1
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Du J, Liu P, Zhou Y, Misener S, Sharma I, Leeaw P, Thomson BR, Jin J, Quaggin SE. The mechanosensory channel PIEZO1 functions upstream of angiopoietin/TIE/FOXO1 signaling in lymphatic development. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e176577. [PMID: 38747287 PMCID: PMC11093609 DOI: 10.1172/jci176577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphedema is a debilitating disease with no effective cure and affects an estimated 250 million individuals worldwide. Prior studies have identified mutations in piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (PIEZO1), angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT2), and tyrosine kinase with Ig-like and EGF-like domains 1 (TIE1) in patients with primary lymphedema. Here, we identified crosstalk between these molecules and showed that activation of the mechanosensory channel PIEZO1 in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) caused rapid exocytosis of the TIE ligand ANGPT2, ectodomain shedding of TIE1 by disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 17 (ADAM17), and increased TIE/PI3K/AKT signaling, followed by nuclear export of the transcription factor FOXO1. These data establish a functional network between lymphedema-associated genes and provide what we believe to be the first molecular mechanism bridging channel function with vascular signaling and intracellular events culminating in transcriptional regulation of genes expressed in LECs. Our study provides insights into the regulation of lymphatic function and molecular pathways involved in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Du
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute
| | - Pan Liu
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute
| | - Yalu Zhou
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute
| | - Sol Misener
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute
| | - Isha Sharma
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute
| | - Phoebe Leeaw
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute
| | - Benjamin R. Thomson
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute
- Department of Ophthalmology, and
| | - Jing Jin
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Susan E. Quaggin
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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2
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Nozawa A, Abe T, Niihori T, Ozeki M, Aoki Y, Ohnishi H. Lymphatic endothelial cell-specific NRAS p.Q61R mutant embryos show abnormal lymphatic vessel morphogenesis. Hum Mol Genet 2024:ddae080. [PMID: 38743908 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae080] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) and kaposiform lymphangiomatosis (KLA) are rare congenital disorders that arise through anomalous embryogenesis of the lymphatic system. A somatic activating NRAS p.Q61R variant has been recently detected in GLA and KLA tissues, suggesting that the NRAS p.Q61R variant plays an important role in the development of these diseases. To address this role, we studied the effect of the NRAS p.Q61R variant in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) on the structure of the lymphatics during embryonic and postnatal lymphangiogenesis applying inducible, LEC-specific NRAS p.Q61R variant in mice. Lox-stop-Lox NrasQ61R mice were crossed with Prox1-CreERT2 mice expressing tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase specifically in LECs. Whole-mount immunostaining of embryonic back skin using an antibody against the LEC surface marker VEGFR3 showed considerably greater lymphatic vessel width in LEC-specific NRAS p.Q61R mutant embryos than in littermate controls. These mutant embryos also showed a significant reduction in the number of lymphatic vessel branches. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining of whole-mount embryonic back skin using an antibody against the LEC-specific nuclear marker Prox1 showed a large increase in the number of LECs in LEC-specific NRAS p.Q61R mutants. In contrast, postnatal induction of the NRAS p.Q61R variant in LECs did not cause abnormal lymphatic vessel morphogenesis. These results suggest that the NRAS p.Q61R variant in LECs plays a role in development of lymphatic anomalies. While this model does not directly reflect the human pathology of GLA and KLA, there are overlapping features, suggesting that further study of this model may help in studying GLA and KLA mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akifumi Nozawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Taiki Abe
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Niihori
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Michio Ozeki
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido,Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Yoko Aoki
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Hidenori Ohnishi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido,Gifu 501-1194, Japan
- Clinical Genetics Center, Gifu University Hospital, 1-1 Yanagido,Gifu501-1194, Japan
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3
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Alitalo K. A phosphodiesterase pathway essential for lymphangiogenic growth arrest and maturation. Dev Cell 2024; 59:293-294. [PMID: 38320483 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
In developing embryos, downregulation of lymphatic endothelial proliferation is needed for maturation of lymphatic vessels into a hierarchical network. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Carlantoni discover that phosphodiesterase2A controls lymphatic endothelial growth arrest and maturation via regulation of cGMP, p38 MAP kinase, and Notch pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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4
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Serrano JC, Gillrie MR, Li R, Ishamuddin SH, Moeendarbary E, Kamm RD. Microfluidic-Based Reconstitution of Functional Lymphatic Microvasculature: Elucidating the Role of Lymphatics in Health and Disease. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302903. [PMID: 38059806 PMCID: PMC10837354 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge of the blood microvasculature and its functional role in health and disease has grown significantly attributable to decades of research and numerous advances in cell biology and tissue engineering; however, the lymphatics (the secondary vascular system) has not garnered similar attention, in part due to a lack of relevant in vitro models that mimic its pathophysiological functions. Here, a microfluidic-based approach is adopted to achieve precise control over the biological transport of growth factors and interstitial flow that drive the in vivo growth of lymphatic capillaries (lymphangiogenesis). The engineered on-chip lymphatics with in vivo-like morphology exhibit tissue-scale functionality with drainage rates of interstitial proteins and molecules comparable to in vivo standards. Computational and scaling analyses of the underlying transport phenomena elucidate the critical role of the three-dimensional geometry and lymphatic endothelium in recapitulating physiological drainage. Finally, the engineered on-chip lymphatics enabled studies of lymphatic-immune interactions that revealed inflammation-driven responses by the lymphatics to recruit immune cells via chemotactic signals similar to in vivo, pathological events. This on-chip lymphatics platform permits the interrogation of various lymphatic biological functions, as well as screening of lymphatic-based therapies such as interstitial absorption of protein therapeutics and lymphatic immunomodulation for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean C. Serrano
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Mark R. Gillrie
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Medicine University of CalgaryCalgaryABT2N 1N4Canada
| | - Ran Li
- Center for Systems Biology Massachusetts General Hospital Research InstituteBostonMA02114USA
| | - Sarah H. Ishamuddin
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
- 199 Biotechnologies LtdGloucester RoadLondonW2 6LDUK
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
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5
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Hu Z, Zhao X, Wu Z, Qu B, Yuan M, Xing Y, Song Y, Wang Z. Lymphatic vessel: origin, heterogeneity, biological functions, and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:9. [PMID: 38172098 PMCID: PMC10764842 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01723-x] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels, comprising the secondary circulatory system in human body, play a multifaceted role in maintaining homeostasis among various tissues and organs. They are tasked with a serious of responsibilities, including the regulation of lymph absorption and transport, the orchestration of immune surveillance and responses. Lymphatic vessel development undergoes a series of sophisticated regulatory signaling pathways governing heterogeneous-origin cell populations stepwise to assemble into the highly specialized lymphatic vessel networks. Lymphangiogenesis, as defined by new lymphatic vessels sprouting from preexisting lymphatic vessels/embryonic veins, is the main developmental mechanism underlying the formation and expansion of lymphatic vessel networks in an embryo. However, abnormal lymphangiogenesis could be observed in many pathological conditions and has a close relationship with the development and progression of various diseases. Mechanistic studies have revealed a set of lymphangiogenic factors and cascades that may serve as the potential targets for regulating abnormal lymphangiogenesis, to further modulate the progression of diseases. Actually, an increasing number of clinical trials have demonstrated the promising interventions and showed the feasibility of currently available treatments for future clinical translation. Targeting lymphangiogenic promoters or inhibitors not only directly regulates abnormal lymphangiogenesis, but improves the efficacy of diverse treatments. In conclusion, we present a comprehensive overview of lymphatic vessel development and physiological functions, and describe the critical involvement of abnormal lymphangiogenesis in multiple diseases. Moreover, we summarize the targeting therapeutic values of abnormal lymphangiogenesis, providing novel perspectives for treatment strategy of multiple human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoliang Hu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xushi Zhao
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Zhonghua Wu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Bicheng Qu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Minxian Yuan
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yanan Xing
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
| | - Yongxi Song
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
| | - Zhenning Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
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6
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Jain A, Ang PS, Matrongolo MJ, Tischfield MA. Understanding the development, pathogenesis, and injury response of meningeal lymphatic networks through the use of animal models. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:332. [PMID: 37872442 PMCID: PMC11072018 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04984-5] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) help maintain central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis via their ability to facilitate macromolecule waste clearance and neuroimmune trafficking. Although these vessels were overlooked for centuries, they have now been characterized in humans, non-human primates, and rodents. Recent studies in mice have explored the stereotyped growth and expansion of MLVs in dura mater, the various transcriptional, signaling, and environmental factors regulating their development and long-term maintenance, and the pathological changes these vessels undergo in injury, disease, or with aging. Key insights gained from these studies have also been leveraged to develop therapeutic approaches that help augment or restore MLV functions to improve brain health and cognition. Here, we review fundamental processes that control the development of peripheral lymphatic networks and how these might apply to the growth and expansion of MLVs in their unique meningeal environment. We also emphasize key findings in injury and disease models that may reveal additional insights into the plasticity of these vessels throughout the lifespan. Finally, we highlight unanswered questions and future areas of study that can further reveal the exciting therapeutic potential of meningeal lymphatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Jain
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Phillip S Ang
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Matthew J Matrongolo
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Max A Tischfield
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
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7
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Uçar MC, Hannezo E, Tiilikainen E, Liaqat I, Jakobsson E, Nurmi H, Vaahtomeri K. Self-organized and directed branching results in optimal coverage in developing dermal lymphatic networks. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5878. [PMID: 37735168 PMCID: PMC10514270 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41456-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Branching morphogenesis is a ubiquitous process that gives rise to high exchange surfaces in the vasculature and epithelial organs. Lymphatic capillaries form branched networks, which play a key role in the circulation of tissue fluid and immune cells. Although mouse models and correlative patient data indicate that the lymphatic capillary density directly correlates with functional output, i.e., tissue fluid drainage and trafficking efficiency of dendritic cells, the mechanisms ensuring efficient tissue coverage remain poorly understood. Here, we use the mouse ear pinna lymphatic vessel network as a model system and combine lineage-tracing, genetic perturbations, whole-organ reconstructions and theoretical modeling to show that the dermal lymphatic capillaries tile space in an optimal, space-filling manner. This coverage is achieved by two complementary mechanisms: initial tissue invasion provides a non-optimal global scaffold via self-organized branching morphogenesis, while VEGF-C dependent side-branching from existing capillaries rapidly optimizes local coverage by directionally targeting low-density regions. With these two ingredients, we show that a minimal biophysical model can reproduce quantitatively whole-network reconstructions, across development and perturbations. Our results show that lymphatic capillary networks can exploit local self-organizing mechanisms to achieve tissue-scale optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Can Uçar
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), Am Campus 1, 3400, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Edouard Hannezo
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), Am Campus 1, 3400, Klosterneuburg, Austria.
