been reported to upregulate in several tumors. However, the role of EphA4 in multiple myeloma has not been clarified yet. In this study, we found that EphA4 promoted proliferation of multiple myeloma cells via the regulation of cell cycle. Besides, EphA4 was closely related to cell adhesion of multiple myeloma cells and promoted cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance by enhancing the phosphorylation levels of Akt (p-AKT) expression in multiple myeloma. More interestingly, we discovered that EphA4 can interact with cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) and regulate its expression in multiple myeloma. CDK5 has been reported to be overexpressed in multiple myeloma which mediated bortezomib resistance and also participated in AKT pathway. And we have also proved the fact. So, we supposed that EphA4 interacted with CDK5 and promoted its expression which in turn enhanced p-AKT expression and promoted cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance in multiple myeloma. Therefore, this study clarifies the molecular mechanism of cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance and may be useful in identifying potential target for treatment of multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Ding
- 1 Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaodong Shen
- 1 Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Ni
- 1 Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqing Ou
- 1 Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangyu Ou
- 2 Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong University, Nantong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Liu
- 1 Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, People's Republic of China
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Integrin signaling in atherosclerosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:2263-2282. [PMID: 28246700 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2490-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a chronic lipid-driven inflammatory disease affecting large arteries, represents the primary cause of cardiovascular disease in the world. The local remodeling of the vessel intima during atherosclerosis involves the modulation of vascular cell phenotype, alteration of cell migration and proliferation, and propagation of local extracellular matrix remodeling. All of these responses represent targets of the integrin family of cell adhesion receptors. As such, alterations in integrin signaling affect multiple aspects of atherosclerosis, from the earliest induction of inflammation to the development of advanced fibrotic plaques. Integrin signaling has been shown to regulate endothelial phenotype, facilitate leukocyte homing, affect leukocyte function, and drive smooth muscle fibroproliferative remodeling. In addition, integrin signaling in platelets contributes to the thrombotic complications that typically drive the clinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we examine the current literature on integrin regulation of atherosclerotic plaque development and the suitability of integrins as potential therapeutic targets to limit cardiovascular disease and its complications.
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Liu F, Huang H, Gong Y, Li J, Zhang X, Cao Y. Evaluation of in vitro toxicity of polymeric micelles to human endothelial cells under different conditions. Chem Biol Interact 2016; 263:46-54. [PMID: 28025169 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Polymeric micelles have been extensively studied in the area of antitumor therapy, and more recently explored as nanocarriers for atherosclerosis. These applications of polymeric micelles in biomedicine will increase their contact with human blood vessels. However, few studies have considered the interactions between polymeric micelles and endothelial cells, especially in a complex system. This study used human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as an in vitro model for endothelial cells to investigate the toxic effects of methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(d,l-lactide) (MPEG-PLA) based micelles. In addition, an endoplasmic reticulum stress inducer thapsigargin (TG), and a pro-atherogenic stimulus palmitate (PA), were used to co-expose HUVECs to further mimic the responses of diseased endothelial cells to micelle exposure. Overall, up to 200 μg/mL micelles did not significantly induce cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), release of inflammatory mediators in terms of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), or adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to HUVECs. TG and PA significantly induced cytotoxicity and THP-1 adhesion as well as modestly promoted the release of IL-6, but did not affect ROS or release of sVCAM-1 and IL-8. Co-exposure of micelles did not significantly enhance the effects of TG and PA to HUVECs, and ANOVA analysis indicated no interaction between concentrations of micelles and the presence of TG/PA. Taken together, these data indicated that micelles are not toxic to HUVECs under different conditions in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Biochemistry, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, PR China
| | - Haikang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymeric Materials of College of Hunan Province and Key Laboratory of Polymeric Materials & Application Technology of Hunan Province, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China
| | - Yu Gong
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Biochemistry, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, PR China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Biochemistry, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, PR China
| | - Xuefei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymeric Materials of College of Hunan Province and Key Laboratory of Polymeric Materials & Application Technology of Hunan Province, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China.
| | - Yi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Biochemistry, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, PR China.
