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Leitch IM, Gerometta M, Eichenbaum D, Finger RP, Steinle NC, Baldwin ME. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C and D Signaling Pathways as Potential Targets for the Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Narrative Review. Ophthalmol Ther 2024; 13:1857-1875. [PMID: 38824253 PMCID: PMC11178757 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-024-00973-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of treatments targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathways have traditionally been firstly investigated in oncology and then advanced into retinal disease indications. Members of the VEGF family of endogenous ligands and their respective receptors play a central role in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis during both development and physiological homeostasis. They can also play a pathogenic role in cancer and retinal diseases. Therapeutic approaches have mostly focused on targeting VEGF-A signaling; however, research has shown that VEGF-C and VEGF-D signaling pathways are also important to the disease pathogenesis of tumors and retinal diseases. This review highlights the important therapeutic advances and the remaining unmet need for improved therapies targeting additional mechanisms beyond VEGF-A. Additionally, it provides an overview of alternative VEGF-C and VEGF-D signaling involvement in both health and disease, highlighting their key contributions in the multifactorial pathophysiology of retinal disease including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Strategies for targeting VEGF-C/-D signaling pathways will also be reviewed, with an emphasis on agents currently being developed for the treatment of nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Leitch
- Opthea Limited, 650 Chapel Street, Level 4, Melbourne, VIC, 3141, Australia.
| | - Michael Gerometta
- Opthea Limited, 650 Chapel Street, Level 4, Melbourne, VIC, 3141, Australia
| | - David Eichenbaum
- Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, 33711, USA
| | - Robert P Finger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Megan E Baldwin
- Opthea Limited, 650 Chapel Street, Level 4, Melbourne, VIC, 3141, Australia
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2
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Khafaga AF, Gaballa MMS, Karam R, Shoulah SA, Shamma RN, Khalifa NE, Farrag NE, Noreldin AE. Synergistic therapeutic strategies and engineered nanoparticles for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in cancer. Life Sci 2024; 341:122499. [PMID: 38342375 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122499] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is one of the defining characteristics of cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial for the development of angiogenesis. A growing interest in cancer therapy is being caused by the widespread use of antiangiogenic drugs in treating several types of human cancer. However, this therapeutic approach can worsen resistance, invasion, and overall survival. As we proceed, refining combination strategies and addressing the constraint of targeted treatments are paramount. Therefore, major challenges in using novel combinations of antiangiogenic agents with cytotoxic treatments are currently focused on illustrating the potential of synergistic therapeutic strategies, alongside advancements in nanomedicine and gene therapy, present opportunities for more precise interference with angiogenesis pathways and tumor environments. Nanoparticles have the potential to regulate several crucial activities and improve several drug limitations such as lack of selectivity, non-targeted cytotoxicity, insufficient drug delivery at tumor sites, and multi-drug resistance based on their unique features. The goal of this updated review is to illustrate the enormous potential of novel synergistic therapeutic strategies and the targeted nanoparticles as an alternate strategy for t treating a variety of tumors employing antiangiogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa F Khafaga
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina 22758, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed M S Gaballa
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt.
| | - Reham Karam
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, 35511, Egypt.
| | - Salma A Shoulah
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt.
| | - Rehab N Shamma
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt.
| | - Norhan E Khalifa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Matrouh 51511, Egypt.
| | - Nehal E Farrag
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina 22758, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed E Noreldin
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt.
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Simion L, Rotaru V, Cirimbei C, Stefan DC, Gherghe M, Ionescu S, Tanase BC, Luca DC, Gales LN, Chitoran E. Analysis of Efficacy-To-Safety Ratio of Angiogenesis-Inhibitors Based Therapies in Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13061040. [PMID: 36980348 PMCID: PMC10046967 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13061040] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Among new anti-angiogenesis agents being developed and ever-changing guidelines indications, the question of the benefits/safety ratio remains unclear. (2) Methods: We performed a systematic review combined with a meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials (12,081 patients), evaluating overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS) and toxicity (grade ≥ 3 toxic effects, type, and number of all adverse effects. (3) Results: The analysis showed improvement of pooled-PFS (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.64-0.78; I2 = 77%; p < 0.00001) in first-line (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78-0.93; p = 0.0003) or recurrent cancer (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.56-0.70; p < 0.00001) and regardless of the type of anti-angiogenesis drug used (Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, VEGF-receptors (VEGF-R) inhibitors or angiopoietin inhibitors). Improved OS was also observed (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90-0.99; p = 0.03). OS benefits were only observed in recurrent neoplasms, both platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant neoplasms. Grade ≥ 3 adverse effects were increased across all trials. Anti-angiogenetic therapy increased the risk of hypertension, infection, thromboembolic/hemorrhagic events, and gastro-intestinal perforations but not the risk of wound-related issues, anemia or posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. (4) Conclusions: Although angiogenesis inhibitors improve PFS, there are little-to-no OS benefits. Given the high risk of severe adverse reactions, a careful selection of patients is required for obtaining the best results possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurentiu Simion
- Department of Surgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- General Surgery and Surgical Oncology Department I, Bucharest Institute of Oncology "Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu", 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vlad Rotaru
- Department of Surgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- General Surgery and Surgical Oncology Department I, Bucharest Institute of Oncology "Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu", 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ciprian Cirimbei
- Department of Surgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- General Surgery and Surgical Oncology Department I, Bucharest Institute of Oncology "Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu", 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela-Cristina Stefan
- Department of Surgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mirela Gherghe
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Bucharest Institute of Oncology "Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu", 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sinziana Ionescu
- Department of Surgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- General Surgery and Surgical Oncology Department I, Bucharest Institute of Oncology "Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu", 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Cosmin Tanase
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Bucharest Institute of Oncology "Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu", 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dan Cristian Luca
- Department of Surgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- General Surgery and Surgical Oncology Department I, Bucharest Institute of Oncology "Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu", 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laurentia Nicoleta Gales
- Department of Surgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Medical Oncology Department, Bucharest Institute of Oncology "Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu", 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Chitoran
- Department of Surgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- General Surgery and Surgical Oncology Department I, Bucharest Institute of Oncology "Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu", 022328 Bucharest, Romania
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Khachigian LM, Liew G, Teo KYC, Wong TY, Mitchell P. Emerging therapeutic strategies for unmet need in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. J Transl Med 2023; 21:133. [PMID: 36810060 PMCID: PMC9942398 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03937-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, such as ranibizumab, bevacizumab, aflibercept, brolucizumab and faricimab have revolutionized the clinical management of nAMD. However, there remains an unmet clinical need for new and improved therapies for nAMD, since many patients do not respond optimally, may lose response over time or exhibit sub-optimal durability, impacting on real world effectiveness. Evidence is emerging that targeting VEGF-A alone, as most agents have done until recently, may be insufficient and agents that target multiple pathways (e.g., aflibercept, faricimab and others in development) may be more efficacious. This article reviews issues and limitations that have arisen from the use of existing anti-VEGF agents, and argues that the future may lie in multi-targeted therapies including alternative agents and modalities that target both the VEGF ligand/receptor system as well as other pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levon M. Khachigian
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Vascular Biology and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Gerald Liew
- grid.476921.fCentre for Vision Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Kelvin Y. C. Teo
- grid.419272.b0000 0000 9960 1711Singapore National Eye Centre and Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tien Y. Wong
- grid.419272.b0000 0000 9960 1711Singapore National Eye Centre and Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.12527.330000 0001 0662 3178Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Paul Mitchell
- grid.476921.fCentre for Vision Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
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Jackson TL, Slakter J, Buyse M, Wang K, Dugel PU, Wykoff CC, Boyer DS, Gerometta M, Baldwin ME, Price CF. A randomized controlled trial of OPT-302, a VEGF-C/D inhibitor for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmology 2023; 130:588-597. [PMID: 36754174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is driven by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF)-A, -C and -D, which promote angiogenesis and vascular permeability. Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF-A drugs are the standard of care, but these do not inhibit VEGF-C and -D, which may explain why many patients fail to respond fully. This trial aimed to test the safety and efficacy of OPT-302, a biologic inhibitor of VEGF-C and -D, in combination with the anti-VEGF-A inhibitor ranibizumab. DESIGN Dose-ranging, phase 2b, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS Participants with treatment-naïve nAMD were enrolled from 109 sites across Europe, Israel, and USA. METHODS Participants were randomized to six, 4-weekly, intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg OPT-302, 2.0 mg OPT-302, or sham; plus intravitreal 0.5 mg ranibizumab. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was mean change in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes (comparing baseline to week 24) were the proportion of participants gaining or losing ≥15 ETDRS BCVA letters; area under the ETDRS BCVA over time curve; change in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) central subfield thickness (CST); and change in intra-retinal fluid and sub-retinal fluid on SD-OCT. RESULTS Of 366 participants recruited 1st December 2017 to 30th November 2018, 122, 123 and 121 were randomized to 0.5 mg OPT-302, 2.0 mg OPT-302 or sham respectively. Mean (± standard deviation) visual acuity gain in the 2.0 mg OPT-302 group was significantly superior to sham (+14.2 ± 11.61 versus +10.8 ± 11.52 letters; p=0.01). The 0.5 mg OPT-302 group was not significantly different to sham (+9.44 ± 11.32 letters; p=0.83). Compared to sham, the secondary BCVA outcomes favored the 2.0 mg OPT-302 group, with structural outcomes favoring both OPT-302 dosage groups. Adverse events were similar across groups, with 16 (13.3%), 7 (5.6%) and 10 (8.3%) participants in the lower dose, higher dose and sham group developing at least one serious adverse event. Two unrelated deaths both occurred in the sham arm. CONCLUSIONS Significantly superior vision gain was observed with OPT-302 2.0 mg combination therapy, versus standard of care, with favorable safety (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03345082).
