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Gazzini S, Cerullo R, Soloperto D. VEGF as a Key Actor in Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: A Narrative Review. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6757-6768. [PMID: 39057045 PMCID: PMC11275356 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a benign disease of the upper aerodigestive tract caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11. The clinical course is unpredictable and some patients, especially younger children, experience a high rate of recurrence with a significant impact on their quality of life. The molecular mechanisms of HPV infection in keratinocytes have been extensively studied throughout the years, with particular regard to its role in causing malignant tumors, like cervical cancer and head and neck carcinomas. A minor but not negligible amount of the literature has investigated the molecular landscape of RRP patients, and some papers have studied the role of angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature) in this disease. A central role in this process is played by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which activates different signaling cascades on multiple levels. The increased knowledge has led to the introduction of the VEGF inhibitor bevacizumab in recent years as an adjuvant treatment in some patients, with good results. This review summarizes the current evidence about the role of VEGF in the pathophysiology of RRP, the molecular pathways activated by binding with its receptors, and the current and future roles of anti-angiogenic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Gazzini
- Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department, University Hospital of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Raffaele Cerullo
- Division of Otolaryngology, Hospital of Treviso, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Davide Soloperto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy
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2
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Thakur A, Rana M, Mishra A, Kaur C, Pan CH, Nepali K. Recent advances and future directions on small molecule VEGFR inhibitors in oncological conditions. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116472. [PMID: 38728867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
"A journey of mixed emotions" is a quote that best describes the progress chart of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors as cancer therapeutics in the last decade. Exhilarated with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of numerous VEGFR inhibitors coupled with the annoyance of encountering the complications associated with their use, drug discovery enthusiasts are on their toes with an unswerving determination to enhance the rate of translation of VEGFR inhibitors from preclinical to clinical stage. The recently crafted armory of VEGFR inhibitors is a testament to their growing dominance over other antiangiogenic therapies for cancer treatment. This review perspicuously underscores the earnest attempts of the researchers to extract the antiproliferative potential of VEGFR inhibitors through the design of mechanistically diverse structural assemblages. Moreover, this review encompasses sections on structural/molecular properties and physiological functions of VEGFR, FDA-approved VEGFR inhibitors, and hurdles restricting the activity range/clinical applicability of VEGFR targeting antitumor agents. In addition, tactics to overcome the limitations of VEGFR inhibitors are discussed. A clear-cut viewpoint transmitted through this compilation can provide practical directions to push the cart of VEGFR inhibitors to advanced-stage clinical investigations in diverse malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Thakur
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Mandeep Rana
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Anshul Mishra
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Charanjit Kaur
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
| | - Chun-Hsu Pan
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Kunal Nepali
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.
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3
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Heriz MH, Mahmood AAR, Yasin SR, Saleh KM, AlSakhen MF, Kanaan SI, Himsawi N, Saleh AM, Tahtamouni LH. Synthesis, docking study, and antitumor evaluation of benzamides and oxadiazole derivatives of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22186. [PMID: 38643351 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22186] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Current chemotherapeutic agents have several limitations, including lack of selectivity, the development of undesirable side effects, and chemoresistance. As a result, there is an unmet need for the development of novel small molecules with minimal side effects and the ability to specifically target tumor cells. A new series of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid derivatives, including 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives (4a-d) and benzamides derivatives (5a-e) were synthesized; their chemical structures were confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, and mass spectra; and various physicochemical properties were determined. The antiproliferative activities of the new derivatives were evaluated by means of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Three compounds (4b, 4c, and 4d) exhibited cytotoxicity against two of the three cell lines tested, five compounds (3, 4a, 5a, 5b, and 5e) were toxic to one cell line, while two compounds (5c and 5d) were not cytotoxic to any of the three cell lines tested in the current study. Based on docking scores, MTT assay findings, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) kinase activity data, Compound 4d was selected for further biological investigation. Flow cytometry was used to determine the mode of cell death (apoptosis vs. necrosis) and the effect on cell cycle progression. Compound 4d arrested HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells in the G2/M phase and activated both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. In conclusion, Compound 4d has shown promising results for future research as a potent VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H Heriz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
| | - Ammar A R Mahmood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Salem R Yasin
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Khaled M Saleh
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Mai F AlSakhen
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Sana I Kanaan
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Nisreen Himsawi
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Abdulrahman M Saleh
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
- Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, Aweash El-Hagar Family Medicine Center, MOHP, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Lubna H Tahtamouni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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4
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Santorsola M, Capuozzo M, Nasti G, Sabbatino F, Di Mauro A, Di Mauro G, Vanni G, Maiolino P, Correra M, Granata V, Gualillo O, Berretta M, Ottaiano A. Exploring the Spectrum of VEGF Inhibitors' Toxicities from Systemic to Intra-Vitreal Usage in Medical Practice. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:350. [PMID: 38254839 PMCID: PMC10813960 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor inhibitors (VEGFi) has become prevalent in the field of medicine, given the high incidence of various pathological conditions necessitating VEGF inhibition within the general population. These conditions encompass a range of advanced neoplasms, such as colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cancer, ovarian cancer, and others, along with ocular diseases. The utilization of VEGFi is not without potential risks and adverse effects, requiring healthcare providers to be well-prepared for identification and management. VEGFi can be broadly categorized into two groups: antibodies or chimeric proteins that specifically target VEGF (bevacizumab, ramucirumab, aflibercept, ranibizumab, and brolucizumab) and non-selective and selective small molecules (sunitinib, sorafenib, cabozantinib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, etc.) designed to impede intracellular signaling of the VEGF receptor (RTKi, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors). The presentation and mechanisms of adverse effects resulting from VEGFi depend primarily on this distinction and the route of drug administration (systemic or intra-vitreal). This review provides a thorough examination of the causes, recognition, management, and preventive strategies for VEGFi toxicities with the goal of offering support to oncologists in both clinical practice and the design of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariachiara Santorsola
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | | | - Guglielmo Nasti
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Francesco Sabbatino
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Annabella Di Mauro
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Giordana Di Mauro
- Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Vanni
- Breast Unit, Department of Surgical Science, PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Piera Maiolino
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Marco Correra
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Vincenza Granata
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Oreste Gualillo
- SERGAS (Servizo Galego de Saude), NEIRID Laboratory (Neuroendocrine Interactions in Rheumatology and Inflammatory Diseases), IDIS (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago), Research Laboratory 9, Santiago University Clinical Hospital, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ottaiano
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
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5
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Roskoski R. Cost in the United States of FDA-approved small molecule protein kinase inhibitors used in the treatment of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. Pharmacol Res 2024; 199:107036. [PMID: 38096958 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Because genetic alterations including mutations, overexpression, translocations, and dysregulation of protein kinases are involved in the pathogenesis of many illnesses, this enzyme family is the target of many drug discovery programs worldwide. The FDA has approved 80 small molecule protein kinase inhibitors with 77 drugs orally bioavailable. The data indicate that 69 of these medicinals are approved for the management of neoplasms including solid tumors such as breast and lung cancer as well as non-solid tumors such as leukemia. Moreover, the remaining 11 drugs target non-neoplastic diseases including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. The cost of drugs was obtained from www.pharmacychecker.com using the FDA label to determine the dosage and number of tablets required per day. This methodology excludes any private or governmental insurance coverage, which would cover the entire cost or more likely a fraction of the stated price. The average monthly cost for the treatment of neoplastic diseases was $17,900 with a price of $44,000 for futibatinib (used to treat cholangiocarcinomas with FGFR2 fusions) and minimum of $5100 for binimetinib (melanoma). The average monthly cost for the treatment of non-neoplastic diseases was $6800 with a maximum of $17,000 for belumosudil (graft vs. host disease) and a minimum of $200 for netarsudil eye drops (glaucoma). There is a negative correlation of the cost of the drugs and the incidence of the targeted disease. Many of these agents are or were designated as orphan drugs meaning that there are fewer than 200,000 potential patients in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 221 Haywood Knolls Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28791, United States.
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6
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Serioli S, Agostini L, Pietrantoni A, Valeri F, Costanza F, Chiloiro S, Buffoli B, Piazza A, Poliani PL, Peris-Celda M, Iavarone F, Gaudino S, Gessi M, Schinzari G, Mattogno PP, Giampietro A, De Marinis L, Pontecorvi A, Fontanella MM, Lauretti L, Rindi G, Olivi A, Bianchi A, Doglietto F. Aggressive PitNETs and Potential Target Therapies: A Systematic Review of Molecular and Genetic Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15719. [PMID: 37958702 PMCID: PMC10650665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115719] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, advances in molecular biology and bioinformatics have allowed a more thorough understanding of tumorigenesis in aggressive PitNETs (pituitary neuroendocrine tumors) through the identification of specific essential genes, crucial molecular pathways, regulators, and effects of the tumoral microenvironment. Target therapies have been developed to cure oncology patients refractory to traditional treatments, introducing the concept of precision medicine. Preliminary data on PitNETs are derived from preclinical studies conducted on cell cultures, animal models, and a few case reports or small case series. This study comprehensively reviews the principal pathways involved in aggressive PitNETs, describing the potential target therapies. A search was conducted on Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science for English papers published between 1 January 2004, and 15 June 2023. 254 were selected, and the topics related to aggressive PitNETs were recorded and discussed in detail: epigenetic aspects, membrane proteins and receptors, metalloprotease, molecular pathways, PPRK, and the immune microenvironment. A comprehensive comprehension of the molecular mechanisms linked to PitNETs' aggressiveness and invasiveness is crucial. Despite promising preliminary findings, additional research and clinical trials are necessary to confirm the indications and effectiveness of target therapies for PitNETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Serioli
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Ludovico Agostini
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Federico Valeri
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Flavia Costanza
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Pituitary Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Sabrina Chiloiro
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Pituitary Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Barbara Buffoli
- Section of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Amedeo Piazza
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery Division, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Pietro Luigi Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Maria Peris-Celda
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Federica Iavarone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS “A. Gemelli”, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Gaudino
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Institute of Radiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Gessi
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Schinzari
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Mattogno
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonella Giampietro
- Pituitary Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Laura De Marinis
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Pituitary Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Pituitary Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marco Maria Fontanella
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Liverana Lauretti
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Guido Rindi
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Olivi
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonio Bianchi
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Pituitary Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Doglietto
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
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7
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Harkin EF, Nasrallah G, Le François B, Albert PR. Transcriptional Regulation of the Human 5-HT1A Receptor Gene by Lithium: Role of Deaf1 and GSK3β. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15620. [PMID: 37958600 PMCID: PMC10647674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115620] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) autoreceptors located on serotonin neurons inhibit their activity, and their upregulation has been implicated in depression, suicide and resistance to antidepressant treatment. Conversely, post-synaptic 5-HT1A heteroreceptors are important for antidepressant response. The transcription factor deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor 1 (Deaf1) acts as a presynaptic repressor and postsynaptic enhancer of 5-HT1A transcription, but the mechanism is unclear. Because Deaf1 interacts with and is phosphorylated by glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)-a constitutively active protein kinase that is inhibited by the mood stabilizer lithium at therapeutic concentrations-we investigated the role of GSK3β in Deaf1 regulation of human 5-HT1A transcription. In 5-HT1A promoter-reporter assays, human HEK293 kidney and 5-HT1A-expressing SKN-SH neuroblastoma cells, transfection of Deaf1 reduced 5-HT1A promoter activity by ~45%. To identify potential GSK3β site(s) on Deaf1, point mutations of known and predicted phosphorylation sites on Deaf1 were tested. Deaf1 repressor function was not affected by any of the mutants tested except the Y300F mutant, which augmented Deaf1 repression. Both lithium and the selective GSK3 inhibitors CHIR-99021 and AR-014418 attenuated and reversed Deaf1 repression compared to vector. This inhibition was at concentrations that maximally inhibit GSK3β activity as detected by the GSK3β-sensitive TCF/LEF reporter construct. Our results support the hypothesis that GSK3β regulates the activity of Deaf1 to repress 5-HT1A transcription and provide a potential mechanism for actions of GSK3 inhibitors on behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul R. Albert
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Neuroscience), University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H-8M5, Canada (B.L.F.)
