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Jeong JY, Bafor AE, Freeman BH, Chen PR, Park ES, Kim E. Pathophysiology in Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: Focus on Endothelial Dysfunctions and Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1795. [PMID: 39200259 PMCID: PMC11351371 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) substantially increase the risk for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, the treatment options for bAVMs are severely limited, primarily relying on invasive methods that carry their own risks for intraoperative hemorrhage or even death. Currently, there are no pharmaceutical agents shown to treat this condition, primarily due to a poor understanding of bAVM pathophysiology. For the last decade, bAVM research has made significant advances, including the identification of novel genetic mutations and relevant signaling in bAVM development. However, bAVM pathophysiology is still largely unclear. Further investigation is required to understand the detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, which will enable the development of safer and more effective treatment options. Endothelial cells (ECs), the cells that line the vascular lumen, are integral to the pathogenesis of bAVMs. Understanding the fundamental role of ECs in pathological conditions is crucial to unraveling bAVM pathophysiology. This review focuses on the current knowledge of bAVM-relevant signaling pathways and dysfunctions in ECs, particularly the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Eunhee Kim
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.Y.J.); (A.E.B.); (B.H.F.); (P.R.C.); (E.S.P.)
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2
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Zhu J, Wu K, Liu S, Masca A, Zhong H, Yang T, Ghoneim DH, Surendran P, Liu T, Yao Q, Liu T, Fahle S, Butterworth A, Alam MA, Vadgama JV, Deng Y, Deng HW, Wu C, Wu Y, Wu L. Proteome-wide association study and functional validation identify novel protein markers for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Gigascience 2024; 13:giae012. [PMID: 38608280 PMCID: PMC11010651 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a lethal malignancy, largely due to the paucity of reliable biomarkers for early detection and therapeutic targeting. Existing blood protein biomarkers for PDAC often suffer from replicability issues, arising from inherent limitations such as unmeasured confounding factors in conventional epidemiologic study designs. To circumvent these limitations, we use genetic instruments to identify proteins with genetically predicted levels to be associated with PDAC risk. Leveraging genome and plasma proteome data from the INTERVAL study, we established and validated models to predict protein levels using genetic variants. By examining 8,275 PDAC cases and 6,723 controls, we identified 40 associated proteins, of which 16 are novel. Functionally validating these candidates by focusing on 2 selected novel protein-encoding genes, GOLM1 and B4GALT1, we demonstrated their pivotal roles in driving PDAC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, we also identified potential drug repurposing opportunities for treating PDAC. SIGNIFICANCE PDAC is a notoriously difficult-to-treat malignancy, and our limited understanding of causal protein markers hampers progress in developing effective early detection strategies and treatments. Our study identifies novel causal proteins using genetic instruments and subsequently functionally validates selected novel proteins. This dual approach enhances our understanding of PDAC etiology and potentially opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhu
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Ke Wu
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine and UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Shuai Liu
- Cancer Epidemiology Division, Population Sciences in the Pacific Program, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Alexandra Masca
- Cancer Epidemiology Division, Population Sciences in the Pacific Program, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Hua Zhong
- Cancer Epidemiology Division, Population Sciences in the Pacific Program, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Tai Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dalia H Ghoneim
- Cancer Epidemiology Division, Population Sciences in the Pacific Program, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Praveen Surendran
- MRC/BHF Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SR, UK
| | - Tanxin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Qizhi Yao
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CTRID), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tao Liu
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Sarah Fahle
- MRC/BHF Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SR, UK
| | - Adam Butterworth
- MRC/BHF Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SR, UK
- NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Donor Health and Genomics, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SR, UK
| | - Md Ashad Alam
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Division of Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jaydutt V Vadgama
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine and UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Youping Deng
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Hong-Wen Deng
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Division of Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Chong Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yong Wu
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine and UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lang Wu
- Cancer Epidemiology Division, Population Sciences in the Pacific Program, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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Yin Z, Wang L. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in tumour progression and its potential roles in tumour therapy. Ann Med 2023; 55:1058-1069. [PMID: 36908260 PMCID: PMC10795639 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2180155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour-associated endothelial cells (TECs) are a critical stromal cell type in the tumour microenvironment and play central roles in tumour angiogenesis. Notably, TECs have phenotypic plasticity, as they have the potential to transdifferentiate into cells with a mesenchymal phenotype through a process termed endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). Many studies have reported that EndoMT influences multiple malignant biological properties of tumours, such as abnormal angiogenesis and tumour metabolism, growth, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Thus, the value of targeting EndoMT in tumour treatment has received increased attention. In this review, we comprehensively explore the phenomenon of EndoMT in the tumour microenvironment and identify influencing factors and molecular mechanisms responsible for EndoMT induction. Furthermore, the pathological functions of EndoMT in tumour progression and potential therapeutic strategies for targeting EndoMT in tumour treatment are also discussed to highlight the pivotal roles of EndoMT in tumour progression and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeli Yin
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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Ma X, Geng Z, Wang S, Yu Z, Liu T, Guan S, Du S, Zhu C. The driving mechanism and targeting value of mimicry between vascular endothelial cells and tumor cells in tumor progression. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115029. [PMID: 37343434 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The difficulty and poor prognosis of malignant tumor have always been a difficult problem to be solved. The internal components of solid tumor are complex, including tumor cells, stromal cells and immune cells, which play an important role in tumor proliferation, migration, metastasis and drug resistance. Hence, targeting of only the tumor cells will not likely improve survival. Various studies have reported that tumor cells and endothelial cells have high plasticity, which is reflected in the fact that they can simulate each other's characteristics by endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and vasculogenic mimicry (VM). In this paper, this mutual mimicry concept was integrated and reviewed for the first time, and their similarities and implications for tumor development are discussed. At the same time, possible therapeutic methods are proposed to provide new directions and ideas for clinical targeted therapy and immunotherapy of tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Nanjing Street 155, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Ziang Geng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street 36, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Nanjing Street 155, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Zhongxue Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, The First hospital of China Medical University, Nanjing Street 155, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Tiancong Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street 36, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China.
| | - Shu Guan
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Nanjing Street 155, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China.
| | - Shaonan Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street 36, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China.
| | - Chen Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Nanjing Street 155, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China.
