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Rapp J, Böhringer D, Schlunck G, Agostini H, Reinhard T, Bucher F. Addressing bias in manual segmentation of spheroid sprouting assays with U-Net. Mol Vis 2023; 29:197-205. [PMID: 38222450 PMCID: PMC10784213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Angiogenesis research faces the issue of false-positive findings due to the manual analysis pipelines involved in many assays. For example, the spheroid sprouting assay, one of the most prominent in vitro angiogenesis models, is commonly based on manual segmentation of sprouts. In this study, we propose a method for mitigating subconscious or fraudulent bias caused by manual segmentation. This approach involves training a U-Net model on manual segmentations and using the readout of this U-Net model instead of the potentially biased original segmentations. Our hypothesis is that U-Net will mitigate any bias in the manual segmentations because this will impose only random noise during model training. We assessed this idea using a simulation study. Methods The training data comprised 1531 phase contrast images and manual segmentations from various spheroid sprouting assays. We randomly divided the images 1:1 into two groups: a fictitious intervention group and a control group. Bias was simulated exclusively in the intervention group. We simulated two adversarial scenarios: 1) removal of a single randomly selected sprout and 2) systematic shortening of all sprouts. For both scenarios, we compared the original segmentation, adversarial segmentation, and respective U-Net readouts. In the second step, we assessed the sensitivity of this approach to detect a true positive effect. We sampled multiple treatment and control groups with decreasing treatment effects based on unbiased ground truth segmentation. Results This approach was able to mitigate bias in both adversarial scenarios. However, in both scenarios, U-Net detected the real treatment effects based on a comparison to the ground truth. Conclusions This method may prove useful for verifying positive findings in angiogenesis experiments with a manual analysis pipeline when full investigator masking has been neglected or is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Rapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felicitas Bucher
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
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2
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Clahsen T, Hadrian K, Notara M, Schlereth SL, Howaldt A, Prokosch V, Volatier T, Hos D, Schroedl F, Kaser-Eichberger A, Heindl LM, Steven P, Bosch JJ, Steinkasserer A, Rokohl AC, Liu H, Mestanoglu M, Kashkar H, Schumacher B, Kiefer F, Schulte-Merker S, Matthaei M, Hou Y, Fassbender S, Jantsch J, Zhang W, Enders P, Bachmann B, Bock F, Cursiefen C. The novel role of lymphatic vessels in the pathogenesis of ocular diseases. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101157. [PMID: 36759312 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Historically, the eye has been considered as an organ free of lymphatic vessels. In recent years, however, it became evident, that lymphatic vessels or lymphatic-like vessels contribute to several ocular pathologies at various peri- and intraocular locations. The aim of this review is to outline the pathogenetic role of ocular lymphatics, the respective molecular mechanisms and to discuss current and future therapeutic options based thereon. We will give an overview on the vascular anatomy of the healthy ocular surface and the molecular mechanisms contributing to corneal (lymph)angiogenic privilege. In addition, we present (i) current insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms occurring during pathological neovascularization of the cornea triggered e.g. by inflammation or trauma, (ii) the role of lymphatic vessels in different ocular surface pathologies such as dry eye disease, corneal graft rejection, ocular graft versus host disease, allergy, and pterygium, (iii) the involvement of lymphatic vessels in ocular tumors and metastasis, and (iv) the novel role of the lymphatic-like structure of Schlemm's canal in glaucoma. Identification of the underlying molecular mechanisms and of novel modulators of lymphangiogenesis will contribute to the development of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of ocular diseases associated with pathological lymphangiogenesis in the future. The preclinical data presented here outline novel therapeutic concepts for promoting transplant survival, inhibiting metastasis of ocular tumors, reducing inflammation of the ocular surface, and treating glaucoma. Initial data from clinical trials suggest first success of novel treatment strategies to promote transplant survival based on pretransplant corneal lymphangioregression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Clahsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Karina Hadrian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria Notara
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simona L Schlereth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Antonia Howaldt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Verena Prokosch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Volatier
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Deniz Hos
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Falk Schroedl
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology - Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexandra Kaser-Eichberger
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology - Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ludwig M Heindl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Philipp Steven
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Cluster of Excellence: Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases, CECAD, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jacobus J Bosch
- Centre for Human Drug Research and Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Alexander C Rokohl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hanhan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mert Mestanoglu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hamid Kashkar
- Institute for Molecular Immunology, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), CECAD Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Björn Schumacher
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Cluster of Excellence: Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases, CECAD, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Friedemann Kiefer
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging (EIMI), University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulte-Merker
- Institute for Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mario Matthaei
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yanhong Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
| | - Sonja Fassbender
- IUF‒Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany; Immunology and Environment, Life & Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jonathan Jantsch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Philip Enders
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Björn Bachmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Felix Bock
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Claus Cursiefen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Cluster of Excellence: Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases, CECAD, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Hehr CL, Halabi R, McFarlane S. Spatial regulation of amacrine cell genesis by Semaphorin 3f. Dev Biol 2022; 491:66-81. [PMID: 36058267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The axonal projections of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of the eye are topographically organized so that spatial information from visual images is preserved. This retinotopic organization is established during development by secreted morphogens that pattern domains of transcription factor expression within naso-temporal and dorso-ventral quadrants of the embryonic eye. Poorly understood are the downstream signaling molecules that generate the topographically organized retinal cells and circuits. The secreted signaling molecule Semaphorin 3fa (Sema3fa) belongs to the Sema family of molecules that provide positional information to developing cells. Here, we test a role for Sema3fa in cell genesis of the temporal zebrafish retina. METHODS We compare retinal cell genesis in wild type and sema3fa CRISPR zebrafish mutants by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS We find that mRNAs for sema3fa and known receptors, neuropilin2b (nrp2b) and plexina1a (plxna1a), are expressed by progenitors of the temporal, but not nasal zebrafish embryonic retina. In the sema3faca304/ca304 embryo, initially the domains of expression for atoh7 and neurod4, transcription factors necessary for the specification of RGCs and amacrine cells, respectively, are disrupted. Yet, post-embryonically only amacrine cells of the temporal retina are reduced in numbers, with both GABAergic and glycinergic subtypes affected. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that Sema3fa acts early on embryonic temporal progenitors to control in a spatially-dependent manner the production of amacrine cells, possibly to allow the establishment of neural circuits with domain-specific functions. We propose that spatially restricted extrinsic signals in the neural retina control cell genesis in a domain-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Lynn Hehr
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rami Halabi
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah McFarlane
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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4