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EphA5 and EphA7 forward signaling enhances human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell maintenance, migration, and adhesion via Rac1 activation. Exp Hematol 2016; 48:72-78. [PMID: 27988259 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and migration of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are dependent upon bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). In this study, we found that human primitive HSPCs (CD34+CD38-), but not lineage-committed hematopoietic cell populations, express the tyrosine kinase receptors EphA5 and EphA7. Moreover, we found that the ephrinA5 ligand, the high-affinity binding partner of EphA5 and EphA7, is highly expressed by primary human BMSCs. Previous studies have reported that interactions between EphA and ephrinA play important roles in hematopoietic cell trafficking; however, their role in BMSC support of hematopoiesis had not been described previously. Herein, we show that stimulating EphA5 and/or EphA7 forward signaling in HSPCs using soluble ephrinA5-Fc molecules promoted human HSPC-derived colony formation significantly and was associated with increased expression of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor on HSPCs. Studies using functional blocking peptides to EphA5/7 found that disruption of EphA5/ephrinA5 and/or EphA7/ephrinA5 interactions inhibited HSPC function in BMSC-dependent long-term culture-initiating cell assays. Furthermore, the adhesion and migration of HSPCs was increased significantly in the presence of ephrinA5-Fc molecules compared with human immunoglobulin G-treated controls. Conversely, blocking EphA5 activation led to a reduction of HSPC adhesion, whereas inhibiting EphA5 and/or EphA7 activation hindered HSPC migration. Analysis of HSPC cultured in the presence of ephrinA5-Fc showed that EphA forward signaling stimulated Rac1 gene and protein expression and the Rac1 target molecule WAVE1. Moreover, a significant reduction of ephrinA5-mediated HSPC adhesion and migration was observed in the presence of Rac1 inhibitor. These findings suggest that interactions between EphA and ephrinA5 are important in maintaining the HSPC niche mediated in part by activation of Rac1 signaling.
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Regulation of endothelial migration and proliferation by ephrin-A1. Cell Signal 2016; 29:84-95. [PMID: 27742560 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial migration and proliferation are fundamental processes in angiogenesis and wound healing of injured or inflamed vessels. The present study aimed to investigate the regulation of the Eph/ephrin-system during endothelial proliferation and the impact of the ligand ephrin-A1 on proliferation and migration of human umbilical venous (HUVEC) and arterial endothelial cells (HUAEC). Endothelial cells that underwent contact inhibition showed a massive induction of ephrin-A1. In contrast, an injury to a confluent endothelial layer, associated with induction of migration and proliferation, showed reduced ephrin-A1 levels. In addition, reducing ephrin-A1 expression by siRNA led to increased proliferation, whereas the overexpression of ephrin-A1 led to decreased proliferative activity. Due to the fact that wound healing is a combination of proliferation and migration, migration was investigated in detail. First, classical wound-healing assays showed increased wound closure in both ephrin-A1 silenced and overexpressing cells. Live-cell imaging enlightened the underlying differences. Silencing of ephrin-A1 led to a faster but more disorientated migration. In contrast, ephrin-A1 overexpression did not influence velocity of the cells, but the migration was more directed in comparison to the controls. Additional analysis of EphA2-silenced cells showed similar results in terms of proliferation and migration compared to ephrin-A1 silenced cells. Detailed analysis of EphA2 phosphorylation on ligand-dependent phospho-site (Y588) and autonomous activation site (S897) revealed a distinct phosphorylation pattern. Furthermore, the endothelial cells ceased to migrate when they came in contact with an ephrin-A1 coated surface. Using a baculoviral-mediated expression system, ephrin-A1 silencing and overexpression was shown to modulate the formation of focal adhesions. This implicates that ephrin-A1 is involved in changes of the actin cytoskeleton which explains the alterations in migratory actions, at least in part. In conclusion, ephrin-A1 expression is regulated by cellular density and is itself a critical determinant of endothelial proliferation. According to current knowledge, ephrin-A1 seems to be remarkably involved in elementary processes of endothelial migration like cellular polarization, migratory direction and speed. These data support the notion that ephrin-A1 plays a pivotal role in basal mechanisms of re-endothelialization.
