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Cherf GM, Lee RB, Mehta N, Clifford C, Torres K, Kintzing JR, Cochran JR. An engineered ultrahigh affinity bi-paratopic uPAR targeting agent confers enhanced tumor targeting. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024. [PMID: 38965775 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is overexpressed on tumor cells in multiple types of cancer and contributes to disease progression and metastasis. In this work, we engineered a novel bi-paratopic uPAR targeting agent by fusing the binding domains of two native uPAR ligands: uPA and vitronectin, with a flexible peptide linker. The linker length was optimized to facilitate simultaneous engagement of both domains to their adjacent epitopes on uPAR, resulting in a high affinity and avid binding interaction. Furthermore, the individual domains were affinity-matured using yeast surface display and directed evolution, resulting in a bi-paratopic protein with affinity in the picomolar to femtomolar range. This engineered uPAR targeting agent demonstrated significantly enhanced tumor localization in mouse tumor models compared to the native uPAR ligand and warrants further investigation as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald M Cherf
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Robert B Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Nishant Mehta
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Claire Clifford
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kathleen Torres
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - James R Kintzing
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jennifer R Cochran
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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2
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Prognostic significance of the urokinase plasminogen activator system in tissue and serum of dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273811. [PMID: 36174075 PMCID: PMC9522282 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor uPAR promote cancer invasion and metastasis and are emerging therapeutic targets in both human and canine malignancies. While their clinical significance is well-characterized in multiple human tumor types, studies investigating their roles in osteosarcoma are lacking. The objectives of this study were to characterize serum and tissue uPA/uPAR expression in dogs with osteosarcoma and assess the prognostic significance. Serum samples and a tissue microarray of canine appendicular osteosarcoma were analyzed for uPA and uPAR expression by ELISA (n = 49) and immunohistochemistry (n = 38), respectively. Serum uPA activity was also measured by a chromogenic assay (n = 25). Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, log rank test, and Cox regression analysis. Serum uPA level was significantly higher in dogs with osteosarcoma than clinically healthy control dogs (median 1905 vs 1440 pg/ml, p = 0.008). The majority of canine osteosarcoma tissues expressed uPA (75.9%) or uPAR (77.6%), with 70.7% dual-positivity, indicating autocrine/paracrine activation of the pathway. Survival analysis revealed shorter progression free survival (PFS) in dogs with high serum uPA level in a discovery cohort (n = 29; median PFS 94 vs 266 days, p = 0.003) but not in a validation cohort (n = 23; median PFS 167 vs 490 days, p = 0.16). The difference was significant when both cohorts were combined (n = 49; median PFS 128 vs 266 days, p = 0.003). Serum uPAR and tissue uPA/uPAR levels were not prognostic. In Cox multivariate analysis, high serum uPA level and activity were both associated with poor prognosis, independent of serum ALP, tumor location, and peripheral lymphocyte/monocyte counts. These results indicate high utilization of the uPA pathway and association with disease progression in canine osteosarcoma. Further study involving prospective evaluation to confirm the prognostic significance is warranted. The high prevalence of tissue uPA and uPAR expression suggests the uPA system as a potential therapeutic target in canine osteosarcoma.
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3
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Alfano D, Franco P, Stoppelli MP. Modulation of Cellular Function by the Urokinase Receptor Signalling: A Mechanistic View. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:818616. [PMID: 35493073 PMCID: PMC9045800 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.818616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR or CD87) is a glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol anchored (GPI) membrane protein. The uPAR primary ligand is the serine protease urokinase (uPA), converting plasminogen into plasmin, a broad spectrum protease, active on most extracellular matrix components. Besides uPA, the uPAR binds specifically also to the matrix protein vitronectin and, therefore, is regarded also as an adhesion receptor. Complex formation of the uPAR with diverse transmembrane proteins, including integrins, formyl peptide receptors, G protein-coupled receptors and epidermal growth factor receptor results in intracellular signalling. Thus, the uPAR is a multifunctional receptor coordinating surface-associated pericellular proteolysis and signal transduction, thereby affecting physiological and pathological mechanisms. The uPAR-initiated signalling leads to remarkable cellular effects, that include increased cell migration, adhesion, survival, proliferation and invasion. Although this is beyond the scope of this review, the uPA/uPAR system is of great interest to cancer research, as it is associated to aggressive cancers and poor patient survival. Increasing evidence links the uPA/uPAR axis to epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a highly dynamic process, by which epithelial cells can convert into a mesenchymal phenotype. Furthermore, many reports indicate that the uPAR is involved in the maintenance of the stem-like phenotype and in the differentiation process of different cell types. Moreover, the levels of anchor-less, soluble form of uPAR, respond to a variety of inflammatory stimuli, including tumorigenesis and viral infections. Finally, the role of uPAR in virus infection has received increasing attention, in view of the Covid-19 pandemics and new information is becoming available. In this review, we provide a mechanistic perspective, via the detailed examination of consolidated and recent studies on the cellular responses to the multiple uPAR activities.
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4
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Zhai BT, Tian H, Sun J, Zou JB, Zhang XF, Cheng JX, Shi YJ, Fan Y, Guo DY. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as a therapeutic target in cancer. J Transl Med 2022; 20:135. [PMID: 35303878 PMCID: PMC8932206 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03329-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is an attractive target for the treatment of cancer, because it is expressed at low levels in healthy tissues but at high levels in malignant tumours. uPAR is closely related to the invasion and metastasis of malignant tumours, plays important roles in the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), tumour angiogenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and is associated with the multidrug resistance (MDR) of tumour cells, which has important guiding significance for the judgement of tumor malignancy and prognosis. Several uPAR-targeted antitumour therapeutic agents have been developed to suppress tumour growth, metastatic processes and drug resistance. Here, we review the recent advances in the development of uPAR-targeted antitumor therapeutic strategies, including nanoplatforms carrying therapeutic agents, photodynamic therapy (PDT)/photothermal therapy (PTT) platforms, oncolytic virotherapy, gene therapy technologies, monoclonal antibody therapy and tumour immunotherapy, to promote the translation of these therapeutic agents to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Tao Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Huan Tian
- Xi'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Jing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Jun-Bo Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Jiang-Xue Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Ya-Jun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Yu Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Dong-Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
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5
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Sudhini YR, Wei C, Reiser J. suPAR: An Inflammatory Mediator for Kidneys. KIDNEY DISEASES 2022; 8:265-274. [PMID: 35949208 PMCID: PMC9251480 DOI: 10.1159/000524965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Inflammation is a common feature of many kidney diseases. The implicated inflammatory mediators and their underlying molecular mechanisms however are often not clear. Summary suPAR is the soluble form of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), associated with inflammation and immune activation. It has evolved into a unique circulating kidney disease factor over the last 10 years. In particular, suPAR has multiple looks due to enzymatic cleavage and alternative transcriptional splicing of the uPAR gene. Most recently, suPAR has emerged as a systemic mediator for COVID-19 infection, associated with lung as well as kidney dysfunction. Like membrane-bound uPAR, suPAR could interact with integrins (e.g., αvβ3 integrin) on podocytes, providing the molecular basis for some glomerular kidney diseases. In addition, there have been numerous studies suggesting that suPAR connects acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease as a special kidney risk factor. Moreover, the implication of circulating suPAR levels in kidney transplantation and plasmapheresis not only indicates its relevance in monitoring for recurrence but also implies suPAR as a possible therapeutic target. In fact, the therapeutic concept of manipulating suPAR function has been evidenced in several kidney disease experimental models. Key Messages The last 10 years of research has established suPAR as a unique inflammatory mediator for kidneys. While open questions remain and deserve additional studies, modulating suPAR function may represent a promising novel therapeutic strategy for kidney disease.
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Soluble Urokinase Receptor as a Promising Marker for Early Prediction of Outcome in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10214914. [PMID: 34768433 PMCID: PMC8584815 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has rapidly spread to become a global pandemic, putting a strain on health care systems. SARS-CoV-2 infection may be associated with mild symptoms or, in severe cases, lead patients to the intensive care unit (ICU) or death. The critically ill patients suffer from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, thrombotic complications and multiple organ failure. For optimization of hospital resources, several molecular markers and algorithms have been evaluated in order to stratify COVID-19 patients, based on the risk of developing a mild, moderate, or severe disease. Here, we propose the soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) as a serum biomarker of clinical severity and outcome in patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19. In patients with mild disease course, suPAR levels were increased as compared to healthy controls, but they were dramatically higher in severely ill patients. Since early identification of disease progression may facilitate the individual management of COVID-19 symptomatic patients and the time of admission to the ICU, we suggest paying more clinical attention on patients with high suPAR levels.
