1
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Jin Z, Cao Y. Gremlin1: a BMP antagonist with therapeutic potential in Oncology. Invest New Drugs 2024:10.1007/s10637-024-01474-8. [PMID: 39347850 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-024-01474-8] [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: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Gremlins, originating from early 20th-century Western folklore, are mythical creatures known for causing mechanical malfunctions and electronic failures, aptly dubbed "little devils". Analogously, GREM1 acts like a horde of these mischievous entities by antagonizing the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP signaling) pathway or through other non-BMP dependent mechanisms (such as binding to Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) contributing to the malignant progression of various cancers. The overexpression of GREM1 promotes tumor cell growth and survival, enhances angiogenesis within the tumor microenvironment, and creates favorable conditions for tumor development and dissemination. Consequently, inhibiting the activity of GREM1 or blocking its interaction with BMP presents a promising strategy for suppressing tumor growth and metastasis. However, the role of GREM1 in cancer remains a subject of debate, with evidence suggesting both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions. Currently, several pharmaceutical companies are researching the GREM1 target, with some advancing to Phase I/II clinical trials. This article will provide a detailed overview of the GREM1 target and explore its potential role in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yanshuo Cao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China.
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2
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Yao P, Liu X, Miao Q, Li C, Zhou H, Li H, Mao X, Fang X, Li N. Expression mapping of GREM1 and functional contribution of its secreting cells in the brain using transgenic mouse models. Exp Neurol 2024; 373:114649. [PMID: 38072150 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
GREMLIN1 (GREM1) is a secreted protein that antagonizes bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). While abnormal GREM1 expression has been reported to cause behavioral defects in postpartum mice, the spatial and cellular distribution of GREM1 in the brain and the influence of the GREM1-secreting cells on brain function and behavior remain unclear. To address this, we designed a genetic cassette incorporating a 3×Flag-TeV-HA-T2A-tdTomato sequence, resulting in the creation of a novel Grem1Tag mouse model, expressing an epitope tag (3×Flag-TeV-HA-T2A) followed by a fluorescent reporter (tdTomato) under the control of the endogenous Grem1 promoter. This design facilitated precise tracking of the cell origin and distribution of GREM1 in the brain using tdTomato and Flag (or HA) markers, respectively. We confirmed that the Grem1Tag mouse exhibited normal motor, cognitive, and social behaviors at postnatal 60 days (P60), compared with C57BL/6J controls. Through immunofluorescence staining, we comprehensively mapped the distribution of GREM1-secreting cells across the central nervous system. Pervasive GREM1 expression was observed in the cerebral cortex (Cx), medulla, pons, and cerebellum, with the highest levels in the Cx region. Notably, within the Cx, GREM1 was predominantly secreted by excitatory neurons, particularly those expressing calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha (Camk2a), while inhibitory neurons (parvalbumin-positive, PV+) and glial cells (oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia) showed little or no GREM1 expression. To delineate the functional significance of GREM1-secreting cells, a selective ablation at P42 using a diphtheria toxin A (DTA) system resulted in increased anxiety-like behavior and impaired memory in mice. Altogether, our study harnessing the Grem1Tag mouse model reveals the spatial and cellular localization of GREM1 in the mouse brain, shedding light on the involvement of GREM1-secreting cells in modulating brain function and behavior. Our Grem1Tag mouse serves as a valuable tool for further exploring the precise role of GREM1 in brain development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peijia Yao
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xueli Liu
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Department of Neonatology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Qiang Miao
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Changxue Li
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Huaixiang Zhou
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Huiliang Li
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; China-UK Institute for Frontier Science, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xinliang Mao
- Perfect Life and Health Institute, Zhongshan, 528454, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyi Fang
- Department of Neonatology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Ningning Li
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; China-UK Institute for Frontier Science, Shenzhen 518107, China.