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Weber SR, Zhao Y, Ma J, Gates C, da Veiga Leprevost F, Basrur V, Nesvizhskii AI, Gardner TW, Sundstrom JM. A validated analysis pipeline for mass spectrometry-based vitreous proteomics: new insights into proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Clin Proteomics 2021; 18:28. [PMID: 34861815 PMCID: PMC8903510 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-021-09328-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vitreous is an accessible, information-rich biofluid that has recently been studied as a source of retinal disease-related proteins and pathways. However, the number of samples required to confidently identify perturbed pathways remains unknown. In order to confidently identify these pathways, power analysis must be performed to determine the number of samples required, and sample preparation and analysis must be rigorously defined. Methods Control (n = 27) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n = 23) vitreous samples were treated as biologically distinct individuals or pooled together and aliquoted into technical replicates. Quantitative mass spectrometry with tandem mass tag labeling was used to identify proteins in individual or pooled control samples to determine technical and biological variability. To determine effect size and perform power analysis, control and proliferative diabetic retinopathy samples were analyzed across four 10-plexes. Pooled samples were used to normalize the data across plexes and generate a single data matrix for downstream analysis. Results The total number of unique proteins identified was 1152 in experiment 1, 989 of which were measured in all samples. In experiment 2, 1191 proteins were identified, 727 of which were measured across all samples in all plexes. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD025986. Spearman correlations of protein abundance estimations revealed minimal technical (0.99–1.00) and biological (0.94–0.98) variability. Each plex contained two unique pooled samples: one for normalizing across each 10-plex, and one to internally validate the normalization algorithm. Spearman correlation of the validation pool following normalization was 0.86–0.90. Principal component analysis revealed stratification of samples by disease and not by plex. Subsequent differential expression and pathway analyses demonstrated significant activation of metabolic pathways and inhibition of neuroprotective pathways in proliferative diabetic retinopathy samples relative to controls. Conclusions This study demonstrates a feasible, rigorous, and scalable method that can be applied to future proteomic studies of vitreous and identifies previously unrecognized metabolic pathways that advance understanding of diabetic retinopathy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12014-021-09328-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Weber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.,Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Yuanjun Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Jingqun Ma
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Christopher Gates
- Bioinformatics Core, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Felipe da Veiga Leprevost
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Venkatesha Basrur
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Alexey I Nesvizhskii
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.,Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, 100 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Thomas W Gardner
- Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Sundstrom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA. .,Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
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5
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Halabi R, Watterston C, Hehr CL, Mori-Kreiner R, Childs SJ, McFarlane S. Semaphorin 3fa Controls Ocular Vascularization From the Embryo Through to the Adult. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:21. [PMID: 33595613 PMCID: PMC7900886 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.2.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Pathological blood vessel growth in the eye is implicated in several diseases that result in vision loss, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The limits of current disease therapies have created the need to identify and characterize new antiangiogenic drugs. Here, we identify the secreted chemorepellent semaphorin-3fa (Sema3fa) as an endogenous anti-angiogenic in the eye. Methods We generated a CRISPR/Cas9 sema3fa zebrafish mutant line, sema3faca304/304. We assessed the retinal and choroidal vasculature in both larval and adult wild-type and sema3fa mutant zebrafish. Results We find sema3fa mRNA is expressed by the ciliary marginal zone, neural retina, and retinal pigment epithelium of zebrafish larvae as choroidal vascularization emerges and the hyaloid/retinal vasculature is remodeled. The hyaloid vessels of sema3fa mutants develop appropriately but fail to remodel during the larval period, with adult mutants exhibiting a denser network of capillaries in the retinal periphery than seen in wild-type. The choroid vasculature is also defective in that it develops precociously, and aberrant, leaky sprouts are present in the normally avascular outer retina of both sema3faca304/304 larvae and adult fish. Conclusions Sema3fa is a key endogenous signal for maintaining an avascular retina and preventing pathologic vascularization. Furthermore, we provide a new experimentally accessible model for studying choroid neovascularization (CNV) resulting from primary changes in the retinal environment that lead to downstream vessel infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Halabi
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Charlene Watterston
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Carrie Lynn Hehr
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Risa Mori-Kreiner
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Sarah J Childs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Sarah McFarlane
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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6
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Krivosic V, Lavia C, Aubineau A, Tadayoni R, Gaudric A. OCT of Outer Retinal Hyperreflectivity, Neovascularization, and Pigment in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 5:562-570. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2020.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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7
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Jiao B, Liu S, Tan X, Lu P, Wang D, Xu H. Class-3 semaphorins: Potent multifunctional modulators for angiogenesis-associated diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111329. [PMID: 33545660 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins, the neuronal guidance cues, were shown to have broad influences on pathophysiological processes such as bone remodeling, immune responses, and angiogenesis. In particular, Class-3 Semaphorins (SEMA3) is considered a vital regulator involved in angiogenesis. Scientific evidence has pointed to the role of angiogenesis in many diseases, and numerous efforts have been made to explore the possibilities of curing those diseases by targeting angiogenesis. Nevertheless, the efficacies are limited owing to the complex mechanisms of angiogenesis. Hence, investigating the mechanisms of SEMA3 in angiogenesis may contribute to novel therapeutics for diseases. Previous reviews mainly focused on the various functions of semaphorins in one particular disease, and the specific angiogenesis mechanism of SEMA3 in diverse diseases has not been well elucidated. Additionally, the role of SEMA3 in angiogenesis remains elusive, as contradicting results have been found in different disease types. Some evidence from recent studies implies that, while most SEMA3 molecules inhibit pathological angiogenesis in different diseases, occasionally SEMA3 may also promote angiogenesis. This review summarizes the specific role of SEMA3 in a variety of angiogenesis-associated diseases, and documents SEMA3 may be a promising therapeutic target for treating angiogenesis-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shiyang Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xi Tan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Pei Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Danning Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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Noueihed B, Rivera JC, Dabouz R, Abram P, Omri S, Lahaie I, Chemtob S. Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Promote Retinal Vascular Repair by Modulating Sema3E and IL-17A in a Model of Ischemic Retinopathy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:630645. [PMID: 33553187 PMCID: PMC7859341 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.630645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic retinopathies (IRs), such as retinopathy of prematurity and diabetic retinopathy, are characterized by an initial phase of microvascular degeneration that results in retinal ischemia, followed by exaggerated pathologic neovascularization (NV). Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have potent pro-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties associated with tissue repair and regeneration, and in this regard exert protection to neurons in ischemic and degenerative conditions; however, the exact mechanisms underlying these functions remain largely unknown. Class III Semaphorins (A–G) are particularly implicated in regulating neural blood supply (as well as neurogenesis) by suppressing angiogenesis and affecting myeloid cell function; this is the case for distinct neuropillin-activating Sema3A as well as PlexinD1-activating Sema3E; but during IR the former Sema3A increases while Sema3E decreases. We investigated whether retinal vascular repair actions of MSCs are exerted by normalizing Semaphorin and downstream cytokines in IR. Intravitreal administration of MSCs or their secretome (MSCs-conditioned media [MSCs-CM]) significantly curtailed vasoobliteration as well as aberrant preretinal NV in a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). The vascular repair effects of MSCs-CM in the ischemic retina were associated with restored levels of Sema3E. Vascular benefits of MSCs-CM were reversed by anti-Sema3E; while intravitreal injection of anti-angiogenic recombinant Sema3E (rSema3E) in OIR-subjected mice reproduced effects of MSCs-CM by inhibiting as expected preretinal NV but also by decreasing vasoobliteration. To explain these opposing vascular effects of Sema3E we found in OIR high retinal levels, respectively, of the pro- and anti-angiogenic IL-17A and Sema3A-regulating IL-1β; IL-17A positively affected expression of IL-1β. rSema3E decreased concentrations of these myeloid cell-derived pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, IL-17A suppression by MSCs-CM was abrogated by anti-Sema3E neutralizing antibody. Collectively, our findings provide novel evidence by which MSCs inhibit aberrant NV and diminish vasoobliteration (promoting revascularization) in retinopathy by restoring (at least in part) neuronal Sema3E levels that reduce pathological levels of IL-17A (and in turn other proinflammatory factors) in myeloid cells. The ability of MSCs to generate a microenvironment permissive for vascular regeneration by controlling the production of neuronal factors involved in immunomodulatory activities is a promising opportunity for stem cell therapy in ocular degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baraa Noueihed