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Byeon S, du Toit‐Thompson T, Gillson J, Gill AJ, Samra JS, Mittal A, Sahni S. Heterogeneous tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: An emerging role of single-cell analysis. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18020-18031. [PMID: 37537839 PMCID: PMC10523961 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest malignancies in the world, for which the mortality is almost as high as the disease incidence and is predicted to be the second-highest cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030. These cancerous tumors consist of diversified gene expressions within the different cellular subpopulations that include neoplastic ductal cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and immune cells, all of which collectively facilitate cellular heterogeneity in the PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME). Active intratumoral interaction within the cell populations in TME induces the proliferation of cancerous cells, accounting for tumorigenesis and rapid metastasis. METHODS This review will focus on novel findings uncovering PDAC heterogeneity in different cellular subpopulations using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and other single-cell analysis technologies. It will further explore the emerging role of single-cell technologies in assessing the role of different subpopulations of neoplastic ductal cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and immune cells in PDAC progression. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The application of scRNA-seq in PDAC has started to unveil associations between disease progression and heterogeneity in pancreatic TME and could influence future PDAC treatment. Recent advances in scRNA-seq have uncovered comprehensive analyses of heterogeneous ecosystems present within the TME. These emerging findings underpins further need for a more in-depth understanding of intratumoral heterogeneity in the PDAC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooin Byeon
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Taymin du Toit‐Thompson
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Josef Gillson
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Anthony J. Gill
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Australian Pancreatic CentreSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology GroupKolling Institute of Medical ResearchSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical PathologyRoyal North Shore HospitalSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jaswinder S. Samra
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Australian Pancreatic CentreSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Upper GI Surgical UnitRoyal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private HospitalSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Anubhav Mittal
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Australian Pancreatic CentreSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Upper GI Surgical UnitRoyal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private HospitalSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- The University of Notre Dame AustraliaSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Australian Pancreatic CentreSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Faragher JL, Auger JL, Osinski V, Meier LA, Engelson BJ, Firulyova MM, Gonzalez-Torres MI, Brombacher F, Zaitsev K, Marath A, Binstadt BA. Autoimmune Valvular Carditis Requires Endothelial Cell TNFR1 Expression. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:943-957. [PMID: 37021574 PMCID: PMC10213135 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.319025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation is a key driver of cardiovascular pathology, and many systemic autoimmune/rheumatic diseases are accompanied by increased cardiac risk. In the K/B.g7 mouse model of coexisting systemic autoantibody-mediated arthritis and valvular carditis, valve inflammation depends on macrophage production of TNF (tumor necrosis factor) and IL-6 (interleukin-6). Here, we sought to determine if other canonical inflammatory pathways participate and to determine whether TNF signaling through TNFR1 (tumor necrosis factor receptor 1) on endothelial cells is required for valvular carditis. METHODS We first asked if type 1, 2, or 3 inflammatory cytokine systems (typified by IFNγ, IL-4, and IL-17, respectively) were critical for valvular carditis in K/B.g7 mice, using a combination of in vivo monoclonal antibody blockade and targeted genetic ablation studies. To define the key cellular targets of TNF, we conditionally deleted its main proinflammatory receptor, TNFR1, in endothelial cells. We analyzed how the absence of endothelial cell TNFR1 affected valve inflammation, lymphangiogenesis, and the expression of proinflammatory genes and molecules. RESULTS We found that typical type 1, 2, and 3 inflammatory cytokine systems were not required for valvular carditis, apart from a known initial requirement of IL-4 for autoantibody production. Despite expression of TNFR1 on a wide variety of cell types in the cardiac valve, deleting TNFR1 specifically on endothelial cells protected K/B.g7 mice from valvular carditis. This protection was accompanied by reduced expression of VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule), fewer valve-infiltrating macrophages, reduced pathogenic lymphangiogenesis, and diminished proinflammatory gene expression. CONCLUSIONS TNF and IL-6 are the main cytokines driving valvular carditis in K/B.g7 mice. The interaction of TNF with TNFR1 specifically on endothelial cells promotes cardiovascular pathology in the setting of systemic autoimmune/rheumatic disease, suggesting that therapeutic targeting of the TNF:TNFR1 interaction could be beneficial in this clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Faragher
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Jennifer L Auger
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Victoria Osinski
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Lee A Meier
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Brianna J Engelson
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Maria M. Firulyova
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Computer Technologies Laboratory, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Frank Brombacher
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Konstantin Zaitsev
- Computer Technologies Laboratory, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Bryce A Binstadt
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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7
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Peng Q, Shan D, Cui K, Li K, Zhu B, Wu H, Wang B, Wong S, Norton V, Dong Y, Lu YW, Zhou C, Chen H. The Role of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cardiovascular Disease. Cells 2022; 11:1834. [PMID: 35681530 PMCID: PMC9180466 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is the process of endothelial cells progressively losing endothelial-specific markers and gaining mesenchymal phenotypes. In the normal physiological condition, EndoMT plays a fundamental role in forming the cardiac valves of the developing heart. However, EndoMT contributes to the development of various cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as atherosclerosis, valve diseases, fibrosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Therefore, a deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying EndoMT in CVD should provide urgently needed insights into reversing this condition. This review summarizes a 30-year span of relevant literature, delineating the EndoMT process in particular, key signaling pathways, and the underlying regulatory networks involved in CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianman Peng
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Dan Shan
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Kui Cui
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Kathryn Li
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Bo Zhu
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Hao Wu
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Beibei Wang
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Scott Wong
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Vikram Norton
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Yunzhou Dong
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Yao Wei Lu
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Changcheng Zhou
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA;
| | - Hong Chen
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
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8
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Yoshimatsu Y, Watabe T. Emerging roles of inflammation-mediated endothelial–mesenchymal transition in health and disease. Inflamm Regen 2022; 42:9. [PMID: 35130955 PMCID: PMC8818500 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-021-00186-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), a cellular differentiation process in which endothelial cells (ECs) lose their properties and differentiate into mesenchymal cells, has been observed not only during development but also in various pathological states in adults, including cancer progression and organ/tissue fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), an inflammation-related cytokine, has been shown to play central roles in the induction of EndoMT. TGF-β induces EndoMT by regulating the expression of various transcription factors, signaling molecules, and cellular components that confer ECs with mesenchymal characteristics. However, TGF-β by itself is not necessarily sufficient to induce EndoMT to promote the progression of EndoMT-related diseases to a refractory extent. In addition to TGF-β, additional activation by other inflammatory factors is often required to stabilize the progression of EndoMT. Since recent lines of evidence indicate that inflammatory signaling molecules act as enhancers of EndoMT, we summarize the roles of inflammatory factors in the induction of EndoMT and related diseases. We hope that this review will help to develop therapeutic strategies for EndoMT-related diseases by targeting inflammation-mediated EndoMT.
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9
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Wandmacher AM, Mehdorn AS, Sebens S. The Heterogeneity of the Tumor Microenvironment as Essential Determinant of Development, Progression and Therapy Response of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4932. [PMID: 34638420 PMCID: PMC8508450 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is commonly diagnosed at advanced stages and most anti-cancer therapies have failed to substantially improve prognosis of PDAC patients. As a result, PDAC is still one of the deadliest tumors. Tumor heterogeneity, manifesting at multiple levels, provides a conclusive explanation for divergent survival times and therapy responses of PDAC patients. Besides tumor cell heterogeneity, PDAC is characterized by a pronounced inflammatory stroma comprising various non-neoplastic cells such as myofibroblasts, endothelial cells and different leukocyte populations which enrich in the tumor microenvironment (TME) during pancreatic tumorigenesis. Thus, the stromal compartment also displays a high temporal and spatial heterogeneity accounting for diverse effects on the development, progression and therapy responses of PDAC. Adding to this heterogeneity and the impact of the TME, the microbiome of PDAC patients is considerably altered. Understanding this multi-level heterogeneity and considering it for the development of novel therapeutic concepts might finally improve the dismal situation of PDAC patients. Here, we outline the current knowledge on PDAC cell heterogeneity focusing on different stromal cell populations and outline their impact on PDAC progression and therapy resistance. Based on this information, we propose some novel concepts for treatment of PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Maxi Wandmacher
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Anne-Sophie Mehdorn
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U30 Entrance 1, 24105 Kiel, Germany
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10
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Adjuto-Saccone M, Soubeyran P, Garcia J, Audebert S, Camoin L, Rubis M, Roques J, Binétruy B, Iovanna JL, Tournaire R. TNF-α induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition promoting stromal development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:649. [PMID: 34172716 PMCID: PMC8233393 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03920-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an important source of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which facilitates tumour progression. PDAC is characterised by abundant CAFs and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Here, we show that TNF-α strongly induces human endothelial cells to undergo EndMT. Interestingly, TNF-α strongly downregulates the expression of the endothelial receptor TIE1, and reciprocally TIE1 overexpression partially prevents TNF-α-induced EndMT, suggesting that TNF-α acts, at least partially, through TIE1 regulation in this process. We also show that TNF-α-induced EndMT is reversible. Furthermore, TNF-α treatment of orthotopic mice resulted in an important increase in the stroma, including CAFs. Finally, secretome analysis identified TNFSF12, as a regulator that is also present in PDAC patients. With the aim of restoring normal angiogenesis and better access to drugs, our results support the development of therapies targeting CAFs or inducing the EndMT reversion process in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Adjuto-Saccone
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Soubeyran
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Julie Garcia
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stéphane Audebert
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Marseille Protéomique, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Luc Camoin
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Marseille Protéomique, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Rubis
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Julie Roques
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Binétruy
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Aix-Marseille Université, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Juan Lucio Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Roselyne Tournaire
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France.