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3
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Serpelloni M, Arricca M, Ravelli C, Grillo E, Mitola S, Salvadori A. Mechanobiology of the relocation of proteins in advecting cells: in vitro experiments, multi-physics modeling, and simulations. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023:10.1007/s10237-023-01717-2. [PMID: 37067608 PMCID: PMC10366044 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01717-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Cell motility-a cellular behavior of paramount relevance in embryonic development, immunological response, metastasis, or angiogenesis-demands a mechanical deformation of the cell membrane and influences the surface motion of molecules and their biochemical interactions. In this work, we develop a fully coupled multi-physics model able to capture and predict the protein flow on endothelial advecting plasma membranes. The model has been validated against co-designed in vitro experiments. The complete picture of the receptor dynamics has been understood, and limiting factors have been identified together with the laws that regulate receptor polarization. This computational approach might be insightful in the prediction of endothelial cell behavior in different tumoral environments, circumventing the time-consuming and expensive empirical characterization of each tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Serpelloni
- The Mechanobiology research center, UNIBS, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - M Arricca
- The Mechanobiology research center, UNIBS, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - C Ravelli
- The Mechanobiology research center, UNIBS, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Grillo
- The Mechanobiology research center, UNIBS, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Mitola
- The Mechanobiology research center, UNIBS, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Salvadori
- The Mechanobiology research center, UNIBS, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
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4
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Grillo E, Ravelli C, Colleluori G, D'Agostino F, Domenichini M, Giordano A, Mitola S. Role of gremlin-1 in the pathophysiology of the adipose tissues. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 69:51-60. [PMID: 36155165 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gremlin-1 is a secreted bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist playing a pivotal role in the regulation of tissue formation and embryonic development. Since its first identification in 1997, gremlin-1 has been shown to be a multifunctional factor involved in wound healing, inflammation, cancer and tissue fibrosis. Among others, the activity of gremlin-1 is mediated by its interaction with BMPs or with membrane receptors such as the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) or heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Growing evidence has highlighted a central role of gremlin-1 in the homeostasis of the adipose tissue (AT). Of note, gremlin-1 is involved in AT dysfunction during type 2 diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) metabolic disorders. In this review we discuss recent findings on gremlin-1 involvement in AT biology, with particular attention to its role in metabolic diseases, to highlight its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Georgia Colleluori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10/A, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco D'Agostino
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Domenichini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10/A, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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5
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Rowan SC, Piouceau L, Cornwell J, Li L, McLoughlin P. EXPRESS: Gremlin1 blocks vascular endothelial growth factor signalling in the pulmonary microvascular endothelium. Pulm Circ 2018; 10:2045894018807205. [PMID: 30284507 PMCID: PMC7066471 DOI: 10.1177/2045894018807205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist gremlin 1 plays a central role in the pathogenesis of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH). Recently, non-canonical functions of gremlin 1 have been identified, including specific binding to the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2). We tested the hypothesis that gremlin 1 modulates VEGFR2 signaling in the pulmonary microvascular endothelium. We examined the effect of gremlin 1 haploinsufficiency on the expression of VEGF responsive genes and proteins in the hypoxic (10% O2) murine lung in vivo. Using human microvascular endothelial cells in vitro we examined the effect of gremlin 1 on VEGF signaling. Gremlin 1 haploinsufficiency (Grem1+/–) attenuated the hypoxia-induced increase in gremlin 1 observed in the wild-type mouse lung. Reduced gremlin 1 expression in hypoxic Grem1+/– mice restored VEGFR2 expression and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and activity to normoxic values. Recombinant monomeric gremlin 1 inhibited VEGFA-induced VEGFR2 activation, downstream signaling, and VEGF-induced increases in Bcl-2, cell number, and the anti-apoptotic effect of VEGFA in vitro. These results show that the monomeric form of gremlin 1 acts as an antagonist of VEGFR2 activation in the pulmonary microvascular endothelium. Given the previous demonstration that inhibition of VEGFR2 causes marked worsening of HPH, our results suggest that increased gremlin 1 in the hypoxic lung, in addition to blocking BMP receptor type-2 (BMPR2) signaling, contributes importantly to the development of PH by a non-canonical VEGFR2 blocking activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon C. Rowan