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy L Jackson
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Jason Slakter
- The Digital Angiographic Reading Center (DARC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Marc Buyse
- International Drug Development Institute (IDDI), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Kun Wang
- International Drug Development Institute (IDDI), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Pravin U Dugel
- Retinal Consultants of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - David S Boyer
- Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group, Beverly Hills, California, USA
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6
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Wu Z, Bian Y, Chu T, Wang Y, Man S, Song Y, Wang Z. The role of angiogenesis in melanoma: Clinical treatments and future expectations. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1028647. [PMID: 36588679 PMCID: PMC9797529 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1028647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of melanoma has increased rapidly over the past few decades, with mortality accounting for more than 75% of all skin cancers. The high metastatic potential of Melanoma is an essential factor in its high mortality. Vascular angiogenic system has been proved to be crucial for the metastasis of melanoma. An in-depth understanding of angiogenesis will be of great benefit to melanoma treatment and may promote the development of melanoma therapies. This review summarizes the recent advances and challenges of anti-angiogenic agents, including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, human recombinant Endostatin, and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. We hope to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms, clinical research progress, and future research directions of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuzhu Wu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,Institute for Literature and Culture of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yifei Bian
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Tianjiao Chu
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yuman Wang
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shuai Man
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Basic Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Shuai Man, ; Yongmei Song, ; Zhenguo Wang,
| | - Yongmei Song
- Institute for Literature and Culture of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Shuai Man, ; Yongmei Song, ; Zhenguo Wang,
| | - Zhenguo Wang
- Institute for Literature and Culture of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Shuai Man, ; Yongmei Song, ; Zhenguo Wang,
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7
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New and Innovative Treatments for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD). J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112436. [PMID: 34070899 PMCID: PMC8198303 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of vision loss. Advanced forms of AMD are seen in primarily two types—neovascular AMD (nAMD) with the presence of choroid neovascularization and non-neovascular AMD (nnAMD) with geographic atrophy. Neovascular AMD is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which leads to a cascade of complications, including exudation, leakage, and ultimately fibrosis with photoreceptor loss. Inhibition of VEGF represents the current standard of care. However, there is a tremendous gap between the outcomes in randomized clinical trials and real-world settings. New agents for nAMD might offer the potential to improve treatment outcomes and reduce treatment of frequent intravitreal injections. We summarize all the newer molecules, their pivotal clinical trial results, and their unique mechanisms of action; these include longer-acting agents, combination strategies, sustained release, and genetic therapies.
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8
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Anti-Angiogenic Therapy: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073765. [PMID: 33916438 PMCID: PMC8038573 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic therapy is an old method to fight cancer that aims to abolish the nutrient and oxygen supply to the tumor cells through the decrease of the vascular network and the avoidance of new blood vessels formation. Most of the anti-angiogenic agents approved for cancer treatment rely on targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) actions, as VEGF signaling is considered the main angiogenesis promotor. In addition to the control of angiogenesis, these drugs can potentiate immune therapy as VEGF also exhibits immunosuppressive functions. Despite the mechanistic rational that strongly supports the benefit of drugs to stop cancer progression, they revealed to be insufficient in most cases. We hypothesize that the rehabilitation of old drugs that interfere with mechanisms of angiogenesis related to tumor microenvironment might represent a promising strategy. In this review, we deepened research on the molecular mechanisms underlying anti-angiogenic strategies and their failure and went further into the alternative mechanisms that impact angiogenesis. We concluded that the combinatory targeting of alternative effectors of angiogenic pathways might be a putative solution for anti-angiogenic therapies.
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9
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Endothelial Cells as Tools to Model Tissue Microenvironment in Hypoxia-Dependent Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020520. [PMID: 33430201 PMCID: PMC7825710 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) lining the blood vessels are important players in many biological phenomena but are crucial in hypoxia-dependent diseases where their deregulation contributes to pathology. On the other hand, processes mediated by ECs, such as angiogenesis, vessel permeability, interactions with cells and factors circulating in the blood, maintain homeostasis of the organism. Understanding the diversity and heterogeneity of ECs in different tissues and during various biological processes is crucial in biomedical research to properly develop our knowledge on many diseases, including cancer. Here, we review the most important aspects related to ECs’ heterogeneity and list the available in vitro tools to study different angiogenesis-related pathologies. We focus on the relationship between functions of ECs and their organo-specificity but also point to how the microenvironment, mainly hypoxia, shapes their activity. We believe that taking into account the specific features of ECs that are relevant to the object of the study (organ or disease state), especially in a simplified in vitro setting, is important to truly depict the biology of endothelium and its consequences. This is possible in many instances with the use of proper in vitro tools as alternative methods to animal testing.
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10
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Loureiro LVM, Neder L, Callegaro-Filho D, de Oliveira Koch L, Stavale JN, Malheiros SMF. The immunohistochemical landscape of the VEGF family and its receptors in glioblastomas. SURGICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s42047-020-00060-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer. This complex mechanism of tumor progression provides tumors cells with essential nutrients. There have been a limited number of investigations of markers of angiogenesis in Glioblastomas (GBMs), and most previous studies have focused on VEGF-A. Recent evidence suggests that there is a complex lymphatic system in central nervous system (CNS), which suggests VEGF-C and VEGF–D as interesting biomarker candidates. This study was designed to evaluate the expressions of VEGF-A, −C, −D and their co-receptors, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using a series of GBMs. In addition, we evaluate any putative correlations between IHC expression levels of VEGF and clinical data of patients.
Methods
Tumor samples of 70 GBM patients (64 isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 wildtype (wtIDH-1) and 6 mutant (mutIDH-1)) were assessed by IHC using tissue microarray platforms for VEGF subunits and their co-receptors. The medical records were reviewed for clinical and therapeutic data.
Results
All VEGF subunits and receptors were highly expressed in GBMs: 57 out of 62 (91.9%), 53 out of 56 (94.6%) and 55 out of 63 cases (87.3%) showed VEGF-A, VEGF-C and -D imunoexpression, respectively. Interestingly, we had found both nuclear and cytoplasmic localization of VEGF-C staining in GBM tumor cells. The frequency of immunoexpression of VEGF receptors was the following: VEGFR-1, 65 out of 66 cases (98.5%); VEGFR-2, 63 out of 64 cases (98.4%); VEGFR-3, 49 out of 50 cases (90.0%). There were no significant differences in the patient overall survival (OS) related to the VEGF staining. A weak and monotonous correlation was observed between VEGF and its cognate receptors. The pattern of VEGF IHC was found to be similar when GBM mutIDH-1 subtypes were compared to wtIDH-1.