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - José Carlos Rivera
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and Pharmacology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Rabah Dabouz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pénélope Abram
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Samy Omri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Lahaie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvain Chemtob
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and Pharmacology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
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9
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Bucher F, Aguilar E, Marra KV, Rapp J, Arnold J, Diaz-Aguilar S, Lange C, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Stahl A, Friedlander M. CNTF Prevents Development of Outer Retinal Neovascularization Through Upregulation of CxCl10. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:20. [PMID: 32780864 PMCID: PMC7441336 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.10.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a well-characterized neurotrophic factor currently in clinical trials for the treatment of macular telangiectasia type II. Our previous work showed that CNTF-induced STAT3 signaling is a potent inhibitor of pathologic preretinal neovascular tuft formation in the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. In this study, we investigated the effect of CNTF on outer retinal and choroidal angiogenesis and the mechanisms that underpin the observed decrease in outer retinal neovascularization following CNTF treatment. Methods In the Vldlr–/– and laser-CNV mouse models, mice received a one-time injection (on postnatal day [P] 12 in the Vldlr–/– model and 1 day after laser in the Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) model) of recombinant CNTF or CxCl10, and the extent of neovascular lesions was assessed 6 days posttreatment. STAT3 downstream targets affected by CNTF treatment were identified using quantitative PCR analysis. A proteome array was used to compare media conditioned by CNTF-treated and control-treated primary Müller cells to screen for CNTF-induced changes in secreted angiogenic factors. Results Intravitreal treatment with recombinant CNTF led to significant reduction in neovascularization in the Vldlr–/– and laser-CNV mouse models. Treatment effect in the Vldlr–/– was long-lasting but time sensitive, requiring intravitreal treatment before P19. Mechanistic workup in vitro as well as in vivo confirmed significant activation of the STAT3-signaling pathway in Müller cells in response to CNTF treatment and upregulation of CxCl10. Intravitreal injections of recombinant CxCl10 significantly reduced outer retinal neovascularization in vivo in both the Vldlr–/– and laser-CNV mouse models. Conclusions CNTF treatment indirectly affects outer retinal and choroidal neovascularization by inducing CxCl10 secretion from retinal Müller cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Bucher
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States.,Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Edith Aguilar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Kyle V Marra
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Julian Rapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Arnold
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Diaz-Aguilar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States.,Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Martin Friedlander
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States.,The Lowy Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
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10
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Iragavarapu-Charyulu V, Wojcikiewicz E, Urdaneta A. Semaphorins in Angiogenesis and Autoimmune Diseases: Therapeutic Targets? Front Immunol 2020; 11:346. [PMID: 32210960 PMCID: PMC7066498 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The axonal guidance molecules, semaphorins, have been described to function both physiologically and pathologically outside of the nervous system. In this review, we focus on the vertebrate semaphorins found in classes 3 through 7 and their roles in vascular development and autoimmune diseases. Recent studies indicate that while some of these vertebrate semaphorins promote angiogenesis, others have an angiostatic function. Since some semaphorins are also expressed by different immune cells and are known to modulate immune responses, they have been implicated in autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. We conclude this review by addressing strategies targeting semaphorins as potential therapeutic agents for angiogenesis and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ewa Wojcikiewicz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | - Alexandra Urdaneta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
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11
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Fu Z, Sun Y, Cakir B, Tomita Y, Huang S, Wang Z, Liu CH, S. Cho S, Britton W, S. Kern T, Antonetti DA, Hellström A, E.H. Smith L. Targeting Neurovascular Interaction in Retinal Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1503. [PMID: 32098361 PMCID: PMC7073081 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tightly structured neural retina has a unique vascular network comprised of three interconnected plexuses in the inner retina (and choroid for outer retina), which provide oxygen and nutrients to neurons to maintain normal function. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that neuronal metabolic needs control both normal retinal vascular development and pathological aberrant vascular growth. Particularly, photoreceptors, with the highest density of mitochondria in the body, regulate retinal vascular development by modulating angiogenic and inflammatory factors. Photoreceptor metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation may cause adaptive but ultimately pathological retinal vascular responses, leading to blindness. Here we focus on the factors involved in neurovascular interactions, which are potential therapeutic targets to decrease energy demand and/or to increase energy production for neovascular retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjie Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ye Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Bertan Cakir
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Yohei Tomita
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Shuo Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Zhongxiao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Chi-Hsiu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Steve S. Cho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - William Britton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Timothy S. Kern
- Center for Translational Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - David A. Antonetti
- Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA;
| | - Ann Hellström
- Section for Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden;
| | - Lois E.H. Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
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12
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Role of Endogenous Regulators of Hem- And Lymphangiogenesis in Corneal Transplantation. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020479. [PMID: 32050484 PMCID: PMC7073692 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Under normal conditions, the cornea, being the transparent “windscreen” of the eye, is free of both blood and lymphatic vessels. However, various diseases of the eye, like infections, can interfere with the balance between promoting and inhibiting factors, which leads to ingrowth of blood and lymphatic vessels. The newly formed lymphatic vessels increase the risk of graft rejection after subsequent corneal transplantation. Corneal transplantation is one of the most commonly performed transplantations worldwide, with more than 40,000 surgeries per year in Europe. To date, various anti-hem- and anti-lymphangiogenic treatment strategies have been developed specifically for the corneal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. Currently, however, no treatment strategies are clinically available to specifically modulate lymphangiogenesis. In this review, we will give an overview about endogenous regulators of hem- and lymphangiogenesis and discuss potential new strategies for targeting pathological lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, we will review recently identified modulators and demonstrate that the cornea is a suitable model for the identification of novel endogenous modulators of lymphangiogenesis. The identification of novel modulators of lymphangiogenesis and a better understanding of the signaling pathways involved will contribute to the development of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of pathological lymphangiogenesis. This, in turn, will improve graft rejection, not only for the cornea.