- UCD School of Medicine and Conway Institute,
University
College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lucie Piouceau
- UCD School of Medicine and Conway Institute,
University
College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanna Cornwell
- UCD School of Medicine and Conway Institute,
University
College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lili Li
- UCD School of Medicine and Conway Institute,
University
College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul McLoughlin
- UCD School of Medicine and Conway Institute,
University
College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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6
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Interaction of Extracellular Vesicles with Si Surface Studied by Nanomechanical Microcantilever Sensors. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/app8030404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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7
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Nautiyal P, Alam F, Balani K, Agarwal A. The Role of Nanomechanics in Healthcare. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 29193838 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nanomechanics has played a vital role in pushing our capability to detect, probe, and manipulate the biological species, such as proteins, cells, and tissues, paving way to a deeper knowledge and superior strategies for healthcare. Nanomechanical characterization techniques, such as atomic force microscopy, nanoindentation, nanotribology, optical tweezers, and other hybrid techniques have been utilized to understand the mechanics and kinetics of biospecies. Investigation of the mechanics of cells and tissues has provided critical information about mechanical characteristics of host body environments. This information has been utilized for developing biomimetic materials and structures for tissue engineering and artificial implants. This review summarizes nanomechanical characterization techniques and their potential applications in healthcare research. The principles and examples of label-free detection of cancers and myocardial infarction by nanomechanical cantilevers are discussed. The vital importance of nanomechanics in regenerative medicine is highlighted from the perspective of material selection and design for developing biocompatible scaffolds. This review interconnects the advancements made in fundamental materials science research and biomedical technology, and therefore provides scientific insight that is of common interest to the researchers working in different disciplines of healthcare science and technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranjal Nautiyal
- Nanomechanics and Nanotribology Laboratory Florida International University 10555 West Flagler Street Miami FL 33174 USA
| | - Fahad Alam
- Biomaterials Processing and Characterization Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur 208016 India
| | - Kantesh Balani
- Biomaterials Processing and Characterization Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur 208016 India
| | - Arvind Agarwal
- Nanomechanics and Nanotribology Laboratory Florida International University 10555 West Flagler Street Miami FL 33174 USA
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8
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Grillo E, Ravelli C, Corsini M, Ballmer-Hofer K, Zammataro L, Oreste P, Zoppetti G, Tobia C, Ronca R, Presta M, Mitola S. Monomeric gremlin is a novel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 antagonist. Oncotarget 2018; 7:35353-68. [PMID: 27174917 PMCID: PMC5085234 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a key role in various physiological and pathological conditions, including inflammation and tumor growth. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist gremlin has been identified as a novel pro-angiogenic factor. Gremlin promotes neovascular responses via a BMP-independent activation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2 (VEGFR2). BMP antagonists may act as covalent or non-covalent homodimers or in a monomeric form, while VEGFRs ligands are usually dimeric. However, the oligomeric state of gremlin and its role in modulating the biological activity of the protein remain to be elucidated. Here we show that gremlin is expressed in vitro and in vivo both as a monomer and as a covalently linked homodimer. Mutagenesis of amino acid residue Cys141 prevents gremlin dimerization leading to the formation of gremlinC141A monomers. GremlinC141A monomer retains a BMP antagonist activity similar to the wild-type dimer, but is devoid of a significant angiogenic capacity. Notably, we found that gremlinC141A mutant engages VEGFR2 in a non-productive manner, thus acting as receptor antagonist. Accordingly, both gremlinC141A and wild-type monomers inhibit angiogenesis driven by dimeric gremlin or VEGF-A165. Moreover, by acting as a VEGFR2 antagonist, gremlinC141A inhibits the angiogenic and tumorigenic potential of murine breast and prostate cancer cells in vivo. In conclusion, our data show that gremlin exists in multiple forms endowed with specific bioactivities and provide new insights into the molecular bases of gremlin dimerization. Furthermore, we propose gremlin monomer as a new inhibitor of VEGFR2 signalling during tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Grillo
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Michela Corsini
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Kurt Ballmer-Hofer
- Biomolecular Research, Molecular Cell Biology, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, 5232, Switzerland
| | - Luca Zammataro
- Center of Genomics Science of IIT@SEMM, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Tobia
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Marco Presta