| | - Emmi Tiilikainen
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Inam Liaqat
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emma Jakobsson
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Nurmi
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Vaahtomeri
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
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8
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Jannaway M, Iyer D, Mastrogiacomo DM, Li K, Sung DC, Yang Y, Kahn ML, Scallan JP. VEGFR3 is required for button junction formation in lymphatic vessels. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112777. [PMID: 37454290 PMCID: PMC10503778 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic capillaries develop discontinuous cell-cell junctions that permit the absorption of large macromolecules, chylomicrons, and fluid from the interstitium. While excessive vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling can remodel and seal these junctions, whether and how VEGFR3 can alter lymphatic junctions remains incompletely understood. Here, we use lymphatic-specific Flt4 knockout mice to investigate VEGFR3 signaling in lymphatic junctions. We show that loss of Flt4 prevents specialized button junction formation in multiple tissues and impairs interstitial absorption. Knockdown of FLT4 in human lymphatic endothelial cells results in impaired NOTCH1 expression and activation, and overexpression of the NOTCH1 intracellular domain in Flt4 knockout vessels rescues the formation of button junctions and absorption of interstitial molecules. Together, our data reveal a requirement for VEGFR3 and NOTCH1 signaling in the development of button junctions during postnatal development and may hold clinical relevance to lymphatic diseases with impaired VEGFR3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Jannaway
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Drishya Iyer
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Diandra M Mastrogiacomo
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Kunyu Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Derek C Sung
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Mark L Kahn
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joshua P Scallan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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9
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Vasilopoulou C, McDaid-McCloskey SL, McCluskey G, Duguez S, Morris AP, Duddy W. Genome-Wide Gene-Set Analysis Identifies Molecular Mechanisms Associated with ALS. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4021. [PMID: 36835433 PMCID: PMC9966913 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal late-onset motor neuron disease characterized by the loss of the upper and lower motor neurons. Our understanding of the molecular basis of ALS pathology remains elusive, complicating the development of efficient treatment. Gene-set analyses of genome-wide data have offered insight into the biological processes and pathways of complex diseases and can suggest new hypotheses regarding causal mechanisms. Our aim in this study was to identify and explore biological pathways and other gene sets having genomic association to ALS. Two cohorts of genomic data from the dbGaP repository were combined: (a) the largest available ALS individual-level genotype dataset (N = 12,319), and (b) a similarly sized control cohort (N = 13,210). Following comprehensive quality control pipelines, imputation and meta-analysis, we assembled a large European descent ALS-control cohort of 9244 ALS cases and 12,795 healthy controls represented by genetic variants of 19,242 genes. Multi-marker analysis of genomic annotation (MAGMA) gene-set analysis was applied to an extensive collection of 31,454 gene sets from the molecular signatures database (MSigDB). Statistically significant associations were observed for gene sets related to immune response, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, neuron differentiation, muscle cell function, synaptic plasticity and development. We also report novel interactions between gene sets, suggestive of mechanistic overlaps. A manual meta-categorization and enrichment mapping approach is used to explore the overlap of gene membership between significant gene sets, revealing a number of shared mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Vasilopoulou
- Personalised Medicine Centre, School of Medicine, Ulster University, Londonderry BT47 6SB, UK
| | | | - Gavin McCluskey
- Personalised Medicine Centre, School of Medicine, Ulster University, Londonderry BT47 6SB, UK
| | - Stephanie Duguez
- Personalised Medicine Centre, School of Medicine, Ulster University, Londonderry BT47 6SB, UK
| | - Andrew P. Morris
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - William Duddy
- Personalised Medicine Centre, School of Medicine, Ulster University, Londonderry BT47 6SB, UK
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10
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Li A, Zhu L, Lei N, Wan J, Duan X, Liu S, Cheng Y, Wang M, Gu Z, Zhang H, Bai Y, Zhang L, Wang F, Ni C, Qin Z. S100A4-dependent glycolysis promotes lymphatic vessel sprouting in tumor. Angiogenesis 2023; 26:19-36. [PMID: 35829860 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-022-09845-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis promotes the formation of new lymphatic vessels, contributing to lymph nodes (LNs) metastasis of tumor cells in both mice and humans. Vessel sprouting appears to be a critical step in this process. However, how lymphatic vessels sprout during tumor lymphangiogenesis is not well-established. Here, we report that S100A4 expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) promotes lymphatic vessel sprouting in a growing tumor by regulating glycolysis. In mice, the loss of S100A4 in a whole body (S100A4-/-), or specifically in LECs (S100A4ΔLYVE1) leads to impaired tumor lymphangiogenesis and disrupted metastasis of tumor cells to sentinel LNs. Using a 3D spheroid sprouting assay, we found that S100A4 in LECs was required for the lymphatic vessel sprouting. Further investigations revealed that S100A4 was essential for the position and motility of tip cells, where it activated AMPK-dependent glycolysis during lymphatic sprouting. In addition, the expression of S100A4 in LECs was upregulated under hypoxic conditions. These results suggest that S100A4 is a novel regulator of tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis. Targeting S100A4 in LECs may be a potential therapeutic strategy for lymphatic tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Li
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Linyu Zhu
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Ningjing Lei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jiajia Wan
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xixi Duan
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shuangqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanru Cheng
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhuoyu Gu
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huilei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yueyue Bai
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fazhan Wang
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chen Ni
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhihai Qin
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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11
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Sakurai Y, Yoshikawa K, Arai K, Kazaoka A, Aoki S, Ito K, Nakai Y, Tange K, Furihata T, Tanaka H, Akita H. siRNA delivery to lymphatic endothelial cells via ApoE-mediated uptake by lipid nanoparticles. J Control Release 2023; 353:125-133. [PMID: 36414194 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemically administered lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are complexed with Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in the bloodstream, and the complex is subsequently largely taken up by hepatocytes. Based on a previous report showing that, like blood, lymph fluid also contains ApoE, and that LECs, in turn, expresses a low density-lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), which is the receptor responsible for the ApoE-bound LNP, we hypothesized that subcutaneously administered LNPs would be taken up by LECs via an ApoE-LDLR pathway. Our in vitro studies using immortal LECs that we established in a previous study showed that LEC indeed took up LNPs in an ApoE-dependent manner. We then reported on the development of LNPs that target the lymphatic endothelium for in vivo siRNA delivery after subcutaneous administration. The key to success for in vivo LEC targeting is that the surface needs to be modified with a high density of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated lipids with short acyl chains (C14). The LNPs were drained into the lymphatic system, and then accumulated in lymphatic endothelial cells in an ApoE-dependent manner, most likely after the release of the PEG-lipid. Subcutaneous administration of optimized LNPs containing encapsulated siRNA against VEGFR3, a marker of LECs, significantly inhibited the expression of VEGFR3. These findings are the first report of a simple straightforward strategy for targeting lymphatic endothelial cells by using ionizable lipid-formulated LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sakurai
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Keito Yoshikawa
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Kenta Arai
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Akira Kazaoka
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Shigeki Aoki
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Kousei Ito
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Yuta Nakai
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF Corporation, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Kota Tange
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF Corporation, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Tomomi Furihata
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy & Experimental Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tanaka
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan.