Conclusion
Both VEGF-C and –D, together with their receptors, were found to be overexpressed in the majority GBMs, and the IHC expression levels did not correlate with OS or IDH status. To understand the significance of the interactions and increased expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 axis in GBM requires more extensive studies. Also, functional assays using a larger series of GBM is also necessary to better address the biological meaning of nuclear VEGF-C expression in tumor cells.
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11
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Ramadan WS, Zaher DM, Altaie AM, Talaat IM, Elmoselhi A. Potential Therapeutic Strategies for Lung and Breast Cancers through Understanding the Anti-Angiogenesis Resistance Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020565. [PMID: 31952335 PMCID: PMC7014257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast and lung cancers are among the top cancer types in terms of incidence and mortality burden worldwide. One of the challenges in the treatment of breast and lung cancers is their resistance to administered drugs, as observed with angiogenesis inhibitors. Based on clinical and pre-clinical findings, these two types of cancers have gained the ability to resist angiogenesis inhibitors through several mechanisms that rely on cellular and extracellular factors. This resistance is mediated through angiogenesis-independent vascularization, and it is related to cancer cells and their microenvironment. The mechanisms that cancer cells utilize include metabolic symbiosis and invasion, and they also take advantage of neighboring cells like macrophages, endothelial cells, myeloid and adipose cells. Overcoming resistance is of great interest, and researchers are investigating possible strategies to enhance sensitivity towards angiogenesis inhibitors. These strategies involved targeting multiple players in angiogenesis, epigenetics, hypoxia, cellular metabolism and the immune system. This review aims to discuss the mechanisms of resistance to angiogenesis inhibitors and to highlight recently developed approaches to overcome this resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa S. Ramadan
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (W.S.R.); (D.M.Z.); (A.M.A.); (A.E.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
| | - Dana M. Zaher
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (W.S.R.); (D.M.Z.); (A.M.A.); (A.E.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
| | - Alaa M. Altaie
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (W.S.R.); (D.M.Z.); (A.M.A.); (A.E.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
| | - Iman M. Talaat
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (W.S.R.); (D.M.Z.); (A.M.A.); (A.E.)
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, 21526 Alexandria, Egypt
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-65057221
| | - Adel Elmoselhi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (W.S.R.); (D.M.Z.); (A.M.A.); (A.E.)
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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12
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Dugel PU, Boyer DS, Antoszyk AN, Steinle NC, Varenhorst MP, Pearlman JA, Gillies MC, Finger RP, Baldwin ME, Leitch IM. Phase 1 Study of OPT-302 Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors C and D for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmol Retina 2019; 4:250-263. [PMID: 31924544 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OPT-302 is a novel inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D. A phase 1 trial assessed the safety of intravitreal OPT-302 as monotherapy or combined with ranibizumab (Lucentis; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). DESIGN Open-label, dose escalation followed by a randomized dose expansion. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-one patients with nAMD who were either treatment naïve (n = 25) or previously were treated with anti-VEGF A therapy (n = 26). METHODS In the dose escalation, groups of 5 patients in 4 cohorts received ascending doses of OPT-302 (0.3 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg) in combination with ranibizumab (0.5 mg), or as monotherapy (2 mg). In the dose expansion, 31 patients were randomized (3:1) to OPT-302 (2 mg) in combination with ranibizumab (n = 23) or as monotherapy (n = 8). Participants received three intravitreal treatments of OPT-302 once every 4 weeks either with or without ranibizumab. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Safety and tolerability, OPT-302 pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity, effects on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and anatomic changes. RESULTS Intravitreal OPT-302 with or without ranibizumab was well tolerated with low systemic exposure, no dose-limiting toxicities and no immunogenicity. In patients receiving OPT-302 monotherapy, 7 of 13 (54%) did not require rescue anti-VEGF-A therapy and the mean change in BCVA from baseline to week 12 was +5.6 letters (range, 0-18 letters). Mean BCVA gains from baseline to week 12 following combination OPT-302 with ranibizumab were +10.8 letters (95% confidence interval [CI], 4-17; n = 18) in treatment-naïve patients and +4.9 letters (95% CI, 3-7; n = 19) in previously treated patients, respectively. Corresponding reductions in mean central subfield thickness at week 12 in both groups were -119 μm (95% CI, -176 to -62 μm) and -54 μm (95% CI, -82 to -26 μm), respectively, whilst 50% of treatment-naïve patients also showed no detectable choroidal neovascularization at week 12 on fluorescein angiography. CONCLUSIONS Intravitreal OPT-302 inhibition of VEGF-C and -D was well tolerated, and OPT-302 combination therapy may overcome an escape mechanism to VEGF-A suppression in the management of nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David S Boyer
- Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group, Beverly Hills, California
| | - Andrew N Antoszyk
- Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | | | | | | | - Mark C Gillies
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert P Finger
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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13
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Jászai J, Schmidt MHH. Trends and Challenges in Tumor Anti-Angiogenic Therapies. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091102. [PMID: 31540455 PMCID: PMC6770676 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive abnormal angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and is a hallmark of solid tumors. This process is driven by an imbalance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors dominated by the tissue hypoxia-triggered overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF-mediated signaling has quickly become one of the most promising anti-angiogenic therapeutic targets in oncology. Nevertheless, the clinical efficacy of this approach is severely limited in certain tumor types or shows only transient efficacy in patients. Acquired or intrinsic therapy resistance associated with anti-VEGF monotherapeutic approaches indicates the necessity of a paradigm change when targeting neoangiogenesis in solid tumors. In this context, the elaboration of the conceptual framework of “vessel normalization” might be a promising approach to increase the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapies and the survival rates of patients. Indeed, the promotion of vessel maturation instead of regressing tumors by vaso-obliteration could result in reduced tumor hypoxia and improved drug delivery. The implementation of such anti-angiogenic strategies, however, faces several pitfalls due to the potential involvement of multiple pro-angiogenic factors and modulatory effects of the innate and adaptive immune system. Thus, effective treatments bypassing relapses associated with anti-VEGF monotherapies or breaking the intrinsic therapy resistance of solid tumors might use combination therapies or agents with a multimodal mode of action. This review enumerates some of the current approaches and possible future directions of treating solid tumors by targeting neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Jászai
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Mirko H H Schmidt
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 61920 Heidelberg, Germany.
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14
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Improved recombinant protein production by regulation of transcription and protein transport in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Biotechnol Lett 2019; 41:719-732. [PMID: 31114947 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-019-02681-7] [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: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify genes that affected protein expression in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was significant, and we identified the changes in the transcriptome and the functional gene sets that would contribute to increase expression of recombinant protein. RESULTS Here two sub-clones from a methotrexate-treated parental recombinant CHO cell line were selected. The two sub-clones, with different expression levels (qp were 42.8 pg/cell/day and 14.0 pg/cell/day), were analyzed through RNA-seq. More than 600 genes were identified as differently expressed, and we found that the differentially expressed genes were involved in processes such as RNA processing, transcription, protein catabolism, and protein transport. Among these, we cloned genes encoding proteins that were involved in transcription and protein transport to investigate their effect on protein production. CONCLUSIONS We found that some genes involved in transcription and protein transport would improve recombinant protein production in CHO cells.