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8
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Roskoski R. Small molecule protein kinase inhibitors approved by regulatory agencies outside of the United States. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106847. [PMID: 37454916 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Owing to genetic alterations and overexpression, the dysregulation of protein kinases plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune and neoplastic disorders and protein kinase antagonists have become an important drug target. Although the efficacy of imatinib in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia in the United States in 2001 was the main driver of protein kinase inhibitor drug discovery, this was preceded by the approval of fasudil (a ROCK antagonist) in Japan in 1995 for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm. There are 21 small molecule protein kinase inhibitors that are approved in China, Japan, Europe, and South Korea that are not approved in the United Sates and 75 FDA-approved inhibitors in the United States. Of the 21 agents, eleven target receptor protein-tyrosine kinases, eight inhibit nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinases, and two block protein-serine/threonine kinases. All 21 drugs are orally bioavailable or topically effective. Of the non-FDA approved drugs, sixteen are prescribed for the treatment of neoplastic diseases, three are directed toward inflammatory disorders, one is used for glaucoma, and fasudil is used in the management of vasospasm. The leading targets of kinase inhibitors approved by both international regulatory agencies and by the FDA are members of the EGFR family, the VEGFR family, and the JAK family. One-third of the 21 internationally approved drugs are not compliant with Lipinski's rule of five for orally bioavailable drugs. The rule of five relies on four parameters including molecular weight, number of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, and the Log of the partition coefficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 221 Haywood Knolls Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28791-8717, United States.
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9
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Li X, Bazer FW, Johnson GA, Burghardt RC, Wu G. Dietary supplementation with L-citrulline improves placental angiogenesis and embryonic survival in gilts. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:702-711. [PMID: 37012677 PMCID: PMC10408550 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231157943] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted with gilts as an animal model to test the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with L-citrulline (Cit) improves placental angiogenesis and embryonic survival. Between Days 14 and 25 of gestation, each gilt was fed a corn- and soybean-meal-based diet (2 kg/day) supplemented with 0.4% Cit or an isonitrogenous amount of L-alanine (Control). On Day 25 of gestation, gilts were hysterectomized to obtain conceptuses. Amniotic and allantoic fluids and placentae were analyzed for NOx [stable oxidation products of nitric oxide (NO)], polyamines, and amino acids (AAs). Placentae were also analyzed for syntheses of NO and polyamines; concentrations of AAs and related metabolites; and the expression of angiogenic factors and aquaporins (AQPs). Compared to the control group, Cit supplementation increased (P < 0.01) the number of viable fetuses by 2.0 per litter, the number and diameter of placental blood vessels (21% and 24%, respectively), placental weight (15%), and total allantoic and amniotic fluid volumes (20% and 47%, respectively). Cit supplementation also increased (P < 0.01) enzymatic activities of GTP-cyclohydrolase-1 (32%) and ornithine decarboxylase (27%) in placentae; syntheses of NO (29%) and polyamines (26%); concentrations of NOx (19%), tetrahydrobiopterin (28%), polyamines (22%), cAMP (26%), and cGMP (24%) in placentae; total amounts of NOx (22-40%), polyamines (23-40%), AAs (16-255%), glucose (22-44%), and fructose (22-43%) in allantoic and amniotic fluids. Furthermore, Cit supplementation increased (P < 0.05) placental mRNA levels for angiogenic factors (eNOS [84%], GTP-CH1 [55%], PGF [61%], VEGFA120 [26%], and VEGFR2 [137%], as well as AQPs - AQP1 [105%], AQP3 [53%], AQP5 [77%], AQP8 [57%], and AQP9 [31%]). Collectively, dietary Cit supplementation enhanced placental NO and polyamine syntheses as well as angiogenesis to improve conceptus development and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xilong Li
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | - Gregory A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA
| | - Robert C Burghardt
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
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10
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Castañeda-Cabral JL, Orozco-Suárez SA, Beas-Zárate C, Fajardo-Fregoso BF, Flores-Soto ME, Ureña-Guerrero ME. Inhibition of VEGFR-2 by SU5416 increases neonatally glutamate-induced neuronal damage in the cerebral motor cortex and hippocampus. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23315. [PMID: 36732937 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) exerts neuroprotective or proinflammatory effects, depending on what VEGF forms (A-E), receptor types (VEGFR1-3), and intracellular signaling pathways are involved. Neonatal monosodium glutamate (MSG) treatment triggers neuronal death by excitotoxicity, which is commonly involved in different neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of VEGFR-2 inhibition on neuronal damage triggered by excitotoxicity in the cerebral motor cortex (CMC) and hippocampus (Hp) after neonatal MSG treatment. MSG was administered at a dose of 4 g/kg of body weight (b.w.) subcutaneously on postnatal days (PD) 1, 3, 5, and 7, whereas the VEGFR-2 inhibitor SU5416 was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. subcutaneously on PD 5 and 7, 30 min before the MSG treatment. Neuronal damage was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, fluoro-Jade staining, and TUNEL assay. Additionally, western blot assays for some proteins of the VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 signaling pathway (VEGF-A, VEGFR-2, PI3K, Akt, and iNOS) were carried out. All assays were performed on PD 6, 8, 10, and 14. Inhibition of VEGFR-2 signaling by SU5416 increases the neuronal damage induced by neonatal MSG treatment in both the CMC and Hp. Moreover, neonatal MSG treatment increased the expression levels of the studied VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 signaling pathway proteins, particularly in the CMC. We conclude that VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 signaling pathway activation could be part of the neuroprotective mechanisms that attempt to compensate for neuronal damage induced by neonatal MSG treatment and possibly also in other conditions involving excitotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Castañeda-Cabral
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias (CUCBA), Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, México
| | - Sandra A Orozco-Suárez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Ciudad de México, México
| | - Carlos Beas-Zárate
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias (CUCBA), Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, México
| | - Blanca F Fajardo-Fregoso
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias (CUCBA), Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, México
| | - Mario E Flores-Soto
- División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), IMSS, Guadalajara, México
| | - Mónica E Ureña-Guerrero
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias (CUCBA), Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, México
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Wang X, Ye CH, Li EM, Xu LY, Lin WQ, Chen GH. Discovery of octahydropyrrolo [3,2-b] pyridin derivative as a highly selective Type I inhibitor of FGFR3 over VEGFR2 by high-throughput virtual screening. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:221-238. [PMID: 36502529 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although the aberrant activity of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) is implicated in various cancers, the reported kinase inhibitors of FGFR3 tend to cause side effects resulting from the inhibitory activity on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Therefore, it is necessary to find a novel high-selective inhibitor of FGFR3 over VEGFR2 from the small-molecule compound database. In this study, integrated virtual screening protocols were established to screen for selective inhibitors of FGFR3 over VEGFR2 in Drugbank and Asinex databases by combining three-dimensional pharmacophore model, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) calculations. Finally, it is found that Asinex-5082, as an octahydropyrrolo[3,2-b] pyridin derivative, has larger binding free energy with FGFR3 (-39.3 kcal/mol) than reference drug Erdafitinib (-29.9 kcal/mol), while cannot bind with VEGFR2, resulting in considerable inhibitory selectivity. This is because Asinex-5082, unlike Erdafitinib, has not m-dimethoxybenzene with large steric hindrance, thus can enter the larger ATP-binding pocket of FGFR3 with DFG-in conformation to form hydrophobic interaction with residues Met529, Ile539, and Tyr557 as well as hydrogen bond with Ala558. On the other hand, due to the fact that the benzodioxane and N-heterocyclic rings are connected by carbonyl (C=O), Asinex-5082 cannot rotate freely so as to enter the smaller ATP binding pocket of VEGFR2 on the DFG-out conformation. The lead molecule Asinex-5082 may facilitate the rational design and development of novel selective inhibitors of FGFR3 over VEGFR2 as anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Cheng-Hao Ye
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - En-Min Li
- Medical Informatics Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Li-Yan Xu
- Medical Informatics Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wang-Qiang Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Guang-Hui Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University, Shantou, China
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Fetsko AR, Sebo DJ, Taylor MR. Brain endothelial cells acquire blood-brain barrier properties in the absence of Vegf-dependent CNS angiogenesis. Dev Biol 2023; 494:46-59. [PMID: 36502932 PMCID: PMC9870987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During neurovascular development, brain endothelial cells (BECs) respond to secreted signals from the neuroectoderm that regulate CNS angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels in the brain, and barriergenesis, the acquisition of blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties. Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Vegf signaling are both required for CNS angiogenesis; however, the relationship between these pathways is not understood. Furthermore, while Wnt/β-catenin signaling is essential for barriergenesis, the role of Vegf signaling in this vital process remains unknown. Here, we provide the first direct evidence, to our knowledge, that Vegf signaling is not required for barriergenesis and that activation of Wnt/β-catenin in BECs is independent of Vegf signaling during neurovascular development. Using double transgenic glut1b:mCherry and plvap:EGFP zebrafish (Danio rerio) to visualize the developing brain vasculature, we performed a forward genetic screen and identified a new mutant allele of kdrl, an ortholog of mammalian Vegfr2. The kdrl mutant lacks CNS angiogenesis but, unlike the Wnt/β-catenin pathway mutant gpr124, acquires BBB properties in BECs. To examine Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation in BECs, we chemically inhibited Vegf signaling and found robust expression of the Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional reporter line 7xtcf-Xla.Siam:EGFP. Taken together, our results establish that Vegf signaling is essential for CNS angiogenesis but is not required for Wnt/β-catenin-dependent barriergenesis. Given the clinical significance of either inhibiting pathological angiogenesis or stimulating neovascularization, our study provides valuable new insights that are critical for the development of effective therapies that target the vasculature in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey R Fetsko
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Dylan J Sebo
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael R Taylor
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Synthesis and Molecular Docking of Some Novel 3-Thiazolyl-Coumarins as Inhibitors of VEGFR-2 Kinase. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020689. [PMID: 36677750 PMCID: PMC9861390 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
One crucial strategy for the treatment of breast cancer involves focusing on the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFR-2) signaling system. Consequently, the development of new (VEGFR-2) inhibitors is of the utmost importance. In this study, novel 3-thiazolhydrazinylcoumarins were designed and synthesized via the reaction of phenylazoacetylcoumarin with various hydrazonoyl halides and α-bromoketones. By using elemental and spectral analysis data (IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and Mass), the ascribed structures for all newly synthesized compounds were clarified, and the mechanisms underlying their formation were delineated. The molecular docking studies of the resulting 6-(phenyldiazenyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (3, 6a-e, 10a-c and 12a-c) derivatives were assessed against VEGFR-2 and demonstrated comparable activities to that of Sorafenib (approved medicine) with compounds 6d and 6b showing the highest binding scores (-9.900 and -9.819 kcal/mol, respectively). The cytotoxicity of the most active thiazole derivatives 6d, 6b, 6c, 10c and 10a were investigated for their human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line and normal cell line LLC-Mk2 using MTT assay and Sorafenib as the reference drug. The results revealed that compounds 6d and 6b exhibited greater anticancer activities (IC50 = 10.5 ± 0.71 and 11.2 ± 0.80 μM, respectively) than the Sorafenib reference drug (IC50 = 5.10 ± 0.49 μM). Therefore, the present study demonstrated that thiazolyl coumarins are potential (VEGFR-2) inhibitors and pave the way for the synthesis of additional libraries based on the reported scaffold, which could eventually lead to the development of efficient treatment for breast cancer.