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12
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Sung DC, Chen M, Dominguez MH, Mahadevan A, Chen X, Yang J, Gao S, Ren AA, Tang AT, Mericko P, Patton R, Lee M, Jannaway M, Nottebaum A, Vestweber D, Scallan JP, Kahn ML. Sinusoidal and lymphatic vessel growth is controlled by reciprocal VEGF-C-CDH5 inhibition. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:1006-1021. [PMID: 36910472 PMCID: PMC9997205 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00147-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Sinusoids are specialized, low pressure blood vessels in the liver, bone marrow, and spleen required for definitive hematopoiesis. Unlike other blood endothelial cells (ECs), sinusoidal ECs express high levels of VEGFR3. VEGFR3 and its ligand VEGF-C are known to support lymphatic growth, but their function in sinusoidal vessels is unknown. In this study, we define a reciprocal VEGF-C/VEGFR3-CDH5 (VE-cadherin) signaling axis that controls growth of both sinusoidal and lymphatic vessels. Loss of VEGF-C or VEGFR3 resulted in cutaneous edema, reduced fetal liver size, and bloodless bone marrow due to impaired lymphatic and sinusoidal vessel growth. Mice with membrane-retained VE-cadherin conferred identical lymphatic and sinusoidal defects, suggesting that VE-cadherin opposes VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling. In developing mice, loss of VE-cadherin rescued defects in sinusoidal and lymphatic growth caused by loss of VEGFR3 but not loss of VEGF-C, findings explained by potentiated VEGF-C/VEGFR2 signaling in VEGFR3-deficient lymphatic ECs. Mechanistically, VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling induces VE-cadherin endocytosis and loss of function via SRC-mediated phosphorylation, while VE-cadherin prevents VEGFR3 endocytosis required for optimal receptor signaling. These findings establish an essential role for VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling during sinusoidal vascular growth, identify VE-cadherin as a powerful negative regulator of VEGF-C signaling that acts through both VEGFR3 and VEGFR2 receptors, and suggest that negative regulation of VE-cadherin is required for effective VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling during growth of sinusoidal and lymphatic vessels. Manipulation of this reciprocal negative regulatory mechanism, e.g. by reducing VE-cadherin function, may be used to stimulate therapeutic sinusoidal or lymphatic vessel growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek C. Sung
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mei Chen
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Martin H. Dominguez
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Aparna Mahadevan
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Xiaowen Chen
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jisheng Yang
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Siqi Gao
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Aileen A. Ren
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alan T. Tang
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Patricia Mericko
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Raiyah Patton
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michelle Lee
- University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Melanie Jannaway
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Astrid Nottebaum
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Joshua P. Scallan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Mark L. Kahn
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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13
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Abstract
The lymphatic system, composed of initial and collecting lymphatic vessels as well as lymph nodes that are present in almost every tissue of the human body, acts as an essential transport system for fluids, biomolecules and cells between peripheral tissues and the central circulation. Consequently, it is required for normal body physiology but is also involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, most notably cancer. The important role of tumor-associated lymphatic vessels and lymphangiogenesis in the formation of lymph node metastasis has been elucidated during the last two decades, whereas the underlying mechanisms and the relation between lymphatic and peripheral organ dissemination of cancer cells are incompletely understood. Lymphatic vessels are also important for tumor-host communication, relaying molecular information from a primary or metastatic tumor to regional lymph nodes and the circulatory system. Beyond antigen transport, lymphatic endothelial cells, particularly those residing in lymph node sinuses, have recently been recognized as direct regulators of tumor immunity and immunotherapy responsiveness, presenting tumor antigens and expressing several immune-modulatory signals including PD-L1. In this review, we summarize recent discoveries in this rapidly evolving field and highlight strategies and challenges of therapeutic targeting of lymphatic vessels or specific lymphatic functions in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lothar C Dieterich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carlotta Tacconi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Ducoli
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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14
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Olate-Briones A, Escalona E, Salazar C, Herrada MJ, Liu C, Herrada AA, Escobedo N. The meningeal lymphatic vasculature in neuroinflammation. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22276. [PMID: 35344212 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101574rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature is a unidirectional network of lymphatic endothelial cells, whose main role is to maintain fluid homeostasis along with the absorption of dietary fat in the gastrointestinal organs and management and coordination of immune cell trafficking into lymph nodes during homeostasis and under inflammatory conditions. In homeostatic conditions, immune cells, such as dendritic cells, macrophages, or T cells can enter into the lymphatic vasculature and move easily through the lymph reaching secondary lymph nodes where immune cell activation or peripheral tolerance can be modulated. However, under inflammatory conditions such as pathogen infection, increased permeabilization of lymphatic vessels allows faster immune cell migration into inflamed tissues following a chemokine gradient, facilitating pathogen clearance and the resolution of inflammation. Interestingly, since the re-discovery of lymphatic vasculature in the central nervous system, known as the meningeal lymphatic vasculature, the role of these lymphatics as a key player in several neurological disorders has been described, with emphasis on the neurodegenerative process. Alternatively, less has been discussed about meningeal lymphatics and its role in neuroinflammation. In this review, we discuss current knowledge about the anatomy and function of the meningeal lymphatic vasculature and specifically analyze its contribution to different neuroinflammatory processes, highlighting the potential therapeutic target of meningeal lymphatic vasculature in these pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Olate-Briones
- Lymphatic Vasculature and Inflammation Research Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile
| | - Emilia Escalona
- Lymphatic Vasculature and Inflammation Research Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile
| | - Celia Salazar
- Lymphatic Vasculature and Inflammation Research Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile
| | | | - Chaohong Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Andrés A Herrada
- Lymphatic Vasculature and Inflammation Research Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile
| | - Noelia Escobedo
- Lymphatic Vasculature and Inflammation Research Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile
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15
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Harris NR, Nielsen NR, Pawlak JB, Aghajanian A, Rangarajan K, Serafin DS, Farber G, Dy DM, Nelson-Maney NP, Xu W, Ratra D, Hurr SH, Qian L, Scallan JP, Caron KM. VE-Cadherin Is Required for Cardiac Lymphatic Maintenance and Signaling. Circ Res 2022; 130:5-23. [PMID: 34789016 PMCID: PMC8756423 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.318852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adherens protein VE-cadherin (vascular endothelial cadherin) has diverse roles in organ-specific lymphatic vessels. However, its physiological role in cardiac lymphatics and its interaction with lymphangiogenic factors has not been fully explored. We sought to determine the spatiotemporal functions of VE-cadherin in cardiac lymphatics and mechanistically elucidate how VE-cadherin loss influences prolymphangiogenic signaling pathways, such as adrenomedullin and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)-C/VEGFR3 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3) signaling. METHODS Cdh5flox/flox;Prox1CreERT2 mice were used to delete VE-cadherin in lymphatic endothelial cells across life stages, including embryonic, postnatal, and adult. Lymphatic architecture and function was characterized using immunostaining and functional lymphangiography. To evaluate the impact of temporal and functional regression of cardiac lymphatics in Cdh5flox/flox;Prox1CreERT2 mice, left anterior descending artery ligation was performed and cardiac function and repair after myocardial infarction was evaluated by echocardiography and histology. Cellular effects of VE-cadherin deletion on lymphatic signaling pathways were assessed by knockdown of VE-cadherin in cultured lymphatic endothelial cells. RESULTS Embryonic deletion of VE-cadherin produced edematous embryos with dilated cardiac lymphatics with significantly altered vessel tip morphology. Postnatal deletion of VE-cadherin caused complete disassembly of cardiac lymphatics. Adult deletion caused a temporal regression of the quiescent epicardial lymphatic network which correlated with significant dermal and cardiac lymphatic dysfunction, as measured by fluorescent and quantum dot lymphangiography, respectively. Surprisingly, despite regression of cardiac lymphatics, Cdh5flox/flox;Prox1CreERT2 mice exhibited preserved cardiac function, both at baseline and following myocardial infarction, compared with control mice. Mechanistically, loss of VE-cadherin leads to aberrant cellular internalization of VEGFR3, precluding the ability of VEGFR3 to be either canonically activated by VEGF-C or noncanonically transactivated by adrenomedullin signaling, impairing downstream processes such as cellular proliferation. CONCLUSIONS VE-cadherin is an essential scaffolding protein to maintain prolymphangiogenic signaling nodes at the plasma membrane, which are required for the development and adult maintenance of cardiac lymphatics, but not for cardiac function basally or after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie R. Harris