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Poitz DM, Ende G, Stütz B, Augstein A, Friedrichs J, Brunssen C, Werner C, Strasser RH, Jellinghaus S. EphrinB2/EphA4-mediated activation of endothelial cells increases monocyte adhesion. Mol Immunol 2015; 68:648-56. [PMID: 26552760 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The membrane anchored ligand ephrinB2 belongs to the broad Eph/ephrin system and is able to activate different Eph receptors. The Eph receptors belong to the huge group of receptor-tyrosine kinases. Eph receptors as well as their corresponding ephrin ligands are cell-membrane attached proteins. Therefore, direct cell-cell contact is essentially for interaction. It is known that ephrinB2 plays a pivotal role in developmental and in tumour angiogenesis. Previous studies point to a crucial role of the EphA4-receptor in the process of monocyte adhesion. Since ephrinB2 is known as an interaction partner of EphA4, the aim of the present study was to investigate a possible interplay of EphA4-receptor with ephrinB2 during monocyte adhesion to the endothelium. As verified by bulk adhesion assays and atomic-force microscopy based single-cell force spectroscopy, temporary stimulation of endothelial cells from different sources with the soluble ligand ephrinB2 increased monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. The proadhesive effect of ephrinB2 was independent of an active transcription, but is mediated via the Rho signaling pathway with subsequent modulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Furthermore, ephrinB2 mediated its impact on monocyte adhesion via the receptor EphA4 as shown by siRNA-mediated silencing. Interestingly, ephrinB2 was induced by TNF-α treatment. Silencing of ephrinB2 led to a lowering of the TNF-α mediated monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining of human atherosclerotic plaque revealed expression of ephrinB2 in macrophages. The results of the present study point to a crucial role of ephrinB2 induced EphA4 forward signaling in the context of monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. This transcription-independent effect is mediated by Rho signaling induced actin-filament polymerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Poitz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, TU Dresden, Germany.
| | - Georg Ende
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Beryl Stütz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Antje Augstein
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Jens Friedrichs
- Institute for Biofunctional Polymer Materials Dresden, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research, Germany
| | - Coy Brunssen
- Division of Vascular Endothelium and Microcirculation, Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Carsten Werner
- Institute for Biofunctional Polymer Materials Dresden, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research, Germany
| | - Ruth H Strasser
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, TU Dresden, Germany
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Expression of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase EphB2 on Dendritic Cells Is Modulated by Toll-Like Receptor Ligation but Is Not Required for T Cell Activation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138835. [PMID: 26407069 PMCID: PMC4583388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eph receptor tyrosine kinases interact with their ephrin ligands on adjacent cells to facilitate contact-dependent cell communication. Ephrin B ligands are expressed on T cells and have been suggested to act as co-stimulatory molecules during T cell activation. There are no detailed reports of the expression and modulation of EphB receptors on dendritic cells, the main antigen presenting cells that interact with T cells. Here we show that mouse splenic dendritic cells (DC) and bone-marrow derived DCs (BMDC) express EphB2, a member of the EphB family. EphB2 expression is modulated by ligation of TLR4 and TLR9 and also by interaction with ephrin B ligands. Co-localization of EphB2 with MHC-II is also consistent with a potential role in T cell activation. However, BMDCs derived from EphB2 deficient mice were able to present antigen in the context of MHC-II and produce T cell activating cytokines to the same extent as intact DCs. Collectively our data suggest that EphB2 may contribute to DC responses, but that EphB2 is not required for T cell activation. This result may have arisen because DCs express other members of the EphB receptor family, EphB3, EphB4 and EphB6, all of which can interact with ephrin B ligands, or because EphB2 may be playing a role in another aspect of DC biology such as migration.