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Herring CM, Bazer FW, Johnson GA, Seo H, Hu S, Elmetwally M, He W, Long DB, Wu G. Dietary supplementation with 0.4% L-arginine between days 14 and 30 of gestation enhances NO and polyamine syntheses and water transport in porcine placentae. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:134. [PMID: 36476252 PMCID: PMC9730586 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00794-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most embryonic loss in pigs occurs before d 30 of gestation. Dietary supplementation with L-arginine (Arg) during early gestation can enhance the survival and development of conceptuses (embryo/fetus and its extra-embryonic membranes) in gilts. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. METHODS Between d 14 and 30 of gestation, each gilt was fed daily 2 kg of a corn- and soybean-meal based diet (12% crude protein) supplemented with either 0.4% Arg (as Arg-HCl) or an isonitrogenous amount of L-alanine (Control). There were 10 gilts per treatment group. On d 30 of gestation, gilts were fed either Arg-HCl or L-alanine 30 min before they were hysterectomized, followed by the collection of placentae, embryos, fetal membranes, and fetal fluids. Amniotic and allantoic fluids were analyzed for nitrite and nitrate [NOx; stable oxidation products of nitric oxide (NO)], polyamines, and amino acids. Placentae were analyzed for syntheses of NO and polyamines, water and amino acid transport, concentrations of amino acid-related metabolites, and the expression of angiogenic factors and aquaporins (AQPs). RESULTS Compared to the control group, Arg supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the number of viable fetuses by 1.9 per litter, the number and diameter of placental blood vessels (+ 25.9% and + 17.0% respectively), embryonic survival (+ 18.5%), total placental weight (+ 36.5%), the total weight of viable fetuses (+ 33.5%), fetal crown-to-rump length (+ 4.7%), and total allantoic and amniotic fluid volumes (+ 44.6% and + 75.5% respectively). Compared to control gilts, Arg supplementation increased (P < 0.05) placental activities of GTP cyclohydrolase-1 (+ 33.1%) and ornithine decarboxylase (+ 29.3%); placental syntheses of NO (+ 26.2%) and polyamines (+ 28.9%); placental concentrations of NOx (+ 22.5%), tetrahydrobiopterin (+ 21.1%), polyamines (+ 20.4%), cAMP (+ 27.7%), and cGMP (+ 24.7%); total amounts of NOx (+ 61.7% to + 96.8%), polyamines (+ 60.7% to + 88.7%), amino acids (+ 39% to + 118%), glucose (+ 60.5% to + 62.6%), and fructose (+ 41.4% to + 57.0%) in fetal fluids; and the placental transport of water (+ 33.9%), Arg (+ 78.4%), glutamine (+ 89.9%), and glycine (+ 89.6%). Furthermore, Arg supplementation increased (P < 0.05) placental mRNA levels for angiogenic factors [VEGFA120 (+ 117%), VEGFR1 (+ 445%), VEGFR2 (+ 373%), PGF (+ 197%), and GCH1 (+ 126%)] and AQPs [AQP1 (+ 280%), AQP3 (+ 137%), AQP5 (+ 172%), AQP8 (+ 165%), and AQP9 (+ 127%)]. CONCLUSION Supplementing 0.4% Arg to a conventional diet for gilts between d 14 and d 30 of gestation enhanced placental NO and polyamine syntheses, angiogenesis, and water and amino acid transport to improve conceptus development and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M. Herring
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Fuller W. Bazer
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Gregory A. Johnson
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Heewon Seo
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Shengdi Hu
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Mohammed Elmetwally
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Wenliang He
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Daniel B. Long
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
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Llorens de los Ríos MC, Lanza PA, Barbieri CL, González ML, Chabán MF, Soria G, Vera DMA, Carpinella MC, Joray MB. The thiophene α-terthienylmethanol isolated from Tagetes minuta inhibits angiogenesis by targeting protein kinase C isozymes α and β2. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1007790. [PMID: 36313304 PMCID: PMC9597362 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1007790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tumor angiogenesis is considered as a crucial pathologic feature of cancer with a key role in multidrug resistance (MDR). Adverse effects of the currently available drugs and the development of resistance to these remain as the hardest obstacles to defeat. Objetive: This work explores flora from Argentina as a source of new chemical entities with antiangiogenic activity. Methods: Tube formation assay using bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) was the experiment of choice to assess antiangiogenic activity. The effect of the pure compound in cell invasiveness was investigated through the trans-well migration assay. The inhibitory effect of the pure compound on VEGFR-2 and PKC isozymes α and β2 activation was studied by molecular and massive dynamic simulations. Cytotoxicity on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and erythrocyte cells was evaluated by means of MTT and hemolysis assay, respectively. In silico prediction of pharmacological properties (ADME) and evaluation of drug-likeness features were performed using the SwissADME online tool. Results: Among the plants screened, T. minuta, showed an outstanding effect with an IC50 of 33.6 ± 3.4 μg/ml. Bio-guided isolation yielded the terthiophene α-terthienylmethanol as its active metabolite. This compound inhibited VEGF-induced tube formation with an IC50 of 2.7 ± 0.4 μM and significantly impaired the invasiveness of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) as well as of the highly aggressive breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231, when tested at 10 μM. Direct VEGFR-2 and PKC inhibition were both explored by means of massive molecular dynamics simulations. The results obtained validated the inhibitory effect on protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes α and β2 as the main mechanism underlying its antiangiogenic activity. α-terthienylmethanol showed no evidence of toxicity against peripheral blood mononuclear and erythrocyte cells. Conclusion: These findings support this thiophene as a promising antiangiogenic phytochemical to fight against several types of cancer mainly those with MDR phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Priscila A. Lanza
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, QUIAMM–INBIOTEC–CONICET, College of Exact and Natural Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Cecilia L. Barbieri
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, QUIAMM–INBIOTEC–CONICET, College of Exact and Natural Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - María L. González
- Fine Chemical and Natural Products Laboratory, IRNASUS CONICET-UCC, School of Chemistry, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Macarena Funes Chabán
- Fine Chemical and Natural Products Laboratory, IRNASUS CONICET-UCC, School of Chemistry, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gastón Soria
- CIBICI CONICET and Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemical Science, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - D. Mariano A. Vera
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, QUIAMM–INBIOTEC–CONICET, College of Exact and Natural Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- *Correspondence: D. Mariano A. Vera, ; María C. Carpinella, ; Mariana B. Joray,
| | - María C. Carpinella
- Fine Chemical and Natural Products Laboratory, IRNASUS CONICET-UCC, School of Chemistry, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- *Correspondence: D. Mariano A. Vera, ; María C. Carpinella, ; Mariana B. Joray,
| | - Mariana B. Joray
- Fine Chemical and Natural Products Laboratory, IRNASUS CONICET-UCC, School of Chemistry, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- *Correspondence: D. Mariano A. Vera, ; María C. Carpinella, ; Mariana B. Joray,
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Tian L, Chen X, Cao L, Zhang L, Chen J. Effects of plant-based medicinal food on postoperative recurrence and lung metastasis of gastric cancer regulated by Wnt/β-catenin-EMT signaling pathway and VEGF-C/D-VEGFR-3 cascade in a mouse model. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:233. [PMID: 36056333 PMCID: PMC9438347 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03703-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The plant-based medicinal food (PBMF) is a functional compound extracted from 6 medicinal and edible plants: Coix seed, L. edodes, A. officinalis L., H. cordata, Dandelion, and G. frondosa. Our previous studies have confirmed that the PBMF possesses anti-tumor properties in a subcutaneous xenograft model of nude mice. This study aims to further investigate the effects and potential molecular mechanisms of the PBMF on the recurrence and metastasis of gastric cancer (GC). Methods Postoperative recurrence and metastasis model of GC was successfully established in inbred 615 mice inoculated with mouse forestomach carcinoma (MFC) cells. After tumorectomy, 63 GC mice were randomly divided into five groups and respectively subject to different treatments for 15 days as below: model control group, 5-Fu group, and three doses of PBMF (43.22, 86.44, 172.88 g/kg PBMF in diet respectively). The inhibition rate (IR) of recurrence tumor weights and organ coefficients were calculated. Meanwhile, histopathological changes were examined and the metastasis IR in lungs and lymph node tissues was computed. The mRNA expressions related to the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and lymphangiogenesis were detected by RT-qPCR in recurrence tumors and/or lung tissues. Protein expressions of β-catenin, p-β-catenin (Ser33/37/Thr41), GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β (Ser9), E-cadherin, and Vimentin in recurrence tumors were determined by Western Blot. LYVE-1, VEGF-C/D, and VEGFR-3 levels in recurrence tumors and/or lung tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry staining. Results The mRNA, as well as protein expression of GSK-3β were up-regulated and the mRNA expression of β-catenin was down-regulated after PBMF treatment. Meanwhile, the ratio of p-β-catenin (Ser33/37/Thr41) to β-catenin protein was increased significantly and the p-GSK-3β (Ser9) protein level was decreased. And PMBF could effectively decrease the mRNA and protein levels of Vimentin while increasing those of E-cadherin. Furthermore, PBMF markedly reduced lymphatic vessel density (LVD) (labeled by LYVE-1) in recurrence tumor tissues, and mRNA levels of VEGF-C/D, VEGFR-2/3 of recurrence tumors were all significantly lower in the high-dose group. Conclusions PBMF had a significant inhibitory effect on recurrence and lung metastasis of GC. The potential mechanism may involve reversing EMT by inhabiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Lymphatic metastasis was also inhibited by PBMF via down-regulating the activation of the VEGF-C/D-VEGFR-2/3 signaling cascade. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03703-0.