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy.,Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
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9
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Damioli V, Salvadori A, Beretta GP, Ravelli C, Mitola S. Multi-physics interactions drive VEGFR2 relocation on endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16700. [PMID: 29196628 PMCID: PMC5711959 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16786-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (VEGFR2) is a pro-angiogenic receptor, expressed on endothelial cells (ECs). Although biochemical pathways that follow the VEGFR2 activation are well established, knowledge about the dynamics of receptors on the plasma membrane remains limited. Ligand stimulation induces the polarization of ECs and the relocation of VEGFR2, either in cell protrusions or in the basal aspect in cells plated on ligand-enriched extracellular matrix (ECM). We develop a mathematical model in order to simulate the relocation of VEGFR2 on the cell membrane during the mechanical adhesion of cells onto a ligand-enriched substrate. Co-designing the in vitro experiments with the simulations allows identifying three phases of the receptor dynamics, which are controlled respectively by the high chemical reaction rate, by the mechanical deformation rate, and by the diffusion of free receptors on the membrane. The identification of the laws that regulate receptor polarization opens new perspectives toward developing innovative anti-angiogenic strategies through the modulation of EC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Damioli
- Università degli Studi di Brescia, DIMI Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Alberto Salvadori
- Università degli Studi di Brescia, DICATAM, Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, Brescia, 25123, Italy.,Laboratory for Preventive and Personalized Medicine (MPP Lab), Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Beretta
- Università degli Studi di Brescia, DIMI Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Università degli Studi di Brescia, DMMT, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Brescia, 25123, Italy. .,Laboratory for Preventive and Personalized Medicine (MPP Lab), Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy.
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Università degli Studi di Brescia, DMMT, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Brescia, 25123, Italy. .,Laboratory for Preventive and Personalized Medicine (MPP Lab), Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy.
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10
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He L, Huang Y, Chang Y, You Y, Hu H, Leong KW, Chen T. A highly selective dual-therapeutic nanosystem for simultaneous anticancer and antiangiogenesis therapy. J Mater Chem B 2017; 5:8228-8237. [DOI: 10.1039/c7tb02163a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Herein we design a dual-therapeutic MSNs nanosystem to realize simultaneous anticancer and antiangiogenesis by disrupting tumor neovasculature, cut off the nutrition supply, and kill cancer cells directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen He
- Department of Chemistry
- Jinan University
- Guangzhou
- China
| | - Yanyu Huang
- Department of Chemistry
- Jinan University
- Guangzhou
- China
| | - Yanzhou Chang
- Department of Chemistry
- Jinan University
- Guangzhou
- China
| | - Yuanyuan You
- Department of Chemistry
- Jinan University
- Guangzhou
- China
| | - Hao Hu
- Department of Chemistry
- Jinan University
- Guangzhou
- China
| | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Columbia University
- New York
- USA
| | - Tianfeng Chen
- Department of Chemistry
- Jinan University
- Guangzhou
- China
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11
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Qian Y, Wang W, Wang Z, Han Q, Jia X, Yang S, Hu Z. Switchable probes: pH-triggered and VEGFR2 targeted peptides screening through imprinting microarray. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 52:5690-3. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cc01302c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Here, we use an integrated imprinted microarray to screen out a switchable peptide probe, STP, with a novel sequence towards VEGFR2 in mild acidic conditions. In addition, STP has the characteristic of penetrating into cells in the presence of protons because its formation of an α-helix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixia Qian
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology
- Beijing 100190
- China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science
| | - Weizhi Wang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology
- Beijing 100190
- China
| | - Zihua Wang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology
- Beijing 100190
- China
| | - Qiuju Han
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology
- Beijing 100190
- China
- Pharmacy College
| | - Xiangqian Jia
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology
- Beijing 100190
- China
- Pharmacy College
| | - Shu Yang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology
- Beijing 100190
- China
| | - Zhiyuan Hu
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology
- Beijing 100190
- China
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12