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15
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Jha SK, Rauniyar K, Chronowska E, Mattonet K, Maina EW, Koistinen H, Stenman UH, Alitalo K, Jeltsch M. KLK3/PSA and cathepsin D activate VEGF-C and VEGF-D. eLife 2019; 8:44478. [PMID: 31099754 PMCID: PMC6588350 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) acts primarily on endothelial cells, but also on non-vascular targets, for example in the CNS and immune system. Here we describe a novel, unique VEGF-C form in the human reproductive system produced via cleavage by kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3), aka prostate-specific antigen (PSA). KLK3 activated VEGF-C specifically and efficiently through cleavage at a novel N-terminal site. We detected VEGF-C in seminal plasma, and sperm liquefaction occurred concurrently with VEGF-C activation, which was enhanced by collagen and calcium binding EGF domains 1 (CCBE1). After plasmin and ADAMTS3, KLK3 is the third protease shown to activate VEGF-C. Since differently activated VEGF-Cs are characterized by successively shorter N-terminal helices, we created an even shorter hypothetical form, which showed preferential binding to VEGFR-3. Using mass spectrometric analysis of the isolated VEGF-C-cleaving activity from human saliva, we identified cathepsin D as a protease that can activate VEGF-C as well as VEGF-D. The lymphatic system is composed of networks of vessels that drain fluids from the body’s tissues and filter it back into the blood. Growing these vessels depends on a factor known as VEGF-C, which is released in an inactive form and must be cut by enzymes before it can work. One enzyme that is known to activate the VEGF-C signal when the early embryo is developing is ADAMTS3. If this signal fails to switch on this can result in a condition known as lymphedema – whereby problems in the lymphatic system cause tissues to swell due to insufficient drainage. However, it is unknown whether the VEGF-C signal can be activated by enzymes other than ADAMTS3. To investigate this Jha, Rauniyar et al. tested a specific family of proteins commonly found in the human prostate, which have previously been predicted to act on VEGF-C. This revealed that the lymphatic vessel growth factor can also be activated by an enzyme found in seminal fluid called prostate specific antigen, or PSA for short. To see if enzymes in other bodily fluids could switch on VEGF-C, different components of human saliva were separated and tested to see which could cut inactive VEGF-C. This showed that VEGF-C could be converted to an active form by another enzyme called cathepsin D. Unexpectedly, Jha, Rauniyar et al. found that VEGF-C was also present in semen. For conception to occur PSA must liquify the semen following ejaculation. It was discovered that PSA activates VEGF-C just as the semen starts to liquify, suggesting that the lymphatic vessel growth factor might also play an important role in reproduction. In addition to VEGF-C, both PSA and cathepsin D were found to activate another growth factor called VEGF-D, which has an unknown role in the human body. VEGF-C helps the spread of tumors, and blocking the two enzymes that activate this growth factor may be a new therapeutic approach for cancer. However, more work is needed to validate which types of tumor, if any, use these enzymes to activate VEGF-C. In addition, understanding the relationship between PSA and VEGF-C could help improve our knowledge of human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawan Kumar Jha
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Khushbu Rauniyar
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ewa Chronowska
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Kenny Mattonet
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Eunice Wairimu Maina
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulf-Håkan Stenman
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Jeltsch
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Bedessem B, Ruphy S. Scientific autonomy and the unpredictability of scientific inquiry: The unexpected might not be where you would expect. STUDIES IN HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE 2019; 73:1-7. [PMID: 30914120 DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Bedessem
- PPL, Université Grenoble Alpes, CS 40700, 38058, Grenoble Cedex, France
| | - Stéphanie Ruphy
- IRPHIL, Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3, 18 rue Chevreul, 69007, Lyon, France.
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17
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Duan L, Ye L, Zhuang L, Zou X, Liu S, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Jin C, Huang Y. VEGFC/VEGFR3 axis mediates TGFβ1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancer cells. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200452. [PMID: 29995950 PMCID: PMC6040758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the tumor progression, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) plays a critical role in tumorigenesis as well as metastasis. It is known that high plasma level of TGFβ1 in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is correlated with poor prognostics. In addition, the generation of cancer stem-like cells is associated with metastasis, drug resistance, and tumor recurrence, which also lead to poor outcomes in NSCLC patients. However, it remains unclear how TGFβ1 promotes NSCLC cells to acquire stem-like properties and accelerate tumor metastasis. In our study, we found that short term TGFβ1 treatment resulted in a significant epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) morphological change in TGFβ1-sensitive NSCLC cells but not in insensitive cells. Western blotting confirmed increased Vimentin and reduced E-Cadherin protein expression after TGFβ1 treatment in A549, NCI-H1993, and NCI-H358 cells. TGFβ1 incubation dramatically decreased in vitro cell proliferation and increased cell invasion in TGFβ1-sensitive NSCLC cells but not in NCI-H1975, NCI-H1650, and HCC827 cells. Moreover, TGFβ1 was able to enhance the mRNA expression of Oct4, Nanog and Sox2 and drastically increased anchorage-independent colony formation in TGFβ1-sensitive NSCLC cells, suggesting the acquisition of cancer stem-like properties. Interestingly, we found that vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) mRNA expression was significantly elevated in TGFβ1-sensitive NSCLC cells compared to insensitive cells. And TGFβ1 was capable of inducing VEGF-C gene expression. Pharmacological blocking TGFβ type I receptor kinase (ALK5) significantly inhibited TGFβ1-induced VEGF-C expression. Silencing of ALK5 by siRNA also dramatically reduced TGFβ1-induced VEGF-C expression in TGFβ1-sensitive NSCLC cells. Therefore, TGFβ1 contributes for NSCLC metastasis through promoting EMT, generation of high invasive cancer cells with stem-like properties, and increasing VEGF-C expression. Blocking TGFβ pathway is a potential therapeutic target in human non-small cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lincan Duan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lianhua Ye
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li Zhuang
- Department of Palliative Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaolan Zou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Cancer Center of Integrative Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Congguo Jin
- Cancer Institute, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yunchao Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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18
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Cabral T, Lima LH, Mello LGM, Polido J, Correa ÉP, Oshima A, Duong J, Serracarbassa P, Regatieri CV, Mahajan VB, Belfort R. Bevacizumab Injection in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Increases Angiogenic Biomarkers. Ophthalmol Retina 2018; 2:31-37. [PMID: 29376143 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the expression of 19 angiogenic biomarkers in the aqueous humor before and after intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB) in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Design Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Participants Twenty-three eyes of 23 treatment-naïve patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to neovascular AMD. Methods Eyes were diagnosed with CNV secondary to neovascular AMD and were treated with 3 monthly IVBs. Aqueous humor samples were obtained by anterior chamber paracentesis at baseline and immediately before each intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Main Outcome Measures Aqueous humor levels of 19 angiogenic biomarkers (angiopoietin 2, bone morphogenetic protein 9 [BMP-9], epidermal growth factor [EGF], endoglin, endothelin 1, fibroblast growth factor [FGF]-1 and FGF-2, follistatin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [GCSF], heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor [HB-EGF], hepatocyte growth factor [HGF], interleukin 8, leptin, placental growth factor [PLGF], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases [TIMP]-1 and TIMP-2) were measured. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spectral-domain OCT parameters, and intraocular pressure also were evaluated. Results Baseline aqueous VEGF-A expression was elevated in all study eyes before treatment initiation. A statistically significant decrease of VEGF-A was observed at the 1- and 2-month follow-ups. A statistically significant increased concentration was observed in 7 biomarkers: VEGF-C, angiopoietin 2, endothelin 1, follistatin, HB-EGF, HGF, and interleukin 8. The other 11 study biomarker levels (VEGF-D, BMP-9, EGF, endoglin, FGF-1, FGF-2, GCSF, leptin, PLGF, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2) did not show any significant difference during follow-up. The BCVA statistically improved significantly at 2 months. Spectral-domain OCT parameters improved significantly at all follow-ups. Mean intraocular pressure values were not statistically different during the study period. Conclusions Despite a decrease in VEGF-A, the aqueous levels of VEGF-C, angiopoietin 2, endothelin 1, follistatin, HB-EGF, HGF, and interleukin 8 increased significantly after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. These upregulated angiogenic biomarkers may represent new therapeutic targets in exudative AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Cabral
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil.,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Luiz H Lima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Júlia Polido
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Éverton P Correa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Public Service Hospital of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Akiyoshi Oshima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Public Service Hospital of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jimmy Duong
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Pedro Serracarbassa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Public Service Hospital of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caio V Regatieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vinit B Mahajan
- Omics Laboratory, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California.,Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Rubens Belfort
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Liu G, Wang C, E M. [Mechanism and Prospect of Radiotherapy Combined with Apotatinib