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Cuenca JP, Kang HJ, Fahad MAA, Park M, Choi M, Lee HY, Lee BT. Physico-mechanical and biological evaluation of heparin/VEGF-loaded electrospun polycaprolactone/decellularized rat aorta extracellular matrix for small-diameter vascular grafts. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE. POLYMER EDITION 2022; 33:1664-1684. [PMID: 35446751 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2022.2069398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although the continuous development of small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) (D < 5 mm) continues, most vascular grafts are made from synthetic polymers, which lead to serious complications from arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular ischemia. Here, to address these shortcomings, we combine synthetic polymers with natural decellularized small-diameter vessels and loaded with growth factor. We fabricated vascular grafts by electrospinning polycaprolactone (PCL) to decellularized rat aorta matrix (ECM) followed by heparin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) loading. In- vitro studies showed that PCL/ECM/VEGF vascular grafts, showed excellent hemocompatibility and biocompatibility properties. The vascular grafts implanted into the rat aorta revealed that the PCL/ECM/VEGF grafts promotes endothelial cells and smooth-muscle cells infiltration with a rate of FLK-1, ICAM1, and a-SMA distribution higher than that of the PCL and PCL/ECM vascular grafts at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after implantation. The PCL/ECM/VEGF vascular graft should be considered for potential small-diameter vascular grafts in clinical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Patrick Cuenca
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Hoe-Jin Kang
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Md Abdullah Al Fahad
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Myeongki Park
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Minji Choi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Yong Lee
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Byong-Taek Lee
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, South Korea
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, South Korea
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18
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Saikia Q, Reeve H, Alzahrani A, Critchley WR, Zeqiraj E, Divan A, Harrison MA, Ponnambalam S. VEGFR endocytosis: Implications for angiogenesis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 194:109-139. [PMID: 36631189 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The binding of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) superfamily to VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFRs) and co-receptors regulates vasculogenesis, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. A recurring theme is that dysfunction in VEGF signaling promotes pathological angiogenesis, an important feature of cancer and pro-inflammatory disease states. Endocytosis of basal (resting) or activated VEGFRs facilitates signal attenuation and endothelial quiescence. However, increasing evidence suggest that activated VEGFRs can continue to signal from intracellular compartments such as endosomes. In this chapter, we focus on the evolving link between VEGFR endocytosis, signaling and turnover and the implications for angiogenesis. There is much interest in how such understanding of VEGFR dynamics can be harnessed therapeutically for a wide range of human disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Queen Saikia
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Reeve
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Areej Alzahrani
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - William R Critchley
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Elton Zeqiraj
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Aysha Divan
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Harrison
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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19
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Araki-Maeda H, Kawabe M, Omori Y, Yamanegi K, Yoshida K, Yoshikawa K, Takaoka K, Noguchi K, Nakano Y, Kishimoto H. Establishment of an oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line expressing vascular endothelial growth factor a and its two receptors. J Dent Sci 2022; 17:1471-1479. [PMID: 36299342 PMCID: PMC9588810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2022.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) promotes tumor growth through both autocrine and paracrine signaling. VEGF-positive OSCC cases are associated with a high depth of invasion, increased metastasis, and poor prognosis. In this study we established and then molecularly and functionally analyzed an OSCC cell line that co-expresses VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2, termed HCM-SqCC010 cells. Materials and methods VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 expression in HCM-SqCC010 cells were examined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Expression and inhibition of VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 in HCM-SqCC010 cells were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. Results Our analysis of HCM-SqCC010 cells revealed that their proliferation depended on VEGF-A, and selective inhibition of VEGFR-1 or VEGFR-2 resulted in decreased cell growth. Conclusion We established an OSCC cell line, HCM-SqCC010, that expresses VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2. This triple-positive cell line showed no effect from a molecular targeted drug toward VEGF-A, but it did show strong cell growth inhibition in response to a VEGFR inhibitor. Thus, new therapeutic strategies against OSCC should include a VEGFR inhibitor.
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20
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Mirzaeinia S, Zeinali S, Budisa N, Karbalaei-Heidari HR. Targeted Codelivery of Prodigiosin and Simvastatin Using Smart BioMOF: Functionalization by Recombinant Anti-VEGFR1 scFv. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:866275. [PMID: 35402395 PMCID: PMC8987009 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.866275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological metal-organic frameworks (BioMOFs) are hybrid compounds in which metal nodes are linked to biocompatible organic ligands and have potential for medical application. Herein, we developed a novel BioMOF modified with an anti-VEGFR1 scFv antibody (D16F7 scFv). Our BioMOF is co-loaded with a combination of an anticancer compound and a lipid-lowering drug to simultaneously suppress the proliferation, growth rate and metastases of cancer cells in cell culture model system. In particular, Prodigiosin (PG) and Simvastatin (SIM) were co-loaded into the newly synthesized Ca-Gly BioMOF nanoparticles coated with maltose and functionalized with a recombinant maltose binding protein-scFv fragment of anti-VEGFR1 (Ca-Gly-Maltose-D16F7). The nanoformulation, termed PG + SIM-NP-D16F7, has been shown to have strong active targeting behavior towards VEGFR1-overexpresing cancer cells. Moreover, the co-delivery of PG and SIM not only effectively inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells, but also prevents their invasion and metastasis. The PG + SIM-NP-D16F7 nanocarrier exhibited stronger cytotoxic and anti-metastatic effects compared to mono-treatment of free drugs and drug-loaded nanoparticles. Smart co-delivery of PG and SIM on BioMOF nanoparticles had synergistic effects on growth inhibition and prevented cancer cell metastasis. The present nanoplatform can be introduced as a promising tool for chemotherapy compared with mono-treatment and/or non-targeted formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayyeh Mirzaeinia
- Molecular Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sedighe Zeinali
- Department of Nanochemical Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies, Nanotechnology Research Institute, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nediljko Budisa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hamid Reza Karbalaei-Heidari
- Molecular Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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21
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Depetris RS, Lu D, Polonskaya Z, Zhang Z, Luna X, Tankard A, Kolahi P, Drummond M, Williams C, Ebert MCCJC, Patel JP, Poyurovsky MV. Functional antibody characterization via direct structural analysis and information-driven protein-protein docking. Proteins 2021; 90:919-935. [PMID: 34773424 PMCID: PMC9544432 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26280] [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: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Detailed description of the mechanism of action of the therapeutic antibodies is essential for the functional characterization and future optimization of potential clinical agents. We recently developed KD035, a fully human antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). KD035 blocked VEGF‐A, and VEGF‐C‐mediated VEGFR2 activation, as demonstrated by the in vitro binding and competition assays and functional cellular assays. Here, we report a computational model of the complex between the variable fragment of KD035 (KD035(Fv)) and the domains 2 and 3 of the extracellular portion of VEGFR2 (VEGFR2(D2‐3)). Our modeling was guided by a priori experimental information including the X‐ray structures of KD035 and related antibodies, binding assays, target domain mapping and comparison of KD035 affinity for VEGFR2 from different species. The accuracy of the model was assessed by molecular dynamics simulations, and subsequently validated by mutagenesis and binding analysis. Importantly, the steps followed during the generation of this model can set a precedent for future in silico efforts aimed at the accurate description of the antibody–antigen and more broadly protein–protein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Lu
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Zhikai Zhang
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xenia Luna
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Pegah Kolahi
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC, New York, New York, USA
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22
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Škorić-Milosavljević D, Lahrouchi N, Bosada FM, Dombrowsky G, Williams SG, Lesurf R, Tjong FVY, Walsh R, El Bouchikhi I, Breckpot J, Audain E, Ilgun A, Beekman L, Ratbi I, Strong A, Muenke M, Heide S, Muir AM, Hababa M, Cross L, Zhou D, Pastinen T, Zackai E, Atmani S, Ouldim K, Adadi N, Steindl K, Rauch A, Brook D, Wilsdon A, Kuipers I, Blom NA, Mulder BJ, Mefford HC, Keren B, Joset P, Kruszka P, Thiffault I, Sheppard SE, Roberts A, Lodder EM, Keavney BD, Clur SAB, Mital S, Hitz MP, Christoffels VM, Postma AV, Bezzina CR. Rare variants in KDR, encoding VEGF Receptor 2, are associated with tetralogy of Fallot. Genet Med 2021; 23:1952-1960. [PMID: 34113005 PMCID: PMC8486653 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-021-01212-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Rare genetic variants in KDR, encoding the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), have been reported in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). However, their role in disease causality and pathogenesis remains unclear. METHODS We conducted exome sequencing in a familial case of TOF and large-scale genetic studies, including burden testing, in >1,500 patients with TOF. We studied gene-targeted mice and conducted cell-based assays to explore the role of KDR genetic variation in the etiology of TOF. RESULTS Exome sequencing in a family with two siblings affected by TOF revealed biallelic missense variants in KDR. Studies in knock-in mice and in HEK 293T cells identified embryonic lethality for one variant when occurring in the homozygous state, and a significantly reduced VEGFR2 phosphorylation for both variants. Rare variant burden analysis conducted in a set of 1,569 patients of European descent with TOF identified a 46-fold enrichment of protein-truncating variants (PTVs) in TOF cases compared to controls (P = 7 × 10-11). CONCLUSION Rare KDR variants, in particular PTVs, strongly associate with TOF, likely in the setting of different inheritance patterns. Supported by genetic and in vivo and in vitro functional analysis, we propose loss-of-function of VEGFR2 as one of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of TOF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Škorić-Milosavljević
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Najim Lahrouchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fernanda M Bosada
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gregor Dombrowsky
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Simon G Williams
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Robert Lesurf
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fleur V Y Tjong
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roddy Walsh
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ihssane El Bouchikhi
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics and Oncogenetics, HASSAN II University Hospital, Fez, Morocco
| | - Jeroen Breckpot
- Center for Human Genetics Leuven and Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Enrique Audain
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Aho Ilgun
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leander Beekman
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ilham Ratbi
- Centre de Recherche en Génomique des Pathologies Humaines (GENOPATH), Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
- Département de génétique médicale, Institut National d'Hygiène, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Alanna Strong
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maximilian Muenke
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Solveig Heide
- Département de génétique, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Alison M Muir
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mariam Hababa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Cross
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Dihong Zhou
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Tomi Pastinen
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospital and School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Elaine Zackai
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samir Atmani
- HASSAN II University Hospital, Fez, Morocco
- University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco
| | - Karim Ouldim
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Medical Genetics and Oncogenetics Unit, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Najlae Adadi
- Centre de Recherche en Génomique des Pathologies Humaines (GENOPATH), Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
- Département de génétique médicale, Institut National d'Hygiène, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Katharina Steindl
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anita Rauch
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Brook
- University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna Wilsdon
- University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Irene Kuipers
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nico A Blom
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara J Mulder
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Heather C Mefford
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Boris Keren
- Département de génétique, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Joset
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paul Kruszka
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Isabelle Thiffault
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospital and School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Sarah E Sheppard
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amy Roberts
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elisabeth M Lodder
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bernard D Keavney
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Sally-Ann B Clur
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Seema Mital
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marc-Philip Hitz
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site, Kiel, Germany
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex V Postma
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Connie R Bezzina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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23
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Uemura A, Fruttiger M, D'Amore PA, De Falco S, Joussen AM, Sennlaub F, Brunck LR, Johnson KT, Lambrou GN, Rittenhouse KD, Langmann T. VEGFR1 signaling in retinal angiogenesis and microinflammation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100954. [PMID: 33640465 PMCID: PMC8385046 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Five vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) ligands (VEGF-A, -B, -C, -D, and placental growth factor [PlGF]) constitute the VEGF family. VEGF-A binds VEGF receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1/2), whereas VEGF-B and PlGF only bind VEGFR1. Although much research has been conducted on VEGFR2 to elucidate its key role in retinal diseases, recent efforts have shown the importance and involvement of VEGFR1 and its family of ligands in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and microinflammatory cascades within the retina. Expression of VEGFR1 depends on the microenvironment, is differentially regulated under hypoxic and inflammatory conditions, and it has been detected in retinal and choroidal endothelial cells, pericytes, retinal and choroidal mononuclear phagocytes (including microglia), Müller cells, photoreceptor cells, and the retinal pigment epithelium. Whilst the VEGF-A decoy function of VEGFR1 is well established, consequences of its direct signaling are less clear. VEGFR1 activation can affect vascular permeability and induce macrophage and microglia production of proinflammatory and proangiogenic mediators. However the ability of the VEGFR1 ligands (VEGF-A, PlGF, and VEGF-B) to compete against each other for receptor binding and to heterodimerize complicates our understanding of the relative contribution of VEGFR1 signaling alone toward the pathologic processes seen in diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, retinopathy of prematurity, and age-related macular degeneration. Clinically, anti-VEGF drugs have proven transformational in these pathologies and their impact on modulation of VEGFR1 signaling is still an opportunity-rich field for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiyoshi Uemura
- Department of Retinal Vascular Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan.