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The Urokinase Receptor: A Multifunctional Receptor in Cancer Cell Biology. Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084111. [PMID: 33923400 PMCID: PMC8073738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis is a key event in several biological processes; proteolysis must be tightly controlled because its improper activation leads to dramatic consequences. Deregulation of proteolytic activity characterizes many pathological conditions, including cancer. The plasminogen activation (PA) system plays a key role in cancer; it includes the serine-protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). uPA binds to a specific cellular receptor (uPAR), which concentrates proteolytic activity at the cell surface, thus supporting cell migration. However, a large body of evidence clearly showed uPAR involvement in the biology of cancer cell independently of the proteolytic activity of its ligand. In this review we will first describe this multifunctional molecule and then we will discuss how uPAR can sustain most of cancer hallmarks, which represent the biological capabilities acquired during the multistep cancer development. Finally, we will illustrate the main data available in the literature on uPAR as a cancer biomarker and a molecular target in anti-cancer therapy.
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8
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Amoo M, O'Halloran PJ, Henry J, Husien MB, Brennan P, Campbell M, Caird J, Curley GF. Permeability of the Blood-Brain Barrier after Traumatic Brain Injury; Radiological Considerations. J Neurotrauma 2021; 39:20-34. [PMID: 33632026 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability, especially in young persons, and constitutes a major socioeconomic burden worldwide. It is regarded as the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in previously healthy young persons. Most of the mechanisms underpinning the development of secondary brain injury are consequences of disruption of the complex relationship between the cells and proteins constituting the neurovascular unit or a direct result of loss of integrity of the tight junctions (TJ) in the blood-brain barrier (BBB). A number of changes have been described in the BBB after TBI, including loss of TJ proteins, pericyte loss and migration, and altered expressions of water channel proteins at astrocyte end-feet processes. There is a growing research interest in identifying optimal biological and radiological biomarkers of severity of BBB dysfunction and its effects on outcomes after TBI. This review explores the microscopic changes occurring at the neurovascular unit, after TBI, and current radiological adjuncts for its evaluation in pre-clinical and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Amoo
- National Centre for Neurosurgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Beacon Academy, Beacon Hospital, Sandyford, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Philip J O'Halloran
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Neurosurgery, Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Henry
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mohammed Ben Husien
- National Centre for Neurosurgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul Brennan
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Radiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - John Caird
- National Centre for Neurosurgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gerard F Curley
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Kyyriäinen J, Tapiala J, Lipponen A, Ekolle Ndode-Ekane X, Pitkänen A. Plau/Plaur double-deficiency did not worsen lesion severity or vascular integrity after traumatic brain injury. Neurosci Lett 2020; 729:134935. [PMID: 32360936 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Binding of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) to its ligand uPA or to its plasma membrane partner, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ), promotes neuroprotection, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. Following injury, single deficiency in uPA or uPAR leads in increased tissue loss and compromised vascular remodeling. We hypothesized that double-deficiency of uPAR (Plaur) and uPA (Plau) would result in increased lesion area and poor vascular integrity after traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI was induced by lateral fluid-percussion injury in Plau/Plaur double-knockout (dKO) and wild-type (Wt) mice. The cortical lesion area was quantified in unfolded cortical maps prepared from thionin-stained sections at 4 d or 30 d post-TBI. The density of PDGFRβ+ pericytes and blood vessels was calculated from immunostained sections. Blood-brain barrier leakage was analyzed using ImageJ® from IgG-immunostained sections. Genotype had no effect on the total area of the cortical lesion at 4 d or 30 d post-TBI (p > 0.05) or its progression as the overall lesion area was comparable at 4 d and 30 d post-TBI in both genotypes (p > 0.05). Subfield analysis, however, indicated that damage to the visual cortex at 4 d post-TBI in dKO-TBI mice was 53 % of that in Wt-TBI mice (p < 0.05). Both genotypes had a higher density of PDGFRβ-positive pericytes at 4 d than at 30 d post-TBI (p < 0.05), but no genotype effect was detected between these time-points (p > 0.05). TBI-induced increase in the density of PDGFRβ+ blood vessels at the region adjacent to the lesion core was comparable in both genotypes (p > 0.05). Genotype had no effect on TBI-induced IgG leakage into the perilesional cortical parenchyma (p > 0.05). Contrary to our expectations, Plau/Plaur double-deficiency did not aggravate TBI-related structural outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Kyyriäinen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jesse Tapiala
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anssi Lipponen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Xavier Ekolle Ndode-Ekane
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Asla Pitkänen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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10
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Kiyan Y, Tkachuk S, Kurselis K, Shushakova N, Stahl K, Dawodu D, Kiyan R, Chichkov B, Haller H. Heparanase-2 protects from LPS-mediated endothelial injury by inhibiting TLR4 signalling. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13591. [PMID: 31537875 PMCID: PMC6753096 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50068-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The endothelial glycocalyx and its regulated shedding are important to vascular health. Endo-β-D-glucuronidase heparanase-1 (HPSE1) is the only enzyme that can shed heparan sulfate. However, the mechanisms are not well understood. We show that HPSE1 activity aggravated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated response of endothelial cells to LPS. On the contrary, overexpression of its endogenous inhibitor, heparanase-2 (HPSE2) was protective. The microfluidic chip flow model confirmed that HPSE2 prevented heparan sulfate shedding by HPSE1. Furthermore, heparan sulfate did not interfere with cluster of differentiation-14 (CD14)-dependent LPS binding, but instead reduced the presentation of the LPS to TLR4. HPSE2 reduced LPS-mediated TLR4 activation, subsequent cell signalling, and cytokine expression. HPSE2-overexpressing endothelial cells remained protected against LPS-mediated loss of cell-cell contacts. In vivo, expression of HPSE2 in plasma and kidney medullary capillaries was decreased in mouse sepsis model. We next applied purified HPSE2 in mice and observed decreases in TNFα and IL-6 plasma concentrations after intravenous LPS injections. Our data demonstrate the important role of heparan sulfate and the glycocalyx in endothelial cell activation and suggest a protective role of HPSE2 in microvascular inflammation. HPSE2 offers new options for protection against HPSE1-mediated endothelial damage and preventing microvascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Kiyan
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Sergey Tkachuk
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kestutis Kurselis
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Klaus Stahl
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Damilola Dawodu
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Roman Kiyan
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Boris Chichkov
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hermann Haller
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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11
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Kanno Y. The Role of Fibrinolytic Regulators in Vascular Dysfunction of Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030619. [PMID: 30709025 PMCID: PMC6387418 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease of autoimmune origin characterized by vascular dysfunction and extensive fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. Vascular dysfunction is caused by endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis, defective angiogenesis, defective vasculogenesis, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), and coagulation abnormalities, and exacerbates the disease. Fibrinolytic regulators, such as plasminogen (Plg), plasmin, α2-antiplasmin (α2AP), tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and angiostatin, are considered to play an important role in the maintenance of endothelial homeostasis, and are associated with the endothelial dysfunction of SSc. This review considers the roles of fibrinolytic factors in vascular dysfunction of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Kanno
- Department of Clinical Pathological Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, 97-1 Kodo Kyo-tanabe, Kyoto 610-0395, Japan.