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13
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Ye K, Ouyang X, Wang Z, Yao L, Zhang G. SEMA3F Promotes Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis by Activating Focal Adhesion Pathway. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 39:474-483. [PMID: 31968181 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2019.4904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that semaphorin-3F (SEMA3F) functions as a tumor suppressor in several tumor types. However, the role of SEMA3F in the metastasis and prognosis of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) remains unknown. In this study, by performing bioinformatics analysis on the transcriptome profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we demonstrated that SEMA3F was significantly upregulated in LIHC tissues, compared with normal controls. Moreover, the expression value of SEMA3F was positively correlated with patients' pathological stages and tumor metastasis, predicting a poor overall survival. Besides, SEMA3F expression level was negatively correlated with its methylation level, but positively correlated with its gene copy number. Differential expression analysis of LIHC samples with high or low SEMA3F expression values suggested that 983 genes were differentially expressed, among which 723 genes were upregulated and 260 genes were downregulated. Furthermore, enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed that SEMA3F was involved in the activation of focal adhesion pathway, which induced tumor metastasis. Taken together, our results suggested that the oncogenic function of SEMA3F promoted hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by activating focal adhesion pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiwu Ouyang
- Department of General Surgery, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lei Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Gewen Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
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14
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Semaphorin 3F Promotes Transendothelial Migration of Leukocytes in the Inflammatory Response After Survived Cardiac Arrest. Inflammation 2020; 42:1252-1264. [PMID: 30877507 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-019-00985-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Leukocyte transmigration through the blood vessel wall is a fundamental step of the inflammatory response and requires expression of adhesion molecule PECAM-1. Accumulating evidence implicates that semaphorin (Sema) 3F and its receptor neuropilin (NRP) 2 are central regulators in vascular biology. Herein, we assess the role of Sema3F in leukocyte migration in vitro and in vivo. To determine the impact of Sema3F on leukocyte recruitment in vivo, we used the thioglycollate-induced peritonitis model. After the induction of peritonitis, C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected daily with recombinant Sema3F or solvent for 3 days. Compared with solvent-treated controls, leukocyte count was increased in the peritoneal lavage of Sema3F-treated mice indicating that Sema3F promotes leukocyte extravasation into the peritoneal cavity. In line with this observation, stimulation of human endothelial cells with Sema3F enhanced the passage of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) through the endothelial monolayer in the transwell migration assays. Conversely, silencing of endothelial Sema3F by siRNA transfection dampened diapedesis of PBMCs through the endothelium in vitro. xMechanistically, Sema3F induced upregulation of adhesion molecule PECAM-1 in endothelial cells and in murine heart tissue shown by immunofluorescence and western blotting. The inhibition of PECAM-1 by blocking antibody HEC7 blunted Sema3F-induced leukocyte migration in transwell assays. SiRNA-based NRP2 knockdown reduced PECAM-1 expression and migration of PBMCs in Sema3F-treated endothelial cells, indicating that PECAM-1 expression and leukocyte migration in response to Sema3F depend on endothelial NRP2. To assess the regulation of Sema3F in human inflammatory disease, we collected serum samples of patients from day 0 to day 7 after survived out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA, n = 41). First, we demonstrated enhanced migration of PBMCs through endothelial cells exposed to the serum of patients after OHCA in comparison to the serum of patients with stable coronary artery disease or healthy volunteers. Remarkably, serum samples of OHCA patients contained significantly higher Sema3F protein levels compared with CAD patients (CAD, n = 37) and healthy volunteers (n = 11), suggesting a role of Sema3F in the pathophysiology of the inflammatory response after OHCA. Subgroup analysis revealed that elevated serum Sema3F levels after ROSC are associated with decreased survival, myocardial dysfunction, and prolonged vasopressor therapy, clinical findings that determine the outcome of post-resuscitation period after OHCA. The present study provides novel evidence that endothelial Sema3F controls leukocyte recruitment through a NRP2/PECAM-1-dependent mechanism. Sema3F serum concentrations are elevated following successful resuscitation suggesting that Sema3F might be involved in the inflammatory response after survived OHCA. Targeting the Sema3F/NRP2/PECAM-1 pathway could provide a novel approach to abolish overwhelming inflammation after resuscitation.
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15
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Apte RS, Chen DS, Ferrara N. VEGF in Signaling and Disease: Beyond Discovery and Development. Cell 2020; 176:1248-1264. [PMID: 30849371 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1369] [Impact Index Per Article: 342.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of vascular endothelial-derived growth factor (VEGF) has revolutionized our understanding of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis during development and physiological homeostasis. Over a short span of two decades, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which VEGF coordinates neurovascular homeostasis has become more sophisticated. The central role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of diverse cancers and blinding eye diseases has also become evident. Elucidation of the molecular regulation of VEGF and the transformative development of multiple therapeutic pathways targeting VEGF directly or indirectly is a powerful case study of how fundamental research can guide innovation and translation. It is also an elegant example of how agnostic discovery and can transform our understanding of human disease. This review will highlight critical nodal points in VEGF biology, including recent developments in immunotherapy for cancer and multitarget approaches in neovascular eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra S Apte
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | | | - Napoleone Ferrara
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; The Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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16
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To introduce recent advances in the understanding of diabetic retinopathy and to summarize current and emerging strategies to treat this common and complex cause of vision loss. RECENT FINDINGS Advances in retinal imaging and functional analysis indicate that retinal vascular and neural pathologies exist long before the development of clinically visible retinopathy. Such diagnostics could facilitate risk stratification and selective early intervention in high-risk patients. Antagonists of the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway effectively reduce vision loss in diabetes and promote regression of disease severity. Promising new strategies to treat diabetic retinopathy involve novel systemic diabetes therapy and ocular therapies that antagonize angiogenic growth factor signaling, improve blood-retina barrier function and neurovascular coupling, modulate neuroretinal metabolism, or provide neuroprotection. Long considered a pure microvasculopathy, diabetic retinopathy in fact affects the neural and vascular retina as well as neurovascular communication. Emerging therapies include those that target neuroretinal dysfunction in addition to those modulating vascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Honasoge
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave. 8096, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - Eric Nudleman
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Morton Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave. 8096, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - Rithwick Rajagopal
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave. 8096, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA.
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17
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Ma J, Lwigale P. Transformation of the Transcriptomic Profile of Mouse Periocular Mesenchyme During Formation of the Embryonic Cornea. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:661-676. [PMID: 30786278 PMCID: PMC6383728 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Defects in neural crest development are a major contributing factor in corneal dysgenesis, but little is known about the genetic landscape during corneal development. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed transcriptome profile and evaluate changes in gene expression during mouse corneal development. Methods RNA sequencing was used to uncover the transcriptomic profile of periocular mesenchyme (pNC) isolated at embryonic day (E) 10.5 and corneas isolated at E14.5 and E16.5. The spatiotemporal expression of several differentially expressed genes was validated by in situ hybridization. Results Analysis of the whole-transcriptome profile between pNC and embryonic corneas identified 3815 unique differentially expressed genes. Pathway analysis revealed an enrichment of differentially expressed genes involved in signal transduction (retinoic acid, transforming growth factor-β, and Wnt pathways) and transcriptional regulation. Conclusions Our analyses, for the first time, identify a large number of differentially expressed genes during progressive stages of mouse corneal development. Our data provide a comprehensive transcriptomic profile of the developing cornea. Combined, these data serve as a valuable resource for the identification of novel regulatory networks crucial for the advancement of studies in congenital defects, stem cell therapy, bioengineering, and adult corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Ma
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Peter Lwigale
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States