| | - Marcus Fruttiger
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
| | - Patricia A D'Amore
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Sandro De Falco
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; ANBITION S.r.l., Via Manzoni 1, 80123, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonia M Joussen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, and Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Florian Sennlaub
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012, Paris, France.
| | - Lynne R Brunck
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Kristian T Johnson
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - George N Lambrou
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Kay D Rittenhouse
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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VEGFR-Mediated Cytotoxic Activity of Pulicaria undulata Isolated Metabolites: A Biological Evaluation and In Silico Study. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11080759. [PMID: 34440504 PMCID: PMC8398779 DOI: 10.3390/life11080759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products play a remarkable role not only in the synthesis, design, and discovery of new drugs but also as the most prominent source of drugs and bioactive substances. Adding to the search for new sources of safe innovative antitumor drugs, here we reported a phytochemical study on Pulicaria undulata which revealed promising antiangiogenic agents. Six compounds were isolated and identified as xanthoxyline (1), stigmasterol (2), oleanolic acid (3), salvigenin (4), rhamnetin (5) and dihydroquercetin-4′-methyl ether (6) using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques. Compound 3 and 4 are first reported in Pulicaria genus. Both the extract and isolated compounds were evaluated for in vitro antiproliferative activity against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). In vivo antiproliferative activity against Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma (EAC) were also assessed. The P. undulata extract and isolates showed significant reduction in tumor weight, decreased both serum vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) levels and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) expression significantly compared to the control EAC group, suggesting an antiangiogenic activity through the inhibition of VEGF signaling. Besides, they displayed reduction in CD34 expression, confirming their antiangiogenic effect. Moreover, the potential affinity of isolated compounds to human estrogen nuclear receptor-alpha (hER-α), the most recognized modulator of VEGFR-2 expression, was virtually estimated through molecular modeling studies. The most promising activity profiles were assigned to the investigated flavonoids, compounds 4–6, as well as the alkyl-phenylketone, compound 1. Additionally, these four top active compounds showed respective high to intermediate docking scores while possessing preferential binding with hER-α critical pocket residues. Based on the provided data, these isolated compounds illustrated promising inhibitors of VEGF-stimulated angiogenesis, which could be a possible mechanism for their anticancer activity.
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25
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Li W, Jiang YX, Chen QY, Wang GG. Recombinant fusion protein by lysozyme and antibacterial peptide enhances ischemic wound healing via angiogenesis and reduction of inflammation in diabetic db/db mice. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11256. [PMID: 33959422 PMCID: PMC8054754 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & aims Lysozyme and antibacterial peptides have been reported to broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and can further improve wound healing. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a recombinant fusion protein created by combining lysozyme and an antibacterial peptide in forming new vessels and wound healing in an ischemic hind limb. Methods An ischemic hind limb model was established by isolation and ligation of the femoral artery in diabetic db/db mice. Cutaneous wounds were created with or without ischemia. Adductor muscles and wounds were treated with or without the fusion protein. Results The fusion protein accelerated ischemic diabetic wound healing and attenuated impairment of ischemic adductor muscle . Further, the fusion protein elevated expression of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein and mRNA in ischemic adductor muscle, reduced levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum and expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor κB (p-NF-κB) and p-IKB α in ischemic adductor. The fusion protein also enhanced levels of phosphorylated VEGF and PDGF receptors in the ischemic adductor muscles from diabetic db/db mice. Conclusion The data showed that the beneficial effects of the fusion protein on ischemic wound healing may be associated with angiogenesis and reduction of inflammatory response in the ischemic adductor muscles of diabetic db/db mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Yu-Xin Jiang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qing-Ying Chen
- Department of Integrated traditional and western medicine, General Hospital of Jinan Military Command, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guo-Guang Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
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Niepolski L, Drzewiecka H, Warchoł W. Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 levels and their association with lipid abnormalities in patients on hemodialysis. Biomed Rep 2021; 14:37. [PMID: 33692900 PMCID: PMC7938296 DOI: 10.3892/br.2021.1413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the association between the levels of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)2 levels, serum lipid composition and plasma receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) expression in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). A total of 50 patients on HD (27 men and 23 women; median age, 66 years; age range 28-88 years; HD mean time, 29.0, 3.9-157.0 months) were enrolled. Age-matched healthy subjects (n=26) were used as the control group. Plasma VEGFR2 and RAGE levels were determined using ELISA. Dyslipidemia (D) in patients on HD was diagnosed according to the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Clinical Practice Guidelines for Managing Dyslipidemias in Chronic Kidney Disease. Circulating VEGFR2, RAGE and serum lipids were compared between dyslipidemic and non-dyslipidemic patients on HD and controls. In patients on HD, the plasma VEGFR2 levels were lower compared with those in the healthy population. D was associated with high plasma VEGFR2 levels. The triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio was strongly associated with plasma VEGFR2 levels. The plasma VEGFR2 concentration was associated with circulating RAGE levels. Therefore, circulating VEGFR2 levels may be partly associated with lipid abnormalities and plasma RAGE levels in patients receiving HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leszek Niepolski
- Department of Physiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań 60-781, Poland
| | - Hanna Drzewiecka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań 60-781, Poland
| | - Wojciech Warchoł
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań 60-781, Poland
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Roskoski R. Properties of FDA-approved small molecule phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors prescribed for the treatment of malignancies. Pharmacol Res 2021; 168:105579. [PMID: 33774181 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) pathway was a major advance in understanding eukaryotic signal transduction. The high frequency of PI 3-kinase pathway mutations in many cancers stimulated the development of drugs targeting these oncogenic mutants. The PI 3-kinases are divided into three classes and Class I PI 3-kinases, which catalyze the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI-4,5-P2) to generate phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3), are the main subject of this review. The class I PI 3-kinases are made up of p110α, p110β, p110δ, and p110γ catalytic subunits. These catalytic subunits are constitutively bound to regulatory subunits (p85α, p85β, p55γ, p101, and p87 proteins). The p85/p55 regulatory subunits heterodimerize with p110α or p110δ thereby forming complexes that are regulated chiefly by receptor protein-tyrosine kinases. The p101 and p87 subunits heterodimerize with p110γ to form complexes that are regulated mainly by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Complexes containing the p110β subunit are activated by receptor protein-tyrosine kinases as well as GPCRs. Following the generation of PIP3, the AKT and mTOR protein-serine/threonine kinases are activated leading to cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Like protein kinases, the PI 3-kinase domains consist of a bilobed structure connected by a hinge-linker segment. ATP and most PI 3-kinase and protein kinase inhibitors form hydrogen bonds with hinge residues. The small and large lobes of PI 3-kinases and protein kinases have a very similar three-dimensional structure called the protein kinase fold. Both PI 3-kinases and eukaryotic protein kinases possess an activation segment that begins with a DFG triad (Asp-Phe-Gly); the activation segment of protein kinases usually ends with an APE (Ala-Pro-Glu) signature while that of PI 3-kinases ends with a PFxLT (Pro-Phe-Xxx-Leu-Thr) signature. Dormant PI 3-kinases have a collapsed activation loop and active PI 3-kinases have an extended activation loop. The distance between the α-carbon atom of the DFG-D residue at the beginning of the activation loop and that of the PFxLT-F residue at the end of the activation loop in dormant PI 3-kinases is about 13 Å; this distance in active PI 3-kinases is about 18 Å. The protein kinase catalytic loop has an HRD (His-Arg-Asp) signature while that of the PI 3-kinases reverses the order with a DRH triad. Alpelisib is an orally effective FDA-approved PI 3-kinase-α inhibitor used for the treatment of breast cancer. Copanlisib, duvelisib, idelalisib, and umbralisib are PI 3-kinase-δ inhibitors that are approved for the third-line treatment of follicular lymphomas and other hematological disorders. Copanlisib is also a potent inhibitor of PI 3-kinase-α. Of the five approved drugs, all are orally bioavailable except copanlisib. Idelalisib interacts with the active conformation of PI 3-kinase-δ and is classified as a type I inhibitor. Alpelisib and copanlisib interact with inactive PI 3-kinase-α and PI 3-kinase-γ, respectively, and are classified as a type I½ antagonists. Except for umbralisib with a molecular weight of 571.5, all five drugs conform to the Lipinski rule of five for oral effectiveness. Copanlisib, however, must be given intravenously. Alpelisib and copanlisib inhibit PI 3-kinase-α, which is involved in insulin signaling, and both drugs promote insulin-resistance and produce hyperglycemia. The five FDA-approved PI 3-kinase inhibitors produce significant on-target toxicities, more so than many approved protein kinase antagonists. The development of PI 3-kinase inhibitors with fewer toxicities is an important long-term therapeutic goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 3754 Brevard Road, Suite 116, Box 19, Horse Shoe, NC 28742-8814, United States.