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
27599
| | - Natalie R. Nielsen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
27599
| | - John B. Pawlak
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
27599
| | - Amir Aghajanian
- Department of Medicine Division of Cardiology, University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 160 Dental Circle, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
USA 27599
| | - Krsna Rangarajan
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
27599
| | - D. Stephen Serafin
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
27599
| | - Gregory Farber
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
USA 27599,McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA 27599
| | - Danielle M. Dy
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
27599
| | - Nathan P. Nelson-Maney
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
27599
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
27599
| | - Disha Ratra
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
27599
| | - Sophia H. Hurr
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
27599
| | - Li Qian
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
USA 27599
| | - Joshua P. Scallan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology,
University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA 33612
| | - Kathleen M. Caron
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
27599
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16
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Qin L, Zhang H, Li B, Jiang Q, Lopez F, Min W, Zhou JH. CCM3 Loss-Induced Lymphatic Defect Is Mediated by the Augmented VEGFR3-ERK1/2 Signaling. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:2943-2960. [PMID: 34670407 PMCID: PMC8613000 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.316707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) can happen anywhere in the body, although they most commonly produce symptoms in the brain. The role of CCM genes in other vascular beds outside the brain and retina is not well-examined, although the 3 CCM-associated genes (CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3) are ubiquitously expressed in all tissues. We aimed to determine the role of CCM gene in lymphatics. Approach and Results: Mice with an inducible pan-endothelial cell (EC) or lymphatic EC deletion of Ccm3 (Pdcd10ECKO or Pdcd10LECKO) exhibit dilated lymphatic capillaries and collecting vessels with abnormal valve structure. Morphological alterations were correlated with lymphatic dysfunction in Pdcd10LECKO mice as determined by Evans blue dye and fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)-dextran transport assays. Pdcd10LECKO lymphatics had increased VEGFR3 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3)-ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) signaling with lymphatic hyperplasia. Mechanistic studies suggested that VEGFR3 is primarily regulated at a transcriptional level in Ccm3-deficient lymphatic ECs, in an NF-κB (nuclear factor κB)-dependent manner. CCM3 binds to importin alpha 2/KPNA2 (karyopherin subunit alpha 2), and a CCM3 deletion releases KPNA2 to activate NF-κB P65 by facilitating its nuclear translocation and P65-dependent VEGFR3 transcription. Moreover, increased VEGFR3 in lymphatic EC preferentially activates ERK1/2 signaling, which is critical for lymphatic EC proliferation. Importantly, inhibition of VEGFR3 or ERK1/2 rescued the lymphatic defects in structure and function. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that CCM3 deletion augments the VEGFR3-ERK1/2 signaling in lymphatic EC that drives lymphatic hyperplasia and malformation and warrant further investigation on the potential clinical relevance of lymphatic dysfunction in patients with CCM.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/genetics
- Cells, Cultured
- Endothelial Cells/physiology
- Endothelium, Lymphatic/pathology
- Endothelium, Lymphatic/physiopathology
- Female
- Gene Deletion
- Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/pathology
- Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/physiopathology
- Hyperplasia
- MAP Kinase Signaling System/physiology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Models, Animal
- NF-kappa B/genetics
- Translocation, Genetic
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Qin
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Busu Li
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Quan Jiang
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Francesc Lopez
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Cancer Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Wang Min
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Jenny Huanjiao Zhou
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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17
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Tabrizi ZB, Ahmed NS, Horder JL, Storr SJ, Benest AV. Transcription Factor Control of Lymphatic Quiescence and Maturation of Lymphatic Neovessels in Development and Physiology. Front Physiol 2021; 12:672987. [PMID: 34795596 PMCID: PMC8593113 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.672987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system is a vascular system comprising modified lymphatic endothelial cells, lymph nodes and other lymphoid organs. The system has diverse, but critical functions in both physiology and pathology, and forms an interface between the blood vascular and immune system. It is increasingly evident that remodelling of the lymphatic system occurs alongside remodelling of the blood microvascular system, which is now considered a hallmark of most pathological conditions as well as being critical for normal development. Much attention has focussed on how the blood endothelium undergoes phenotypic switching in development and disease, resulting in over two decades of research to probe the mechanisms underlying the resulting heterogeneity. The lymphatic system has received less attention, and consequently there are fewer descriptions of functional and molecular heterogeneity, but differential transcription factor activity is likely an important control mechanism. Here we introduce and discuss significant transcription factors of relevance to coordinating cellular responses during lymphatic remodelling as the lymphatic endothelium dynamically changes from quiescence to actively remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarah B Tabrizi
- Endothelial Quiescence Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nada S Ahmed
- Endothelial Quiescence Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph L Horder
- Endothelial Quiescence Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J Storr
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Centre for Cancer Sciences School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew V Benest
- Endothelial Quiescence Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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18
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Natale G, Stouthandel MEJ, Van Hoof T, Bocci G. The Lymphatic System in Breast Cancer: Anatomical and Molecular Approaches. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:1272. [PMID: 34833492 PMCID: PMC8624129 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57111272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most important causes of premature mortality among women and it is one of the most frequently diagnosed tumours worldwide. For this reason, routine screening for prevention and early diagnosis is important for the quality of life of patients. Breast cancer cells can enter blood and lymphatic capillaries, then metastasizing to the regional lymph nodes in the axilla and to both visceral and non-visceral sites. Rather than at the primary site, they seem to enter the systemic circulation mainly through the sentinel lymph node and the biopsy of this indicator can influence the axillary dissection during the surgical approach to the pathology. Furthermore, secondary lymphoedema is another important issue for women following breast cancer surgical treatment or radiotherapy. Considering these fundamental aspects, the present article aims to describe new methodological approaches to assess the anatomy of the lymphatic network in the axillary region, as well as the molecular and physiological control of lymphatic vessel function, in order to understand how the lymphatic system contributes to breast cancer disease. Due to their clinical implications, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing lymph node metastasis in breast cancer are also examined. Beyond the investigation of breast lymphatic networks and lymphatic molecular mechanisms, the discovery of new effective anti-lymphangiogenic drugs for future clinical settings appears essential to support any future development in the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Natale
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Museum of Human Anatomy “Filippo Civinini”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michael E. J. Stouthandel
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.E.J.S.); (T.V.H.)
| | - Tom Van Hoof
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.E.J.S.); (T.V.H.)