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11
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Liu T, Zhou H, Lu H, Luo C, Wang Q, Peng Y, Yang W, Xin Y. MiR-4729 regulates TIE1 mRNA m6A modification and angiogenesis in hemorrhoids by targeting METTL14. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:232. [PMID: 33708859 PMCID: PMC7940907 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Hemorrhoids are a frequently-occurring disease of the anorectal system that is often accompanied by vascular hyperplasia and edema. A METTL14-mediated RNA N-6 methyladenosine (m6A) modification can improve mRNA stability and increase its transcriptional and translational activities, closely related to the occurrence of many diseases. Methods Western blot, qPCR, and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the levels of gene and protein expression. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was used for histopathological examination. RNA immunoprecipitation-PCR and RNA dot blotting were used to detect mRNA m6A modification. Results Obvious signs of angiogenesis (CD31+/vWF+) were identified in the hemorrhoids. High levels of METTL14 expression on vascular endothelial cells (CD31+) suggested that angiogenesis was accompanied by differential modification of m6A RNA. It was subsequently found that the level of miR-4729 expression was significantly decreased in hemorrhoid tissues. The luciferase reporter enzyme assay results suggested that miR-4729 silenced its expression by targeting the 3'UTR of METTL14 mRNA. MiR-4729 overexpression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) inhibited the proliferation and migration of HUVECs in vitro and vascular structure formation in the outer matrix. MiR-4729 overexpression significantly inhibited endogenous METTL14 expression in HUVECs and reduced the entire m6A RNA modification, especially the level of m6A methylation at the specific site of the 3' UTR of TIE1 mRNA. Moreover, miR-4729 overexpression significantly inhibited the molecular loop of the TIE1/VEGFA signaling pathway in HUVECs. Conclusions Our findings confirmed that the down-regulation of miR-4729 in hemorrhoid vascular endothelial cells was one of the main reasons for vascular proliferation. The overexpression of miR-4729 in vascular endothelial cells decreased the global mRNA methylation and TIE1 mRNA 3'UTR-specific site methylation by silencing METTL14 expression, reducing TIE1 mRNA stability, down-regulating the TIE1/VEGFA signal molecular loop expression, and weakening angiogenesis ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te Liu
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Haikun Zhou
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Lu
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunsheng Luo
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingming Wang
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunhua Peng
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaojie Xin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Hessmann E, Buchholz SM, Demir IE, Singh SK, Gress TM, Ellenrieder V, Neesse A. Microenvironmental Determinants of Pancreatic Cancer. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1707-1751. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) belongs to the most lethal solid tumors in humans. A histological hallmark feature of PDAC is the pronounced tumor microenvironment (TME) that dynamically evolves during tumor progression. The TME consists of different non-neoplastic cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells, and neurons. Furthermore, abundant extracellular matrix components such as collagen and hyaluronic acid as well as matricellular proteins create a highly dynamic and hypovascular TME with multiple biochemical and physical interactions among the various cellular and acellular components that promote tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. In recent years, intensive research efforts have resulted in a significantly improved understanding of the biology and pathophysiology of the TME in PDAC, and novel stroma-targeted approaches are emerging that may help to improve the devastating prognosis of PDAC patients. However, none of anti-stromal therapies has been approved in patients so far, and there is still a large discrepancy between multiple successful preclinical results and subsequent failure in clinical trials. Furthermore, recent findings suggest that parts of the TME may also possess tumor-restraining properties rendering tailored therapies even more challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Soeren M. Buchholz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Shiv K. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Thomas M. Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Albrecht Neesse
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
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13
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Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in anticancer therapy and normal tissue damage. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:781-792. [PMID: 32467609 PMCID: PMC7272420 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-0439-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) involves the phenotypic conversion of endothelial-to-mesenchymal cells, and was first discovered in association with embryonic heart development. EndMT can regulate various processes, such as tissue fibrosis and cancer. Recent findings have shown that EndMT is related to resistance to cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy, and radiation therapy. Based on the known effects of EndMT on the cardiac toxicity of anticancer therapy and tissue damage of radiation therapy, we propose that EndMT can be targeted as a strategy for overcoming tumor resistance while reducing complications, such as tissue damage. In this review, we discuss EndMT and its roles in damaging cardiac and lung tissues, as well as EndMT-related effects on tumor vasculature and resistance in anticancer therapy. Modulating EndMT in radioresistant tumors and radiation-induced tissue fibrosis can especially increase the efficacy of radiation therapy. In addition, we review the role of hypoxia and reactive oxygen species as the main stimulating factors of tissue damage due to vascular damage and EndMT. We consider drugs that may be clinically useful for regulating EndMT in various diseases. Finally, we argue the importance of EndMT as a therapeutic target in anticancer therapy for reducing tissue damage. A process of cellular conversion known as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) may offer a valuable target for treating cancer and other diseases. In EndMT, the cells lining blood vessels undergo a striking change in shape and physiology, acquiring features of cells called fibroblasts. Fibroblasts form the body’s connective tissue, but also produce scar tissue that impairs organ function. Researchers led by Yoon-Jin Lee of the Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences in Seoul, South Korea, have reviewed the impact of this transformation on human disease. EndMT is seen as a prelude to heart failure, in lung tissue affected by pulmonary fibrosis, and within tumors, where the process recruits cells that further stimulate cancer progression. The authors highlight the potential of using drugs that target EndMT to bolster the efficacy and safety of tumor therapy.