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Maiolo D, Del Pino P, Metrangolo P, Parak WJ, Baldelli Bombelli F. Nanomedicine delivery: does protein corona route to the target or off road? Nanomedicine (Lond) 2015; 10:3231-47. [PMID: 26470748 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.15.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanomedicine aims to find novel solutions for urgent biomedical needs. Despite this, one of the most challenging hurdles that nanomedicine faces is to successfully target therapeutic nanoparticles to cells of interest in vivo. As for any biomaterials, once in vivo, nanoparticles can interact with plasma biomolecules, forming new entities for which the name protein coronas (PCs) have been coined. The PC can influence the in vivo biological fate of a nanoparticle. Thus for guaranteeing the desired function of an engineered nanomaterial in vivo, it is crucial to dissect its PC in terms of formation and evolution within the body. In this contribution we will review the 'good' and 'bad' sides of the PC, starting from the scientific aspects to the technological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Maiolo
- Fondazione Centro Europeo Nanomedicina c/o Laboratory of Nanostructured Fluorinated Materials (NFMLab), Department of Chemistry, Materials, & Chemical Engineering 'Giulio Natta', Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pablo Del Pino
- CIC Biomagune, San Sebastian, Spain.,Fachbereich Physik, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Pierangelo Metrangolo
- Fondazione Centro Europeo Nanomedicina c/o Laboratory of Nanostructured Fluorinated Materials (NFMLab), Department of Chemistry, Materials, & Chemical Engineering 'Giulio Natta', Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,VTT-Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-02044 VTT, Espoo, Finland
| | - Wolfgang J Parak
- CIC Biomagune, San Sebastian, Spain.,Fachbereich Physik, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Francesca Baldelli Bombelli
- Fondazione Centro Europeo Nanomedicina c/o Laboratory of Nanostructured Fluorinated Materials (NFMLab), Department of Chemistry, Materials, & Chemical Engineering 'Giulio Natta', Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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13
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Ravelli C, Grillo E, Corsini M, Coltrini D, Presta M, Mitola S. β3 Integrin Promotes Long-Lasting Activation and Polarization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 by Immobilized Ligand. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2015; 35:2161-71. [PMID: 26293466 PMCID: PMC4894810 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.115.306230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objective— During neovessel formation, angiogenic growth factors associate with the extracellular matrix. These immobilized factors represent a persistent stimulus for the otherwise quiescent endothelial cells (ECs), driving directional EC migration and proliferation and leading to new blood vessel growth. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is the main mediator of angiogenesis. Although VEGFR2 signaling has been deeply characterized, little is known about its subcellular localization during neovessel formation. Aim of this study was the characterization and molecular determinants of activated VEGFR2 localization in ECs during neovessel formation in response to matrix-immobilized ligand. Approach and Results— Here we demonstrate that ECs stimulated by extracellular matrix–associated gremlin, a noncanonical VEGFR2 ligand, are polarized and relocate the receptor in close contact with the angiogenic factor–enriched matrix both in vitro and in vivo. GM1 (monosialotetrahexosylganglioside)-positive planar lipid rafts, β3 integrin receptors, and the intracellular signaling transducers focal adhesion kinase and RhoA (Ras homolog gene family, member A) cooperate to promote VEGFR2 long-term polarization and activation. Conclusions— A ligand anchored to the extracellular matrix induces VEGFR2 polarization in ECs. Long-lasting VEGFR2 relocation is closely dependent on lipid raft integrity and activation of β3 integrin pathway. The study of the endothelial responses to immobilized growth factors may offer insights into the angiogenic process in physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer, and for a better engineering of synthetic tissue scaffolds to blend with the host vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosetta Ravelli
- From the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Grillo
- From the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michela Corsini
- From the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Coltrini
- From the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Presta
- From the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Stefania Mitola
- From the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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14
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Ronca R, Giacomini A, Di Salle E, Coltrini D, Pagano K, Ragona L, Matarazzo S, Rezzola S, Maiolo D, Torrella R, Moroni E, Mazzieri R, Escobar G, Mor M, Colombo G, Presta M. Long-Pentraxin 3 Derivative as a Small-Molecule FGF Trap for Cancer Therapy. Cancer Cell 2015; 28:225-39. [PMID: 26267536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/FGF receptor (FGFR) system plays a crucial role in cancer by affecting tumor growth, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and escape from anti-angiogenic anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. The soluble pattern recognition receptor long-pentraxin 3 (PTX3) acts as a multi-FGF antagonist. Here we demonstrate that human PTX3 overexpression in transgenic mice driven by the Tie2 promoter inhibits tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in heterotopic, orthotopic, and autochthonous FGF-dependent tumor models. Using pharmacophore modeling of the interaction of a minimal PTX3-derived FGF-binding pentapeptide with FGF2, we identified a small-molecule chemical (NSC12) that acts as an extracellular FGF trap with significant implications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Arianna Giacomini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Di Salle