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12
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Laurenzana A, Margheri F, Biagioni A, Chillà A, Pimpinelli N, Ruzzolini J, Peppicelli S, Andreucci E, Calorini L, Serratì S, Del Rosso M, Fibbi G. EGFR/uPAR interaction as druggable target to overcome vemurafenib acquired resistance in melanoma cells. EBioMedicine 2019; 39:194-206. [PMID: 30611716 PMCID: PMC6355443 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background BRAF inhibitor (BRAF-I) therapy for melanoma patients harboring the V600E mutation is initially highly effective, but almost all patients relapse within a few months. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind BRAF-I responsiveness and acquired resistance is therefore an important issue. Here we assessed the role of urokinase type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as a potentially valuable biomarker in the acquisition of BRAF-I resistance in V600E mutant melanoma cells. Methods We examined uPAR and EGFR levels by real time PCR and western blot analysis. uPAR loss of function was realized by knocking down uPAR by RNAi or using M25, a peptide that uncouples uPAR-integrin interaction. We investigated uPAR-β1integrin-EGFR association by co-immunoprecipitation and confocal immuno-fluorescence analysis. Acquired resistance to BRAF-I was generated by chronic exposure of cells to vemurafenib. Findings We proved that uPAR knockdown in combination with vemurafenib inhibits melanoma cell proliferation to greater extent than either treatment alone causing a decrease in AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Conversely, we demonstrated that uPAR enforced over-expression results in reduced sensitivity to BRAF inhibition. Moreover, by targeting uPAR and EGFR interaction with an integrin antagonist peptide we restored vemurafenib responsiveness in melanoma resistant cells. Furthermore, we found significant detectable uPAR and EGFR levels in tumor biopsies of 4 relapsed patients. Interpretation We disclosed an unpredicted mechanism of reduced sensitiveness to BRAF inhibition, driven by elevated levels of uPAR and identified a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome acquired resistance. Funds Associazione Italiana Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC); Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Francesca Margheri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Anastasia Chillà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Nicola Pimpinelli
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Michelangiolo, 41, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Jessica Ruzzolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Peppicelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Andreucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Simona Serratì
- Nanotecnology Laboratory, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Del Rosso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Fibbi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Didiasova M, Wujak L, Schaefer L, Wygrecka M. Factor XII in coagulation, inflammation and beyond. Cell Signal 2018; 51:257-265. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Eden G, Archinti M, Arnaudova R, Andreotti G, Motta A, Furlan F, Citro V, Cubellis MV, Degryse B. D2A sequence of the urokinase receptor induces cell growth through αvβ3 integrin and EGFR. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:1889-1907. [PMID: 29184982 PMCID: PMC11105377 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2718-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The urokinase receptor (uPAR) stimulates cell proliferation by forming a macromolecular complex with αvβ3 integrin and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, ErbB1 or HER1) that we name the uPAR proliferasome. uPAR transactivates EGFR, which in turn mediates uPAR-initiated mitogenic signal to the cell. EGFR activation and EGFR-dependent cell growth are blocked in the absence of uPAR expression or when uPAR activity is inhibited by antibodies against either uPAR or EGFR. The mitogenic sequence of uPAR corresponds to the D2A motif present in domain 2. NMR analysis revealed that D2A synthetic peptide has a particular three-dimensional structure, which is atypical for short peptides. D2A peptide is as effective as EGF in promoting EGFR phosphorylation and cell proliferation that were inhibited by AG1478, a specific inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase activity of EGFR. Both D2A and EGF failed to induce proliferation of NR6-EGFR-K721A cells expressing a kinase-defective mutant of EGFR. Moreover, D2A peptide and EGF phosphorylate ERK demonstrating the involvement of the MAP kinase signalling pathway. Altogether, this study reveals the importance of sequence D2A of uPAR, and the interdependence of uPAR and EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Eden
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Medical Clinic V, Teaching Hospital Braunschweig, Salzdahlumer Straße 90, 38126, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Marco Archinti
- Department of Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics, DIBIT, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Ralitsa Arnaudova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics, DIBIT, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Andreotti
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Naples), Italy
| | - Andrea Motta
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (Naples), Italy
| | - Federico Furlan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics, DIBIT, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
- BoNetwork Programme, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Citro
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Bernard Degryse
- Department of Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics, DIBIT, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.
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Kyyriäinen J, Ekolle Ndode-Ekane X, Pitkänen A. Dynamics of PDGFRβ expression in different cell types after brain injury. Glia 2016; 65:322-341. [PMID: 27778377 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) is upregulated after brain injury and its depletion results in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. We investigated the time-window and localization of PDGFRβ expression in mice with intrahippocampal kainic acid-induced status epilepticus (SE) and in rats with lateral fluid-percussion-induced traumatic brain injury (TBI). Tissue immunohistochemistry was evaluated at several time-points after SE and TBI. The distribution of PDGFRβ was analyzed, and its cell type-specific expression was verified with double/triple-labeling of astrocytes (GFAP), NG2 cells, and endothelial cells (RECA-1). In normal mouse hippocampus, we found evenly distributed PDGFRβ+ parenchymal cells. In double-labeling, all NG2+ and 40%-60% GFAP+ cells were PDGFRβ+. After SE, PDGFRβ+ cells clustered in the ipsilateral hilus (178% of that in controls at fourth day, 225% at seventh day, P < 0.05) and in CA3 (201% at seventh day, P < 0.05), but the total number of PDGFRβ+ cells was not altered. As in controls, PDGFRβ-immunoreactivity was detected in parenchymal NG2+ and GFAP+ cells. We also observed PDGFRβ+ structural pericytes, detached reactive pericytes, and endothelial cells. After TBI, PDGFRβ+ cells clustered in the perilesional cortex and thalamus, particularly during the first post-injury week. PDGFRβ immunopositivity was observed in NG2+ and GFAP+ cells, structural pericytes, detached reactive pericytes, and endothelial cells. In some animals, PDGFRβ vascular staining was observed around the cortical glial scar for up to 3 months. Our data revealed an acute accumulation of PDGFRβ+ BBB-related cells in degenerating brain areas, which can be long lasting, suggesting an active role for PDGFRβ-signaling in blood vessel and post-injury tissue recovery. GLIA 2017;65:322-341.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Kyyriäinen
- Department of Neurobiology, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FI-70211, Finland
| | - Xavier Ekolle Ndode-Ekane
- Department of Neurobiology, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FI-70211, Finland
| | - Asla Pitkänen
- Department of Neurobiology, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FI-70211, Finland
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16
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Gouri A, Dekaken A, El Bairi K, Aissaoui A, Laabed N, Chefrour M, Ciccolini J, Milano G, Benharkat S. Plasminogen Activator System and Breast Cancer: Potential Role in Therapy Decision Making and Precision Medicine. Biomark Insights 2016; 11:105-11. [PMID: 27578963 PMCID: PMC4993165 DOI: 10.4137/bmi.s33372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Shifting from the historical TNM paradigm to the determination of molecular and genetic subtypes of tumors has been a major improvement to better picture cancerous diseases. The sharper the picture is, the better will be the possibility to develop subsequent strategies, thus achieving higher efficacy and prolonged survival eventually. Recent studies suggest that urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), uPA Receptor (uPAR), and plasmino-gen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) may play a critical role in cancer invasion and metastasis. Consistent with their role in cancer dissemination, high levels of uPA, PAI-1, and uPAR in multiple cancer types correlate with dismal prognosis. In this respect, upfront determination of uPA and PAI-1 as invasion markers has further opened up the possibilities for individualized therapy of breast cancer. Indeed, uPA and PAI-1 could help to classify patients on their risk for metastatic spreading and subsequent relapse, thus helping clinicians in their decision-making process to propose, or not propose, adjuvant therapy. This review covers the implications for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of uPA and PAI-1, and therefore how they could be major actors in the development of a precision medicine in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Gouri
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria
- CORRESPONDENCE:
| | - Aoulia Dekaken
- Department of Internal Medicine, EL OKBI Public Hospital, Guelma, Algeria
| | - Khalid El Bairi
- Independent Research Team in Cancer Biology and Bioactive Compounds, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed 1st University, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Arifa Aissaoui
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria
| | - Nihad Laabed
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria
| | - Mohamed Chefrour
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, La Timone University Hospital of Marseille, France
| | - Joseph Ciccolini
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory, SMARTc unit, Inserm S911 CRO2, La Timone University Hospital of Marseille, France
| | - Gérard Milano
- Oncopharmacology Unit, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | - Sadek Benharkat