in the Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2017; 20:847-851. [PMID: 29277185 PMCID: PMC5973393 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2017.12.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
非小细胞肺癌是危害人类生命健康的最常见的恶性肿瘤之一。大多数患者确诊时为晚期,不符合手术适应症,主要的治疗方法是放化疗联合。近年来,随着抗血管生成治疗恶性肿瘤理论的提出,阿帕替尼作为一种新型的抗肿瘤药物,与放疗联合具有协同作用。可能的机制包括使血管正常化,改善肿瘤内乏氧情况,调节促血管生成因子水平等。将阿帕替尼与放疗联合有望成为一种新的治疗策略应用于非小细胞肺癌的治疗中,提高肺癌的治疗效果。
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Chunbo Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Mingyan E
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
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20
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Comunanza V, Bussolino F. Therapy for Cancer: Strategy of Combining Anti-Angiogenic and Target Therapies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2017; 5:101. [PMID: 29270405 PMCID: PMC5725406 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2017.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept that blood supply is required and necessary for cancer growth and spreading is intuitive and was firstly formalized by Judah Folkman in 1971, when he demonstrated that cancer cells release molecules able to promote the proliferation of endothelial cells and the formation of new vessels. This seminal result has initiated one of the most fascinating story of the medicine, which is offering a window of opportunity for cancer treatment based on the use of molecules inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and in particular vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is the master gene in vasculature formation and is the commonest target of anti-angiogenic regimens. However, the clinical results are far from the remarkable successes obtained in pre-clinical models. The reasons of this discrepancy have been partially understood and well addressed in many reviews (Bergers and Hanahan, 2008; Bottsford-Miller et al., 2012; El-Kenawi and El-Remessy, 2013; Wang et al., 2015; Jayson et al., 2016). At present anti-angiogenic regimens are not used as single treatments but associated with standard chemotherapies. Based on emerging knowledge of the biology of VEGF, here we sustain the hypothesis of the efficacy of a dual approach based on targeting pro-angiogenic pathways and other druggable targets such as mutated oncogenes or the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Comunanza
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
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21
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Frezzetti D, Gallo M, Maiello MR, D'Alessio A, Esposito C, Chicchinelli N, Normanno N, De Luca A. VEGF as a potential target in lung cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:959-966. [PMID: 28831824 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1371137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) is the main mediator of angiogenesis. In addition, VEGF contributes to cancer growth and metastasis directly targeting tumor cells. VEGF overexpression and/or high VEGF serum levels have been reported in lung cancer. Areas covered We searched Pubmed for relevant preclinical studies with the terms 'lung cancer' 'VEGF' and 'in vivo'. We also searched the Clinicaltrials.gov database, the FDA and the EMA websites for the most recent updates on clinical development of anti-VEGF agents. Expert opinion VEGF plays an important role in sustaining the development and progression of lung cancer and it might represent an attractive target for therapeutic strategies. Nevertheless, clinical trials failed to attend the promising expectations deriving from preclinical studies with anti-VEGF agents. To improve the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapies in lung cancer, potential strategies might be the employment of combinatory therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors or agents that inhibit signaling pathways and proangiogenic factors activated in response to VEGF blockade, and the identification of novel targets in the VEGF cascade. Finally, the identification of predictive markers might help to select patients who are more likely to respond to anti-angiogenic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Frezzetti
- a Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - 'Fondazione G. Pascale' , Naples , Italy
| | - Marianna Gallo
- a Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - 'Fondazione G. Pascale' , Naples , Italy
| | - Monica R Maiello
- a Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - 'Fondazione G. Pascale' , Naples , Italy
| | - Amelia D'Alessio
- a Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - 'Fondazione G. Pascale' , Naples , Italy
| | - Claudia Esposito
- a Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - 'Fondazione G. Pascale' , Naples , Italy
| | - Nicoletta Chicchinelli
- a Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - 'Fondazione G. Pascale' , Naples , Italy
| | - Nicola Normanno
- a Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - 'Fondazione G. Pascale' , Naples , Italy
| | - Antonella De Luca
- a Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - 'Fondazione G. Pascale' , Naples , Italy
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Mastri M, Rosario S, Tracz A, Frink RE, Brekken RA, Ebos JML. The Challenges of Modeling Drug Resistance to Antiangiogenic Therapy. Curr Drug Targets 2017; 17:1747-1754. [PMID: 26648063 DOI: 10.2174/1389450117666151209123544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance remains an ongoing challenge for the majority of patients treated with inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, a key regulator of tumor angiogenesis. Preclinical models have played a significant role in identifying multiple complex mechanisms of antiangiogenic treatment failure. Yet questions remain about the optimal methodology to study resistance that may assist in making clinically relevant choices about alternative or combination treatment strategies. The origins of antiangiogenic treatment failure may stem from the tumor vasculature, the tumor itself, or both together, and preclinical methods that define resistance are diverse and rarely compared. We performed a literature search of the preclinical methodologies used to examine resistance to VEGF pathway inhibitors and identified 109 papers from more than 400 that use treatment failure as the starting point for mechanistic study. We found that definitions of resistance are broad and inconsistent, involve only a small number of reagents, and derive mostly from in vitro and in vivo methodologies that often do not represent clinically relevant disease stages or progression. Together, this literature analysis highlights the challenges of studying inhibitors of the tumor microenvironment in the preclinical setting and the need for improved methodology to assist in qualifying (and quantifying) treatment failure to identify mechanisms that will help predict alternative strategies in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - John M L Ebos
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 142631, USA
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23
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Chen K, Li D, Li H, Li B, Li J, Huang L, Li R, Xu X, Jiang L, Jiang C, Gu H, Fang J. Genetic analysis of heterogeneous sub-clones in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary cells. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 101:5785-5797. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-017-8331-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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24
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Dufies M, Giuliano S, Ambrosetti D, Claren A, Ndiaye PD, Mastri M, Moghrabi W, Cooley LS, Ettaiche M, Chamorey E, Parola J, Vial V, Lupu-Plesu M, Bernhard JC, Ravaud A, Borchiellini D, Ferrero JM, Bikfalvi A, Ebos JM, Khabar KS, Grépin R, Pagès G. Sunitinib Stimulates Expression of VEGFC by Tumor Cells and Promotes Lymphangiogenesis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinomas. Cancer Res 2017; 77:1212-1226. [PMID: 28087600 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-3088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sunitinib is an antiangiogenic therapy given as a first-line treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). While treatment improves progression-free survival, most patients relapse. We hypothesized that patient relapse can stem from the development of a lymphatic network driven by the production of the main growth factor for lymphatic endothelial cells, VEGFC. In this study, we found that sunitinib can stimulate vegfc gene transcription and increase VEGFC mRNA half-life. In addition, sunitinib activated p38 MAPK, which resulted in the upregulation/activity of HuR and inactivation of tristetraprolin, two AU-rich element-binding proteins. Sunitinib stimulated a VEGFC-dependent development of lymphatic vessels in experimental tumors. This may explain our findings of increased lymph node invasion and new metastatic sites in 30% of sunitinib-treated patients and increased lymphatic vessels found in 70% of neoadjuvant treated patients. In summary, a therapy dedicated to destroying tumor blood vessels induced the development of lymphatic vessels, which may have contributed to the treatment failure. Cancer Res; 77(5); 1212-26. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeva Dufies
- University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, CNRS UMR 7284, INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | - Sandy Giuliano
- University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, CNRS UMR 7284, INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
- Biomedical Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Damien Ambrosetti
- Central Laboratory of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nice, Hôpital Pasteur, Nice, France
| | - Audrey Claren
- University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, CNRS UMR 7284, INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
- Radiotherapy Department, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | - Papa Diogop Ndiaye
- University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, CNRS UMR 7284, INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | - Michalis Mastri
- Center for Genetics and Pharmacology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York
| | - Walid Moghrabi
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Marc Ettaiche
- Statistics Department, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | | | - Julien Parola
- University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, CNRS UMR 7284, INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | - Valerie Vial
- Biomedical Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Marilena Lupu-Plesu
- University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, CNRS UMR 7284, INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | | | - Alain Ravaud
- Service d'Oncologie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | | | - John M Ebos
- Center for Genetics and Pharmacology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York
| | - Khalid Saad Khabar
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Renaud Grépin
- Biomedical Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Gilles Pagès
- University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, CNRS UMR 7284, INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France.