| | - Guido Bocci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
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19
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Cho Y, Na K, Jun Y, Won J, Yang JH, Chung S. Three-Dimensional In Vitro Lymphangiogenesis Model in Tumor Microenvironment. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:697657. [PMID: 34671596 PMCID: PMC8520924 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.697657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is a stage of new lymphatic vessel formation in development and pathology, such as inflammation and tumor metastasis. Physiologically relevant models of lymphatic vessels have been in demand because studies on lymphatic vessels are required for understanding the mechanism of tumor metastasis. In this study, a new three-dimensional lymphangiogenesis model in a tumor microenvironment is proposed, using a newly designed macrofluidic platform. It is verified that controllable biochemical and biomechanical cues, which contribute to lymphangiogenesis, can be applied in this platform. In particular, this model demonstrates that a reconstituted lymphatic vessel has an in vivo–like lymphatic vessel in both physical and biochemical aspects. Since biomechanical stress with a biochemical factor influences robust directional lymphatic sprouting, whether our model closely approximates in vivo, the initial lymphatics in terms of the morphological and genetic signatures is investigated. Furthermore, attempting an incorporation with a tumor spheroid, this study successfully develops a complex tumor microenvironment model for use in lymphangiogenesis and reveals the microenvironment factors that contribute to tumor metastasis. As a first attempt at a coculture model, this reconstituted model is a novel system with a fully three-dimensional structure and can be a powerful tool for pathological drug screening or disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngkyu Cho
- Department of IT Convergence, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.,Samsung Research, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyuhwan Na
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yesl Jun
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Drug Discovery Platform Research Center, Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jihee Won
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Hun Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.,Next&Bio Inc., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seok Chung
- Department of IT Convergence, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
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20
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Muley A, Kim Uh M, Salazar-De Simone G, Swaminathan B, James JM, Murtomaki A, Youn SW, McCarron JD, Kitajewski C, Gnarra Buethe M, Riitano G, Mukouyama YS, Kitajewski J, Shawber CJ. Unique functions for Notch4 in murine embryonic lymphangiogenesis. Angiogenesis 2021; 25:205-224. [PMID: 34665379 PMCID: PMC9054879 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09822-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In mice, embryonic dermal lymphatic development is well understood and used to study gene functions in lymphangiogenesis. Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that modulates cell fate decisions, which has been shown to both inhibit and promote dermal lymphangiogenesis. Here, we demonstrate distinct roles for Notch4 signaling versus canonical Notch signaling in embryonic dermal lymphangiogenesis. Actively growing embryonic dermal lymphatics expressed NOTCH1, NOTCH4, and DLL4 which correlated with Notch activity. In lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), DLL4 activation of Notch induced a subset of Notch effectors and lymphatic genes, which were distinctly regulated by Notch1 and Notch4 activation. Treatment of LECs with VEGF-A or VEGF-C upregulated Dll4 transcripts and differentially and temporally regulated the expression of Notch1 and Hes/Hey genes. Mice nullizygous for Notch4 had an increase in the closure of the lymphangiogenic fronts which correlated with reduced vessel caliber in the maturing lymphatic plexus at E14.5 and reduced branching at E16.5. Activation of Notch4 suppressed LEC migration in a wounding assay significantly more than Notch1, suggesting a dominant role for Notch4 in regulating LEC migration. Unlike Notch4 nulls, inhibition of canonical Notch signaling by expressing a dominant negative form of MAML1 (DNMAML) in Prox1+ LECs led to increased lymphatic density consistent with an increase in LEC proliferation, described for the loss of LEC Notch1. Moreover, loss of Notch4 did not affect LEC canonical Notch signaling. Thus, we propose that Notch4 signaling and canonical Notch signaling have distinct functions in the coordination of embryonic dermal lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajit Muley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Minji Kim Uh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | | | - Bhairavi Swaminathan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jennifer M James
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Neuro-Vascular Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Aino Murtomaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu, 8, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seock Won Youn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Joseph D McCarron
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Chris Kitajewski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Maria Gnarra Buethe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Gloria Riitano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Departments of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Yoh-Suke Mukouyama
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Neuro-Vascular Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jan Kitajewski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Carrie J Shawber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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21
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Donnan MD, Kenig-Kozlovsky Y, Quaggin SE. The lymphatics in kidney health and disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2021; 17:655-675. [PMID: 34158633 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-021-00438-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian vascular system consists of two networks: the blood vascular system and the lymphatic vascular system. Throughout the body, the lymphatic system contributes to homeostatic mechanisms by draining extravasated interstitial fluid and facilitating the trafficking and activation of immune cells. In the kidney, lymphatic vessels exist mainly in the kidney cortex. In the medulla, the ascending vasa recta represent a hybrid lymphatic-like vessel that performs lymphatic-like roles in interstitial fluid reabsorption. Although the lymphatic network is mainly derived from the venous system, evidence supports the existence of lymphatic beds that are of non-venous origin. Following their development and maturation, lymphatic vessel density remains relatively stable; however, these vessels undergo dynamic functional changes to meet tissue demands. Additionally, new lymphatic growth, or lymphangiogenesis, can be induced by pathological conditions such as tissue injury, interstitial fluid overload, hyperglycaemia and inflammation. Lymphangiogenesis is also associated with conditions such as polycystic kidney disease, hypertension, ultrafiltration failure and transplant rejection. Although lymphangiogenesis has protective functions in clearing accumulated fluid and immune cells, the kidney lymphatics may also propagate an inflammatory feedback loop, exacerbating inflammation and fibrosis. Greater understanding of lymphatic biology, including the developmental origin and function of the lymphatics and their response to pathogenic stimuli, may aid the development of new therapeutic agents that target the lymphatic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Donnan
- Feinberg Cardiovascular & Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Susan E Quaggin
- Feinberg Cardiovascular & Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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22
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Molecular Mechanisms of Neuroimmune Crosstalk in the Pathogenesis of Stroke. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179486. [PMID: 34502395 PMCID: PMC8431165 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke disrupts the homeostatic balance within the brain and is associated with a significant accumulation of necrotic cellular debris, fluid, and peripheral immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Additionally, cells, antigens, and other factors exit the brain into the periphery via damaged blood–brain barrier cells, glymphatic transport mechanisms, and lymphatic vessels, which dramatically influence the systemic immune response and lead to complex neuroimmune communication. As a result, the immunological response after stroke is a highly dynamic event that involves communication between multiple organ systems and cell types, with significant consequences on not only the initial stroke tissue injury but long-term recovery in the CNS. In this review, we discuss the complex immunological and physiological interactions that occur after stroke with a focus on how the peripheral immune system and CNS communicate to regulate post-stroke brain homeostasis. First, we discuss the post-stroke immune cascade across different contexts as well as homeostatic regulation within the brain. Then, we focus on the lymphatic vessels surrounding the brain and their ability to coordinate both immune response and fluid homeostasis within the brain after stroke. Finally, we discuss how therapeutic manipulation of peripheral systems may provide new mechanisms to treat stroke injury.
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23
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Analysis of Lymphatic Vessel Formation by Whole-Mount Immunofluorescence Staining. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34331253 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1480-8_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Pathological alterations of lymphatic structure and function interfere with lymph transport, resulting in a wide range of clinical disorders that include edema, tissue inflammation, and metabolic syndromes. Mesentery contains abundant lymphatic vessels and plays an important role in transporting absorbed lipid from the intestine. In this manuscript, we describe a whole-mount staining method on isolated mouse mesentery with VEGFR3, Prox1, and Lyve1 antibodies to visualize the morphology of lymphatic vessels.
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24
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Regulation of VEGFR Signalling in Lymphatic Vascular Development and Disease: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147760. [PMID: 34299378 PMCID: PMC8306507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of lymphatic vessels in a myriad of human diseases is rapidly gaining recognition; lymphatic vessel dysfunction is a feature of disorders including congenital lymphatic anomalies, primary lymphoedema and obesity, while improved lymphatic vessel function increases the efficacy of immunotherapy for cancer and neurological disease and promotes cardiac repair following myocardial infarction. Understanding how the growth and function of lymphatic vessels is precisely regulated therefore stands to inform the development of novel therapeutics applicable to a wide range of human diseases. Lymphatic vascular development is initiated during embryogenesis following establishment of the major blood vessels and the onset of blood flow. Lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells arise from a combination of venous and non-venous sources to generate the initial lymphatic vascular structures in the vertebrate embryo, which are then further ramified and remodelled to elaborate an extensive lymphatic vascular network. Signalling mediated via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinases is crucial for development of both the blood and lymphatic vascular networks, though distinct components are utilised to different degrees in each vascular compartment. Although much is known about the regulation of VEGFA/VEGFR2 signalling in the blood vasculature, less is understood regarding the mechanisms by which VEGFC/VEGFD/VEGFR3 signalling is regulated during lymphatic vascular development. This review will focus on recent advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating VEGFA-, VEGFC- and VEGFD-mediated signalling via VEGFRs which are important for driving the construction of lymphatic vessels during development and disease.