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria
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Herkenne S, Paques C, Nivelles O, Lion M, Bajou K, Pollenus T, Fontaine M, Carmeliet P, Martial JA, Nguyen NQN, Struman I. The interaction of uPAR with VEGFR2 promotes VEGF-induced angiogenesis. Sci Signal 2015; 8:ra117. [PMID: 26577922 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaa2403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In endothelial cells, binding of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to the receptor VEGFR2 activates multiple signaling pathways that trigger processes such as proliferation, survival, and migration that are necessary for angiogenesis. VEGF-bound VEGFR2 becomes internalized, which is a key step in the proangiogenic signal. We showed that the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) interacted with VEGFR2 and described the mechanism by which this interaction mediated VEGF signaling and promoted angiogenesis. Knockdown of uPAR in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) impaired VEGFR2 signaling, and uPAR deficiency in mice prevented VEGF-induced angiogenesis. Upon exposure of HUVECs to VEGF, uPAR recruited the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1) to VEGFR2, which induced VEGFR2 internalization. Thus, the uPAR-VEGFR2 interaction is crucial for VEGF signaling in endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Herkenne
- Molecular Angiogenesis Laboratory, GIGA Research, University of Liège, Avenue de l'Hôpital, 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium. Dulbecco-Telethon Institute, Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy. Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58B, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Cécile Paques
- Molecular Angiogenesis Laboratory, GIGA Research, University of Liège, Avenue de l'Hôpital, 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivier Nivelles
- Molecular Angiogenesis Laboratory, GIGA Research, University of Liège, Avenue de l'Hôpital, 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Michelle Lion
- Molecular Angiogenesis Laboratory, GIGA Research, University of Liège, Avenue de l'Hôpital, 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Khalid Bajou
- Molecular Angiogenesis Laboratory, GIGA Research, University of Liège, Avenue de l'Hôpital, 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium. Department of Applied Biology, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Emirates of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thomas Pollenus
- Molecular Angiogenesis Laboratory, GIGA Research, University of Liège, Avenue de l'Hôpital, 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie Fontaine
- Molecular Angiogenesis Laboratory, GIGA Research, University of Liège, Avenue de l'Hôpital, 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center (VRC), Vlaams Instituut Biotechnologie, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, VRC, Department of Oncology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joseph A Martial
- Molecular Angiogenesis Laboratory, GIGA Research, University of Liège, Avenue de l'Hôpital, 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Ngoc-Quynh-Nhu Nguyen
- Molecular Angiogenesis Laboratory, GIGA Research, University of Liège, Avenue de l'Hôpital, 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Struman
- Molecular Angiogenesis Laboratory, GIGA Research, University of Liège, Avenue de l'Hôpital, 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
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Chabot V, Dromard C, Rico A, Langonné A, Gaillard J, Guilloton F, Casteilla L, Sensebé L. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor interaction with β1 integrin is required for platelet-derived growth factor-AB-induced human mesenchymal stem/stromal cell migration. Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 6:188. [PMID: 26420039 PMCID: PMC4588680 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0163-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are well described for their role in tissue regeneration following injury. Migratory properties of endogenous or administrated MSC are critical for tissue repair processes. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a chemotactic growth factor that elicits mesenchymal cell migration. However, it is yet to be elucidated if signaling pathways other than direct activation of PDGF receptor (PDGF-R) are involved in PDGF-induced cell migration. Methods Knocking down and co-immunoprecipitation approaches were used to evaluate urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) requirement and its interactions with proteins involved in migration mechanisms, in human MSC induced to migrate under PDGF-AB effect. Results We demonstrated that uPAR activation and its association with β1-integrin are required for PDGF-AB-induced migration. This phenomenon takes place in MSC derived from bone marrow and from adipose tissue. Conclusions We showed that PDGF-AB downstream signaling requires other effector molecules in MSC such as the uPA/uPAR system and β1 integrin signaling pathway known for their role in migration. These findings provide new insights in molecular mechanisms of PDGF-AB-induced migration of human MSC that may be relevant to control MSC function and tissue remodeling after injury. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-015-0163-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Chabot
- EFS Centre-Atlantique, BP 40661, 37 206, Tours, Cedex 3, France.
| | - Cécile Dromard
- CNRS UMR5273 STROMALab, BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France. .,Université Paul Sabatier de Toulouse, BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France. .,INSERM U1031, BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France. .,EFS Pyrénées -Méditerranée BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France.
| | - Angélique Rico
- EFS Centre-Atlantique, BP 40661, 37 206, Tours, Cedex 3, France.
| | - Alain Langonné
- EFS Centre-Atlantique, BP 40661, 37 206, Tours, Cedex 3, France.
| | - Julien Gaillard
- EFS Centre-Atlantique, BP 40661, 37 206, Tours, Cedex 3, France. .,Département des Microscopies, Faculté de Médecine, 37 032, Tours, Cedex, France.
| | - Fabien Guilloton
- CNRS UMR5273 STROMALab, BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France. .,Université Paul Sabatier de Toulouse, BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France. .,INSERM U1031, BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France. .,EFS Pyrénées -Méditerranée BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France.
| | - Louis Casteilla
- CNRS UMR5273 STROMALab, BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France. .,Université Paul Sabatier de Toulouse, BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France. .,INSERM U1031, BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France. .,EFS Pyrénées -Méditerranée BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France.
| | - Luc Sensebé
- CNRS UMR5273 STROMALab, BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France. .,Université Paul Sabatier de Toulouse, BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France. .,INSERM U1031, BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France. .,EFS Pyrénées -Méditerranée BP 84225, F-31 432, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France.
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19
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Gonias SL, Hu J. Urokinase receptor and resistance to targeted anticancer agents. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:154. [PMID: 26283964 PMCID: PMC4515545 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The urokinase receptor (uPAR) is a GPI-anchored membrane protein, which regulates protease activity at the cell surface and, in collaboration with a system of co-receptors, triggers cell-signaling and regulates gene expression within the cell. In normal tissues, uPAR gene expression is limited; however, in cancer, uPAR is frequently over-expressed and the gene may be amplified. Hypoxia, which often develops in tumors, further increases uPAR expression by cancer cells. uPAR-initiated cell-signaling promotes cancer cell migration, invasion, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stem cell-like properties, survival, and release from states of dormancy. Newly emerging data suggest that the pro-survival cell-signaling activity of uPAR may allow cancer cells to "escape" from the cytotoxic effects of targeted anticancer drugs. Herein, we review the molecular properties of uPAR that are responsible for its activity in cancer cells and its ability to counteract the activity of anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Gonias
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego , San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jingjing Hu
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego , San Diego, CA, USA
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20
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Duffy MJ, McGowan PM, Harbeck N, Thomssen C, Schmitt M. uPA and PAI-1 as biomarkers in breast cancer: validated for clinical use in level-of-evidence-1 studies. Breast Cancer Res 2014; 16:428. [PMID: 25677449 PMCID: PMC4423643 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-014-0428-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is an extracellular matrix-degrading protease involved in cancer invasion and metastasis, interacting with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which was originally identified as a blood-derived endogenous fast-acting inhibitor of uPA. At concentrations found in tumor tissue, however, both PAI-1 and uPA promote tumor progression and metastasis. Consistent with the causative role of uPA and PAI-1 in cancer dissemination, several retrospective and prospective studies have shown that elevated levels of uPA and PAI-1 in breast tumor tissue are statistically independent and potent predictors of poor patient outcome, including adverse outcome in the subset of breast cancer patients with lymph node-negative disease. In addition to being prognostic, high levels of uPA and PAI-1 have been shown to predict benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer. The unique clinical utility of uPA/PAI-1 as prognostic biomarkers in lymph node-negative breast cancer has been confirmed in two independent level-of-evidence-1 studies (that is, in a randomized prospective clinical trial in which the biomarker evaluation was the primary purpose of the trial and in a pooled analysis of individual data from retrospective and prospective studies). Thus, uPA and PAI-1 are among the best validated prognostic biomarkers currently available for lymph node-negative breast cancer, their main utility being the identification of lymph node-negative patients who have HER-2-negative tumors and who can be safely spared the toxicity and costs of adjuvant chemotherapy. Recently, a phase II clinical trial using the low-molecular-weight uPA inhibitor WX-671 reported activity in metastatic breast cancer.