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18
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Hos D, Matthaei M, Bock F, Maruyama K, Notara M, Clahsen T, Hou Y, Le VNH, Salabarria AC, Horstmann J, Bachmann BO, Cursiefen C. Immune reactions after modern lamellar (DALK, DSAEK, DMEK) versus conventional penetrating corneal transplantation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 73:100768. [PMID: 31279005 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, novel lamellar keratoplasty techniques such as Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) for anterior keratoplasty and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK)/Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for posterior keratoplasty have been developed. DALK eliminates the possibility of endothelial allograft rejection, which is the main reason for graft failure after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Compared to PK, the risk of endothelial graft rejection is significantly reduced after DSAEK/DMEK. Thus, with modern lamellar techniques, the clinical problem of endothelial graft rejection seems to be nearly solved in the low-risk situation. However, even with lamellar grafts there are epithelial, subepithelial and stromal immune reactions in DALK and endothelial immune reactions in DSAEK/DMEK, and not all keratoplasties can be performed in a lamellar fashion. Therefore, endothelial graft rejection in PK is still highly relevant, especially in the "high-risk" setting, where the cornea's (lymph)angiogenic and immune privilege is lost due to severe inflammation and pathological neovascularization. For these eyes, currently available treatment options are still unsatisfactory. In this review, we will describe currently used keratoplasty techniques, namely PK, DALK, DSAEK, and DMEK. We will summarize their indications, provide surgical descriptions, and comment on their complications and outcomes. Furthermore, we will give an overview on corneal transplant immunology. A specific focus will be placed on endothelial graft rejection and we will report on its incidence, clinical presentation, and current/future treatment and prevention options. Finally, we will speculate how the field of keratoplasty and prevention of corneal allograft rejection will develop in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Hos
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mario Matthaei
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Felix Bock
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kazuichi Maruyama
- Department of Innovative Visual Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Maria Notara
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Clahsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yanhong Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Viet Nhat Hung Le
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Hue College of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Viet Nam
| | | | - Jens Horstmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bjoern O Bachmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Claus Cursiefen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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19
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Reuer T, Schneider AC, Cakir B, Bühler AD, Walz JM, Lapp T, Lange C, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Cursiefen C, Reinhard T, Bock F, Stahl A. Semaphorin 3F Modulates Corneal Lymphangiogenesis and Promotes Corneal Graft Survival. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:5277-5284. [PMID: 30383199 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Corneal vascularization significantly increases the risk for graft rejection after keratoplasty. Semaphorin 3F (Sema3F) is a known modulator of physiologic avascularity in the outer retina. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Sema3F is involved in maintaining corneal avascularity and can reduce the risk for corneal graft rejection. Methods Corneal Sema3F expression was investigated using immunohistochemistry and qPCR in human and murine tissue. Pathologic invasion of blood and lymph vessels into corneal tissue was analyzed in the murine corneal suture and high-risk keratoplasty model. The anti-lymphangiogenic effects of Sema3F were further investigated using an in vitro spheroidal sprouting model with supernatant from isolated primary human corneal epithelial cells (hCECs). Results Sema3F is constitutively expressed in human and murine corneal epithelium. In the corneal suture model, lymphangiogenesis was significantly suppressed by topical Sema3F treatment (P = 0.0003). In the murine high-risk keratoplasty model, pretreatment by topical Sema3F in the inflammation phase significantly promoted subsequent graft survival (P = 0.0006). In this model, both lymph- and blood angiogenesis were reduced (P < 0.05). In vitro, hCEC supernatant had a direct anti-lymphangiogenic effect on human lymphatic endothelial cells (P < 0.01). This effect was completely abolished by addition of anti-Sema3F antibodies. Conclusions Sema3F is a novel mediator of corneal avascularity with potent anti-lymphangiogenic properties. Topical treatment with Sema3F eye drops may help to limit corneal vascularization and improve outcomes in high-risk keratoplasty patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Reuer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Bertan Cakir
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anima D Bühler
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johanna M Walz
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claus Cursiefen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felix Bock
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Ward R, Ali Z, Slater K, Reynolds AL, Jensen LD, Kennedy BN. Pharmacological restoration of visual function in a zebrafish model of von-Hippel Lindau disease. Dev Biol 2019; 457:226-234. [PMID: 30825427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder, characterised by hypervascularised tumour formation in multiple organ systems. Vision loss associated with retinal capillary hemangioblastomas remains one of the earliest complications of VHL disease. The mortality of Vhl-/- mice in utero restricted modelling of VHL disease in this mammalian model. Zebrafish harbouring a recessive germline mutation in the vhl gene represent a viable, alternative vertebrate model to investigate associated ocular loss-of-function phenotypes. Previous studies reported neovascularisation of the brain, eye and trunk together with oedema in the vhl-/- zebrafish eye. In this study, we demonstrate vhl-/- zebrafish almost entirely lack visual function. Furthermore, hyaloid vasculature networks in the vhl-/- eye are improperly formed and this phenotype is concomitant with development of an ectopic intraretinal vasculature. Sunitinib malate, a multi tyrosine kinase inhibitor, market authorised for cancer, reversed the ocular behavioural and morphological phenotypes observed in vhl-/- zebrafish. We conclude that the zebrafish vhl gene contributes to an endogenous molecular barrier that prevents development of intraretinal vasculature, and that pharmacological intervention with sunitinib can improve visual function and hyaloid vessel patterning while reducing abnormally formed ectopic intraretinal vessels in vhl-/- zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ward
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Zaheer Ali
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kayleigh Slater
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Alison L Reynolds
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland; UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Lasse D Jensen
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Breandán N Kennedy
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland.
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Yerramothu P. New Therapies of Neovascular AMD-Beyond Anti-VEGFs. Vision (Basel) 2018; 2:vision2030031. [PMID: 31735894 PMCID: PMC6835305 DOI: 10.3390/vision2030031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness among the aging population. The current treatment options for nAMD include intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). However, standardized frequent administration of anti-VEGF injections only improves vision in approximately 30–40% of nAMD patients. Current therapies targeting nAMD pose a significant risk of retinal fibrosis and geographic atrophy (GA) development in nAMD patients. A need exists to develop new therapies to treat nAMD with effective and long-term anti-angiogenic effects. Recent research on nAMD has identified novel therapeutic targets and angiogenic signaling mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis. For example, tissue factor, human intravenous immune globulin, interferon-β signaling, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase lipid metabolites have been identified as key players in the development of angiogenesis in AMD disease models. Furthermore, novel therapies such as NACHT, LRR and PYD domains containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome inhibition, inhibitors of integrins and tissue factor are currently being tested at the level of clinical trials to treat nAMD. The aim of this review is to discuss the scope for alternative therapies proposed as anti-VEGFs for the treatment of nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Yerramothu
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney 00098, Australia
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Retinal vasculature development in health and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 63:1-19. [PMID: 29129724 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Development of the retinal vasculature is based on highly coordinated signalling between different cell types of the retina, integrating internal metabolic requirements with external influences such as the supply of oxygen and nutrients. The developing mouse retinal vasculature is a useful model system to study these interactions because it is experimentally accessible for intra ocular injections and genetic manipulations, can be easily imaged and develops in a similar fashion to that of humans. Research using this model has provided insights about general principles of angiogenesis as well as pathologies that affect the developing retinal vasculature. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the interactions between neurons, glial and vascular cells in the developing retina. This includes a review of mechanisms that shape the retinal vasculature, such as sprouting angiogenesis, vascular network remodelling and vessel maturation. We also explore how the disruption of these processes in mice can lead to pathology - such as oxygen induced retinopathy - and how this translates to human retinopathy of prematurity.