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Usuelli M, Meyer T, Mezzenga R, Mitsi M. VEGF and VEGFR2 bind to similar pH-sensitive sites on fibronectin, exposed by heparin-mediated conformational changes. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100584. [PMID: 33771558 PMCID: PMC8102423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical interactions between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a central player in blood endothelial cell biology, and fibronectin, a major fibrillar protein of the extracellular matrix, are important determinants of angiogenic activity in health and disease. Conditions signaling the need for new blood vessel growth, such as hypoxia and low extracellular pH, increase VEGF–fibronectin interactions. These interactions can be further fine-tuned through changes in the availability of the VEGF-binding sites on fibronectin, regulated by conformational changes induced by heparin and heparan sulfate chains within the extracellular matrix. These interactions may alter VEGF bioavailability, generate gradients, or alter the way VEGF is recognized by and activates its cell-surface receptors. Here, using equilibrium and kinetic studies, we discovered that fibronectin can also interact with the extracellular domain of the VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). The VEGFR2-binding sites on fibronectin show great similarity to the VEGF-binding sites, as they were also exposed upon heparin-induced conformational changes in fibronectin, and the interaction was enhanced at acidic pH. Kinetic parameters and affinities for VEGF and VEGFR2 binding to fibronectin were determined by surface plasmon resonance measurements, revealing two populations of fibronectin-binding sites for each molecule. Our data also suggest that a VEGF/VEGFR2/fibronectin triple complex may be formed by VEGF or VEGFR2 first binding to fibronectin and subsequently recruiting the third binding partner. The formation of such a complex may lead to the activation of distinct angiogenic signaling pathways, offering new possibilities for clinical applications that target angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Usuelli
- Laboratory of Food and Soft Materials, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timmy Meyer
- Laboratory of Food and Soft Materials, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Raffaele Mezzenga
- Laboratory of Food and Soft Materials, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Maria Mitsi
- Laboratory of Food and Soft Materials, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Gehmeyr J, Maghnouj A, Tjaden J, Vorgerd M, Hahn S, Matschke V, Theis V, Theiss C. Disabling VEGF-Response of Purkinje Cells by Downregulation of KDR via miRNA-204-5p. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2173. [PMID: 33671638 PMCID: PMC7926311 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is well known for its wide-ranging functions, not only in the vascular system, but also in the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). To study the role of VEGF in neuronal protection, growth and maturation processes have recently attracted much interest. These effects are mainly mediated by VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). Current studies have shown the age-dependent expression of VEGFR-2 in Purkinje cells (PC), promoting dendritogenesis in neonatal, but not in mature stages. We hypothesize that microRNAs (miRNA/miR) might be involved in the regulation of VEGFR-2 expression during the development of PC. In preliminary studies, we performed a miRNA profiling and identified miR204-5p as a potential regulator of VEGFR-2 expression. In the recent study, organotypic slice cultures of rat cerebella (postnatal day (p) 1 and 9) were cultivated and VEGFR-2 expression in PC was verified via immunohistochemistry. Additionally, PC at age p9 and p30 were isolated from cryosections by laser microdissection (LMD) to analyse VEGFR-2 expression by quantitative RT-PCR. To investigate the influence of miR204-5p on VEGFR-2 levels in PC, synthetic constructs including short hairpin (sh)-miR204-5p cassettes (miRNA-mimics), were microinjected into PC. The effects were analysed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and morphometric analysis. For the first time, we could show that miR204-5p has a negative effect on VEGF sensitivity in juvenile PC, resulting in a significant decrease of dendritic growth compared to untreated juvenile PC. In mature PC, the overexpression of miR204-5p leads to a shrinkage of dendrites despite VEGF treatment. The results of this study illustrate, for the first time, which miR204-5p expression has the potential to play a key role in cerebellar development by inhibiting VEGFR-2 expression in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Gehmeyr
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, Building MA, Level 5, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (J.G.); (J.T.); (V.M.); (V.T.)
| | - Abdelouahid Maghnouj
- Clinical Research Centre (ZKF), Department of Molecular Gastrointestinal Oncology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (A.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Jonas Tjaden
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, Building MA, Level 5, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (J.G.); (J.T.); (V.M.); (V.T.)
| | - Matthias Vorgerd
- Neuromuscular Center Ruhrgebiet, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Stephan Hahn
- Clinical Research Centre (ZKF), Department of Molecular Gastrointestinal Oncology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (A.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, Building MA, Level 5, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (J.G.); (J.T.); (V.M.); (V.T.)
| | - Verena Theis
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, Building MA, Level 5, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (J.G.); (J.T.); (V.M.); (V.T.)
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, Building MA, Level 5, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (J.G.); (J.T.); (V.M.); (V.T.)
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Blume C, Geiger MF, Müller M, Clusmann H, Mainz V, Kalder J, Brandenburg LO, Mueller CA. Decreased angiogenesis as a possible pathomechanism in cervical degenerative myelopathy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2497. [PMID: 33510227 PMCID: PMC7843718 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81766-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous immune mediated reactions of inflammation and angiogenesis are components of the spinal cord injury in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). The aim of this study was to identify alteration of certain mediators participating in angiogenetic and inflammatory reactions in patients with DCM. A consecutive series of 42 patients with DCM and indication for surgical decompression were enrolled for the study. 28 DCM patients were included, as CSF samples were taken preoperatively. We enrolled 42 patients requiring surgery for a thoracic abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) as neurologically healthy controls. In 38 TAAA patients, CSF samples were taken prior to surgery and thus included. We evaluated the neurological status of patients and controls prior to surgery including NDI and mJOA. Protein-concentrations of factors with a crucial role in inflammation and angiogenesis were measured in CSF via ELISA testing (pg/ml): Angiopoietin 2, VEGF-A and C, RANTES, IL 1 beta and IL 8. Additionally, evaluated the status of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) by Reibers´diagnostic in all participants. Groups evidently differed in their neurological status (mJOA: DCM 10.1 ± 3.3, TAAA 17.3 ± 1.2, p < .001; NDI: DCM 47.4 ± 19.7, TAAA 5.3 ± 8.6, p < .001). There were no particular differences in age and gender distribution. However, we detected statistically significant differences in concentrations of mediators between the groups: Angiopoietin 2 (DCM 267.1.4 ± 81.9, TAAA 408.6 ± 177.1, p < .001) and VEGF C (DCM 152.2 ± 96.1, TAAA 222.4 ± 140.3, p = .04). DCM patients presented a mild to moderate BSCB disruption, controls had no signs of impairment. In patients with DCM, we measured decreased concentrations of angiogenic mediators. These results correspond to findings of immune mediated secondary harm in acute spinal cord injury. Reduced angiogenic activity could be a relevant part of the pathogenesis of DCM and secondary harm to the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Blume
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - M F Geiger
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - M Müller
- Department of Neuroradiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - H Clusmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - V Mainz
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 19, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - J Kalder
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Gießen University, Rudolf-Buchheim-str. 7, 35392, Gießen, Germany
| | - L O Brandenburg
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstrasse 9, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - C A Mueller
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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Shaik F, Cuthbert GA, Homer-Vanniasinkam S, Muench SP, Ponnambalam S, Harrison MA. Structural Basis for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Activation and Implications for Disease Therapy. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121673. [PMID: 33333800 PMCID: PMC7765180 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) bind to membrane receptors on a wide variety of cells to regulate diverse biological responses. The VEGF-A family member promotes vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, processes which are essential for vascular development and physiology. As angiogenesis can be subverted in many disease states, including tumour development and progression, there is much interest in understanding the mechanistic basis for how VEGF-A regulates cell and tissue function. VEGF-A binds with high affinity to two VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFR1, VEGFR2) and with lower affinity to co-receptors called neuropilin-1 and neuropilin-2 (NRP1, NRP2). Here, we use a structural viewpoint to summarise our current knowledge of VEGF-VEGFR activation and signal transduction. As targeting VEGF-VEGFR activation holds much therapeutic promise, we examine the structural basis for anti-angiogenic therapy using small-molecule compounds such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors that block VEGFR activation and downstream signalling. This review provides a rational basis towards reconciling VEGF and VEGFR structure and function in developing new therapeutics for a diverse range of ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Shaik
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-207-8824207
| | - Gary A. Cuthbert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (G.A.C.); (S.H.-V.); (M.A.H.)
| | | | - Stephen P. Muench
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | | | - Michael A. Harrison
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (G.A.C.); (S.H.-V.); (M.A.H.)
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32
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Mamer SB, Wittenkeller A, Imoukhuede PI. VEGF-A splice variants bind VEGFRs with differential affinities. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14413. [PMID: 32879419 PMCID: PMC7468149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71484-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and its binding to VEGFRs is an important angiogenesis regulator, especially the earliest-known isoform, VEGF-A165a. Yet several additional splice variants play prominent roles in regulating angiogenesis in health and in vascular disease, including VEGF-A121 and an anti-angiogenic variant, VEGF-A165b. Few studies have attempted to distinguish these forms from their angiogenic counterparts, experimentally. Previous studies of VEGF-A:VEGFR binding have measured binding kinetics for VEGFA165 and VEGF-A121, but binding kinetics of the other two pro- and all anti-angiogenic splice variants are not known. We measured the binding kinetics for VEGF-A165, -A165b, and -A121 with VEGFR1 and VEGF-R2 using surface plasmon resonance. We validated our methods by reproducing the known affinities between VEGF-A165a:VEGFR1 and VEGF-A165a:VEGFR2, 1.0 pM and 10 pM respectively, and validated the known affinity VEGF-A121:VEGFR2 as KD = 0.66 nM. We found that VEGF-A121 also binds VEGFR1 with an affinity KD = 3.7 nM. We further demonstrated that the anti-angiogenic variant, VEGF-A165b selectively prefers VEGFR2 binding at an affinity = 0.67 pM while binding VEGFR1 with a weaker affinity-KD = 1.4 nM. These results suggest that the - A165b anti-angiogenic variant would preferentially bind VEGFR2. These discoveries offer a new paradigm for understanding VEGF-A, while further stressing the need to take care in differentiating the splice variants in all future VEGF-A studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer B Mamer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Ashley Wittenkeller
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - P I Imoukhuede
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Differential expression of several factors involved in placental development in normal and abnormal condition. Placenta 2020; 95:1-8. [PMID: 32339142 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The placenta, a temporary organ that forms during pregnancy, is the largest fetal organ and the first to develop. It is recognized as an organ that plays a vital role as a metabolic and physical barrier in the fetoplacental unit; throughout fetal development it acts as the lungs, gut, kidneys, and liver of the fetus. When its two components, the fetal and the maternal one, successfully interact, pregnancy proceeds healthily. However, in some cases there may be pregnancy disorders, such as preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which can lead to a different outcome for the mother and the newborn. In recent years, several studies have been conducted to try to understand how the expression of factors involved in the development of the placenta varies under pathological conditions compared with normal conditions. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent discoveries in this field.