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Coltrini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Katiuscia Pagano
- NMR Laboratory, Istituto per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Ragona
- NMR Laboratory, Istituto per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Matarazzo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Rezzola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniele Maiolo
- Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory and INSTM, School of Engineering, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Rubben Torrella
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Moroni
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Mazzieri
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Giulia Escobar
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Colombo
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
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15
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Lavoz C, Alique M, Rodrigues-Diez R, Pato J, Keri G, Mezzano S, Egido J, Ruiz-Ortega M. Gremlin regulates renal inflammation via the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 pathway. J Pathol 2015; 236:407-20. [PMID: 25810250 DOI: 10.1002/path.4537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a main feature of progressive kidney disease. Gremlin binds to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), acting as an antagonist and regulating nephrogenesis and fibrosis among other processes. Gremlin also binds to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) in endothelial cells to induce angiogenesis. In renal cells, gremlin regulates proliferation and fibrosis, but there are no data about inflammatory-related events. We have investigated the direct effects of gremlin in the kidney, evaluating whether VEGFR2 is a functional gremlin receptor. Administration of recombinant gremlin to murine kidneys induced rapid and sustained activation of VEGFR2 signalling, located in proximal tubular epithelial cells. Gremlin bound to VEGFR2 in these cells in vitro, activating this signalling pathway independently of its action as an antagonist of BMPs. In vivo, gremlin caused early renal damage, characterized by activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway linked to up-regulation of pro-inflammatory factors and infiltration of immune inflammatory cells. VEGFR2 blockade diminished gremlin-induced renal inflammatory responses. The link between gremlin/VEGFR2 and NF-κB/inflammation was confirmed in vitro. Gremlin overexpression was associated with VEGFR2 activation in human renal disease and in the unilateral ureteral obstruction experimental model, where VEGFR2 kinase inhibition diminished renal inflammation. Our data show that a gremlin/VEGFR2 axis participates in renal inflammation and could be a novel target for kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Lavoz
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, REDINREN, Spain
| | - Matilde Alique
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, REDINREN, Spain
| | - Raquel Rodrigues-Diez
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, REDINREN, Spain
| | | | - Gyorgy Keri
- VichemChemie Ltd, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-SE Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Department of Medical Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sergio Mezzano
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Jesús Egido
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension. IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, CIBERDEM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, REDINREN, Spain
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16
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Koketsu K, Yoshida D, Kim K, Ishii Y, Tahara S, Teramoto A, Morita A. Gremlin, a bone morphogenetic protein antagonist, is a crucial angiogenic factor in pituitary adenoma. Int J Endocrinol 2015; 2015:834137. [PMID: 25834571 PMCID: PMC4365323 DOI: 10.1155/2015/834137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Gremlin is an antagonist of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and a major driving force in skeletal modeling in the fetal stage. Several recent reports have shown that Gremlin is also involved in angiogenesis of lung cancer and diabetic retinopathy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Gremlin in tumor angiogenesis in pituitary adenoma. Double fluorescence immunohistochemistry of Gremlin and CD34 was performed in pituitary adenoma tissues obtained during transsphenoidal surgery in 45 cases (7 PRLoma, 17 GHoma, 2 ACTHoma, and 2 TSHoma). Gremlin and microvascular density (MVD) were detected by double-immunofluorescence microscopy in CD34-positive vessels from tissue microarray analysis of 60 cases of pituitary adenomas (6 PRLoma, 23 GHoma, 22 NFoma, 5 ACTHoma, and 4 TSHoma). In tissue microarray analysis, MVD was significantly correlated with an increased Gremlin level (linear regression: P < 0.005, r (2) = 0.4958). In contrast, Gremlin expression showed no correlation with tumor subtype or Knosp score. The high level of expression of Gremlin in pituitary adenoma tissue with many CD34-positive vessels and the strong coherence of these regions indicate that Gremlin is associated with angiogenesis in pituitary adenoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Koketsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
- *Kenta Koketsu:
| | - Daizo Yoshida
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| | - Kyongsong Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| | - Yudo Ishii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Tahara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| | - Akira Teramoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| | - Akio Morita
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