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Munro DAD, Hohenstein P, Coate TM, Davies JA. Refuting the hypothesis that semaphorin-3f/neuropilin-2 exclude blood vessels from the cap mesenchyme in the developing kidney. Dev Dyn 2017; 246:1047-1056. [PMID: 28929539 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During murine kidney development, new cortical blood vessels form and pattern in cycles that coincide with cycles of collecting duct branching and the accompanying splitting of the cap mesenchyme (nephron progenitor cell populations that "cap" collecting duct ends). At no point in the patterning cycle do blood vessels enter the cap mesenchyme. We hypothesized that the exclusion of blood vessels from the cap mesenchyme may be controlled, at least in part, by an anti-angiogenic signal expressed by the cap mesenchyme cells. RESULTS We show that semaphorin-3f (Sema3f), a known anti-angiogenic factor, is expressed in cap mesenchymal cells and its receptor, neuropilin-2 (Nrp2), is expressed by newly forming blood vessels in the cortex of the developing kidney. We hypothesized that Sema3f/Nrp2 signaling excludes vessels from the cap mesenchyme. Genetic ablation of Sema3f and of Nrp2, however, failed to result in vessels invading the cap mesenchyme. CONCLUSIONS Despite complementary expression patterns, our data suggest that Sema3f and Nrp2 are dispensable for the exclusion of vessels from the cap mesenchyme during kidney development. These results should provoke additional experiments to ascertain the biological significance of Sema3f/Nrp2 expression in the developing kidney. Developmental Dynamics 246:1047-1056, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A D Munro
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Hohenstein
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas M Coate
- Georgetown University, Department of Biology, Washington, DC
| | - Jamie A Davies
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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A Critical Analysis of the Available In Vitro and Ex Vivo Methods to Study Retinal Angiogenesis. J Ophthalmol 2017; 2017:3034953. [PMID: 28848677 PMCID: PMC5564124 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3034953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a biological process with a central role in retinal diseases. The choice of the ideal method to study angiogenesis, particularly in the retina, remains a problem. Angiogenesis can be assessed through in vitro and in vivo studies. In spite of inherent limitations, in vitro studies are faster, easier to perform and quantify, and typically less expensive and allow the study of isolated angiogenesis steps. We performed a systematic review of PubMed searching for original articles that applied in vitro or ex vivo angiogenic retinal assays until May 2017, presenting the available assays and discussing their applicability, advantages, and disadvantages. Most of the studies evaluated migration, proliferation, and tube formation of endothelial cells in response to inhibitory or stimulatory compounds. Other aspects of angiogenesis were studied by assessing cell permeability, adhesion, or apoptosis, as well as by implementing organotypic models of the retina. Emphasis is placed on how the methods are applied and how they can contribute to retinal angiogenesis comprehension. We also discuss how to choose the best cell culture to implement these methods. When applied together, in vitro and ex vivo studies constitute a powerful tool to improve retinal angiogenesis knowledge. This review provides support for researchers to better select the most suitable protocols in this field.
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Sun Y, Liu CH, Wang Z, Meng SS, Burnim SB, SanGiovanni JP, Kamenecka TM, Solt LA, Chen J. RORα modulates semaphorin 3E transcription and neurovascular interaction in pathological retinal angiogenesis. FASEB J 2017. [PMID: 28646017 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700172r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Pathological proliferation of retinal blood vessels commonly causes vision impairment in proliferative retinopathies, including retinopathy of prematurity. Dysregulated crosstalk between the vasculature and retinal neurons is increasingly recognized as a major factor contributing to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Class 3 semaphorins (SEMA3s), a group of neuron-secreted axonal and vascular guidance factors, suppress pathological vascular growth in retinopathy. However, the upstream transcriptional regulators that mediate the function of SEMA3s in vascular growth are poorly understood. Here we showed that retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α (RORα), a nuclear receptor and transcription factor, is a novel transcriptional regulator of SEMA3E-mediated neurovascular coupling in a mouse model of oxygen-induced proliferative retinopathy. We found that genetic deficiency of RORα substantially induced Sema3e expression in retinopathy. Both RORα and SEMA3E were expressed in retinal ganglion cells. RORα directly bound to a specific ROR response element on the promoter of Sema3e and negatively regulated Sema3e promoter-driven luciferase expression. Suppression of Sema3e using adeno-associated virus 2 carrying short hairpin RNA targeting Sema3e promoted disoriented pathological neovascularization and partially abolished the inhibitory vascular effects of RORα deficiency in retinopathy. Our findings suggest that RORα is a novel transcriptional regulator of SEMA3E-mediated neurovascular coupling in pathological retinal angiogenesis.-Sun, Y., Liu, C.-H., Wang, Z., Meng, S. S., Burnim, S. B., SanGiovanni, J. P., Kamenecka, T. M., Solt, L. A., Chen, J. RORα modulates semaphorin 3E transcription and neurovascular interaction in pathological retinal angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chi-Hsiu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zhongxiao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven S Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samuel B Burnim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John Paul SanGiovanni
- Section of Nutritional Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown School of Medicine, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Theodore M Kamenecka
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Laura A Solt
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
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Bucher F, Walz JM, Bühler A, Aguilar E, Lange C, Diaz-Aguilar S, Martin G, Schlunck G, Agostini H, Friedlander M, Stahl A. CNTF Attenuates Vasoproliferative Changes Through Upregulation of SOCS3 in a Mouse-Model of Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 57:4017-26. [PMID: 27494343 PMCID: PMC4986766 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-18508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal vascular disease represents a major cause for vision loss in the Western world. Recent research has shown that neuronal and vascular damage are closely related in retinal disease. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a well-studied neurotrophic factor that is currently being tested in clinical trials for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases and macular telangiectasia. However, little is known about its effect on retinal vasculature. In this study, we investigate the effects of CNTF in retinal neovascular disease using the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Methods Newborn pups were exposed to 75% oxygen from postnatal day (P)7 to P12 and subsequently returned to room air. Ciliary neurotrophic factor was injected intravitreally at OIR P12 and the vaso-obliterated and neovascular areas were quantified at OIR P17. Immunohistochemistry, RNA, and protein analysis were used to identify CNTF-responsive cells. In vitro experiments were performed to analyze the effect of CNTF on endothelial and astroglial cells. Results In the OIR model, CNTF facilitated capillary regrowth and attenuated preretinal neovascularization in a dose-dependent manner. The protective effect of CNTF was mediated via activation of the JAK/STAT3/SOCS3 signaling pathway. Immunohistochemical studies identified endothelial cells among others as CNTF-responsive cells in the retina. In vitro studies confirmed the anti-angiogenic effect of CNTF on endothelial cell sprouting. Conclusions This study provides evidence for a therapeutic potential of CNTF beyond degenerative retinal disease. Vasoproliferative retinopathies may benefit from a CNTF-dependent and SOCS3-mediated angiomodulatory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Bucher
- Eye Center Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany 2Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Johanna M Walz
- Eye Center Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany 3Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anima Bühler
- Eye Center Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Edith Aguilar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Diaz-Aguilar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Eye Center Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Friedlander
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Eye Center Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
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Sun Y, Liegl R, Gong Y, Bühler A, Cakir B, Meng SS, Burnim SB, Liu CH, Reuer T, Zhang P, Walz JM, Ludwig F, Lange C, Agostini H, Böhringer D, Schlunck G, Smith LEH, Stahl A. Sema3f Protects Against Subretinal Neovascularization In Vivo. EBioMedicine 2017; 18:281-287. [PMID: 28373097 PMCID: PMC5405173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological neovascularization of the outer retina is the hallmark of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Building on our previous observations that semaphorin 3F (Sema3f) is expressed in the outer retina and demonstrates anti-angiogenic potential, we have investigated whether Sema3f can be used to protect against subretinal neovascularization in two mouse models. Both in the very low-density lipid-receptor knockout (Vldlr−/−) model of spontaneous subretinal neovascularization as well as in the mouse model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV), we found protective effects of Sema3f against the formation of pathologic neovascularization. In the Vldlr−/− model, AAV-induced overexpression of Sema3f reduced the size of pathologic neovascularization by 56%. In the laser-induced CNV model, intravitreally injected Sema3f reduced pathologic neovascularization by 30%. Combined, these results provide the first evidence from two distinct in vivo models for a use of Sema3f in protecting the outer retina against subretinal neovascularization. Sema3f is expressed in the physiologically avascular layers of the outer retina. Vldlr−/− mice have reduced Sema3f and form spontaneous subretinal neovascularization. AAV-mediated increase of Sema3f protects against neovascularization in Vldlr−/− mice. Sema3f also reduces pathologic neovascularization in eyes with laser-induced CNV.