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Kassab AE, El‐Dash Y, Gedawy EM. Novel pyrazolopyrimidine urea derivatives: Synthesis, antiproliferative activity, VEGFR‐2 inhibition, and effects on the cell cycle profile. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2020; 353:e1900319. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201900319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa E. Kassab
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of PharmacyCairo UniversityCairo Egypt
| | - Yara El‐Dash
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of PharmacyCairo UniversityCairo Egypt
| | - Ehab M. Gedawy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of PharmacyCairo UniversityCairo Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical IndustriesBadr University in Cairo (BUC)Cairo Egypt
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Stumpf C, Wimmer T, Lorenz B, Stieger K. Creation of different bioluminescence resonance energy transfer based biosensors with high affinity to VEGF. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230344. [PMID: 32214330 PMCID: PMC7098639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy (DR), hypoxia and inflammatory processes lead to an upregulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and thereby to pathological neovascularisation with incorrectly formed vessels prone to damage, thus increasing the vascular permeability and the risk of bleeding and oedema in the retina. State of the art treatment is the repeated intraocular injection of anti-VEGF molecules. For developing improved individualized treatment approaches, a minimally invasive, repeatable method for in vivo quantification of VEGF in the eye is necessary. Therefore, we designed single molecule eBRET2 VEGF biosensors by directly fusing a Renilla luciferase mutant (Rluc8) N-terminal and a green fluorescent protein (GFP2) C-terminal to a VEGF binding domain. In total, 10 different VEGF biosensors (Re01- Re10) were generated based on either single domains or full length of VEGF receptor 1 or 2 extracellular regions as VEGF binding domains. Full length expression of the biosensors in HEK293-T cells was verified via Western Blot employing an anti-Rluc8-IgG. Expression of alternative splice variants was eliminated through the deletion of the donor splice site by introduction of a silent point mutation. In all ten biosensors the energy transfer from the Rluc8 to the GFP2 occurs and generates a measurable eBRET2 ratio. Four biosensors show a relevant change of the BRET ratio (ΔBR) after VEGF binding. Furthermore, each biosensor shows a unique detection range for VEGF quantification and especially Re06 and Re07 have a high sensitivity in the range of in vivo VEGF concentrations in the eye, previously measured by invasive methods. In conclusion, we generated several eBRET2 biosensors that are suitable for VEGF quantification in vitro and could identify two eBRET2 biosensors, which may be suitable for non-invasive in vivo VEGF quantification with an implantable device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Stumpf
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tobias Wimmer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Birgit Lorenz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Knut Stieger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Mtshali Z, Moodley J, Naicker T. An Insight into the Angiogenic and Lymphatic Interplay in Pre-eclampsia Comorbid with HIV Infection. Curr Hypertens Rep 2020; 22:35. [PMID: 32200445 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-020-01040-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide insight on the imbalance of angiogenic and lymphangiogenic factors in pre-eclampsia, as well as highlight polymorphism in genes related to angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS The pregnancy-specific disorder pre-eclampsia is diagnosed by the presence of hypertension with/without proteinuria, after 20 weeks of gestation. The pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia remains ambiguous, but research over the years has identified an imbalance in maternal and foetal factors. Familial predisposition and gene variation are also linked to pre-eclampsia development. The sFlt-1/PIGF ratio has attracted great attention over the years; more recently several researchers have reported that a sFlt-1/PIGF ratio of ≤ 38 can be used to predict short-term absence of pre-eclampsia. This ratio has the potential to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes and reduce healthcare costs significantly. Genome-wide studies have additionally identified variation in the foetal gene near Flt-1. The development of preeclampsia is not limited to the maternal interface, but foetal involvement as well as genetic interplay is associated with the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zamahlabangane Mtshali
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Jagidesa Moodley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Women's Health and HIV Research Group, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Lv Y, Wang Y, Zheng X, Liang G. Reveal the interaction mechanism of five old drugs targeting VEGFR2 through computational simulations. J Mol Graph Model 2020; 96:107538. [PMID: 31981898 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2020.107538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
VEGFR2, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, plays an important role in anti-angiogenesis and is an effective target for inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Many small molecule inhibitors have so far exhibited fine therapeutic effects but do not rule out some adverse reactions. From the perspective of the new use of old drugs, we use a combination of two different docking methods, molecular dynamics simulations and quantum-chemical calculations to acquire potential anti-angiogenesis inhibitors from the library of FDA-approved drugs. We attain five FDA-approved old drugs from Drugbank as potential inhibitors against VEGFR2. Therein, the anti-tumor effects of three compounds, including vilazodone (psychiatric drug), pranlukast and zafirlukast (asthma drugs), have been reported by previous experiments but no anti-tumor data is available for the other two compounds, including antrafenine (analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug) and iloperidone (psychiatric drug). These five compounds exhibit more stable interaction than sorafenib as a market-oriented drug targeting VEGFR2. In parallel, there is a most stable interaction for zafirlukast while a weakest interaction for iloperidone with VEGFR2. We show that these five compounds bind with the hydrophobic cavity of VEGFR2, then forming hydrogen bond interactions with three key residues, Glu-885, Cys-919 and Asp-1046. Lys-868 and Phe-1047 play an important role in stabilizing the interaction conformation. The binding poses of pranlukast and vilazodone are similar to that of sorafenib, whereas antrafenine and zafirlukast act differently from sorafenib, focusing on the direction difference of the respective ring structure. This work may help to develop new and effective anti-angiogenic inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghui Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Guizhao Liang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China.
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In Vitro Study of Combined Application of Bevacizumab and 5-Fluorouracil or Bevacizumab and Mitomycin C to Inhibit Scar Formation in Glaucoma Filtration Surgery. J Ophthalmol 2019; 2019:7419571. [PMID: 31885893 PMCID: PMC6925728 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7419571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This is an in vitro study conducted to observe the safety and antiscarring effects of combined application of bevacizumab (BVZ) and 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) or BVZ and mitomycin C (MMC) during glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS). The cytotoxicity of drug combinations in human Tenon's fibroblasts (HTFs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was evaluated. Their effects on the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in HUVECs, cell proliferation and migration in HTFs, and the expression of collagen type I alpha 1 (Col1A1) gene in HTFs were evaluated. In addition, the effects of combined drugs on VEGF(R) mRNA in HTFs were detected to explore the possible underlying drug mechanisms. The results showed that BVZ combined with 5-Fu demonstrated more significant antiscarring effects than BVZ or 5-Fu alone. However, the inhibitory effects of BVZ combined with MMC were similar to those of MMC alone. The cytotoxicity of the drug combinations was significantly greater than that of single drug, suggesting that combined application of BVZ and antimetabolites after GFS was safer when applied at different sites (such as subconjunctival injection at bilateral sides of the filtering bleb) or at varied time points.
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Dziobek K, Opławski M, Grabarek BO, Zmarzły N, Tomala B, Halski T, Leśniak E, Januszyk K, Brus R, Kiełbasiński R, Boroń D. Changes in the Expression Profile of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 in Different Grades of Endometrial Cancer. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2019; 20:955-963. [PMID: 31322068 PMCID: PMC7403754 DOI: 10.2174/1389201020666190717092448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Background VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 are important proteins involved in the induction and development of a new blood vessel network through which the tumor is properly nourished and oxygenated. Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 expression in endometrial cancer depending on its grade and to determine the VEGFR-1 to VEGFR-2 concentration ratio. Methods The study group consisted of 45 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer (G1, 17; G2, 15; G3, 13). The control group included 15 patients. VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-R1, VEGFR-2 expression was assessed using the immunohistochemical method. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistica 12 PL program (StatSoft, Cracow, Poland). It included the one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (p<0.05). Results Statistically significant differences in the level of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-R1, VEGFR-2 were observed between the majority of analyzed groups (except for VEGF-B; G3 vs. G1, p=0.997700). The expression pattern of VEGF-A, VEGF-R1, VEGFR-2 was as follows: G3>G2>G1>C; VEGF-B: G2> G3> G1>C. A lower concentration of VEGFR-1 than VEGFR-2 was found regardless of the cancer grade. Conclusion VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-R1, VEGFR-2 are key proteins involved in tumor angiogenesis. The analysis of the entire panel of proteins participating in a given process is an important element of modern diagnostics. The concentration ratio of VEGFR-1 to VEGFR-2 appears to be a determining factor in the patients' survival prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Dziobek
- Center of Oncology, M. Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute, Cracow Branch, Poland
| | - Marcin Opławski
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics with Gynecologic Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Memorial Specialized Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Beniamin Oskar Grabarek
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
| | - Nikola Zmarzły
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
| | - Barbara Tomala
- Faculty of Health Science, Public Higher Medical Professional School in Opole, Poland
| | - Tomasz Halski
- Faculty of Health Science, Public Higher Medical Professional School in Opole, Poland
| | - Ewa Leśniak
- Faculty of Health Science, Public Higher Medical Professional School in Opole, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Januszyk
- Faculty of Health Science, Public Higher Medical Professional School in Opole, Poland
| | - Ryszard Brus
- Department of Nurse, High School of Strategic Planning, Koscielna 6, 41-303, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland
| | - Robert Kiełbasiński
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology ward, Health Center in Mikolow, Mikolow, Poland
| | - Dariusz Boroń
- Center of Oncology, M. Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute, Cracow Branch, Poland.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics with Gynecologic Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Memorial Specialized Hospital, Krakow, Poland.,Faculty of Health Science, Public Higher Medical Professional School in Opole, Poland.,Department of Histology and Cell Pathology, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,Katowice School of Technology, The University of Science and Art in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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di Somma M, Vliora M, Grillo E, Castro B, Dakou E, Schaafsma W, Vanparijs J, Corsini M, Ravelli C, Sakellariou E, Mitola S. Role of VEGFs in metabolic disorders. Angiogenesis 2019; 23:119-130. [PMID: 31853841 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-019-09700-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and metabolic disorders are important public health problems. In this review, the role of vasculature network and VEGF in the adipose tissue maintenance and supplementation is discussed. Angiogenesis is a key process implicated in regulation of tissues homeostasis. Dysregulation of new blood vessels formation may be crucial and contribute to the onset of several pathological conditions, including metabolic syndrome-associated disorders. Adipose tissue homeostasis is fine regulated by vascular network. Vessels support adipose structure. Vasculature modulates the balance between positive and negative regulator factors. In white adipose tissue, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) controls the metabolic activities of adipocytes promoting the trans-differentiation from white to beige phenotype. Trans-differentiation results in an increase of energy consumption. VEGF exerts an opposite effect on brown adipose tissue, where VEGF increases oxygen supply and improves energy expenditure inducing the whitening of adipocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M di Somma
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - M Vliora
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - E Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - B Castro
- Histocell, S.L.Parque Tecnológico 801A, 2º, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - E Dakou
- Laboratory of Cell Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - W Schaafsma
- Histocell, S.L.Parque Tecnológico 801A, 2º, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - J Vanparijs
- Laboratory of Cell Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - C Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Sakellariou
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - S Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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D'Aniello C, Berretta M, Cavaliere C, Rossetti S, Facchini BA, Iovane G, Mollo G, Capasso M, Pepa CD, Pesce L, D'Errico D, Buonerba C, Di Lorenzo G, Pisconti S, De Vita F, Facchini G. Biomarkers of Prognosis and Efficacy of Anti-angiogenic Therapy in Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cancer. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1400. [PMID: 31921657 PMCID: PMC6917607 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, the prognosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has remarkably improved following the advent of the "targeted therapy" era. The expanding knowledge on the prominent role played by angiogenesis in RCC pathogenesis has led to approval of multiple anti-angiogenic agents such as sunitinib, pazopanib, axitinib, cabozantinib, sorafenib, and bevacizumab. These agents can induce radiological responses and delay cancer progression for months or years before onset of resistance, with a clinically meaningful activity. The need for markers of prognosis and efficacy of anti-angiogenic agents has become more compelling as novel systemic immunotherapy agents have also been approved in RCC and can be administered as an alternative to angiogenesis inhibitors. Anti PD-1 monoclonal antibody nivolumab has been approved in the second-line setting after tyrosine kinase inhibitors failure, while combination of nivolumab plus anti CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody ipilimumab has been approved as first-line therapy of RCC patients at intermediate or poor prognosis. In this review article, biomarkers of prognosis and efficacy of antiangiogenic therapies are summarized with a focus on those that have the potential to affect treatment decision-making in RCC. Biomarkers predictive of toxicity of anti-angiogenic agents have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine D'Aniello
- Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.R.N. dei COLLI “Ospedali Monaldi-Cotugno-CTO,”Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Division of Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS CRO Aviano (PN), Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Cavaliere
- UOC of Medical Oncology, ASL NA 3 SUD, Ospedali Riuniti Area Nolana, Nola, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rossetti