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25
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Sheffield BS, Tessier-Cloutier B, Li-Chang H, Shen Y, Pleasance E, Kasaian K, Li Y, Jones SJM, Lim HJ, Renouf DJ, Huntsman DG, Yip S, Laskin J, Marra M, Schaeffer DF. Personalized oncogenomics in the management of gastrointestinal carcinomas-early experiences from a pilot study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:e571-e575. [PMID: 28050146 DOI: 10.3747/co.23.3165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal carcinomas are genomically complex cancers that are lethal in the metastatic setting. Whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing allow for the simultaneous characterization of multiple oncogenic pathways. METHODS We report 3 cases of metastatic gastrointestinal carcinoma in patients enrolled in the Personalized Onco-Genomics program at the BC Cancer Agency. Real-time genomic profiling was combined with clinical expertise to diagnose a carcinoma of unknown primary, to explore treatment response to bevacizumab in a colorectal cancer, and to characterize an appendiceal adenocarcinoma. RESULTS In the first case, genomic profiling revealed an IDH1 somatic mutation, supporting the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma in a malignancy of unknown origin, and further guided therapy by identifying epidermal growth factor receptor amplification. In the second case, a BRAF V600E mutation and wild-type KRAS profile justified the use of targeted therapies to treat a colonic adenocarcinoma. The third case was an appendiceal adenocarcinoma defined by a p53 inactivation; Ras/raf/mek, Akt/mtor, Wnt, and notch pathway activation; and overexpression of ret, erbb2 (her2), erbb3, met, and cell cycle regulators. SUMMARY We show that whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing can be achieved within clinically effective timelines, yielding clinically useful and actionable information.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Sheffield
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - B Tessier-Cloutier
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - H Li-Chang
- Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Barrie, ON
| | - Y Shen
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC
| | - E Pleasance
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC
| | - K Kasaian
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC
| | - Y Li
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC
| | - S J M Jones
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC
| | - H J Lim
- Division of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC
| | - D J Renouf
- Division of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC
| | - D G Huntsman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - S Yip
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - J Laskin
- Division of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC
| | - M Marra
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC.; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - D F Schaeffer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
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26
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Li D, Shi J, Du Y, Chen K, Liu Z, Li B, Li J, Tao F, Gu H, Jiang C, Fang J. Profiling Analysis of Histone Modifications and Gene Expression in Lewis Lung Carcinoma Murine Cells Resistant to Anti-VEGF Treatment. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158214. [PMID: 27362259 PMCID: PMC4928805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells become resistant after long-term use of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents. Our previous study shows that treatment with a VEGF inhibitor (VEGF-Trap) facilitates to develop tumor resistance through regulating angiogenesis-related genes. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Histone modifications as a key epigenetic factor play a critical role in regulation of gene expression. Here, we explore the potential epigenetic gene regulatory functions of key histone modifications during tumor resistance in a mouse Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cell line. We generated high resolution genome-wide maps of key histone modifications in sensitive tumor sample (LLC-NR) and resistant tumor sample (LLC-R) after VEGF-Trap treatment. Profiling analysis of histone modifications shows that histone modification levels are effectively predictive for gene expression. Composition of promoters classified by histone modification state is different between LLC-NR and LLC-R cell lines regardless of CpG content. Histone modification state change between LLC-NR and LLC-R cell lines shows different patterns in CpG-rich and CpG-poor promoters. As a consequence, genes with different level of CpG content whose gene expression level are altered are enriched in distinct functions. Notably, histone modification state change in promoters of angiogenesis-related genes consists with their expression alteration. Taken together, our findings suggest that treatment with anti-VEGF therapy results in extensive histone modification state change in promoters with multiple functions, particularly, biological processes related to angiogenesis, likely contributing to tumor resistance development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiejun Shi
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yanhua Du
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Kaiming Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhenping Liu
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bing Li
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jie Li
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Fei Tao
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Hua Gu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Cizhong Jiang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- * E-mail: (JF); (CJ)
| | - Jianmin Fang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- * E-mail: (JF); (CJ)
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27
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Iwai T, Sugimoto M, Harada S, Yorozu K, Kurasawa M, Yamamoto K. Continuous administration of bevacizumab plus capecitabine, even after acquired resistance to bevacizumab, restored anti-angiogenic and antitumor effect in a human colorectal cancer xenograft model. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:626-32. [PMID: 27350037 PMCID: PMC4933557 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-neutralizing therapy with bevacizumab has become increasingly important for treating colorectal cancer. It was demonstrated that second-line chemotherapy together with bevacizumab after disease progression (PD) on first-line therapy including bevacizumab showed clinical benefits in metastatic colorectal and breast cancers (ML18147 trial, TANIA trial). One of the rationales for these trials was that the refractoriness to first-line therapy is caused by resistance to not so much bevacizumab as to the chemotherapeutic agents. Nevertheless, resistance to bevacizumab cannot be ruled out because VEGF-independent angiogenesis has been reported to be a mechanism of resistance to anti-VEGF therapy. In this study, we used a xenograft model with the human colon cancer HT-29 cells to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effect of continued administration of bevacizumab plus capecitabine even after resistance to bevacizumab was acquired. The combination of capecitabine plus bevacizumab exhibited significantly stronger antitumor and anti-angiogenic activities than did monotherapy with either agent. Capecitabine treatment significantly increased the intratumoral VEGF level compared with the control group; however, the combination with bevacizumab neutralized the VEGF. Among angiogenic factors other than VEGF, intratumoral galectin-3, which reportedly promotes angiogenesis both dependent on, and independently of VEGF, was significantly decreased in the capecitabine group and the combination group compared with the control group. In an in vitro experiment, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), an active metabolite of capecitabine, inhibited galectin-3 production by HT-29 cells. These results suggested that capecitabine has a dual mode of action: namely, inhibition of tumor cell growth and inhibition of galectin-3 production by tumor cells. Thus, capecitabine and bevacizumab may work in a mutually complementary manner in tumor angiogenesis inhibition to overcome the resistance caused by angiogenic factors other than VEGF. These results suggest the clinical relevance and the mechanism of action of treatment with bevacizumab in combination therapy beyond PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiki Iwai
- Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8530, Japan
| | - MasamichI Sugimoto
- Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8530, Japan
| | - Suguru Harada
- Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8530, Japan
| | - Keigo Yorozu
- Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8530, Japan
| | - Mitsue Kurasawa
- Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8530, Japan
| | - Kaname Yamamoto
- Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8530, Japan
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28
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Hammond WA, Swaika A, Mody K. Pharmacologic resistance in colorectal cancer: a review. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2016; 8:57-84. [PMID: 26753006 DOI: 10.1177/1758834015614530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) persists as one of the most prevalent and deadly tumor types in both men and women worldwide. This is in spite of widespread, effective measures of preventive screening, and also major advances in treatment options. Despite advances in cytotoxic and targeted therapy, resistance to chemotherapy remains one of the greatest challenges in long-term management of incurable metastatic disease and eventually contributes to death as tumors accumulate means of evading treatment. We performed a comprehensive literature search on the data available through PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and the ASCO Annual Symposium abstracts through June 2015 for the purpose of this review. We discuss the current state of knowledge of clinically relevant mechanisms of resistance to cytotoxic and targeted therapies now in use for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Hammond
- Division of Hematology/ Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Abhisek Swaika
- Division of Hematology/ Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Kabir Mody
- Division of Hematology/ Oncology, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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29
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Eccles SA, Court W, Patterson L. In Vitro Assays for Endothelial Cell Functions Required for Angiogenesis: Proliferation, Motility, Tubular Differentiation, and Matrix Proteolysis. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1430:121-147. [PMID: 27172950 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3628-1_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This chapter deconstructs the process of angiogenesis into its component parts in order to provide simple assays to measure discrete endothelial cell functions. The techniques described will be suitable for studying stimulators and/or inhibitors of angiogenesis and determining which aspect of the process is modulated. The assays are designed to be robust and straightforward, using human umbilical vein endothelial cells, but with an option to use other sources such as microvascular endothelial cells from various tissues or lymphatic endothelial cells. It must be appreciated that such reductionist approaches cannot cover the complexity of the angiogenic process as a whole, incorporating as it does a myriad of positive and negative signals, three-dimensional interactions with host tissues and many accessory cells including fibroblasts, macrophages, pericytes and platelets. The extent to which in vitro assays predict physiological or pathological processes in vivo (e.g., wound healing, tumor angiogenesis) or surrogate techniques such as the use of Matrigel™ plugs, sponge implants, corneal assays etc remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne A Eccles
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Centre for Cancer Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Rd., Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK.