Abnormal formation of new blood vessels in the retina is one of the hallmarks of a potentially blinding eye disease called wet (or exudative) macular degeneration. Here we investigated in two independent mouse models whether Sema3f (a protein involved in guiding blood vessel growth) can be modulated to protect against abnormal blood vessel growth. In both mouse models, we found protective effects of Sema3f against abnormal blood vessel formation in the retina. Combined, these results provide the first evidence that Sema3f could be modulated to protect against wet macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Raffael Liegl
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anima Bühler
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bertan Cakir
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Steven S Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Samuel B Burnim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chi-Hsiu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tristan Reuer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johanna M Walz
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Ludwig
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lois E H Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
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Neufeld G, Mumblat Y, Smolkin T, Toledano S, Nir-Zvi I, Ziv K, Kessler O. The role of the semaphorins in cancer. Cell Adh Migr 2016; 10:652-674. [PMID: 27533782 PMCID: PMC5160032 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1197478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The semaphorins were initially characterized as axon guidance factors, but have subsequently been implicated also in the regulation of immune responses, angiogenesis, organ formation, and a variety of additional physiological and developmental functions. The semaphorin family contains more then 20 genes divided into 7 subfamilies, all of which contain the signature sema domain. The semaphorins transduce signals by binding to receptors belonging to the neuropilin or plexin families. Additional receptors which form complexes with these primary semaphorin receptors are also frequently involved in semaphorin signaling. Recent evidence suggests that semaphorins also fulfill important roles in the etiology of multiple forms of cancer. Some semaphorins have been found to function as bona-fide tumor suppressors and to inhibit tumor progression by various mechanisms while other semaphorins function as inducers and promoters of tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gera Neufeld
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yelena Mumblat
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tatyana Smolkin
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shira Toledano
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Inbal Nir-Zvi
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Keren Ziv
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ofra Kessler
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Neufeld G, Mumblat Y, Smolkin T, Toledano S, Nir-Zvi I, Ziv K, Kessler O. The semaphorins and their receptors as modulators of tumor progression. Drug Resist Updat 2016; 29:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Simmons AB, Merrill MM, Reed JC, Deans MR, Edwards MM, Fuerst PG. Defective Angiogenesis and Intraretinal Bleeding in Mouse Models With Disrupted Inner Retinal Lamination. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 57:1563-77. [PMID: 27046121 PMCID: PMC4824390 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-18395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Abnormal retinal angiogenesis leads to visual impairment and blindness. Understanding how retinal vessels develop normally has dramatically improved treatments for people with retinal vasculopathies, but additional information about development is required. Abnormal neuron patterning in the outer retina has been shown to result in abnormal vessel development and blindness, for example, in people and mouse models with Crumbs homologue 1 (CRB1) mutations. In this study, we report and characterize a mouse model of inner retinal lamination disruption and bleeding, the Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) mutant, and test how neuron-neurite placement within the inner retina guides development of intraretinal vessels. METHODS Bax mutant mice (increased neuron cell number), Dscam mutant mice (increased neuron cell number, disorganized lamination), Fat3 mutant mice (disorganized neuron lamination), and Dscam gain-of-function mice (Dscam(GOF)) (decreased neuron cell number) were used to manipulate neuron placement and number. Immunohistochemistry was used to assay organization of blood vessels, glia, and neurons. In situ hybridization was used to map the expression of angiogenic factors. RESULTS Significant changes in the organization of vessels within mutant retinas were found. Displaced neurons and microglia were associated with the attraction of vessels. Using Fat3 mutant and Dscam(GOF) retinas, we provide experimental evidence that vessel branching is induced at the neuron-neurite interface, but that other factors are required for full plexus layer formation. We further demonstrate that the displacement of neurons results in the mislocalization of angiogenic factors. CONCLUSIONS Inner retina neuron lamination is required for development of intraretinal vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron B. Simmons
- University of Idaho, Department of Biological Sciences, Moscow, Idaho, United States
| | - Morgan M. Merrill
- University of Idaho, Department of Biological Sciences, Moscow, Idaho, United States
| | - Justin C. Reed
- University of Washington School of Medicine, WWAMI Medical Education Program, Moscow, Idaho, United States
| | - Michael R. Deans
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Malia M. Edwards
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Peter G. Fuerst
- University of Idaho, Department of Biological Sciences, Moscow, Idaho, United States
- University of Washington School of Medicine, WWAMI Medical Education Program, Moscow, Idaho, United States
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OUTER RETINA CAPILLARY INVASION AND ELLIPSOID ZONE LOSS IN MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2 IMAGED BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY. Retina 2015; 35:2300-6. [DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000000799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Koczorowska MM, Tholen S, Bucher F, Lutz L, Kizhakkedathu JN, De Wever O, Wellner UF, Biniossek ML, Stahl A, Lassmann S, Schilling O. Fibroblast activation protein-α, a stromal cell surface protease, shapes key features of cancer associated fibroblasts through proteome and degradome alterations. Mol Oncol 2015; 10:40-58. [PMID: 26304112 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute an abundant stromal component of most solid tumors. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) α is a cell surface protease that is expressed by CAFs. We corroborate this expression profile by immunohistochemical analysis of colorectal cancer specimens. To better understand the tumor-contextual role of FAPα, we investigate how FAPα shapes functional and proteomic features of CAFs using loss- and gain-of function cellular model systems. FAPα activity has a strong impact on the secreted CAF proteome ("secretome"), including reduced levels of anti-angiogenic factors, elevated levels of transforming growth factor (TGF) β, and an impact on matrix processing enzymes. Functionally, FAPα mildly induces sprout formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Moreover, loss of FAPα leads to a more epithelial cellular phenotype and this effect was rescued by exogenous application of TGFβ. In collagen contraction assays, FAPα induced a more contractile cellular phenotype. To characterize the proteolytic profile of FAPα, we investigated its specificity with proteome-derived peptide libraries and corroborated its preference for cleavage carboxy-terminal to proline residues. By "terminal amine labeling of substrates" (TAILS) we explored FAPα-dependent cleavage events. Although FAPα acts predominantly as an amino-dipeptidase, putative FAPα cleavage sites in collagens are present throughout the entire protein length. In contrast, putative FAPα cleavage sites in non-collagenous proteins cluster at the amino-terminus. The degradomic study highlights cell-contextual proteolysis by FAPα with distinct positional profiles. Generally, our findings link FAPα to key aspects of CAF biology and attribute an important role in tumor-stroma interaction to FAPα.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Koczorowska
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, University of Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - S Tholen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, University of Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - F Bucher
- University Eye Hospital Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - L Lutz
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - J N Kizhakkedathu
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - O De Wever
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University Hospital, 1P7, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - U F Wellner
- Clinic for Surgery, UKSH Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - M L Biniossek
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, University of Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - A Stahl
- University Eye Hospital Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - S Lassmann
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - O Schilling
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, University of Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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Abstract
The developing central nervous system (CNS) is vascularised through the angiogenic invasion of blood vessels from a perineural vascular plexus, followed by continued sprouting and remodelling until a hierarchical vascular network is formed. Remarkably, vascularisation occurs without perturbing the intricate architecture of the neurogenic niches or the emerging neural networks. We discuss the mouse hindbrain, forebrain and retina as widely used models to study developmental angiogenesis in the mammalian CNS and provide an overview of key cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the vascularisation of these organs. CNS vascularisation is initiated during embryonic development. CNS vascularisation is studied in the mouse forebrain, hindbrain and retina models. Neuroglial cells interact with endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis. Neuroglial cells produce growth factors and matrix cues to pattern vessels.