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Pitkänen A, Ndode-Ekane XE, Łukasiuk K, Wilczynski GM, Dityatev A, Walker MC, Chabrol E, Dedeurwaerdere S, Vazquez N, Powell EM. Neural ECM and epilepsy. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2014; 214:229-62. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63486-3.00011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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22
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Tkachuk VA. Role of multidomain structure of urokinase in regulation of growth and remodeling of vessels. UKRAINIAN BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 2013. [DOI: 10.15407/ubj85.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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23
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Kalbasi Anaraki P, Patecki M, Larmann J, Tkachuk S, Jurk K, Haller H, Theilmeier G, Dumler I. Urokinase receptor mediates osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and vascular calcification via the complement C5a receptor. Stem Cells Dev 2013; 23:352-62. [PMID: 24192237 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular calcification is a severe consequence of several pathological processes with a lack of effective therapy. Recent studies suggest that circulating and resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) contribute to the osteogenic program of vascular calcification. Molecular mechanisms underlying MSC osteogenic potential and differentiation remain, however, sparsely explored. We investigated a role for the complement receptor C5aR in these processes. We found that expression of C5aR was upregulated upon differentiation of human MSC to osteoblasts. C5aR inhibition by silencing and specific antagonist impaired osteogenic differentiation. We demonstrate that C5aR expression upon MSC differentiation was regulated by the multifunctional urokinase receptor (uPAR). uPAR targeting by siRNA resulted in complete abrogation of C5aR expression and consequently in the inhibition of MSC-osteoblast differentiation. We elucidated the NFκB pathway as the mechanism utilized by the uPAR-C5aR axis. MSC treatment with the NFκB inhibitor completely blocked the differentiation process. Nuclear translocation of the p65 RelA component of the NFκB complex was induced under osteogenic conditions and impaired by the inhibition of uPAR or C5aR. Dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated enhanced NFκB signaling upon MSC differentiation, whereas uPAR and C5aR downregulation lead to inhibition of the NFκB activity. We show involvement of the Erk1/2 kinase in this cascade. In vivo studies in a uPAR/LDLR double knockout mouse model of diet-induced atherosclerosis revealed impaired C5aR expression and calcification in aortic sinus plaques in uPAR(-/-)/LDLR(-/-) versus uPAR(+/+)/LDLR(-/-) control animals. These results suggest that uPAR-C5aR axis via the underlying NFκB transcriptional program controls osteogenic differentiation with functional impact on vascular calcification in vivo.
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Kiyan Y, Tkachuk S, Hilfiker-Kleiner D, Haller H, Fuhrman B, Dumler I. oxLDL induces inflammatory responses in vascular smooth muscle cells via urokinase receptor association with CD36 and TLR4. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2013; 66:72-82. [PMID: 24239845 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis involves an imbalanced lipid metabolism and a deregulated immune response culminating in chronic inflammation of the arterial wall. Recent studies show that endogenous ligands, such as modified plasma lipoproteins, can trigger pattern recognition receptors (PRR) of innate immunity for cellular and humoral reactions. The underlying molecular pathways remain less explored. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of inflammatory effects of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) on human primary coronary artery smooth muscle cells (VSMC). We show that already low concentration of oxLDL initiated atherogenic signals triggering VSMC transition to proinflammatory phenotype. oxLDL impaired the expression of contractile proteins and myocardin in VSMC and initiated changes in cell functional responses, including expression of proinflammatory molecules. The effects of oxLDL were abolished by downregulation of the multifunctional urokinase receptor (uPAR). In response to oxLDL uPAR associated with CD36 and TLR4, the two main PRR for both pathogen and endogenous ligands. We demonstrate that uPAR association with CD36 and TLR4 mediated oxLDL-induced and NF-κB-dependent G-CSF and GM-CSF expression and changes in VSMC contractile proteins. uPAR-mediated release of G-CSF and GM-CSF by VSMC affected macrophage behavior and production of MCP-1. We provide evidence for functional relevance of our in vitro findings to in vivo human atherosclerotic tissues. Our data imply uPAR as a part of a PRR cluster interfering structurally and functionally with CD36 and TLR4 and responding to endogenous atherogenic ligands. They further point to specific function of each component of this cluster in mediating the ultimate signaling pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Kiyan
- Nephrology Department, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Sergey Tkachuk
- Nephrology Department, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner
- Cardiology Department, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Hermann Haller
- Nephrology Department, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Bianca Fuhrman
- The Lipid Research Laboratory, Technion Faculty of Medicine, and Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Inna Dumler
- Nephrology Department, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) modulates monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and prevents Ox-LDL-induced macrophage apoptosis. Atherosclerosis 2013; 231:29-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2013.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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26
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Mani T, Liu D, Zhou D, Li L, Knabe WE, Wang F, Oh K, Meroueh SO. Probing binding and cellular activity of pyrrolidinone and piperidinone small molecules targeting the urokinase receptor. ChemMedChem 2013; 8:1963-77. [PMID: 24115356 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201300340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The urokinase receptor (uPAR) is a cell-surface protein that is part of an intricate web of transient and tight protein interactions that promote cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Here, we evaluate the binding and biological activity of a new class of pyrrolidinone and piperidinone compounds, along with derivatives of previously-identified pyrazole and propylamine compounds. Competition assays revealed that the compounds displace a fluorescently labeled peptide (AE147-FAM) with inhibition constant (Ki ) values ranging from 6 to 63 μM. Structure-based computational pharmacophore analysis followed by extensive explicit-solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and free energy calculations suggested the pyrazole-based and piperidinone-based compounds adopt different binding modes, despite their similar two-dimensional structures. In cells, pyrazole-based compounds showed significant inhibition of breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell proliferation, but piperidinone-containing compounds exhibited no cytotoxicity even at concentrations of 100 μM. One pyrazole-based compound impaired MDA-MB-231 invasion, adhesion, and migration in a concentration-dependent manner, while the piperidinone inhibited only invasion. The pyrazole derivative inhibited matrix metalloprotease-9 (gelatinase) activity in a concentration-dependent manner, while the piperidinone showed no effect suggesting different mechanisms for inhibition of cell invasion. Signaling studies further highlighted these differences, showing that pyrazole compounds completely inhibited ERK phosphorylation and impaired HIF1α and NF-κB signaling, while pyrrolidinones and piperidinones had no effect. Annexin V staining suggested that the effect of the pyrazole-based compound on proliferation was due to cell killing through an apoptotic mechanism. The compounds identified represent valuable leads in the design of further derivatives with higher affinities and potential probes to unravel the protein-protein interactions of uPAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timmy Mani
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202 (USA)
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Hunt JM, Bethea B, Liu X, Gandjeva A, Mammen PPA, Stacher E, Gandjeva MR, Parish E, Perez M, Smith L, Graham BB, Kuebler WM, Tuder RM. Pulmonary veins in the normal lung and pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2013; 305:L725-36. [PMID: 24039255 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00186.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the importance of pulmonary veins in normal lung physiology and the pathobiology of pulmonary hypertension with left heart disease (PH-LHD), pulmonary veins remain largely understudied. Difficult to identify histologically, lung venous endothelium or smooth muscle cells display no unique characteristic functional and structural markers that distinguish them from pulmonary arteries. To address these challenges, we undertook a search for unique molecular markers in pulmonary veins. In addition, we addressed the expression pattern of a candidate molecular marker and analyzed the structural pattern of vascular remodeling of pulmonary veins in a rodent model of PH-LHD and in lung tissue of patients with PH-LHD obtained at time of placement on a left ventricular assist device. We detected urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) expression preferentially in normal pulmonary veins of mice, rats, and human lungs. Expression of uPAR remained elevated in pulmonary veins of rats with PH-LHD; however, we also detected induction of uPAR expression in remodeled pulmonary arteries. These findings were validated in lungs of patients with PH-LHD. In selected patients with sequential lung biopsy at the time of removal of the left ventricular assist device, we present early data suggesting improvement in pulmonary hemodynamics and venous remodeling, indicating potential regression of venous remodeling in response to assist device treatment. Our data indicate that remodeling of pulmonary veins is an integral part of PH-LHD and that pulmonary veins share some key features present in remodeled yet not normotensive pulmonary arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Hunt
- Program in Translational Lung Research, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Univ. of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Research 2 - 9th floor, Rm. 9001; Mail stop C-272, 12700 East 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045.