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14
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Hauge A, Rofstad EK. Antifibrotic therapy to normalize the tumor microenvironment. J Transl Med 2020; 18:207. [PMID: 32434573 PMCID: PMC7240990 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02376-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most tumors develop abnormal fibrotic regions consisting of fibroblasts, immune cells, and a dense extracellular matrix (ECM) immersed in a viscous interstitial fluid, and an abundant fibrotic tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with poor outcome of treatment. It has been hypothesized that the treatment of cancer may be improved by interventions aiming to normalize this TME. The approaches used in attempts to normalize the fibrotic TME can be categorized into three strategies of targeted antifibrotic therapy: targeting of components of the ECM, targeting of the producers of the ECM components-the activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and targeting of the signaling pathways activating CAFs. To target the ECM, enzymes against components of the ECM have been used, including collagenase, relaxin, hyaluronidase, and lyxyl oxidase. Targeting of CAFs have been investigated by using agents aiming to eliminate or reprogram CAFs. CAFs are activated primarily by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), hedgehog, or focal adhesion kinase signaling, and several agents have been used to target these signaling pathways, including angiotensin II receptor I blockers (e.g., losartan) to inhibit the TGF-β pathway. Taken together, these studies have revealed that antifibrotic therapy is a two-edged sword: while some studies suggest enhanced response to treatment after antifibrotic therapy, others suggest that antifibrotic therapy may lead to increased tumor growth, metastasis, and impaired outcome of treatment. There are several possible explanations of these conflicting observations. Most importantly, tumors contain different subpopulations of CAFs, and while some subpopulations may promote tumor growth and metastasis, others may inhibit malignant progression. Furthermore, the outcome of antifibrotic therapy may depend on stage of disease, duration of treatment, treatment-induced activation of alternative profibrotic signaling pathways, and treatment-induced recruitment of tumor-supporting immune cells. Nevertheless, losartan-induced suppression of TGF-β signaling appears to be a particularly promising strategy. Losartan is a widely prescribed antihypertensive drug and highly advantageous therapeutic effects have been observed after losartan treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, improved understanding of the mechanisms governing the development of fibrosis in tumors is needed before safe antifibrotic treatments can be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Hauge
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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15
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Liu L, Song S, Zhang YP, Wang D, Zhou Z, Chen Y, Jin X, Hu CF, Shen CX. Amphiregulin promotes cardiac fibrosis post myocardial infarction by inducing the endothelial-mesenchymal transition via the EGFR pathway in endothelial cells. Exp Cell Res 2020; 390:111950. [PMID: 32188578 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.111950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) plays a key role in the development of cardiac fibrosis (CF) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The results of our previous study showed that amphiregulin (AR) expression was enhanced after MI. However, the role of AR on EndMT post MI remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of AR on EndMT post MI and the associated molecular mechanisms. AR expression was markedly enhanced in infarct border area post MI, and endothelial cells were one of the primary cell sources of AR secretion. Stimulation with AR promoted endothelial cell proliferation, invasion, migration, collagen synthesis and EndMT. In addition, EGFR and downstream gene expression was significantly enhanced. In vivo, EndMT was significantly inhibited after lentivirus-AR-shRNA was delivered to the myocardium post MI. In addition, silencing AR ameliorated cardiac function by decreasing the extent of CF. Furthermore, the levels of EGFR pathway components in endothelial cells extracted from infarct border myocardium were all significantly decreased in lentivirus-AR-shRNA-treated MI mice. Our results demonstrate that AR induces CF post MI by enhancing EndMT in endothelial cells. Thus, targeting the regulation of AR may provide a potentially novel therapeutic option for CF after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Song
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Ping Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong'e Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian Jin
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Cui Fen Hu
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Cheng Xing Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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16
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Pan Z, Huang Y, Qian H, Du X, Qin W, Liu T. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles drive miR-485-5p inhibition in glioma stem cells by silencing Tie1 expression. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:1274-1287. [PMID: 32174801 PMCID: PMC7053326 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.42887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are highly malignant nervous system tumours. Studies shown that cancer stem cells are one of the main reasons underlying recurrence, metastasis, and poor prognosis in glioma cases. Our previous studies have found that superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) can act as nucleic acid carriers to drive intracellular overexpression of these nucleic acids. In this study, CD44+/CD133+ glioma stem cells (HuGSCs) were first isolated from surgically resected tissues from patients. qPCR and western blot results showed that Tie1 expression in HuGSCs was significantly higher thanexpression in CD44-/CD133- glioma cells. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-485-5p binds to specific loci on the 3′-UTR of Tie1 mRNA to inhibit Tie1 expression. Subsequently, miR-485-5p/miR-mut and SPION complexes were transfected into HuGSCs. Transmission electron microscopy showed that a highly dense metallic electron cloud is present in HuGSCs. At the same time, in vivo and in vitro studies showed that miR-485-5p@SPIONs can significantly inhibit HuGSC proliferation, invasion, tumourigenicity, and angiogenesis. In-depth analysis showed that Tie1 interacts with neuronal growth factors such as FGF2, BDNF, GDNF, and GFAP. qPCR and western blot results showed that in miR-485-5p@SPIONs-HuGSCs, the expression levels of Tie1 and stem cell markers (Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, CD44, and CD133), and even FGF2, BDNF, GDNF, and GFAP were significantly lower than thelevels in the control group (miR-mut@SPIONs-HuGSCs). Therefore, this study showedthat Tie1 is an important factor that maintains glioma stem cell activity. SPIONs drive miR-485-5p overexpression in cells and inhibit endogenous Tie1 expression to downregulate the protein expression levels of Fgf2/GDNF/GFAP/BDNF and significantly weaken the in vivo and in vitro viability of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguang Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yongyi Huang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Haiyang Qian
- Department of Imaging, Dahua Hospital, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiling Du
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wenxing Qin
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 200437, China.,Department of medical oncology, Shanghai Changzheng hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Te Liu
- Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200031, China
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17
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Piera-Velazquez S, Jimenez SA. Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition: Role in Physiology and in the Pathogenesis of Human Diseases. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:1281-1324. [PMID: 30864875 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 328] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that endothelial cells are capable of undergoing endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a newly recognized type of cellular transdifferentiation. EndMT is a complex biological process in which endothelial cells adopt a mesenchymal phenotype displaying typical mesenchymal cell morphology and functions, including the acquisition of cellular motility and contractile properties. Endothelial cells undergoing EndMT lose the expression of endothelial cell-specific proteins such as CD31/platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule, von Willebrand factor, and vascular-endothelial cadherin and initiate the expression of mesenchymal cell-specific genes and the production of their encoded proteins including α-smooth muscle actin, extra domain A fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, fibroblast specific protein-1, also known as S100A4 protein, and fibrillar type I and type III collagens. Transforming growth factor-β1 is considered the main EndMT inducer. However, EndMT involves numerous molecular and signaling pathways that are triggered and modulated by multiple and often redundant mechanisms depending on the specific cellular context and on the physiological or pathological status of the cells. EndMT participates in highly important embryonic development processes, as well as in the pathogenesis of numerous genetically determined and acquired human diseases including malignant, vascular, inflammatory, and fibrotic disorders. Despite intensive investigation, many aspects of EndMT remain to be elucidated. The identification of molecules and regulatory pathways involved in EndMT and the discovery of specific EndMT inhibitors should provide novel therapeutic approaches for various human disorders mediated by EndMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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18
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Neesse A, Bauer CA, Öhlund D, Lauth M, Buchholz M, Michl P, Tuveson DA, Gress TM. Stromal biology and therapy in pancreatic cancer: ready for clinical translation? Gut 2019; 68:159-171. [PMID: 30177543 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2018-316451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is notoriously aggressive and hard to treat. The tumour microenvironment (TME) in PDA is highly dynamic and has been found to promote tumour progression, metastasis niche formation and therapeutic resistance. Intensive research of recent years has revealed an incredible heterogeneity and complexity of the different components of the TME, including cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, extracellular matrix components, tumour vessels and nerves. It has been hypothesised that paracrine interactions between neoplastic epithelial cells and TME compartments may result in either tumour-promoting or tumour-restraining consequences. A better preclinical understanding of such complex and dynamic network systems is required to develop more powerful treatment strategies for patients. Scientific activity and the number of compelling findings has virtually exploded during recent years. Here, we provide an update of the most recent findings in this area and discuss their translational and clinical implications for basic scientists and clinicians alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albrecht Neesse
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medicine Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christian Alexander Bauer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, University Hospital Marburg, UKGM, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Öhlund
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Department of Medicine, Philipps University, Center for Tumour and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Malte Buchholz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, University Hospital Marburg, UKGM, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Michl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - David A Tuveson
- Lustgarten Foundation Designated Pancreatic Cancer Research Lab at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, USA
| | - Thomas M Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, University Hospital Marburg, UKGM, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Abstract
Under physiological conditions, the arterial endothelium exerts a powerful protective influence to maintain vascular homeostasis. However, during the development of vascular disease, these protective activities are lost, and dysfunctional endothelial cells actually promote disease pathogenesis. Numerous investigations have analyzed the characteristics of dysfunctional endothelium with a view to understanding the processes responsible for the dysfunction and to determining their role in vascular pathology. This review adopts an alternate approach: reviewing the mechanisms that contribute to the initial formation of a healthy protective endothelium and on how those mechanisms may be disrupted, precipitating the appearance of dysfunctional endothelial cells and the progression of vascular disease. This approach, which highlights the role of endothelial adherens junctions and vascular endothelial-cadherin in endothelial maturation and endothelial dysfunction, provides new insight into the remarkable biology of this important cell layer and its role in vascular protection and vascular disease.