| | - William Court
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Centre for Cancer Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Rd., Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Lisa Patterson
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Centre for Cancer Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Rd., Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
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30
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Li H, Chen K, Wang Z, Li D, Lin J, Yu C, Yu F, Wang X, Huang L, Jiang C, Gu H, Fang J. Genetic analysis of the clonal stability of Chinese hamster ovary cells for recombinant protein production. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2015; 12:102-9. [PMID: 26563441 DOI: 10.1039/c5mb00627a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are frequently used for the production of recombinant proteins for therapeutical applications. However, the recombinant protein expression level of CHO cells may reduce during long-term culture. The physiological changes related to the stability of expression were not well understood. In this study, we performed a series of genetic analysis on stable and unstable clonal derived populations. Transcriptome analysis revealed that a large number of differentially expressed genes (>100) were identified in the unstable population between early and late generations, while only a few differentially expressed genes were found in the stable population, suggesting that the gene expression change is related to the instability of recombinant protein production. On the other hand, no significant differences were found in promoter methylation or gene copy numbers in the unstable population. Taken together, our data help better understand the molecular mechanism underlying the stability of recombinant protein production in CHO cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwen Li
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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31
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Li G, Yang F, Gu S, Li Z, Xue M. MicroRNA-101 induces apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells by targeting VEGF-C. Mol Med Rep 2015; 13:572-8. [PMID: 26573417 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is known to be associated with drug resistance in human cancers. However, the precise role of miR‑101 in the cisplatin (DPP) resistance of human gastric cancer cells has not been elucidated, yet. The present study revealed that miR‑101 was markedly downregulated in gastric cancer cell lines compared to that in the normal gastric mucosa epithelial cell line GES1. Furthermore, a significant decrease in miR‑101 levels, accompanied with an increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‑C in DDP‑resistant SGC7901 gastric cancer cells (SGC7901/DDP) compared with those in native SGC7901 cells was observed. In addition, forced overexpression of miR‑101 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, while enhancing cisplatin‑induced apoptosis of SGC7901/DDP cells. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed that VEGF‑C was a direct target of miR‑101 in SGC7901/DDP cells. Forced overexpression of miR‑101 in SGC7901/DDP cells reduced the expression of VEGF‑C, while knockdown of miR‑101 expression significantly enhanced VEGF‑C expression in SGC7901/DDP cells. Finally, overexpression of VEGF‑C inhibited DDP‑induced apoptosis in SGC7901 cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that miR‑101 inhibited the proliferation and promoted DDP‑induced apoptosis of DDP‑resistant gastric cancer cells, at least in part via targeting VEGF-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China
| | - Shiyu Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453000, P.R. China
| | - Zhenjuan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China
| | - Minghui Xue
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China
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Kang CM, Liu DQ, Zhao XH, Dai YJ, Cheng JG, Lv YT. QSAR and molecular docking studies on oxindole derivatives as VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2015; 36:103-9. [DOI: 10.3109/10799893.2015.1049364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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33
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Kang CM, Liu DQ, Wang XY, Yu RL, Lv YT. The unbinding studies of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 protein tyrosine kinase type II inhibitors. J Mol Graph Model 2015; 59:130-5. [PMID: 25989626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2015.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) tyrosine kinase has two conformations, active and inactive conformations. Type II inhibitors bind to inactive conformation. It has two possible binding/unbinding paths. To explore the unbinding path of inhibitor 01-435 that was generated by fragment build in the binding pocket of VEGFR-2, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed on the crystal structure of VEGFR-2 in complex with 01-435, then steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulation was executed on the crystal structure of VEGFR-2 in complex with 01-435. Pull force, van der Waals and electrostatic interaction along the two paths were calculated by using SMD simulation. The SMD simulation results indicate that the more favorable path for inhibitor dissociation is along with the traditional ATP-channel rather than the allosteric-pocket-channel, which is mainly due to the less electrostatic interaction that the ligand suffers during dissociation process along the traditional ATP-channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-min Kang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Dong-qing Liu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Xin-ying Wang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Ri-lei Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Ying-tao Lv
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China.
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34
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Zhu H, Yun F, Shi X, Wang D. VEGF-C inhibition reverses resistance of bladder cancer cells to cisplatin via upregulating maspin. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:3163-9. [PMID: 25936422 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to elucidate the association between vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and resistance of bladder cancer cells to cisplatin and the underlying mechanism involving maspin. A total of 32 bladder cancer tissue samples from patients (18 males and 14 females with an average age of 65.9 years) were collected from the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou, China). All patients had undergone cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy. In addition, the BIU87 human bladder cancer cell line was cultured and a cisplatin-resistant subline (BIU87-CisR) was established by continuous exposure to cisplatin. The mRNA expression levels of VEGF-C and maspin in tissue samples, BIU87 cells and BIU87-CisR cells were analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Targeted inhibition of VEGF-C in BIU87-CisR cells was performed using small interfering (si)RNA technology and the alteration in levels of maspin was confirmed by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. siRNA-treated and -untreated BIU87-CisR cells were divided into the following four groups: Control group (no drug treatment), 3 μM cisplatin treated group, 3 μM cisplatin + siRNA treated group and the siRNA treated group. Cell viability following treatment in each group was evaluated by the cell counting kit 8 assay. The cell cycle and apoptotic rate of BIU87-CisR cells was analyzed by propidium iodide (PI) staining and Annexin V-PI double staining with flow cytometry. Furthermore, pcDNA-maspin transfected BIU78-CisR cells were used to establish the effect of maspin on the sensitivity to cisplatin. VEGF-C expression in chemoresistant patients and BIU87-CisR cells was significantly increased compared with chemosensitive patients and normal BIU87 cells, respectively. By contrast, maspin levels were lower in chemoresistant patients and BIU87-CisR cells. Subsequent to VEGF-C inhibition, maspin expression was markedly increased. Cisplatin (3 μM) resulted in moderate proliferation inhibition of BIU87-CisR cells without siRNA pretreatment; however, significant inhibition was observed in the VEGF-C siRNA treated group. In addition, the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by cisplatin was enhanced by VEGF-C inhibition. Overexpression of maspin was able to improve the sensitivity of BIU87-CisR cells to cisplatin. In conclusion, the resistance of bladder cancer cells to cisplatin may be induced by upregulation of VEGF-C, and inhibition of VEGF-C reverses resistance by elevating maspin expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Zhu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Feng Yun
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxue Shi
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
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35
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Wang CA, Tsai SJ. The non-canonical role of vascular endothelial growth factor-C axis in cancer progression. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2015; 240:718-24. [PMID: 25888649 DOI: 10.1177/1535370215583802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been shown in many clinical studies that the level of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) positively correlates with lymph node metastasis. Nevertheless, beyond the canonical role of VEGF-C in stimulating lymphangiogenesis and thus promoting lymph node/distant metastasis, emerging evidence indicates that expression of VEGF-C contributes to various aspects of carcinogenicity via autocrine regulation. The newly identified functions of VEGF-C include but are not limited to proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemo-resistance. Besides tumor cell autocrine regulation, VEGF-C can also modulate the immune system such that tumor cells more easily escape immune surveillance. Therefore, understanding the functional roles and regulatory mechanisms related to the VEGF-C axis may lead to alternative strategies for cancer treatment. This mini-review will focus on summarizing recent discoveries regarding the unconventional functions of VEGF-C in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-An Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
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RhoA/mDia-1/profilin-1 signaling targets microvascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2015; 253:669-80. [PMID: 25791356 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-015-2985-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Revised: 02/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of blindness in the working-age populations of developed countries, and effective treatments and prevention measures have long been the foci of study. Patients with DR invariably demonstrate impairments of the retinal microvascular endothelium. Many observational and preclinical studies have shown that angiogenesis and apoptosis play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of DR. Increasing evidence suggests that in DR, the small guanosine-5'-triphosphate-binding protein RhoA activates its downstream targets mammalian Diaphanous homolog 1 (mDia-1) and profilin-1, thus affecting important cellular functions, including cell morphology, motility, secretion, proliferation, and gene expression. However, the specific underlying mechanism of disease remains unclear. CONCLUSION This review focuses on the RhoA/mDia-1/profilin-1 signaling pathway that specifically triggers endothelial dysfunction in diabetic patients. Recently, RhoA and profilin-1 signaling has attracted a great deal of attention in the context of diabetes-related research. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which the RhoA/mDia-1/profilin-1 pathway is involved in progression of microvascular endothelial dysfunction (MVED) during DR has not been determined. This review briefly describes each feature of the cascade before exploring the most recent findings on how the pathway may trigger endothelial dysfunction in DR. When the underlying mechanisms are understood, novel therapies seeking to restore the endothelial homeostasis comprised in DR will become possible.