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Sharma A, LeVaillant CJ, Plant GW, Harvey AR. Changes in expression of Class 3 Semaphorins and their receptors during development of the rat retina and superior colliculus. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2014; 14:34. [PMID: 25062604 PMCID: PMC4121511 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-014-0034-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Members of the Semaphorin 3 family (Sema3s) influence the development of the central nervous system, and some are implicated in regulating aspects of visual system development. However, we lack information about the timing of expression of the Sema3s with respect to different developmental epochs in the mammalian visual system. In this time-course study in the rat, we document for the first time changes in the expression of RNAs for the majority of Class 3 Semaphorins (Sema3s) and their receptor components during the development of the rat retina and superior colliculus (SC). Results During retinal development, transcript levels changed for all of the Sema3s examined, as well as Nrp2, Plxna2, Plxna3, and Plxna4a. In the SC there were also changes in transcript levels for all Sema3s tested, as well as Nrp1, Nrp2, Plxna1, Plxna2, Plxna3, and Plxna4a. These changes correlate with well-established epochs, and our data suggest that the Sema3s could influence retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis, patterning and connectivity in the maturing retina and SC, and perhaps guidance of RGC and cortical axons in the SC. Functionally we found that SEMA3A, SEMA3C, SEMA3E, and SEMA3F proteins collapsed purified postnatal day 1 RGC growth cones in vitro. Significantly this is a developmental stage when RGCs are growing into and within the SC and are exposed to Sema3 ligands. Conclusion These new data describing the overall temporal regulation of Sema3 expression in the rat retina and SC provide a platform for further work characterising the functional impact of these proteins on the development and maturation of mammalian visual pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Sharma
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley 6009, WA, Australia.
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Talarico JA, Carter RL, Grisanti LA, Yu JE, Repas AA, Tilley DG. β-adrenergic receptor-dependent alterations in murine cardiac transcript expression are differentially regulated by gefitinib in vivo. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99195. [PMID: 24901703 PMCID: PMC4047088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
β-adrenergic receptor (βAR)-mediated transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been shown to promote cardioprotection in a mouse model of heart failure and we recently showed that this mechanism leads to enhanced cell survival in part via regulation of apoptotic transcript expression in isolated primary rat neonatal cardiomyocytes. Thus, we hypothesized that this process could regulate cardiac transcript expression in vivo. To comprehensively assess cardiac transcript alterations in response to acute βAR-dependent EGFR transactivation, we performed whole transcriptome analysis of hearts from C57BL/6 mice given i.p. injections of the βAR agonist isoproterenol in the presence or absence of the EGFR antagonist gefitinib for 1 hour. Total cardiac RNA from each treatment group underwent transcriptome analysis, revealing a substantial number of transcripts regulated by each treatment. Gefitinib alone significantly altered the expression of 405 transcripts, while isoproterenol either alone or in conjunction with gefitinib significantly altered 493 and 698 distinct transcripts, respectively. Further statistical analysis was performed, confirming 473 transcripts whose regulation by isoproterenol were significantly altered by gefitinib (isoproterenol-induced up/downregulation antagonized/promoted by gefinitib), including several known to be involved in the regulation of numerous processes including cell death and survival. Thus, βAR-dependent regulation of cardiac transcript expression in vivo can be modulated by the EGFR antagonist gefitinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Talarico
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Rhonda L. Carter
- Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Laurel A. Grisanti
- Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Justine E. Yu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ashley A. Repas
- Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Douglas G. Tilley
- Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Gleevec/imatinib, an ABL2 kinase inhibitor, protects tumor and endothelial cells from semaphorin-induced cytoskeleton collapse and loss of cell motility. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 448:134-8. [PMID: 24759231 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.04.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Class 3 semaphorins are axonal guidance mediators and regulators of angiogenesis and tumor progression. Semaphorin 3A and 3F (SEMA3A&F) act by depolymerizing F-actin, resulting in cytoskeleton collapse. A key signaling step is that SEMA3A&F activates ABL2 tyrosine kinase, which activates p190RhoGAP, which in turn inactivates RhoA, thereby diminishing stress fiber formation and ensuing cell migration. We now demonstrate that Gleevec (imatinib, STI571), an ABL2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, abrogates SEMA3A&F-induced stress fiber loss in glioblastoma cells and endothelial cells and diminishes their ability to inhibit migration. On the other hand, Sutent (sunitinib), a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, did not rescue SEMA3A&F-induced collapsing activity. These results describe a novel property of Gleevec, its ability to antagonize semaphorins.
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Guo HF, Li X, Parker MW, Waltenberger J, Becker PM, Vander Kooi CW. Mechanistic basis for the potent anti-angiogenic activity of semaphorin 3F. Biochemistry 2013; 52:7551-8. [PMID: 24079887 DOI: 10.1021/bi401034q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), an essential type I transmembrane receptor, binds two secreted ligand families, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and class III Semaphorin (Sema3). VEGF-A and Sema3F have opposing roles in regulating Nrp1 vascular function in angiogenesis. VEGF-A functions as one of the most potent pro-angiogenic cytokines, while Sema3F is a uniquely potent endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor. Sema3 family members require proteolytic processing by furin to allow competitive binding to Nrp1. We demonstrate that the furin-processed C-terminal domain of Sema3F (C-furSema) potently inhibits VEGF-A-dependent activation of endothelial cells. We find that this potent activity is due to unique heterobivalent engagement of Nrp1 by two distinct sites in the C-terminal domain of Sema3F. One of the sites is the C-terminal arginine, liberated by furin cleavage, and the other is a novel upstream helical motif centered on the intermolecular disulfide. Using a novel chimeric C-furSema, we demonstrate that combining a single C-terminal arginine with the helical motif is necessary and sufficient for potent inhibition of binding of VEGF-A to Nrp1. We further demonstrate that the multiple furin-processed variants of Sema3A, with the altered proximity of the two binding motifs, have dramatically different potencies. This suggests that furin processing not only switches Sema3 to an activated form but also, depending on the site processed, can also tune potency. These data establish the basis for potent competitive binding of Sema3 to Nrp1 and provide a basis for the design of bivalent Nrp inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hou-Fu Guo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Center for Structural Biology, University of Kentucky , Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
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