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20
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Endothelial fibrosis induced by suppressed STAT3 expression mediated by signaling involving the TGF-β1/ALK5/Smad pathway. J Transl Med 2017; 97:1033-1046. [PMID: 28737766 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2017.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During systemic inflammatory pathologies, mediators of inflammation circulate in the bloodstream and interact with endothelial cells (ECs), resulting in endothelial dysfunction that maintains and enhances the pathological condition. Inflammatory mediators change the protein expression profile of ECs, which become activated fibroblasts via endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This process is characterized by downregulated endothelial proteins and strongly upregulated fibrotic-specific genes and extracellular matrix-forming proteins. The main inductor of endothelial fibrosis is transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which acts through the TGF-β1/activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5)/Smads intracellular signaling pathway. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is also involved in fibrosis in several tissues (e.g. heart and vascular system), where STAT3 signaling decreases TGF-β1-induced responses by directly interacting with Smad proteins, suggesting that decreased STAT3 could induce TGF-β1-mediated fibrosis. However, it is unknown if suppressed STAT3 expression induces EC fibrosis through a mechanism involving the TGF-β signaling pathway. The present study evaluated the fibrotic actions of STAT3 suppression in ECs and investigated TGF-β1/ALK5/Smad4 signaling pathway participation. Suppressed STAT3 expression stimulated fibrotic conversion in ECs, as mediated by protein expression reprograming that decreased endothelial marker expression and increased fibrotic and extracellular matrix protein levels. The potential mechanism underlying these changes was dependent on TGF-β1 secretion, the ALK5 activation pathway, and Smad4 translocation into the nucleus. We conclude that suppressed STAT3 expression converts ECs into activated fibroblasts via TGF-β1/ALK5/Smad4 signaling pathway involvement.
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Endothelial Hey2 deletion reduces endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and mitigates radiation proctitis in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4933. [PMID: 28694461 PMCID: PMC5503994 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05389-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study evaluated the role of Hey2 transcription factor in radiation-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and its impact on radiation-induced tissue damage in mice. Phenotypic modifications of irradiated, Hey2 siRNA- and Hey2 vector plasmid-transfected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) resembling EndoMT were monitored by qPCR, immunocytochemistry and western blots. Subsequently, in mice, a Cre-LoxP strategy for inactivation of Hey2 specifically in the endothelium was used to study the biological consequences. Total body irradiation and radiation proctitis were monitored to investigate the impact of conditional Hey2 deletion on intestinal stem cells and microvascular compartment radiosensitivity, EndoMT and rectal damage severity. We found that EndoMT occurs in irradiated HUVECs with concomitant Hey2 mRNA and protein increase. While Hey2 silencing has no effect on radiation-induced EndoMT in vitro, Hey2 overexpression is sufficient to induce phenotypic conversion of endothelial cells. In mice, the conditional deletion of Hey2 reduces EndoMT frequency and the severity of rectal tissue damage. Our data indicate that the reduction in mucosal damage occurs through decline in stem/clonogenic epithelial cell loss mediated by microvascular protection. EndoMT is involved in radiation proctitis and this study demonstrates that a strategy based on the reduction of EndoMT mitigates intestinal tissue damage.
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Cuttano R, Rudini N, Bravi L, Corada M, Giampietro C, Papa E, Morini MF, Maddaluno L, Baeyens N, Adams RH, Jain MK, Owens GK, Schwartz M, Lampugnani MG, Dejana E. KLF4 is a key determinant in the development and progression of cerebral cavernous malformations. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 8:6-24. [PMID: 26612856 PMCID: PMC4718159 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201505433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular malformations located within the central nervous system often resulting in cerebral hemorrhage. Pharmacological treatment is needed, since current therapy is limited to neurosurgery. Familial CCM is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in any of Ccm1, Ccm2, and Ccm3 genes. CCM cavernomas are lined by endothelial cells (ECs) undergoing endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT). This switch in phenotype is due to the activation of the transforming growth factor beta/bone morphogenetic protein (TGFβ/BMP) signaling. However, the mechanism linking Ccm gene inactivation and TGFβ/BMP‐dependent EndMT remains undefined. Here, we report that Ccm1 ablation leads to the activation of a MEKK3‐MEK5‐ERK5‐MEF2 signaling axis that induces a strong increase in Kruppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) in ECs in vivo. KLF4 transcriptional activity is responsible for the EndMT occurring in CCM1‐null ECs. KLF4 promotes TGFβ/BMP signaling through the production of BMP6. Importantly, in endothelial‐specific Ccm1 and Klf4 double knockout mice, we observe a strong reduction in the development of CCM and mouse mortality. Our data unveil KLF4 as a therapeutic target for CCM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noemi Rudini
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Bravi
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Corada
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Costanza Giampietro
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleanna Papa
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy on leave of absence at Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Molecular Neuro-Oncology University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Francesco Morini
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy on leave of absence at Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Maddaluno
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy on leave of absence at Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ralf H Adams
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Faculty of Medicine, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mukesh K Jain
- Case Cardiovascular Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA Department of Medicine University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gary K Owens
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Maria Grazia Lampugnani
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy Mario Negri Institute of Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Dejana
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden Department of Oncology and Oncohematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Tanaka M, Koyama T, Sakurai T, Kamiyoshi A, Ichikawa-Shindo Y, Kawate H, Liu T, Xian X, Imai A, Zhai L, Hirabayashi K, Owa S, Yamauchi A, Igarashi K, Taniguchi S, Shindo T. The endothelial adrenomedullin-RAMP2 system regulates vascular integrity and suppresses tumour metastasis. Cardiovasc Res 2016; 111:398-409. [PMID: 27307317 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvw166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Controlling vascular integrity is expected to be a novel therapeutic target of cancers as well as cardiovascular diseases. Adrenomedullin (AM) and its receptor-modulating protein, RAMP2, have been identified as essential mediators of cardiovascular homeostasis. In this study, we used inducible vascular endothelial cell-specific RAMP2 knockout (DI-E-RAMP2(-/-)) mice to clarify the contribution made by the endogenous AM-RAMP2 system to angiogenesis and metastasis. METHODS AND RESULTS Subcutaneously transplanted sarcoma or melanoma cells showed less growth and angiogenesis in DI-E-RAMP2(-/-) than in control mice. On the other hand, after the transplantation of B16BL6 melanoma cells into hindlimb footpads, spontaneous metastasis to the lung was enhanced in DI-E-RAMP2(-/-) mice. Early after RAMP2 gene deletion, DI-E-RAMP2(-/-) mice showed enhanced vascular permeability, endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT)-like change, and systemic oedema. Within the lungs of DI-E-RAMP2(-/-) mice, pulmonary endothelial cells were deformed, and inflammatory cells infiltrated the vessel walls and expressed the chemotactic factors S100A8/9 and SAA3, which attract tumour cells and mediate the formation of a pre-metastatic niche. Conversely, the overexpression of RAMP2 suppressed tumour cell adhesion to endothelial cells, tumour metastasis, and improved survival. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the AM-RAMP2 system regulates vascular integrity, whereas RAMP2 deletion promotes vascular permeability and EndMT-like change within primary lesions and formation of pre-metastatic niches in distant organs by destabilizing the vascular structure and inducing inflammation. Vascular integrity regulated by the AM-RAMP2 system could thus be a hopeful therapeutic target for suppressing tumour metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumu Tanaka
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Teruhide Koyama
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Takayuki Sakurai
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Akiko Kamiyoshi
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Yuka Ichikawa-Shindo
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Hisaka Kawate
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Tian Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Xian Xian
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Akira Imai
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Liuyu Zhai
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Hirabayashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Shinji Owa