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25
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Zheng H, Chen C, Luo Y, Yu M, He W, An M, Gao B, Kong Y, Ya Y, Lin Y, Li Y, Xie K, Huang J, Lin T. Tumor-derived exosomal BCYRN1 activates WNT5A/VEGF-C/VEGFR3 feedforward loop to drive lymphatic metastasis of bladder cancer. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e497. [PMID: 34323412 PMCID: PMC8288020 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with lymph node (LN) metastatic bladder cancer (BCa) present with extremely poor prognosis. BCa-derived exosomes function as crucial bioactive cargo carriers to mediate the signal transduction in tumor microenvironment triggering tumor metastasis. However, the mechanisms underlying exosome-mediated LN metastasis in BCa are unclear. METHODS We conducted the high-throughput sequencing to explore the expression profile of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in urinary exosomes (urinary-EXO) from patients with BCa and further evaluated the clinical relevance of exosomal lncRNA BCYRN1 in a larger 210-case cohort. The functional role of exosomal BCYRN1 was evaluated through the migration and tube formation assays in vitro and the footpad-popliteal LN metastasis model in vivo. RNA pull-down assays, luciferase assays, and actinomycin assays were conducted to detect the regulatory mechanism of exosomal BCYRN1. RESULTS LncRNA BCYRN1 was substantially upregulated in urinary-EXO from patients with BCa, and associated with the LN metastasis of BCa. We demonstrated that exosomal BCYRN1 markedly promoted tube formation and migration of human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs) in vitro and lymphangiogenesis and LN metastasis of BCa in vivo. Mechanistically, BCYRN1 epigenetically upregulated WNT5A expression by inducing hnRNPA1-associated H3K4 trimethylation in WNT5A promoter, which activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling to facilitate the secretion of VEGF-C in BCa. Moreover, exosomal BCYRN1 was transmitted to HLECs to stabilize the VEGFR3 mRNA and thus formed an hnRNPA1/WNT5A/VEGFR3 feedforward regulatory loop, ultimately promoting the lymphatic metastasis of BCa. Importantly, blocking VEGFR3 with specific inhibitor, SAR131675 significantly impaired exosomal BCYRN1-induced the LN metastasis in vivo. Clinically, exosomal BCYRN1 was positively associated with the shorter survival of BCa patients and identified as a poor prognostic factor of patients. CONCLUSION Our results uncover a novel mechanism by which exosomal BCYRN1 synergistically enhances VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling-induced lymphatic metastasis of BCa, indicating that BCYRN1 may serve as an encouraging therapeutic target for patients with BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhao Zheng
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Changhao Chen
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Yuming Luo
- Department of General SurgeryGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Min Yu
- Department of General SurgeryGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Wang He
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Mingjie An
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Bowen Gao
- Department of Pancreatobiliary SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Yao Kong
- Department of General SurgeryGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Yiyao Ya
- Department of UrologyGuangzhou First People's HospitalSchool of MedicineSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Yuting Li
- Department of General SurgeryGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Keji Xie
- Department of UrologyGuangzhou First People's HospitalSchool of MedicineSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Tianxin Lin
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
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26
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Abstract
Lymphatic vessels maintain tissue fluid homeostasis by returning to blood circulation interstitial fluid that has extravasated from the blood capillaries. They provide a trafficking route for cells of the immune system, thus critically contributing to immune surveillance. Developmental or functional defects in the lymphatic vessels, their obstruction or damage, lead to accumulation of fluid in tissues, resulting in lymphedema. Here we discuss developmental lymphatic anomalies called lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies that manifest as localized or multifocal lesions of the lymphatic vasculature, respectively. They are rare diseases that are caused mostly by somatic mutations and can present with variable symptoms based upon the size and location of the lesions composed of fluid-filled cisterns or channels. Substantial progress has been made recently in understanding the molecular basis of their pathogenesis through the identification of their genetic causes, combined with the elucidation of the underlying mechanisms in animal disease models and patient-derived lymphatic endothelial cells. Most of the solitary somatic mutations that cause lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies occur in genes that encode components of oncogenic growth factor signal transduction pathways. This has led to successful repurposing of some targeted cancer therapeutics to the treatment of lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies. Apart from the mutations that act as lymphatic endothelial cell-autonomous drivers of these anomalies, current evidence points to superimposed paracrine mechanisms that critically contribute to disease pathogenesis and thus provide additional targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we review these advances and discuss new treatment strategies that are based on the recently identified molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taija Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (T.M.)
| | - Laurence M Boon
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Center for Vascular Anomalies, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium (L.M.B.).,Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (L.M.B., M.V.)
| | - Miikka Vikkula
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (L.M.B., M.V.).,Walloon Excellence in Lifesciences and Biotechnology, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (M.V.)
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Biomedicum, University of Helsinki, Finland (K.A.)
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27
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Donnan MD. Kidney lymphatics: new insights in development and disease. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2021; 30:450-455. [PMID: 34027907 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will highlight recent advances in our understanding of the kidney lymphatics regarding their development, physiologic function, and their potential role in the progression of kidney disease. RECENT FINDINGS Although sparse in comparison to the blood vasculature, lymphatic vessels within the healthy kidney perform an important role in maintaining homeostasis. Additionally, in response to kidney injury, lymphatic vessels undergo substantial expansion, termed lymphangiogenesis, which shows a direct correlation to the extent of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Kidney lymphatics expand through both the proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells from existing lymphatic vessels, as well as from direct contribution by other cell types of nonvenous origin. The primary driver of lymphatic growth is vascular endothelial growth factor C, both in development and in response to injury. The clinical implications of lymphangiogenesis in the setting of kidney diseases remains debated, however growing evidence suggests lymphatic vessels may perform a protective role in clearing away accumulating interstitial fluid, inflammatory cytokines, and cellular infiltrates that occur with injury. SUMMARY There is increasing evidence the kidney lymphatics perform an active role in the response to kidney injury and the development of fibrosis. Recent advances in our understanding of these vessels raise the possibility of targeting kidney lymphatics for the treatment of kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Donnan
- Feinberg Cardiovascular & Renal Research Institute.,Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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28
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Jafree DJ, Long DA, Scambler PJ, Ruhrberg C. Mechanisms and cell lineages in lymphatic vascular development. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:271-288. [PMID: 33825109 PMCID: PMC8205918 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09784-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels have critical roles in both health and disease and their study is a rapidly evolving area of vascular biology. The consensus on how the first lymphatic vessels arise in the developing embryo has recently shifted. Originally, they were thought to solely derive by sprouting from veins. Since then, several studies have uncovered novel cellular mechanisms and a diversity of contributing cell lineages in the formation of organ lymphatic vasculature. Here, we review the key mechanisms and cell lineages contributing to lymphatic development, discuss the advantages and limitations of experimental techniques used for their study and highlight remaining knowledge gaps that require urgent attention. Emerging technologies should accelerate our understanding of how lymphatic vessels develop normally and how they contribute to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniyal J Jafree
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - David A Long
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Peter J Scambler
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Christiana Ruhrberg
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
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29
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Khodabakhsh F, Merikhian P, Eisavand MR, Farahmand L. Crosstalk between MUC1 and VEGF in angiogenesis and metastasis: a review highlighting roles of the MUC1 with an emphasis on metastatic and angiogenic signaling. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:200. [PMID: 33836774 PMCID: PMC8033681 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01899-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
VEGF and its receptor family (VEGFR) members have unique signaling transduction system that play significant roles in most pathological processes, such as angiogenesis in tumor growth and metastasis. VEGF-VEGFR complex is a highly specific mitogen for endothelial cells and any de-regulation of the angiogenic balance implicates directly in endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, it has been shown that overexpressing Mucin 1 (MUC1) on the surface of many tumor cells resulting in upregulation of numerous signaling transduction cascades, such as growth and survival signaling pathways related to RTKs, loss of cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, and EMT. It promotes gene transcription of pro-angiogenic proteins such as HIF-1α during periods of oxygen scarcity (hypoxia) to enhance tumor growth and angiogenesis stimulation. In contrast, the cytoplasmic domain of MUC1 (MUC1-C) inhibits apoptosis, which in turn, impresses upon cell fate. Besides, it has been established that reduction in VEGF expression level correlated with silencing MUC1-C level indicating the anti-angiogenic effect of MUC1 downregulation. This review enumerates the role of MUC1-C oncoprotein and VEGF in angiogenesis and metastasis and describes several signaling pathways by which MUC1-C would mediate the pro-angiogenic activities of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Khodabakhsh
- Department of Genetics and Advanced Medical Technology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parnaz Merikhian
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, No. 146, South Gandhi Ave., Vanak Sq., Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Eisavand
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, No. 146, South Gandhi Ave., Vanak Sq., Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Farahmand
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, No. 146, South Gandhi Ave., Vanak Sq., Tehran, Iran.