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17
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Maiolo D, Bergese P, Mahon E, Dawson KA, Monopoli MP. Surfactant Titration of Nanoparticle–Protein Corona. Anal Chem 2014; 86:12055-63. [DOI: 10.1021/ac5027176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Maiolo
- Centre
for BioNano Interactions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
and UCD Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Chemistry
for Technologies Laboratory, Consortium for Science and Technology
of Materials, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Experimental
Oncology and Immunology Section, Department of Molecular and Translational
Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa
11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Bergese
- Chemistry
for Technologies Laboratory, Consortium for Science and Technology
of Materials, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Eugene Mahon
- Centre
for BioNano Interactions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
and UCD Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Kenneth A. Dawson
- Centre
for BioNano Interactions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
and UCD Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Marco P. Monopoli
- Centre
for BioNano Interactions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
and UCD Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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18
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Angiogenic growth factors interactome and drug discovery: The contribution of surface plasmon resonance. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2014; 26:293-310. [PMID: 25465594 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2014.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is implicated in several pathological conditions, including cancer, and in regenerative processes, including the formation of collateral blood vessels after stroke. Physiological angiogenesis is the outcome of a fine balance between the action of angiogenic growth factors (AGFs) and anti-angiogenic molecules, while pathological angiogenesis occurs when this balance is pushed toward AGFs. AGFs interact with multiple endothelial cell (EC) surface receptors inducing cell proliferation, migration and proteases upregulation. On the contrary, free or extracellular matrix-associated molecules inhibit angiogenesis by sequestering AGFs (thus hampering EC stimulation) or by interacting with specific EC receptors inducing apoptosis or decreasing responsiveness to AGFs. Thus, angiogenesis results from an intricate network of interactions among pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules, EC receptors and various modulators. All these interactions represent targets for the development of pro- or anti-angiogenic therapies. These aims call for suitable technologies to study the countless interactions occurring during neovascularization. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a label-free optical technique to study biomolecular interactions in real time. It has become the golden standard technology for interaction analysis in biomedical research, including angiogenesis. From a survey of the literature it emerges that SPR has already contributed substantially to the better understanding of the neovascularization process, laying the basis for the decoding of the angiogenesis "interactome" and the identification of "hub molecules" that may represent preferential targets for an efficacious modulation of angiogenesis. Here, the still unexploited full potential of SPR is enlightened, pointing to improvements in its use for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of neovascularization and the identification of novel anti-angiogenic drugs.
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19
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Biavardi E, Federici S, Tudisco C, Menozzi D, Massera C, Sottini A, Condorelli GG, Bergese P, Dalcanale E. Cavitand-Grafted Silicon Microcantilevers as a Universal Probe for Illicit and Designer Drugs in Water. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201404774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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20
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Biavardi E, Federici S, Tudisco C, Menozzi D, Massera C, Sottini A, Condorelli GG, Bergese P, Dalcanale E. Cavitand-grafted silicon microcantilevers as a universal probe for illicit and designer drugs in water. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:9183-8. [PMID: 24909594 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201404774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The direct, clean, and unbiased transduction of molecular recognition into a readable and reproducible response is the biggest challenge associated to the use of synthetic receptors in sensing. All possible solutions demand the mastering of molecular recognition at the solid-liquid interface as prerequisite. The socially relevant issue of screening amine-based illicit and designer drugs is addressed by nanomechanical recognition at the silicon-water interface. The methylamino moieties of different drugs are all first recognized by a single cavitand receptor through a synergistic set of weak interactions. The peculiar recognition ability of the cavitand is then transferred with high fidelity and robustness on silicon microcantilevers and harnessed to realize a nanomechanical device for label-free detection of these drugs in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Biavardi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Parma and INSTM Udr Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17A, 43124 Parma (Italy)
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21