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Hodjat M, Haller H, Dumler I, Kiyan Y. Urokinase receptor mediates doxorubicin-induced vascular smooth muscle cell senescence via proteasomal degradation of TRF2. J Vasc Res 2012; 50:109-23. [PMID: 23172421 DOI: 10.1159/000343000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The anthracycline doxorubicin is a widely used effective anti-cancer drug. However, its application and dosage are severely limited due to its cardiotoxicity. The exact mechanisms of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxic side effects remain poorly understood. Even less is known about the impact of doxorubicin treatment on vascular damage. We found that low doses of doxorubicin induced a senescent response in human primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). We observed that expression of urokinase receptor (uPAR) was upregulated in response to doxorubicin. Furthermore, the level of uPAR expression played a decisive role in developing doxorubicin-induced senescence. uPAR silencing in human VSMC by means of RNA interference as well as uPAR knockout in mouse VSMC resulted in abrogation of doxorubicin-induced cellular senescence. On the contrary, uPAR overexpression promoted VSMC senescence. We further found that proteasomal degradation of telomeric repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2) mediates doxorubicin-induced VSMC senescence. Our results demonstrate that uPAR controls the ubiquitin-proteasome system in VSMC and regulates doxorubicin-induced TRF2 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation via this mechanism. Therefore, VSMC senescence induced by low doses of doxorubicin may contribute to vascular damage upon doxorubicin treatment. uPAR-mediated TRF2 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation are further identified as a molecular mechanism underlying this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Hodjat
- Nephrology Department, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Breuss JM, Uhrin P. VEGF-initiated angiogenesis and the uPA/uPAR system. Cell Adh Migr 2012; 6:535-615. [PMID: 23076133 DOI: 10.4161/cam.22243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis involves a series of tightly regulated cellular processes initiated primarily by the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The urokinase-type plasminogen activator system, consisting of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), its cellular receptor uPAR and its inhibitor PAI-1, participates in the realization of these VEGF-induced processes by activating pericellular proteolysis, increasing vascular permeability and by supporting endothelial cell proliferation and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes M Breuss
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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30
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Wang F, Eric Knabe W, Li L, Jo I, Mani T, Roehm H, Oh K, Li J, Khanna M, Meroueh SO. Design, synthesis, biochemical studies, cellular characterization, and structure-based computational studies of small molecules targeting the urokinase receptor. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:4760-73. [PMID: 22771232 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2012] [Revised: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The urokinase receptor (uPAR) serves as a docking site to the serine protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) to promote extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and tumor invasion and metastasis. Previously, we had reported a small molecule inhibitor of the uPAR·uPA interaction that emerged from structure-based virtual screening. Here, we measure the affinity of a large number of derivatives from commercial sources. Synthesis of additional compounds was carried out to probe the role of various groups on the parent compound. Extensive structure-based computational studies suggested a binding mode for these compounds that led to a structure-activity relationship study. Cellular studies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines that include A549, H460 and H1299 showed that compounds blocked invasion, migration and adhesion. The effects on invasion of active compounds were consistent with their inhibition of uPA and MMP proteolytic activity. These compounds showed weak cytotoxicity consistent with the confined role of uPAR to metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Indiana University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
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31
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McBane JE, Cai K, Labow RS, Santerre JP. Co-culturing monocytes with smooth muscle cells improves cell distribution within a degradable polyurethane scaffold and reduces inflammatory cytokines. Acta Biomater 2012; 8:488-501. [PMID: 21971418 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2011.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Revised: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Activated monocytes can promote inflammation or wound repair, depending on the nature of the implant environment. Recent work showed that a degradable, polar-hydrophobic-ionic polyurethane (D-PHI) induced an anti-inflammatory monocyte phenotype. In the current study it is hypothesized that wound-healing phenotype monocytes (activated by D-PHI material chemistry) will promote human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMC) to attach and migrate into porous D-PHI scaffolds. hVSMC migration is necessary for hVSMC population of the scaffold and tissue formation to occur, and then, once tissue formation is complete, the monocyte should promote contractile phenotype markers in the hVSMC. hVSMC were cultured for up to 28 days with or without monocytes and analyzed for cell viability, attachment (DNA) and migration. Lysates were analyzed for the hVSMC contractile phenotype markers calponin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) as well as urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA; pro-migration marker) using immunoblotting analysis. Histological staining showed that hVSMC alone remained around the perimeter of the scaffold, whereas co-culture samples had co-localization of monocytes with hVSMC in the pores, a more even cell distribution throughout the scaffold and increased total cell attachment (P<0.05). Co-culture samples had higher cell numbers and more DNA than the addition of both single cell cultures. The water-soluble tetrazolium-1 data suggested that cells were not dying over the 28 day culture period. Calponin, also linked to cell motility, was maintained up to 28 days in the co-culture and hVSMC alone, whereas α-SMA disappeared after 7 days. Co-cultures on D-PHI showed that monocytes were activated to a wound-healing phenotype (low TNF-α, elevated IL-10), while promoting uPA expression. In summary, this study showed that, by co-culturing monocytes with hVSMC, the latter showed increased total cell attachment and infiltration into the D-PHI scaffold compared with hVSMC alone, suggesting that monocytes may promote hVSMC migration, a condition necessary for ultimately achieving uniform tissue formation in porous scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E McBane
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 1G6
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Mazar AP, Ahn RW, O'Halloran TV. Development of novel therapeutics targeting the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and their translation toward the clinic. Curr Pharm Des 2011; 17:1970-8. [PMID: 21711234 DOI: 10.2174/138161211796718152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 05/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) mediates cell motility and tissue remodeling. Although uPAR may be expressed transiently in many tissues during development and wound healing, its constitutive expression appears to be associated with several pathological conditions, including cancer. uPAR expression has been demonstrated in most solid tumors and several hematologic malignancies including multiple myeloma and acute leukemias.Unlike many tumor antigens, uPAR is present not only in tumor cells but also in a number of tumor-associated cells including angiogenic endothelial cells and macrophages. The expression of uPAR has been shown to be fairly high in tumor compared to normal, quiescent tissues, which has led to uPAR being proposed as a therapeutic target, as well as a targeting agent, for the treatment of cancer. The majority of therapeutic approaches that have been investigated to date have focused on inhibiting the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)-uPAR interaction but these have not led to the development of a viable uPAR targeted clinical candidate. Genetic knockdown approaches e.g. siRNA, shRNA focused on decreasing uPAR expression have demonstrated robust antitumor activity in pre-clinical studies but have been hampered by the obstacles of stability and drug delivery that have limited the field of RNA nucleic acid based therapeutics. More recently, novel approaches that target interactions of uPAR that are downstream of uPA binding e.g. with integrins or that exploit observations describing the biology of uPAR such as mediating uPA internalization and signaling have generated novel uPAR targeted candidates that are now advancing towards clinic evaluation. This review will discuss some of the pitfalls that have delayed progress on uPAR-targeted interventions and will summarize recent progress in the development of uPAR-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Mazar
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
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Khateeb J, Kiyan Y, Aviram M, Tkachuk S, Dumler I, Fuhrman B. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator downregulates paraoxonase 1 expression in hepatocytes by stimulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ nuclear export. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2011; 32:449-58. [PMID: 22155455 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.111.239889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The atherosclerotic lesion is characterized by lipid peroxide accumulation. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) reduces atherosclerotic lesion oxidative stress, whereas urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) increases oxidative stress in atherosclerotic lesions and contributes to the progression and complications of atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that uPA may promote oxidative stress in the arterial wall via modulation of PON1 activity. Because the liver is the main site for PON1 production, in the present study, we tested whether uPA influences PON1 expression in hepatocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS HuH7 hepatocytes were incubated in culture with increasing concentrations of uPA. uPA decreased PON1 gene expression and activity in a dose-dependent manner and accordingly suppressed PON1 secretion from hepatocytes. This effect required uPA/uPA receptor interaction. uPA downregulated PON1 gene expression via inactivation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) activity, and this effect was dependent on uPA-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase activation. Mechanistic studies showed that uPA enhanced mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-PPARγ interaction, resulting in PPARγ nuclear export to the cytosol. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence that uPA interferes with PPARγ transcriptional activity in hepatocytes, resulting in downregulation of PON1 expression and its secretion to the medium. This may explain, at least in part, the prooxidative effect of uPA in the vascular wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Khateeb
- Lipid Research Laboratory, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel, 31096
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Khanna M, Wang F, Jo I, Knabe WE, Wilson SM, Li L, Bum-Erdene K, Li J, W. Sledge G, Khanna R, Meroueh SO. Targeting multiple conformations leads to small molecule inhibitors of the uPAR·uPA protein-protein interaction that block cancer cell invasion. ACS Chem Biol 2011; 6:1232-43. [PMID: 21875078 DOI: 10.1021/cb200180m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Interaction of the urokinase receptor (uPAR) with its binding partners such as the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) at the cell surface triggers a series of proteolytic and signaling events that promote invasion and metastasis. Here, we report the discovery of a small molecule (IPR-456) and its derivatives that inhibit the tight uPAR·uPA protein-protein interaction. IPR-456 was discovered by virtual screening against multiple conformations of uPAR sampled from explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations. Biochemical characterization reveal that the compound binds to uPAR with submicromolar affinity (K(d) = 310 nM) and inhibits the tight protein-protein interaction with an IC(50) of 10 μM. Free energy calculations based on explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations suggested the importance of a carboxylate moiety on IPR-456, which was confirmed by the activity of several derivatives including IPR-803. Immunofluorescence imaging showed that IPR-456 inhibited uPA binding to uPAR of breast MDA-MB-231 tumor cells with an IC(50) of 8 μM. The compounds blocked MDA-MB-231 cell invasion, but IPR-456 showed little effect on MDA-MB-231 migration and no effect on adhesion, suggesting that uPAR mediates these processes through its other binding partners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Khuchtumur Bum-Erdene
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | | | | | | | - Samy O. Meroueh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
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Fuhrman B. The urokinase system in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis 2011; 222:8-14. [PMID: 22137664 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2011.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Atherogenesis refers to the development of atheromatous plaques in the inner lining of the arteries. These atherosclerotic lesions are characterized by accumulation of monocyte-derived macrophage-foam cells loaded with cholesterol, which eventually undergo apoptotic death, leading finally to formation of the necrotic core of the plaque. Atheroma formation also involves the recruitment of smooth muscle cells (SMC) from the media into the intima, where they proliferate and form the neointima in a process called "remodeling". Cells in the advanced atherosclerotic plaques express high levels of the serine protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR). uPA is a multi-functional multi-domain protein that is not only a regulator of fibrinolysis, but it is also associated with several acute and chronic pathologic conditions. uPA mediate the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and plays a pivotal role in cell adhesion, migration and proliferation, during tissue remodeling. On cell surface uPA binds to the high affinity urokinase receptor, providing a strictly localized proteolysis of ECM proteins. The uPA/uPAR complex also activates intracellular signaling, thus regulating cellular function. An imbalance in the uPA/uPAR system leads to dis-orders in tissue structure and function. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding the role and mechanisms of the uPA/uPAR system in atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Fuhrman
- The Lipid Research Laboratory, Technion Faculty of Medicine, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa 31096, Israel.