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Akihiro Yamauchi
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Kyoko Igarashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Shun'ichiro Taniguchi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Takayuki Shindo
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
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Yang P, Chen N, Jia JH, Gao XJ, Li SH, Cai J, Wang Z. Tie-1: A potential target for anti-angiogenesis therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 35:615-622. [PMID: 26489611 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-015-1479-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase system angiopoietin (Ang)/Tie interacts with vascular endothelial growth factor pathway and regulates vessel quiescence in adults as well as later steps of the angiogenic cascade related to vessel maturation. Since all Angs are able to bind to Tie-2 but none binds to Tie-1, the function of Tie-2 and its ligands have captured attention. However, emerging evidence indicates unique roles of the orphan receptor Tie-1 in angiogenesis under physiological and pathological conditions. It is required for maintaining vascular endothelial cell integrity and survival during murine embryo development and in adult and may be involved in modulating differentiation of hematopoietic cells in adult. Tie-1 exhibits poor tyrosine kinase activity and signals via forming heterodimers with Tie-2, inhibiting Tie-2 signaling mediated by Angs. This inhibition can be relieved by Tie-1 ectodomain cleavage mediated by tumor- and inflammatory-related factors, which causes destabilization of vessels and initiates vessel remodeling. Up-regulated Tie-1 expression has been found not only in some leukemia cells and tumor related endothelial cells but also in cytoplasm of carcinoma cells of a variety of human solid tumors, which is associated with tumor progression. In addition, it has pro-inflammatory functions in endothelial cells and is involved in some inflammatory diseases associated with angiogenesis. Recent research indicated that Tie-1 gene ablation exhibited significant effects on tumor blood- and lymph-angiogenesis and improved anti-Ang therapy, suggesting Tie-1 may be a potential target for tumor anti-angiogenesis treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Angiopoietins/genetics
- Angiopoietins/metabolism
- Animals
- Embryo, Mammalian
- Embryonic Development/genetics
- Endothelial Cells/drug effects
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Mice
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Protein Binding
- Receptor, TIE-1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, TIE-1/genetics
- Receptor, TIE-1/metabolism
- Receptor, TIE-2/genetics
- Receptor, TIE-2/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832008, China
| | - Na Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jing-Hui Jia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xue-Jiao Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shi-Han Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jing Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Zehua Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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26
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Xiao L, McCann JV, Dudley AC. Isolation and Culture Expansion of Tumor-specific Endothelial Cells. J Vis Exp 2015:e53072. [PMID: 26554446 DOI: 10.3791/53072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Freshly isolated tumor-specific endothelial cells (TEC) can be used to explore molecular mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis and serve as an in vitro model for developing new angiogenesis inhibitors for cancer. However, long-term in vitro expansion of murine endothelial cells (EC) is challenging due to phenotypic drift in culture (endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition) and contamination with non-EC. This is especially true for TEC which are readily outcompeted by co-purified fibroblasts or tumor cells in culture. Here, a high fidelity isolation method that takes advantage of immunomagnetic enrichment coupled with colony selection and in vitro expansion is described. This approach generates pure EC fractions that are entirely free of contaminating stromal or tumor cells. It is also shown that lineage-traced Cdh5(cre):ZsGreen(l/s/l) reporter mice, used with the protocol described herein, are a valuable tool to verify cell purity as the isolated EC colonies from these mice show durable and brilliant ZsGreen fluorescence in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - James V McCann
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Andrew C Dudley
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill;
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Muylaert DEP, de Jong OG, Slaats GGG, Nieuweboer FE, Fledderus JO, Goumans MJ, Hierck BP, Verhaar MC. Environmental Influences on Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Developing Implanted Cardiovascular Tissue-Engineered Grafts. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2015; 22:58-67. [PMID: 26414174 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2015.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tissue-engineered grafts for cardiovascular structures experience biochemical stimuli and mechanical forces that influence tissue development after implantation such as the immunological response, oxidative stress, hemodynamic shear stress, and mechanical strain. Endothelial cells are a cell source of major interest in vascular tissue engineering because of their ability to form a luminal antithrombotic monolayer. In addition, through their ability to undergo endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), endothelial cells may yield a cell type capable of increased production and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM is of major importance to the mechanical function of all cardiovascular structures. Tissue engineering approaches may employ EndMT to recapitulate, in part, the embryonic development of cardiovascular structures. Improved understanding of how the environment of an implanted graft could influence EndMT in endothelial cells may lead to novel tissue engineering strategies. This review presents an overview of biochemical and mechanical stimuli capable of influencing EndMT, discusses the influence of these stimuli as found in the direct environment of cardiovascular grafts, and discusses approaches to employ EndMT in tissue-engineered constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri E P Muylaert
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olivier G de Jong
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gisela G G Slaats
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frederieke E Nieuweboer
- 2 Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology , Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Joost O Fledderus
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-Jose Goumans
- 3 Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Beerend P Hierck
- 4 Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne C Verhaar
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Physiologically, endothelial integrity and smooth muscle homeostasis play key roles in the maintenance of vascular structure and functions. Under pathological conditions, endothelial and smooth muscle cells display great plasticity by transdifferentiating into other cell phenotypes. This review aims to update the progress in endothelial and smooth muscle cell transformation and to discuss their underlying mechanisms. RECENT FINDINGS At the early stage of atherosclerosis, it was traditionally believed that smooth muscle cells from the media migrate into the intima in which they proliferate to form neointimal lesions. Recently, endothelial cells were shown to undergo transformation to form smooth muscle-like cells that contribute to neointimal formation. Furthermore, not only can medial smooth muscle cells migrate and proliferate, they also have the ability to differentiate into macrophages in the intima in which they form foam cells by uptaking lipids. Finally, the discovery of stem/progenitor cells in the vessel wall that can differentiate into all types of vascular cells has complicated the research field even further. SUMMARY Based on the current progress in the research field, it is worthy to explore the contributions of cell transformation to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis to understand the mechanisms on how they are regulated in order to develop novel therapeutic application targeting these processes to reverse the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Hou Lao
- Cardiovascular Division, King's College London BHF Centre, London, UK
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29
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Abstract
During exposure to cold, our bodies attempt to maintain normal core temperature by restricting heat loss through cutaneous vasoconstriction, and by increasing heat production through shivering and nonshivering thermogenesis. In selected areas of human skin (including on the fingers and toes), the vascular system has specialized structural and functional features that enable it to contribute to thermoregulation. These features include arteriovenous anastomoses, which directly connect the arterial and venous systems and bypass the nutritional capillaries supplying blood to the skin tissue. Of note, Raynaud phenomenon predominantly affects the arterial territories supplying these specialized areas of skin. Indeed, Raynaud phenomenon can be considered a disorder of vascular thermoregulatory control. This Review presents an understanding of Raynaud phenomenon in the context of vascular and thermoregulatory control mechanisms, including the role of unique thermosensitive vascular structural and functional specialization, and describes the potential role of thermogenesis in this disorder. This new approach provides remarkable insight into the disease process and builds a framework to critically appraise the existing knowledge base. This paradigm also explains the deficiencies in some current therapeutic approaches, and highlights new areas of potential relevance to the pathogenesis and treatment of Raynaud phenomenon that should be expanded and explored.