- Departmental Unit of Experimental Uro-Andrologic Clinical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione G. Pascale—IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Bianca Arianna Facchini
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Gelsomina Iovane
- Departmental Unit of Experimental Uro-Andrologic Clinical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione G. Pascale—IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Mollo
- Departmental Unit of Experimental Uro-Andrologic Clinical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione G. Pascale—IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Capasso
- Departmental Unit of Experimental Uro-Andrologic Clinical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione G. Pascale—IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Laura Pesce
- Oncology Unit, San Luca Hospital, Vallo Della Lucania, Italy
| | - Davide D'Errico
- Departmental Unit of Experimental Uro-Andrologic Clinical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione G. Pascale—IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Buonerba
- CRTR Rare Tumors Reference Center, AOU Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Environment & Health Operational Unit, Zoo-Prophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Lorenzo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pisconti
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Medical Oncology, S.G. Moscati Hospital, Taranto, Italy
| | - Ferdinando De Vita
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Facchini
- Departmental Unit of Experimental Uro-Andrologic Clinical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione G. Pascale—IRCCS, Naples, Italy
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Stazi G, Taglieri L, Nicolai A, Romanelli A, Fioravanti R, Morrone S, Sabatino M, Ragno R, Taurone S, Nebbioso M, Carletti R, Artico M, Valente S, Scarpa S, Mai A. Dissecting the role of novel EZH2 inhibitors in primary glioblastoma cell cultures: effects on proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, and on the pro-inflammatory phenotype. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:173. [PMID: 31791385 PMCID: PMC6889222 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0763-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in adults. After surgical resection of the tumor, the patient typically should be subjected to chemotherapy (temozolomide, TMZ) and concomitant radiotherapy. Since the TMZ treatment does not lead to complete remission and often develops resistance, the identification of efficacious therapeutics is strongly to pursue. Among the epigenetic players, the H3K27 methyltransferase (MT) EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homologue 2) has been found overexpressed or mutated in several human cancers including gliomas, and its overexpression is associated with poor outcome in GBM. Two EZH2 inhibitors (EZH2i), UNC1999 and GSK343, suppressed GBM growth in vitro and in vivo indicating that EZH2i can be potential drugs against GBM. RESULTS Two new EZH2i, MC4040 and MC4041, were designed, prepared, and tested by us to determine their effects in primary GBM cell cultures. MC4040 and MC4041 displayed single-digit micromolar inhibition of EZH2, 10-fold less potency against EZH1, and no activity towards other MTs. In primary GBM cells as well as in U-87 GBM cells, the two compounds reduced H3K27me3 levels, and dose- and time-dependently impaired GBM cell viability without inducing apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, with increased p21 and p27 levels. In combination with TMZ, MC4040 and MC4041 displayed stronger, but not additive, effects on cell viability. The potent clinical candidate as EZH2i tazemetostat, alone or in combination with TMZ, exhibited a similar potency of inhibition of GBM cell growth when compared to MC4040 and MC4041. At the molecular level, MC4040 and MC4041 reduced the VEGFR1/VEGF expression, reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and hampered cell migration and invasion attenuating the cancer malignant phenotype. Treatment of GBM cells with MC4040 and MC4041 also impaired the GBM pro-inflammatory phenotype, with a significant decrease of TGF-β, TNF-α, and IL-6, joined to an increase of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. CONCLUSIONS The two novel EZH2i MC4040 and MC4041 impaired primary GBM cell viability, showing even stronger effects in combination with TMZ. They also weakened the aggressive malignant phenotype by reducing angiogenesis, EMT, cell migration/invasion and inflammation, thus they may be considered potential candidates against GBM also for combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Stazi
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovica Taglieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Nicolai
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Romanelli
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Fioravanti
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Morrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rino Ragno
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Alchemical Dynamics s.r.l, 00125 Roma, Italy
| | - Samanta Taurone
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Nebbioso
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Carletti
- Department of Radiologic, Oncological, and Anatomical and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Artico
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Scarpa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Effect of Chlorpyrifos on human extravillous-like trophoblast cells. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 90:118-125. [PMID: 31509763 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
An increased risk of pregnancy disorders has been reported in women and animal models exposed to organophosphate pesticides. However, less information is available on impacts to human placental function. Here, we addressed the impact of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on extravillous cytotrophoblasts (evCTB) employing HTR8/SVneo cells as an in vitro model. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were not affected by CPF under conditions where cell viability was not compromised; however, we observed reduced expression of genes for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma, and the β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin. These results are the first effects reported by organophosphate pesticide in evCTB cells and show altered expression of several genes important for placental development that could serve as potential biomarkers for future research.
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Design, synthesis, biological evaluation of benzoyl amide derivatives containing nitrogen heterocyclic ring as potential VEGFR-2 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:3813-3824. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Abdel‐Mohsen HT, Girgis AS, Mahmoud AEE, Ali MM, El Diwani HI. New 2,4‐disubstituted‐2‐thiopyrimidines as VEGFR‐2 inhibitors: Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2019; 352:e1900089. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201900089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Heba T. Abdel‐Mohsen
- Department of Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, Division of Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research National Research Centre Cairo Egypt
| | - Adel S. Girgis
- Department of Pesticide Chemistry National Research Centre Cairo Egypt
| | - Abeer E. E. Mahmoud
- Department of Biochemistry, Division of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology National Research Centre Cairo Egypt
| | - Mamdouh M. Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Division of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology National Research Centre Cairo Egypt
| | - Hoda I. El Diwani
- Department of Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, Division of Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research National Research Centre Cairo Egypt
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Turwankar A, Ghaskadbi S. VEGF and FGF signaling during head regeneration in hydra. Gene 2019; 717:144047. [PMID: 31421190 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.144047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways play important roles in the formation of the blood vascular system and nervous system across animal phyla. We have earlier reported VEGF and FGF from Hydra vulgaris Ind-Pune, a cnidarian with a defined body axis, an organized nervous system and a remarkable ability of regeneration. We have now identified three more components of VEGF and FGF signaling pathways from hydra. These include FGF-1, FGF receptor 1 (FGFR-1) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) with a view to deciphering their possible roles in regeneration. METHODS In silico analysis of proteins was performed using Clustal omega, Swiss model, MEGA 7.0, etc. Gene expression was studied by whole mount in situ hybridization. VEGF and FGF signaling was inhibited using specific pharmacological inhibitors and their effects on head regeneration were studied. RESULTS Expression patterns of the genes indicate a possible interaction between FGF-1 and FGFR-1 and also VEGF and VEGFR-2. Upon treatment of decapitated hydra with pharmacological inhibitor of FGFR-1 or VEGFR-2 for 48 h, head regeneration was delayed in treated as compared to untreated, control regenerates. When we studied the expression of head specific genes HyBra1 and HyKs1 and tentacle specific gene HyAlx in control and treated regenerates using whole mount in situ hybridization, expression of all the three genes was found to be adversely affected in treated regenerates. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that VEGF and FGF signaling play important roles in regeneration of hypostome and tentacles in hydra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuprita Turwankar
- Developmental Biology Group, MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Savitribai Phule Pune University, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune 411004, India
| | - Surendra Ghaskadbi
- Developmental Biology Group, MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Savitribai Phule Pune University, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune 411004, India.
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Pant V, Yadav BK, Sharma J. A cross sectional study to assess the sFlt-1:PlGF ratio in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:266. [PMID: 31345176 PMCID: PMC6659302 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder characterized by vascular endothelial malfunction occurring after 20 weeks of gestation. Placental soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) is an antiangiogenic factor and placental growth factor (PlGF) is a potent angiogenic factor. The imbalance between these factors during placenta and fetal development has been shown to play a role in endothelial damage in preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is the leading cause of maternal mortality in Nepal. This study was designed to compare the sFlt1:PLGF ratio in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia attending Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). METHOD An observational cross-sectional study was performed in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of TUTH involving forty-four subjects with preeclampsia and forty-four age- and gestational-week-matched normal pregnant subjects as controls. Blood pressure, urinary protein levels, serum sFlt-1 levels, serum PlGF levels and the sFlt-1:PlGF ratio was compared in both the cases and control. The concentrations of sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured with commercially available ELISA kits. SPSS ver. 20.0 was used to analyze the data. RESULTS There was no significant difference in age or gestational age in either study group. The ratio of the sFlt-1 and PlGF concentrations was significantly higher in women with preeclampsia (31.6 ± 9.6) than in the controls (3.2 ± 1.3). Likewise, diastolic blood pressure was significantly associated (p-value 0.000), whereas the severity of proteinuria was not associated (p-value 0.773) with the sFlt-1:PlGF ratio in women with preeclampsia. The significantly higher ratio (35.51 ± 8.1 versus 25.4 ± 8.7) was found in women with preeclampsia who developed complications than the group of women with preeclampsia who did not develop complication. CONCLUSION The sFlt-1:PlGF ratio is significantly higher in Nepalese women with preeclampsia than in normal controls and this finding can be applied for further planned clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Pant
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Binod Kumar Yadav
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jyoti Sharma
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Li B, Li Y, Wang Q, Li F, Li F. Corosolic acid impairs human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells proliferation by inhibiting cell migration. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:5747-5753. [PMID: 31186800 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of corosolic acid (CA) in the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line. A549 cells were treated with increasing concentrations of CA, prior to assessing cell viability, migration rate, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) kinase activity and cytoskeleton structure. In addition, in vivo imaging system was used to analyze the anticancer effects of CA in vivo. Results demonstrated that CA exhibited a low cytotoxicity with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 65 µM. In addition, 4 µM CA efficiently inhibited A549 cell migration. Furthermore, CA inhibited VEGFR2 kinase activity and disrupted tubulin structure. Data also revealed that CA inhibited A549 cell proliferation in a xenograft mouse model. In conclusion, results from the present study suggested that CA may be used as a novel potential therapy for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
| | - Yongjie Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
| | - Qiongyu Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
| | - Fu Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
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King C, Hristova K. Direct measurements of VEGF–VEGFR2 binding affinities reveal the coupling between ligand binding and receptor dimerization. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:9064-9075. [DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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50
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Edea Z, Dadi H, Dessie T, Kim KS. Genomic signatures of high-altitude adaptation in Ethiopian sheep populations. Genes Genomics 2019; 41:973-981. [PMID: 31119684 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-019-00820-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethiopian sheep populations such as Arsi-Bale, Horro and Adilo (long fat-tailed, LFT) inhabit mid to high-altitude areas; and Menz sheep (MZ, short fat-tailed) are adapted to cool sub-alpine environments. In contrast, Blackhead Somali sheep (BHS, fat-rumped) thrive well in arid and semi-arid areas characterized by high temperature and low precipitation. The genomic investigation of Ethiopian sheep populations may help to identify genes and biological pathways enable to adapt to the different ecological conditions. OBJECTIVE To uncover genomic regions and genes showing evidence of positive selection for altitude adaptation in Ethiopian sheep populations. METHODS A total of 72 animals inhabiting high-versus low-altitude environments were genotyped on an Ovine Infinium HD array (~ 600 K). Pairwise genetic differentiation (Fst) was calculated in sliding windows of 20 SNPs and the upper 1% smoothed Fst values were considered to represent positive selection signatures. Genes within < 25 kb of the most differentiated SNPs were considered as selection candidates. RESULTS Signatures of selection were detected in genes known to be associated high with altitude adaptation in MZ-BHS pair comparison (PPP1R12A, RELN, PARP2, and DNAH9) and in LFT-BHS pair comparison (VAV3, MSRB3,EIF2AK4, MET, and TACR1). The candidate genes (MITF, FGF5, MTOR, TRHDE, and TUBB3) associated with altitude adaptation and shared between the MZ-BHS and LTF-BHS pair comparisons were also detected as under selection. Further functional analyses reveal that the candidate genes were involved in biological processes and pathways relevant to adaptation under extreme altitudes, including respiratory system development and smoothened signaling pathway. CONCLUSION The results of the present study could aid in-depth understanding and exploitation of the underlying genetic mechanisms for sheep and other livestock species adaptation to high-altitude environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewdu Edea
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hailu Dadi
- Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, P. O. Box 2490, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tadelle Dessie
- International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kwan-Suk Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.
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