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Kiyan Y, Limbourg A, Kiyan R, Tkachuk S, Limbourg FP, Ovsianikov A, Chichkov BN, Haller H, Dumler I. Urokinase receptor associates with myocardin to control vascular smooth muscle cells phenotype in vascular disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2011; 32:110-22. [PMID: 22075245 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.111.234369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its specific receptor (uPAR) are a potent multifunctional system involved in vascular remodeling. The goal of the study was to unravel the mechanisms of uPA/uPAR-directed vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation. METHODS AND RESULTS Using cultured human primary VSMCs, we identified a new molecular mechanism controlling phenotypic modulation in vitro and in vivo. We found that the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) acts together with the transcriptional coactivator myocardin to regulate the VSMC phenotype. uPAR, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell-surface receptor family member, undergoes ligand-induced internalization and nuclear transport in VSMCs. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor β and SUMOylated RanGAP1 mediate this trafficking. Nuclear uPAR associates with myocardin, which is then recruited from the promoters of serum response factor target genes and undergoes proteasomal degradation. This chain of events initiates the synthetic VSMC phenotype. Using mouse carotid artery ligation model, we show that this mechanism contributes to adverse vascular remodeling after injury in vivo. We then cultured cells on a microstructured biomaterial and found that substrate topography induced uPAR-mediated VSMC differentiation. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal the transcriptional activity of uPAR, controlling the differentiation of VSMCs in a vascular disease model. They also suggest a new role for uPAR as a therapeutic target and as a marker for VSMC phenotyping on prosthetic biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Kiyan
- Nephrology Department, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
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Wang F, Li J, Sinn AL, Knabe WE, Khanna M, Jo I, Silver JM, Oh K, Li L, Sandusky GE, Sledge GW, Nakshatri H, Jones DR, Pollok KE, Meroueh SO. Virtual screening targeting the urokinase receptor, biochemical and cell-based studies, synthesis, pharmacokinetic characterization, and effect on breast tumor metastasis. J Med Chem 2011; 54:7193-205. [PMID: 21851064 DOI: 10.1021/jm200782y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Virtual screening targeting the urokinase receptor (uPAR) led to (±)-3-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)-4-phenylbutan-1-amine 1 (IPR-1) and N-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-5-(piperidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide 3 (IPR-69). Synthesis of an analogue of 1, namely, 2 (IPR-9), and 3 led to breast MDA-MB-231 invasion, migration and adhesion assays with IC(50) near 30 μM. Both compounds blocked angiogenesis with IC(50) of 3 μM. Compounds 2 and 3 inhibited cell growth with IC(50) of 6 and 18 μM and induced apoptosis. Biochemical assays revealed leadlike properties for 3, but not 2. Compound 3 administered orally reached peak concentration of nearly 40 μM with a half-life of about 2 h. In NOD-SCID mice inoculated with breast TMD-231 cells in their mammary fat pads, compound 3 showed a 20% reduction in tumor volumes and less extensive metastasis was observed for the treated mice. The suitable pharmacokinetic properties of 3 and the encouraging preliminary results in metastasis make it an ideal starting point for next generation compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 535 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
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Ivaska J, Heino J. Cooperation between integrins and growth factor receptors in signaling and endocytosis. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2011; 27:291-320. [PMID: 21663443 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-092910-154017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
All multicellular animals express receptors for growth factors (GFs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. Integrin-type ECM receptors anchor cells to their surroundings and concomitantly activate intracellular signal transduction pathways. The same signaling mechanisms are regulated by GF receptors (GFRs). Recently, intensive research efforts have revealed novel mechanisms describing how the two receptor systems collaborate at many different levels. Integrins can directly bind to GFs and promote their activation. Adhesion receptors also organize signaling platforms and assist GFRs or even activate them via ligand-independent mechanisms. Furthermore, integrins can orchestrate endocytosis and recycling of GFRs. Here, we review the present knowledge about the interplay between integrins and GFRs and discuss recent ideas of how this collaboration may explain some previous controversies in integrin research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Ivaska
- Medical Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, Turku FI-20520, Finland.
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Tkachuk N, Tkachuk S, Patecki M, Kusch A, Korenbaum E, Haller H, Dumler I. The tight junction protein ZO-2 and Janus kinase 1 mediate intercellular communications in vascular smooth muscle cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 410:531-6. [PMID: 21679692 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence points to a multifunctional role of ZO-2, the tight junction protein of the MAGUK (membrane-associated guanylate kinase-like) family. Though ZO-2 has been found in cell types lacking tight junction structures, such as vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), little is known about ZO-2 function in these cells. We provide evidence that ZO-2 mediates specific homotypic cell-to-cell contacts between VSMC. Using mass spectrometry we found that ZO-2 is associated with the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Jak1. By generating specific ZO-2 constructs we further found that the N-terminal fragment of ZO-2 molecule is responsible for this interaction. Adenovirus-based expression of Jak1 inactive mutant demonstrated that Jak1 mediates ZO-2 tyrosine phosphorylation. By means of RNA silencing, expression of Jak1 mutant form and fluorescently labeled ZO-2 fusion protein we further specified that active Jak1, but not Jak1 inactive mutant, mediates ZO-2 localization to the sites of intercellular contacts. We identified the urokinase receptor uPAR as a pre-requisite for these cellular events. Functional requirement of the revealed signaling complex for VSMC network formation was confirmed in experiments using Matrigel and in contraction assay. Our findings imply involvement of the ZO-2 tight junction independent signaling complex containing Jak1 and uPAR in VSMC intercellular communications. This mechanism may contribute to vascular remodeling in occlusive cardiovascular diseases and in arteriogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Tkachuk
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover D-30625, Germany
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Gorantla B, Asuthkar S, Rao JS, Patel J, Gondi CS. Suppression of the uPAR-uPA system retards angiogenesis, invasion, and in vivo tumor development in pancreatic cancer cells. Mol Cancer Res 2011; 9:377-89. [PMID: 21389187 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-10-0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite existing chemotherapy and surgical resection strategies, pancreatic cancer is one of the major causes of mortality in the United States with a 5-year mean survival rate of less than 5%. The activation of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor-urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPAR-uPA) system in the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has been well established. In the present study, we used 2 pancreatic cancer cell lines, MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 to show the effects of uPAR and uPA downregulation. From the results, we observed that RNAi expressing plasmids efficiently downregulated mRNA and protein expression of uPAR and uPA. In vitro and in vivo angiogenic assays revealed a significant decrease in the angiogenic potential of MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells that were downregulated for both uPAR and uPA. From the angiogenesis antibody array analysis, we observed that the simultaneous downregulation of uPAR and uPA resulted in the downregulation of angiogenin and overexpression of RANTES. Further, FACS analysis showed that the simultaneous downregulation of uPAR and uPA caused the accumulation of cells in the sub-G(0/1) phase in both MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. In addition, Western blot analysis revealed that downregulation of uPAR and uPA caused the activation of caspase 8 and CAD, which is indicative of apoptosis, and in vivo TUNEL assay confirmed these results. Finally, we observed the nuclear localization of uPA and that uPA interacts with the transcription factor Lhx-2. Taken together, the results of the present study show that the targeting of the uPAR-uPA system has therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharathi Gorantla
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL 61605, USA
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Vallabhaneni KC, Tkachuk S, Kiyan Y, Shushakova N, Haller H, Dumler I, Eden G. Urokinase receptor mediates mobilization, migration, and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Cardiovasc Res 2010; 90:113-21. [PMID: 21088115 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvq362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have regenerative properties and are recognized as putative players in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The underlying molecular mechanisms remain, however, sparsely explored. Our study was designed to elucidate a probable role for the multifunctional urokinase (uPA)/urokinase receptor (uPAR) system in MSC regulation. Though uPAR has been implicated in a broad spectrum of pathophysiological processes, nothing is known about uPAR in MSCs. METHODS AND RESULTS uPAR was required to mobilize MSCs from the bone marrow (BM) of mice stimulated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in vivo. An insignificant amount of MSCs was mobilized in uPAR(-/-) C57BL/6J mice, whereas in wild-type animals G-CSF induced an eight-fold increase of mobilized MSCs. uPAR(-/-) mice revealed up-regulated expression of G-CSF and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (CXCR4) receptors in BM. uPAR down-regulation leads to inhibition of human MSC migration, as shown in different migration assays. uPAR down- or up-regulation resulted in inhibition or stimulation of MSC differentiation into vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) correspondingly, as monitored by changes in cell morphology and expression of specific marker proteins. Injection of fluorescently labelled MSCs in non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice after femoral artery wire injury demonstrated impaired engraftment of uPAR-deficient MSCs at the place of injury. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest a multifaceted function of uPAR in MSC biology contributing to vascular repair. uPAR might guide and control the trafficking of MSCs to the vascular wall in response to injury or ischaemia and their differentiation towards functional VSMCs at the site of arterial injury.