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Gerhardt T, Ley K. Monocyte trafficking across the vessel wall. Cardiovasc Res 2015; 107:321-30. [PMID: 25990461 PMCID: PMC4592323 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvv147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Monocytes fundamentally contribute to immune surveillance and the inflammatory response in immunoinflammatory diseases like atherosclerosis. Recruitment of these cells to the site of injury requires their trafficking across the blood vessel wall. A series of events, including capture, rolling, slow rolling, arrest, adhesion strengthening, and lateral locomotion, precede monocyte transmigration. Recent investigations have revealed new aspects of this cascade. This article revisits some conventional paradigms and selectively highlights new findings, including novel insights into monocyte differentiation and recently identified functional mediators, signalling pathways, and new structural aspects of monocyte extravasation. The emerging roles of endothelial junctional molecules like vascular endothelial-cadherin and the junctional adhesion molecule family, adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1, molecules localized to the lateral border recycling compartment like cluster of differentiation 99, platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, and poliovirus receptor (CD155), as well as other cell surface molecules such as cluster of differentiation 146 and ephrins in transendothelial migration are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Gerhardt
- Division of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, 9420 Athena Cir, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Klaus Ley
- Division of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, 9420 Athena Cir, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Chu LH, Vijay CG, Annex BH, Bader JS, Popel AS. PADPIN: protein-protein interaction networks of angiogenesis, arteriogenesis, and inflammation in peripheral arterial disease. Physiol Genomics 2015; 47:331-43. [PMID: 26058837 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00125.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) results from an obstruction of blood flow in the arteries other than the heart, most commonly the arteries that supply the legs. The complexity of the known signaling pathways involved in PAD, including various growth factor pathways and their cross talks, suggests that analyses of high-throughput experimental data could lead to a new level of understanding of the disease as well as novel and heretofore unanticipated potential targets. Such bioinformatic analyses have not been systematically performed for PAD. We constructed global protein-protein interaction networks of angiogenesis (Angiome), immune response (Immunome), and arteriogenesis (Arteriome) using our previously developed algorithm GeneHits. The term "PADPIN" refers to the angiome, immunome, and arteriome in PAD. Here we analyze four microarray gene expression datasets from ischemic and nonischemic gastrocnemius muscles at day 3 posthindlimb ischemia (HLI) in two genetically different C57BL/6 and BALB/c mouse strains that display differential susceptibility to HLI to identify potential targets and signaling pathways in angiogenesis, immune, and arteriogenesis networks. We hypothesize that identification of the differentially expressed genes in ischemic and nonischemic muscles between the strains that recovers better (C57BL/6) vs. the strain that recovers more poorly (BALB/c) will help for the prediction of target genes in PAD. Our bioinformatics analysis identified several genes that are differentially expressed between the two mouse strains with known functions in PAD including TLR4, THBS1, and PRKAA2 and several genes with unknown functions in PAD including EphA4, TSPAN7, SLC22A4, and EIF2a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Hui Chu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland;
| | - Chaitanya G Vijay
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
| | - Brian H Annex
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
| | - Joel S Bader
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; High-Throughput Biology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Abstract
Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and the corresponding ephrin ligands play a pivotal role in the glioma development and progression. Aberrant protein expression levels of the Eph receptors and ephrins are often associated with higher tumor grade and poor prognosis. Their function in tumorigenesis is complex due to the intricate network of possible co-occurring interactions between neighboring tumor cells and tumor microenvironment. Both Ephs and ephrins localize on the surface of tumor cells, tumor vasculature, glioma stem cells, tumor cells infiltrating brain, and immune cells infiltrating tumors. They can both promote and inhibit tumorigenicity depending on the downstream forward and reverse signalling generated. All the above-mentioned features make the Ephs/ephrins system an intriguing candidate for the development of new therapeutic strategies in glioma treatment. This review will give a general overview on the structure and the function of Ephs and ephrins, with a particular emphasis on the state of the knowledge of their role in malignant gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ferluga
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Waldemar Debinski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Waldemar Debinski, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Thomas K. Hearn Jr. Brain Tumor Research Center, Professor of Neurosurgery, Radiation Oncology, and Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, Phone: (336) 716-9712, Fax: (336) 713-7639,
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Abstract
The erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptor tyrosine kinase family plays important roles in developmental processes, adult tissue homeostasis, and various diseases. Interaction with Eph receptor-interacting protein (ephrin) ligands on the surface of neighboring cells triggers Eph receptor kinase-dependent signaling. The ephrins can also transmit signals, leading to bidirectional cell contact-dependent communication. Moreover, Eph receptors and ephrins can function independently of each other through interplay with other signaling systems. Given their involvement in many pathological conditions ranging from neurological disorders to cancer and viral infections, Eph receptors and ephrins are increasingly recognized as attractive therapeutic targets, and various strategies are being explored to modulate their expression and function. Eph receptor/ephrin upregulation in cancer cells, the angiogenic vasculature, and injured or diseased tissues also offer opportunities for Eph/ephrin-based targeted drug delivery and imaging. Thus, despite the challenges presented by the complex biology of the Eph receptor/ephrin system, exciting possibilities exist for therapies exploiting these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Barquilla
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037; ,
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DuSablon A, Kent S, Coburn A, Virag J. EphA2-receptor deficiency exacerbates myocardial infarction and reduces survival in hyperglycemic mice. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2014; 13:114. [PMID: 25166508 PMCID: PMC4147179 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-014-0114-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously shown that EphrinA1/EphA expression profile changes in response to myocardial infarction (MI), exogenous EphrinA1-Fc administration following MI positively influences wound healing, and that deletion of the EphA2 Receptor (EphA2-R) exacerbates injury and remodeling. To determine whether or not ephrinA1-Fc would be of therapeutic value in the hyperglycemic infarcted heart, it is critical to evaluate how ephrinA1/EphA signaling changes in the hyperglycemic myocardium in response to MI. Methods Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia in wild type (WT) and EphA2-receptor mutant (EphA2-R-M) mice was initiated by an intraperitoneal injection of STZ (150 mg/kg) 10 days before surgery. MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and analyses were performed at 4 days post-MI. ANOVAs with Student-Newman Keuls multiple comparison post-hoc analysis illustrated which groups were significantly different, with significance of at least p < 0.05. Results Both WT and EphA2-R-M mice responded adversely to STZ, but only hyperglycemic EphA2-R-M mice had lower ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS). At 4 days post-MI, we observed greater post-MI mortality in EphA2-R-M mice compared with WT and this was greater still in the EphA2-R-M hyperglycemic mice. Although infarct size was greater in hyperglycemic WT mice vs normoglycemic mice, there was no difference between hyperglycemic EphA2-R-M mice and normoglycemic EphA2-R-M mice. The hypertrophic response that normally occurs in viable myocardium remote to the infarct was noticeably absent in epicardial cardiomyocytes and cardiac dysfunction worsened in hyperglycemic EphA2-R-M hearts post-MI. The characteristic interstitial fibrotic response in the compensating myocardium remote to the infarct also did not occur in hyperglycemic EphA2-R-M mouse hearts to the same extent as that observed in the hyperglycemic WT mouse hearts. Differences in neutrophil and pan-leukocyte infiltration and serum cytokines implicate EphA2-R in modulation of injury and the differences in ephrinA1 and EphA6-R expression in governing this are discussed. Conclusions We conclude that EphA2-mutant mice are more prone to hyperglycemia-induced increased injury, decreased survival, and worsened LV remodeling due to impaired wound healing.
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Ende G, Poitz DM, Strasser RH, Jellinghaus S. The role of the Eph/ephrin-system in atherosclerotic plaque development: a complex puzzle. Cardiovasc Pathol 2014; 23:251. [PMID: 24746710 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Ende
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Dresden University of Technologies
| | - David M Poitz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Dresden University of Technologies.
| | - Ruth H Strasser
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Dresden University of Technologies
| | - Stefanie Jellinghaus
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Dresden University of Technologies
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Therapeutic perspectives of Eph-ephrin system modulation. Drug Discov Today 2013; 19:661-9. [PMID: 24291785 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2013.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Eph receptors are the largest class of kinase receptors and, together with their ligands ephrins, they have a primary role in embryogenesis. Their expression has been found deregulated in several cancer tissues and, in many cases, abnormal levels of these proteins have been correlated to a poor prognosis. Recently, the Eph-ephrin system was found to be deregulated in other pathological processes, involving the nervous and cardiovascular systems. The increasing body of evidence supports the Eph-ephrin system as a target not only for the treatment of solid tumors, but also to face other critical diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and diabetes driving current efforts toward the development of pharmacological tools potentially able to treat these pathologies.
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