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30
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Mentis AFA, Dardiotis E, Chrousos GP. Apolipoprotein E4 and meningeal lymphatics in Alzheimer disease: a conceptual framework. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1075-1097. [PMID: 32355332 PMCID: PMC7985019 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0731-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The potential existence and roles of the meningeal lymphatic system in normal and pathological brain function have been a long-standing enigma. Recent evidence suggests that meningeal lymphatic vessels are present in both the mouse and human brain; in mice, they seem to play a role in clearing toxic amyloid-beta peptides, which have been connected with Alzheimer disease (AD). Here, we review the evidence linking the meningeal lymphatic system with human AD. Novel findings suggest that the recently described meningeal lymphatic vessels could be linked to, and possibly drain, the efferent paravascular glial lymphatic (glymphatic) system carrying cerebrospinal fluid, after solute and immune cell exchange with brain interstitial fluid. In so doing, the glymphatic system could contribute to the export of toxic solutes and immune cells from the brain (an exported fluid we wish to describe as glymph, similarly to lymph) to the meningeal lymphatic system; the latter, by being connected with downstream anatomic regions, carries the glymph to the conventional cervical lymphatic vessels and nodes. Thus, abnormal function in the meningeal lymphatic system could, in theory, lead to the accumulation, in the brain, of amyloid-beta, cellular debris, and inflammatory mediators, as well as immune cells, resulting in damage of the brain parenchyma and, in turn, cognitive and other neurologic dysfunctions. In addition, we provide novel insights into APOE4-the leading genetic risk factor for AD-and its relation to the meningeal lymphatic system. In this regard, we have reanalyzed previously published RNA-Seq data to show that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) carrying the APOE4 allele (either as APOE4 knock-in or stemming from APOE4 patients) express lower levels of (a) genes associated with lymphatic markers, and (b) genes for which well-characterized missense mutations have been linked to peripheral lymphedema. Taking into account this evidence, we propose a new conceptual framework, according to which APOE4 could play a novel role in the premature shrinkage of meningeal lymphatic vessels (meningeal lymphosclerosis), leading to abnormal meningeal lymphatic functions (meningeal lymphedema), and, in turn, reduction in the clearance of amyloid-beta and other macromolecules and inflammatory mediators, as well as immune cells, from the brain, exacerbation of AD manifestations, and progression of the disease. Altogether, these findings and their potential interpretations may herald novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches in patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexios-Fotios A Mentis
- Public Health Laboratories, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Vas. Sofias Avenue 127, 115 21, Athens, Greece.
- Department of Microbiology, University of Thessaly, Panepistimiou 3, Viopolis, 41 500, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Efthimios Dardiotis
- Department of Neurology, University of Thessaly, Panepistimiou 3, Viopolis, 41 500, Larissa, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Livadias 8, 115 27, Athens, Greece
- UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, Athens, Greece
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31
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Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature is a vital component of the vertebrate vascular system that mediates tissue fluid homeostasis, lipid uptake and immune surveillance. The development of the lymphatic vasculature starts in the early vertebrate embryo, when a subset of blood vascular endothelial cells of the cardinal veins acquires lymphatic endothelial cell fate. These cells sprout from the veins, migrate, proliferate and organize to give rise to a highly structured and unique vascular network. Cellular cross-talk, cell-cell communication and the interpretation of signals from surrounding tissues are all essential for coordinating these processes. In this chapter, we highlight new findings and review research progress with a particular focus on LEC migration and guidance, expansion of the LEC lineage, network remodeling and morphogenesis of the lymphatic vasculature.
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32
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Bhattacharjee S, Lee Y, Zhu B, Wu H, Chen Y, Chen H. Epsins in vascular development, function and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:833-842. [PMID: 32930806 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03642-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epsins are a family of adaptor proteins involved in clathrin-dependent endocytosis. In the vasculature, epsins 1 and 2 are functionally redundant members of this family that are expressed in the endothelial cells of blood vessels and the lymphatic system throughout development and adulthood. These proteins contain a number of peptide motifs that allow them to interact with lipid moieties and a variety of proteins. These interactions facilitate the regulation of a wide range of cell signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on the involvement of epsins 1 and 2 in controlling vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. We also discuss the therapeutic implications of understanding the molecular mechanisms of epsin-mediated regulation in diseases such as atherosclerosis and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarshan Bhattacharjee
- Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Surgery, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yang Lee
- Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Surgery, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Bo Zhu
- Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Surgery, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Surgery, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yabing Chen
- Department of Pathology, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham and Research Department, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Surgery, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Martinez-Corral I, Zhang Y, Petkova M, Ortsäter H, Sjöberg S, Castillo SD, Brouillard P, Libbrecht L, Saur D, Graupera M, Alitalo K, Boon L, Vikkula M, Mäkinen T. Blockade of VEGF-C signaling inhibits lymphatic malformations driven by oncogenic PIK3CA mutation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2869. [PMID: 32513927 PMCID: PMC7280302 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16496-y] [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: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are debilitating vascular anomalies presenting with large cysts (macrocystic) or lesions that infiltrate tissues (microcystic). Cellular mechanisms underlying LM pathology are poorly understood. Here we show that the somatic PIK3CAH1047R mutation, resulting in constitutive activation of the p110α PI3K, underlies both macrocystic and microcystic LMs in human. Using a mouse model of PIK3CAH1047R-driven LM, we demonstrate that both types of malformations arise due to lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC)-autonomous defects, with the developmental timing of p110α activation determining the LM subtype. In the postnatal vasculature, PIK3CAH1047R promotes LEC migration and lymphatic hypersprouting, leading to microcystic LMs that grow progressively in a vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C)-dependent manner. Combined inhibition of VEGF-C and the PI3K downstream target mTOR using Rapamycin, but neither treatment alone, promotes regression of lesions. The best therapeutic outcome for LM is thus achieved by co-inhibition of the upstream VEGF-C/VEGFR3 and the downstream PI3K/mTOR pathways. Lymphatic malformation (LM) is a debilitating often incurable vascular disease. Using a mouse model of LM driven by a disease-causative PIK3CA mutation, the authors show that vascular growth is dependent on the upstream lymphangiogenic VEGF-C signalling, permitting effective therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Martinez-Corral
- Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yan Zhang
- Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Milena Petkova
- Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Henrik Ortsäter
- Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sofie Sjöberg
- Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sandra D Castillo
- Vascular Signaling Laboratory, Institut d´Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08908L´Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pascal Brouillard
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Louis Libbrecht
- Center for Vascular Anomalies, Division of Pathology, Cliniques universitaires Saint Luc, University of Louvain, 10 avenue Hippocrate, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dieter Saur
- Department of Internal Medicine 2, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, München, Germany
| | - Mariona Graupera
- Vascular Signaling Laboratory, Institut d´Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08908L´Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laurence Boon
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Center for Vascular Anomalies, Division of Plastic Surgery, Cliniques universitaires Saint Luc, University of Louvain, 10 avenue Hippocrate, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Miikka Vikkula
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Walloon Excellence in Lifesciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO), University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Taija Mäkinen
- Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
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34
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Jafree DJ, Long DA. Beyond a Passive Conduit: Implications of Lymphatic Biology for Kidney Diseases. J Am Soc Nephrol 2020; 31:1178-1190. [PMID: 32295825 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2019121320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The kidney contains a network of lymphatic vessels that clear fluid, small molecules, and cells from the renal interstitium. Through modulating immune responses and via crosstalk with surrounding renal cells, lymphatic vessels have been implicated in the progression and maintenance of kidney disease. In this Review, we provide an overview of the development, structure, and function of lymphatic vessels in the healthy adult kidney. We then highlight the contributions of lymphatic vessels to multiple forms of renal pathology, emphasizing CKD, transplant rejection, and polycystic kidney disease and discuss strategies to target renal lymphatics using genetic and pharmacologic approaches. Overall, we argue the case for lymphatics playing a fundamental role in renal physiology and pathology and treatments modulating these vessels having therapeutic potential across the spectrum of kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniyal J Jafree
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,MB/PhD Programme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David A Long
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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35