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Liu J, Dong F, Jeong J, Masuda T, Lobe CG. Constitutively active Notch1 signaling promotes endothelial‑mesenchymal transition in a conditional transgenic mouse model. Int J Mol Med 2014; 34:669-76. [PMID: 24969754 PMCID: PMC4121347 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.1818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is a process in which endothelial cells lose their cell-type-specific characteristics and gain a mesenchymal cell phenotype. The Notch signaling pathway is crucial in the regulation of EndoMT; however, its roles have not been fully studied in vivo. In a previous study, we reported the generation of transgenic mice with a floxed β-geo/stop signal between a CMV promoter and the constitutively active intracellular domain of Notch1 (IC-Notch1) linked with a human placental alkaline phosphatase (hPLAP) reporter (ZAP-IC-Notch1). In this study, we examined the results of activating IC-Notch1 in endothelial cells. ZAP-IC-Notch1 mice were crossed with Tie2-Cre mice to activate IC-Notch1 expression specifically in endothelial cells. The ZAP-IC-Notch1/Tie2-Cre double transgenic embryos died at E9.5–10.5 with disruption of vasculature and enlargement of myocardium. VE-cadherin expression was decreased and EphrinB2 expression was increased in the heart of these embryos. Mesenchymal cell marker α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) was expressed in IC-Notch1-expressing endothelial cells. In addition, upregulation of Snail, the key effector in mediating EndoMT, was identified in the cardiac cushion of the double transgenic murine embryo heart. The results of the present study demonstrate that constitutively active Notch signaling promotes EndoMT and differentially regulates endothelial/mesenchymal cell markers during cardiac development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Liu
- Laboratory of Microvascular Medicine, Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Fengyun Dong
- Laboratory of Microvascular Medicine, Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - James Jeong
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Division, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Takahiro Masuda
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Division, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Corrinne G Lobe
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Division, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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31
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Huang TS, Chen YJ, Chou TY, Chen CY, Li HY, Huang BS, Tsai HW, Lan HY, Chang CH, Twu NF, Yen MS, Wang PH, Chao KC, Lee CC, Yang MH. Oestrogen-induced angiogenesis promotes adenomyosis by activating the Slug-VEGF axis in endometrial epithelial cells. J Cell Mol Med 2014; 18:1358-71. [PMID: 24758741 PMCID: PMC4124020 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis is an oestrogen-dependent disease characterized by the invasion of endometrial epithelial cells into the myometrium of uterus, and angiogenesis is thought to be required for the implantation of endometrial glandular tissues during the adenomyotic pathogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate that compared with eutopic endometria, adenomyotic lesions exhibited increased vascularity as detected by sonography. Microscopically, the lesions also exhibited an oestrogen-associated elevation of microvascular density and VEGF expression in endometrial epithelial cells. We previously reported that oestrogen-induced Slug expression was critical for endometrial epithelial–mesenchymal transition and development of adenomyosis. Our present studies demonstrated that estradiol (E2) elicited a Slug-VEGF axis in endometrial epithelial cells, and also induced pro-angiogenic activity in vascular endothelial cells. The antagonizing agents against E2 or VEGF suppressed endothelial cells migration and tubal formation. Animal experiments furthermore confirmed that blockage of E2 or VEGF was efficient to attenuate the implantation of adenomyotic lesions. These results highlight the importance of oestrogen-induced angiogenesis in adenomyosis development and provide a potential strategy for treating adenomyosis through intercepting the E2-Slug-VEGF pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tze-Sing Huang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
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Yang X, Chen B, Liu T, Chen X. Reversal of myofibroblast differentiation: a review. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 734:83-90. [PMID: 24742377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
It has long been considered that fibrosis and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation are irreversible processes. However, recent data obtained indicates that tissue fibrosis and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation can indeed be reversed, which offers the possibility of a new therapeutic approach for fibrotic disorders. Here, we discuss the origin of the myofibroblasts and different aspects of their differentiation, especially the key mediators and TGFβ-induced signaling pathways. We also report here a few factors involved in myofiroblast dedifferentiation and several compounds which can reverse the established dedifferentiated myofibroblast, as examples that provide the reader a glimpse of the current trends of approach for discovering useful anti-fibrotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiaoHong Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Gaotanyan Street 30, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Gaotanyan Street 30, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Gaotanyan Street 30, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - XiaoHong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Gaotanyan Street 30, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China.