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Nolan K, Thompson TB. The DAN family: modulators of TGF-β signaling and beyond. Protein Sci 2014; 23:999-1012. [PMID: 24810382 DOI: 10.1002/pro.2485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular binding proteins or antagonists are important factors that modulate ligands in the transforming growth factor (TGF-β) family. While the interplay between antagonists and ligands are essential for developmental and normal cellular processes, their imbalance can lead to the pathology of several disease states. In particular, recent studies have implicated members of the differential screening-selected gene in neuroblastoma (DAN) family in disease such as renal fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and reactivation of metastatic cancer stem cells. DAN family members are known to inhibit the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) of the TGF-β family. However, unlike other TGF-β antagonist families, DAN family members have roles beyond ligand inhibition and can modulate Wnt and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathways. This review describes recent structural and functional advances that have expanded our understanding of DAN family proteins with regards to BMP inhibition and also highlights their emerging roles in the modulation of Wnt and VEGF signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Nolan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267
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22
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Corsini M, Moroni E, Ravelli C, Andrés G, Grillo E, Ali IH, Brazil DP, Presta M, Mitola S. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element-binding protein mediates the proangiogenic or proinflammatory activity of gremlin. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2013; 34:136-45. [PMID: 24233491 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.113.302517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Angiogenesis and inflammation are closely related processes. Gremlin is a novel noncanonical vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) ligand that induces a proangiogenic response in endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we investigated the role of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) in mediating the proinflammatory and proangiogenic responses of ECs to gremlin. APPROACH AND RESULTS Gremlin induces a proinflammatory response in ECs, leading to reactive oxygen species and cyclic adenosine monophosphate production and the upregulation of proinflammatory molecules involved in leukocyte extravasation, including chemokine (C-C motif) ligand-2 (Ccl2) and Ccl7, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand-1 (Cxcl1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Accordingly, gremlin induces the VEGFR2-dependent phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and transactivating activity of CREB in ECs. CREB activation mediates the early phases of the angiogenic response to gremlin, including stimulation of EC motility and permeability, and leads to monocyte/macrophage adhesion to ECs and their extravasation. All these effects are inhibited by EC transfection with a dominant-negative CREB mutant or with a CREB-binding protein-CREB interaction inhibitor that competes for CREB/CRE binding. Also, both recombinant gremlin and gremlin-expressing tumor cells induce proinflammatory/proangiogenic responses in vivo that are suppressed by the anti-inflammatory drug hydrocortisone. Similar effects were induced by the canonical VEGFR2 ligand VEGF-A165. CONCLUSIONS Together, the results underline the tight cross-talk between angiogenesis and inflammation and demonstrate a crucial role of CREB activation in the modulation of the VEGFR2-mediated proinflammatory/proangiogenic response of ECs to gremlin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Corsini
- From the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (M.C., E.M., C.R., E.G., M.P., S.M.); Electron Microscopy Unit, Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain (G.A.); and Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, ICS-A, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK (I.H.A., D.P.B.)
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23
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Nanomechanics of surface DNA switches probed by captive contact angle. J Colloid Interface Sci 2013; 402:334-9. [PMID: 23647692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2013.03.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled monolayers of Thrombin Binding Aptamers (TBA) were prepared on gold surfaces with typical surface densities of close-packed ssDNA (4×10(12) and 8×10(12)molecules/cm(2)). CONtact Angle MOlecular REcognition (CONAMORE) in captive bubble geometry was then assessed to scan the surface work triggered by TBAs when switching from the elongated to the G-quadruplex conformation upon binding with Na(+) or K(+) cations. We found Na(+) and K(+) could induce comparable linear to G-quadruplex strokes, and resulted in values for surface work of ~-70 pN nm/molecule (~18 kBT). The strokes change the in-plane van der Waals and weak electrostatic interactions and accumulate to result in macroscopic surface work. Micro- to macroscopic translation strongly depends on the nature of the cation and TBA surface density. In particular, the K(+) stimulus triggers a macroscopic surface work of -2.2±0.2 and -5.3±0.2 mN/m for low and high packed monolayers, respectively, while Na(+) triggers up to -6.7±1.0 mN/m in the highly packed monolayer, but creates negligible work for the low packed monolayer. These results show that CONAMORE can contribute important information for the development of devices based on DNA switches, and ultimately help address some of the open challenges for DNA-based nanomachinery.
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