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Nielsen NR, Rangarajan KV, Mao L, Rockman HA, Caron KM. A murine model of increased coronary sinus pressure induces myocardial edema with cardiac lymphatic dilation and fibrosis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 318:H895-H907. [PMID: 32142379 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00436.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial edema is a consequence of many cardiovascular stressors, including myocardial infarction, cardiac bypass surgery, and hypertension. The aim of this study was to establish a murine model of myocardial edema and elucidate the response of cardiac lymphatics and the myocardium. Myocardial edema without infarction was induced in mice by cauterizing the coronary sinus, increasing pressure in the coronary venous system, and inducing myocardial edema. In male mice, there was rapid development of edema 3 h following coronary sinus cauterization (CSC), with associated dilation of cardiac lymphatics. By 24 h, males displayed significant cardiovascular contractile dysfunction. In contrast, female mice exhibited a temporal delay in the formation of myocardial edema, with onset of cardiovascular dysfunction by 24 h. Furthermore, myocardial edema induced a ring of fibrosis around the epicardial surface of the left ventricle in both sexes that included fibroblasts, immune cells, and increased lymphatics. Interestingly, the pattern of fibrosis and the cells that make up the fibrotic epicardial ring differ between sexes. We conclude that a novel surgical model of myocardial edema without infarct was established in mice. Cardiac lymphatics compensated by exhibiting both an acute dilatory and chronic growth response. Transient myocardial edema was sufficient to induce a robust epicardial fibrotic and inflammatory response, with distinct sex differences, which underscores the sex-dependent differences that exist in cardiac vascular physiology.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Myocardial edema is a consequence of many cardiovascular stressors, including myocardial infarction, cardiac bypass surgery, and high blood pressure. Cardiac lymphatics regulate interstitial fluid balance and, in a myocardial infarction model, have been shown to be therapeutically targetable by increasing heart function. Cardiac lymphatics have only rarely been studied in a noninfarct setting in the heart, and so we characterized the first murine model of increased coronary sinus pressure to induce myocardial edema, demonstrating distinct sex differences in the response to myocardial edema. The temporal pattern of myocardial edema induction and resolution is different between males and females, underscoring sex-dependent differences in the response to myocardial edema. This model provides an important platform for future research in cardiovascular and lymphatic fields with the potential to develop therapeutic interventions for many common cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie R Nielsen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Krsna V Rangarajan
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Lan Mao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Howard A Rockman
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kathleen M Caron
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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36
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Eckert N, Permanyer M, Yu K, Werth K, Förster R. Chemokines and other mediators in the development and functional organization of lymph nodes. Immunol Rev 2020; 289:62-83. [PMID: 30977201 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Secondary lymphoid organs like lymph nodes (LNs) are the main inductive sites for adaptive immune responses. Lymphocytes are constantly entering LNs, scanning the environment for their cognate antigen and get replenished by incoming cells after a certain period of time. As only a minor percentage of lymphocytes recognizes cognate antigen, this mechanism of permanent recirculation ensures fast and effective immune responses when necessary. Thus, homing, positioning, and activation as well as egress require precise regulation within LNs. In this review we discuss the mediators, including chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, and others that are involved in the formation of the LN anlage and subsequent functional organization of LNs. We highlight very recent findings in the fields of LN development, steady-state migration in LNs, and the intranodal processes during an adaptive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Eckert
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marc Permanyer
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kai Yu
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kathrin Werth
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reinhold Förster
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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37
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Álvarez-Aznar A, Martínez-Corral I, Daubel N, Betsholtz C, Mäkinen T, Gaengel K. Tamoxifen-independent recombination of reporter genes limits lineage tracing and mosaic analysis using CreER T2 lines. Transgenic Res 2019; 29:53-68. [PMID: 31641921 PMCID: PMC7000517 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-019-00177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The CreERT2/loxP system is widely used to induce conditional gene deletion in mice. One of the main advantages of the system is that Cre-mediated recombination can be controlled in time through Tamoxifen administration. This has allowed researchers to study the function of embryonic lethal genes at later developmental timepoints. In addition, CreERT2 mouse lines are commonly used in combination with reporter genes for lineage tracing and mosaic analysis. In order for these experiments to be reliable, it is crucial that the cell labeling approach only marks the desired cell population and their progeny, as unfaithful expression of reporter genes in other cell types or even unintended labeling of the correct cell population at an undesired time point could lead to wrong conclusions. Here we report that all CreERT2 mouse lines that we have studied exhibit a certain degree of Tamoxifen-independent, basal, Cre activity. Using Ai14 and Ai3, two commonly used fluorescent reporter genes, we show that those basal Cre activity levels are sufficient to label a significant amount of cells in a variety of tissues during embryogenesis, postnatal development and adulthood. This unintended labelling of cells imposes a serious problem for lineage tracing and mosaic analysis experiments. Importantly, however, we find that reporter constructs differ greatly in their susceptibility to basal CreERT2 activity. While Ai14 and Ai3 easily recombine under basal CreERT2 activity levels, mTmG and R26R-EYFP rarely become activated under these conditions and are therefore better suited for cell tracking experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Álvarez-Aznar
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - I Martínez-Corral
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - N Daubel
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - C Betsholtz
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden.,Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre (ICMC), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Blickagången 6, 141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - T Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - K Gaengel
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden.
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38
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Fernández-Chacón M, Casquero-García V, Luo W, Francesca Lunella F, Ferreira Rocha S, Del Olmo-Cabrera S, Benedito R. iSuRe-Cre is a genetic tool to reliably induce and report Cre-dependent genetic modifications. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2262. [PMID: 31118412 PMCID: PMC6531465 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10239-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Most biomedical research aimed at understanding gene function uses the Cre-Lox system, which consists of the Cre recombinase-dependent deletion of genes containing LoxP sites. This system enables conditional genetic modifications because the expression and activity of the recombinase Cre/CreERT2 can be regulated in space by tissue-specific promoters and in time by the ligand tamoxifen. Since the precise Cre-Lox recombination event is invisible, methods were developed to report Cre activity and are widely used. However, numerous studies have shown that expression of a given Cre activity reporter cannot be assumed to indicate deletion of other LoxP-flanked genes of interest. Here, we report the generation of an inducible dual reporter-Cre mouse allele, iSuRe-Cre. By significantly increasing Cre activity in reporter-expressing cells, iSuRe-Cre provides certainty that these cells have completely recombined floxed alleles. This genetic tool increases the ease, efficiency, and reliability of conditional mutagenesis and gene function analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Fernández-Chacón
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, E28029, Spain
| | - Verónica Casquero-García
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, E28029, Spain
| | - Wen Luo
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, E28029, Spain
| | - Federica Francesca Lunella
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, E28029, Spain
| | - Susana Ferreira Rocha
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, E28029, Spain
| | - Sergio Del Olmo-Cabrera
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, E28029, Spain
| | - Rui Benedito
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, E28029, Spain.
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Cho H, Kim J, Ahn JH, Hong YK, Mäkinen T, Lim DS, Koh GY. YAP and TAZ Negatively Regulate Prox1 During Developmental and Pathologic Lymphangiogenesis. Circ Res 2019; 124:225-242. [DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.118.313707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunsoo Cho
- From the Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon (H.C., J.H.A., D.-S.L., G.Y.K.)
| | - Jaeryung Kim
- Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea (J.K., G.Y.K.)
| | - Ji Hoon Ahn
- From the Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon (H.C., J.H.A., D.-S.L., G.Y.K.)
| | - Young-Kwon Hong
- Department of Surgery (Y.-K.H.), Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Y.-K.H.), Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Taija Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (T.M.)
| | - Dae-Sik Lim
- From the Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon (H.C., J.H.A., D.-S.L., G.Y.K.)
| | - Gou Young Koh
- From the Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon (H.C., J.H.A., D.-S.L., G.Y.K.)
- Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea (J.K., G.Y.K.)
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40
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Breslin JW, Yang Y, Scallan JP, Sweat RS, Adderley SP, Murfee WL. Lymphatic Vessel Network Structure and Physiology. Compr Physiol 2018; 9:207-299. [PMID: 30549020 PMCID: PMC6459625 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c180015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic system is comprised of a network of vessels interrelated with lymphoid tissue, which has the holistic function to maintain the local physiologic environment for every cell in all tissues of the body. The lymphatic system maintains extracellular fluid homeostasis favorable for optimal tissue function, removing substances that arise due to metabolism or cell death, and optimizing immunity against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other antigens. This article provides a comprehensive review of important findings over the past century along with recent advances in the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of lymphatic vessels, including tissue/organ specificity, development, mechanisms of lymph formation and transport, lymphangiogenesis, and the roles of lymphatics in disease. © 2019 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 9:207-299, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome W. Breslin
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Joshua P. Scallan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Richard S. Sweat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Shaquria P. Adderley
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - W. Lee Murfee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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41
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Blei F. Update August 2018. Lymphat Res Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2018.29048.fb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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42
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Update June 2018. Lymphat Res Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2018.29046.fb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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