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Lei Y, Li B, Tong S, Qi L, Hu X, Cui Y, Li Z, He W, Zu X, Wang Z, Chen M. miR-101 suppresses vascular endothelial growth factor C that inhibits migration and invasion and enhances cisplatin chemosensitivity of bladder cancer cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117809. [PMID: 25658842 PMCID: PMC4320037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The microRNA miR-101 is downregulated in several cancers, including bladder cancer. However, miR-101’s role in the invasion, metastasis, and chemosensitivity of bladder cancer cells remains unclear. This study was conducted to determine miR-101’s role on the lymphangiogenic molecule vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and their effects upon bladder cancer cell migration, invasion, and chemosensitivity to cisplatin. Methods Two bladder cancer cell lines (T24 and 5637) and the tool cell line 293T were employed here. Bladder cancer cells were transfected with either a miR-101 overexpression vector or a scrambled-sequence lentivirus, both of which exhibited a high transfection efficiency. Non-transfection was used as a mock negative control. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to measure cell migration and invasiveness. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate miR-101’s interaction with VEGF-C’s 3′ untranslated region followed by RT-PCR and Western blot confirmation. An MTS assay was used to evaluate the cisplatin sensitivity of the cell lines. Results miR-101 overexpression significantly inhibited the migration and invasiveness while significantly enhancing cisplatin sensitivity. miR-101 negatively regulated VEGF-C protein expression, and VEGF-C overexpression rescued the effects of miR-101 overexpression, indicating that miR-101 negatively regulates VEGF-C protein expression post-transcriptionally. miR-101 and VEGF-C interference independently enhanced cisplatin cytotoxicity in bladder cancer cells. Conclusions miR-101 suppresses VEGF-C expression, inhibits cell migration and invasion, and increases cisplatin sensitivity in bladder cancer cells. This study provides new insight into miR-101’s role in bladder cancer and shows miR-101’s promise as a potential molecular target for bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Lei
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Hebei Medical University, No. 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China
| | - Shiyu Tong
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Lin Qi
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xiheng Hu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yunbo Cui
- School of Life Sciences, Central South University, No. 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Zengbo Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xiongbing Zu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Minfeng Chen
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- * E-mail:
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Moens S, Goveia J, Stapor PC, Cantelmo AR, Carmeliet P. The multifaceted activity of VEGF in angiogenesis - Implications for therapy responses. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2014; 25:473-82. [PMID: 25169850 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key growth factor driving angiogenesis (i.e. the formation of new blood vessels) in health and disease. Pharmacological blockade of VEGF signaling to inhibit tumor angiogenesis is clinically approved but the survival benefit is limited as patients invariably acquire resistance. This is partially mediated by the intrinsic flexibility of tumor cells to adapt to VEGF-blockade. However, it has become clear that tumor stromal cells also contribute to the resistance. Originally, VEGF was thought to specifically target endothelial cells (ECs) but it is now clear that many stromal cells also respond to VEGF signaling, making anti-VEGF therapy more complex than initially anticipated. A more comprehensive understanding of the complex responses of stromal cells to VEGF-blockade might inform the design of improved anti-angiogenic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Moens
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis & Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, K.U. Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Angiogenesis & Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jermaine Goveia
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis & Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, K.U. Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Angiogenesis & Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter C Stapor
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis & Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, K.U. Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Angiogenesis & Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Rita Cantelmo
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis & Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, K.U. Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Angiogenesis & Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis & Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, K.U. Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Angiogenesis & Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
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Hu J, Cheng Y, Li Y, Jin Z, Pan Y, Liu G, Fu S, Zhang Y, Feng K, Feng Y. microRNA-128 plays a critical role in human non-small cell lung cancer tumourigenesis, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis by directly targeting vascular endothelial growth factor-C. Eur J Cancer 2014; 50:2336-50. [PMID: 25001183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2014.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important gene regulators that play critical roles in biological processes and function as either tumour suppressors or oncogenes. Therefore, the expression levels of miRNAs can be important and reliable biomarkers for cancer detection and prognostic prediction, and potentially serve as targets for cancer therapy. In this study, we showed that the expression level of miR-128 was significantly downregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and cancer cells, and was significantly correlated with NSCLC differentiation, pathological stage and lymph node metastasis. Ectopic miR-128 overexpression significantly suppressed in vitro proliferation, colony formation, immigration and invasion, and induced G1 arrest and apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Interestingly, ectopic miR-128 overexpression could significantly inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C expression and reduce the activity of a luciferase reporter containing the VEGF-C 3'-untranslated region. In addition, overexpression of miR-128 in NSCLC cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cells led to decreased expression of VEGF-A, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2 and VEGFR-3, critical factors responsible for cancer angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and subsequently decreased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (AKT) and p38 signalling pathways. Furthermore, in vivo restoration of miR-128 significantly suppressed tumourigenicity of A549 cells in nude mice and inhibited both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis of tumour xenografts. These findings suggest that miR-128 could play a role in NSCLC tumourigenesis at least in part by modulation of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis through targeting VEGF-C, and could simultaneously block ERK, AKT and p38 signalling pathways. Therapeutic strategies to restore miR-128 in NSCLC could be useful to inhibit tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Heilongjiang Higher Education Institutions), Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China; School of Basic Medical Science, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yongxia Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Heilongjiang Higher Education Institutions), Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China; School of Basic Medical Science, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Yuezhen Li
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Heilongjiang Higher Education Institutions), Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Zaishun Jin
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Heilongjiang Higher Education Institutions), Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Yanming Pan
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Heilongjiang Higher Education Institutions), Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Guibo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Heilongjiang Higher Education Institutions), Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Songbin Fu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Yafang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Kejian Feng
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Heilongjiang Higher Education Institutions), Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Yukuan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Heilongjiang Higher Education Institutions), Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China; School of Basic Medical Science, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
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Li D, Wei X, Xie K, Chen K, Li J, Fang J. A novel decoy receptor fusion protein for FGF-2 potently inhibits tumour growth. Br J Cancer 2014; 111:68-77. [PMID: 24874473 PMCID: PMC4090743 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2014.282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiangiogenic therapies have been proven effective in cancer treatment. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) has been functionally implicated in tumour angiogenesis and is an important target of antiangiogenic therapies. The aim of this work was to develop a novel FGF-2 inhibitor for cancer therapy. METHODS Eleven fusion proteins were developed by fusing various truncated extracellular regions of FGFR1 with the Fc region of IgG1. The optimal decoy receptor fusion protein with the highest binding affinity for FGF-2 was identified by an FGF-2-binding assay and its potential antitumour effects were investigated. RESULTS We obtained a soluble decoy receptor fusion protein with the highest binding activity for FGF-2, named FGF-Trap. Fibroblast growth factor-Trap significantly abolished FGF-2-stimulated activation of FGF signalling as demonstrated by its suppression of FGF-2-mediated phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and Akt, upregulation of cyclins D1 and E and the increase in mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor R1 and R2 (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2). Furthermore, FGF-Trap effectively suppressed FGF-2-induced proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Most importantly, FGF-Trap potently inhibited tumour growth and angiogenesis in Caki-1 and A549 xenograft models in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Fibroblast growth factor-Trap potently inhibits tumour growth by blocking FGF-2 signalling pathways and could be an effective therapeutic agent for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Li
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - X Wei
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - K Xie
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - K Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - J Li
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - J Fang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
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