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Kim OH, Kang GH, Noh H, Cha JY, Lee HJ, Yoon JH, Mamura M, Nam JS, Lee DH, Kim YA, Park YJ, Kim H, Oh BC. Proangiogenic TIE2(+)/CD31 (+) macrophages are the predominant population of tumor-associated macrophages infiltrating metastatic lymph nodes. Mol Cells 2013; 36:432-8. [PMID: 24158612 PMCID: PMC3887941 DOI: 10.1007/s10059-013-0194-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) accumulate in various cancers and promote tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, and thus may be ideal targets for the clinical diagnosis of tumor metastasis with high specificity. However, there are few specific markers to distinguish between TAMs and normal or inflammatory macrophages. Here, we show that TAMs localize in green fluorescent protein-labeled tumors of metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) from B16F1 melanoma cells but not in necrotic tumor regions, suggesting that TAMs may promote the growth of tumor cells and the progression of tumor metastasis. Furthermore, we isolated pure populations of TAMs from MLNs and characterized their gene expression signatures compared to peritoneal macrophages (PMs), and found that TAMs significantly overexpress immunosuppressive cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β as well as proangiogenic factors such as VEGF, TIE2, and CD31. Notably, immunological analysis revealed that TIE2(+)/CD31(+) macrophages constitute the predominant population of TAMs that infiltrate MLNs, distinct from tissue or inflammatory macrophages. Importantly, these TIE2(+)/CD31(+) macrophages also heavily infiltrated MLNs from human breast cancer biopsies but not reactive hyperplastic LNs. Thus, TIE2(+)/ CD31(+) macrophages may be a unique histopathological biomarker for detecting metastasis in clinical diagnosis, and a novel and promising target for TAM-specific cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ok-Hee Kim
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University Graduate School of Medicine, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Gun-Hyung Kang
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University Graduate School of Medicine, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Hyungjoon Noh
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University Graduate School of Medicine, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Ji-Young Cha
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University Graduate School of Medicine, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Ho-Jae Lee
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University Graduate School of Medicine, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | | | | | - Jeong-Seok Nam
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University Graduate School of Medicine, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | - Byung-Chul Oh
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University Graduate School of Medicine, Incheon 406-840, Korea
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Role of endothelial to mesenchymal transition in the pathogenesis of the vascular alterations in systemic sclerosis. ISRN RHEUMATOLOGY 2013; 2013:835948. [PMID: 24175099 PMCID: PMC3794556 DOI: 10.1155/2013/835948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is extremely complex, and despite extensive studies, the exact mechanisms involved are not well understood. Numerous recent studies of early events in SSc pathogenesis have suggested that unknown etiologic factors in a genetically receptive host trigger structural and functional microvascular endothelial cell abnormalities. These alterations result in the attraction, transmigration, and accumulation of immune and inflammatory cells in the perivascular tissues, which in turn induce the phenotypic conversion of endothelial cells and quiescent fibroblasts into activated myofibroblasts, a process known as endothelial to mesenchymal transition or EndoMT. The activated myofibroblasts are the effector cells responsible for the severe and frequently progressive fibrotic process and the fibroproliferative vasculopathy that are the hallmarks of SSc. Thus, according to this hypothesis the endothelial and vascular alterations, which include the phenotypic conversion of endothelial cells into activated myofibroblasts, play a crucial role in the development of the progressive fibrotic process affecting skin and multiple internal organs. The role of endothelial cell and vascular alterations, the potential contribution of endothelial to mesenchymal cell transition in the pathogenesis of the tissue fibrosis, and fibroproliferative vasculopathy in SSc will be reviewed here.
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Chen CH, Thai P, Yoneda K, Adler KB, Yang PC, Wu R. A peptide that inhibits function of Myristoylated Alanine-Rich C Kinase Substrate (MARCKS) reduces lung cancer metastasis. Oncogene 2013; 33:3696-706. [PMID: 23955080 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Myristoylated Alanine-Rich C Kinase Substrate (MARCKS), a substrate of protein kinase C, is a key regulatory molecule controlling mucus granule secretion by airway epithelial cells as well as directed migration of leukocytes, stem cells and fibroblasts. Phosphorylation of MARKCS may be involved in these responses. However, the functionality of MARCKS and its related phosphorylation in lung cancer malignancy have not been characterized. This study demonstrated elevated levels of MARCKS and phospho-MARCKS in highly invasive lung cancer cell lines and lung cancer specimens from non-small-cell lung cancer patients. siRNA knockdown of MARCKS expression in these highly invasive lung cancer cell lines reduced cell migration and suppressed PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase)/Akt phosphorylation and Slug level. Interestingly, treatment with a peptide identical to the MARCKS N-terminus sequence (the MANS peptide) impaired cell migration in vitro and also the metastatic potential of invasive lung cancer cells in vivo. Mechanistically, MANS peptide treatment resulted in a coordination of increase of E-cadherin expression, suppression of MARCKS phosphorylation and AKT/Slug signalling pathway but not the expression of total MARCKS. These results indicate a crucial role for MARCKS, specifically its phosphorylated form, in potentiating lung cancer cell migration/metastasis and suggest a potential use of MARCKS-related peptides in the treatment of lung cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-H Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - P Thai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - K Yoneda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - K B Adler
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - P-C Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - R Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Huang X, Pan L, Pu H, Wang Y, Zhang X, Li C, Yang Z. Loss of caveolin-1 promotes endothelial-mesenchymal transition during sepsis: a membrane proteomic study. Int J Mol Med 2013; 32:585-92. [PMID: 23836408 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2013.1432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a clinical syndrome that reflects an uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response to microbial infections. Endothelial cells, which are highly responsive to their extracellular environment, are the primary targets of sepsis-induced damage. Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), characterized by loss of endothelial cell markers and gain of mesenchymal cell markers, contributes to embryonic cardiac formation as well as development of various diseases. We showed that incubation with septic serum induced a rapid loss of endothelial barrier integrity in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayer. Notably, exposure to septic serum triggered EndMT in HUVECs, companied by increased cell motility and invasion. Furthermore, membrane proteomic analysis was applied to analyze the key mediators in septic serum-induced EndMT. A total of 29 proteins with altered expression level were positively identified. Expression of four proteins with the most significant alteration, including caveolin-1, S100A4, α-enolase and galectin-1, were validated by western blotting. Finally, we showed that restoration of caveolin-1 expression markedly attenuated septic serum-induced EndMT in HUVEC cells. This is the first report showing that endothelial cells undergo EndMT during sepsis. The present study may lead to a better understanding of the biological role of endothelial cells and caveolin-1 during sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Huang
- Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
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Chen PY, Qin L, Barnes C, Charisse K, Yi T, Zhang X, Ali R, Medina PP, Yu J, Slack FJ, Anderson DG, Kotelianski V, Wang F, Tellides G, Simons M. FGF regulates TGF-β signaling and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition via control of let-7 miRNA expression. Cell Rep 2012. [PMID: 23200853 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2012.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of normal endothelial function is critical to various aspects of blood vessel function, but its regulation is poorly understood. In this study, we show that disruption of baseline fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling to the endothelium leads to a dramatic reduction in let-7 miRNA levels that, in turn, increases expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β ligands and receptors and activation of TGF-β signaling, leading to endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT). We also find that Endo-MT is an important driver of neointima formation in a murine transplant arteriopathy model and in rejection of human transplant lesions. The decline in endothelial FGF signaling input is due to the appearance of an FGF resistance state that is characterized by inflammation-dependent reduction in expression and activation of key components of the FGF signaling cascade. These results establish FGF signaling as a critical factor in maintenance of endothelial homeostasis and point to an unexpected role of Endo-MT in vascular pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Chen
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Fan D, Takawale A, Lee J, Kassiri Z. Cardiac fibroblasts, fibrosis and extracellular matrix remodeling in heart disease. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2012; 5:15. [PMID: 22943504 PMCID: PMC3464725 DOI: 10.1186/1755-1536-5-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 577] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblasts comprise the largest cell population in the myocardium. In heart disease, the number of fibroblasts is increased either by replication of the resident myocardial fibroblasts, migration and transformation of circulating bone marrow cells, or by transformation of endothelial/epithelial cells into fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. The primary function of fibroblasts is to produce structural proteins that comprise the extracellular matrix (ECM). This can be a constructive process; however, hyperactivity of cardiac fibroblasts can result in excess production and deposition of ECM proteins in the myocardium, known as fibrosis, with adverse effects on cardiac structure and function. In addition to being the primary source of ECM proteins, fibroblasts produce a number of cytokines, peptides, and enzymes among which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), directly impact the ECM turnover and homeostasis. Function of fibroblasts can also in turn be regulated by MMPs and TIMPs. In this review article, we will focus on the function of cardiac fibroblasts in the context of ECM formation, homeostasis and remodeling in the heart. We will discuss the origins and multiple roles of cardiac fibroblasts in myocardial remodeling in different types of heart disease in patients and in animal models. We will further provide an overview of what we have learned from experimental animal models and genetically modified mice with altered expression of ECM regulatory proteins, MMPs and TIMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Fan
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2S2, Canada.
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