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Malla R, Gopinath S, Alapati K, Gondi CS, Gujrati M, Dinh DH, Mohanam S, Rao JS. Downregulation of uPAR and cathepsin B induces apoptosis via regulation of Bcl-2 and Bax and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway in gliomas. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13731. [PMID: 21060833 PMCID: PMC2966405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 10/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma is the most commonly diagnosed primary brain tumor and is characterized by invasive and infiltrative behavior. uPAR and cathepsin B are known to be overexpressed in high-grade gliomas and are strongly correlated with invasive cancer phenotypes. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In the present study, we observed that simultaneous downregulation of uPAR and cathepsin B induces upregulation of some pro-apoptotic genes and suppression of anti-apoptotic genes in human glioma cells. uPAR and cathepsin B (pCU)-downregulated cells exhibited decreases in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and initiated the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. We also observed that the broad caspase inhibitor, Z-Asp-2, 6-dichlorobenzoylmethylketone rescued pCU-induced apoptosis in U251 cells but not in 5310 cells. Immunoblot analysis of caspase-9 immunoprecipitates for Apaf-1 showed that uPAR and cathepsin B knockdown activated apoptosome complex formation in U251 cells. Downregulation of uPAR and cathepsin B also retarded nuclear translocation and interfered with DNA binding activity of CREB in both U251 and 5310 cells. Further western blotting analysis demonstrated that downregulation of uPAR and cathepsin B significantly decreased expression of the signaling molecules p-PDGFR-β, p-PI3K and p-Akt. An increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells, increased Bax expression, and decreased Bcl-2 expression in nude mice brain tumor sections and brain tissue lysates confirm our in vitro results. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In conclusion, RNAi-mediated downregulation of uPAR and cathepsin B initiates caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis in U251 cells and caspase-independent mitochondrial apoptosis in 5310 cells. Thus, targeting uPAR and cathepsin B-mediated signaling using siRNA may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramarao Malla
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sreelatha Gopinath
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kiranmai Alapati
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Christopher S. Gondi
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Meena Gujrati
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Dzung H. Dinh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sanjeeva Mohanam
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jasti S. Rao
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Pulukuri SMK, Gorantla B, Dasari VR, Gondi CS, Rao JS. Epigenetic upregulation of urokinase plasminogen activator promotes the tropism of mesenchymal stem cells for tumor cells. Mol Cancer Res 2010; 8:1074-83. [PMID: 20663859 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-09-0495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
A major obstacle for the effective treatment of cancer is the invasive capacity of the tumor cells. Previous studies have shown the capability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to target these disseminated tumor cells and to serve as therapeutic delivery vehicles. However, the molecular mechanisms that would enhance the migration of MSCs toward tumor areas are not well understood. In particular, very little is known about the role that epigenetic mechanisms play in cell migration and tropism of MSCs. In this study, we investigated whether histone deacetylation was involved in the repression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) expression in MSCs derived from umbilical cord blood (CB) and bone marrow (BM). Induction of uPA expression by histone deacetylase inhibitors trichostatin A and sodium butyrate was observed in CB- and BM-derived MSCs examined. In vitro migration assays showed that induction of uPA expression by histone deacetylase inhibitors in CB- and BM-derived MSCs significantly enhanced tumor tropism of these cells. Furthermore, overexpression of uPA in CB-MSCs induced migration capacity toward human cancer cells in vitro. In addition, our results showed that uPA-uPAR knockdown in PC3 prostate cancer cells significantly inhibited tumor-specific migration of uPA-overexpressing MSCs. These results have significant implications for the development of MSC-mediated, tumor-selective gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Murali Krishna Pulukuri
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL 61605, USA
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Abstract
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) expression is elevated during inflammation and tissue remodelling and in many human cancers, in which it frequently indicates poor prognosis. uPAR regulates proteolysis by binding the extracellular protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA; also known as urokinase) and also activates many intracellular signalling pathways. Coordination of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteolysis and cell signalling by uPAR underlies its important function in cell migration, proliferation and survival and makes it an attractive therapeutic target in cancer and inflammatory diseases. uPAR lacks transmembrane and intracellular domains and so requires transmembrane co-receptors for signalling. Integrins are essential uPAR signalling co-receptors and a second uPAR ligand, the ECM protein vitronectin, is also crucial for this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey W Smith
- Goodman Cancer Centre, McGill University, West Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1A3, Canada.
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45
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Extravasale Proteolyse: Funktion und Interaktion der Faktoren des fibrinolytischen Systems. Hamostaseologie 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-01544-1_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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46
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Blasi F, Sidenius N. The urokinase receptor: focused cell surface proteolysis, cell adhesion and signaling. FEBS Lett 2009; 584:1923-30. [PMID: 20036661 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2009] [Revised: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Plasma membrane urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)-receptor (uPAR) is a GPI-anchored protein that binds with high-affinity and activates the serine protease uPA, thus regulating proteolytic activity at the cell surface. In addition, uPAR is a signaling receptor that often does not require its protease ligand or its proteolytic function. uPAR is highly expressed during tissue reorganization, inflammation, and in virtually all human cancers. Since its discovery, in vitro and in vivo models, as well as retrospective clinical studies have shown that over-expression of components of the uPA/uPAR-system correlates with increased proliferation, migration, and invasion affecting the malignant phenotype of cancer. uPAR regulates the cells-extracellular matrix interactions promoting its degradation and turnover through the plasminogen activation cascade.
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Jerke U, Tkachuk S, Kiyan J, Stepanova V, Kusch A, Hinz M, Dietz R, Haller H, Fuhrman B, Dumler I. Stat1 nuclear translocation by nucleolin upon monocyte differentiation. PLoS One 2009; 4:e8302. [PMID: 20011528 PMCID: PMC2788426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2009] [Accepted: 11/19/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Members of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) family of transcription factors traverse the nuclear membrane through a specialized structure, called the nuclear pore complex (NPC), which represents a selective filter for the import of proteins. Karyophilic molecules can bind directly to a subset of proteins of the NPC, collectively called nucleoporins. Alternatively, the transport is mediated via a carrier molecule belonging to the importin/karyopherin superfamily, which transmits the import into the nucleus through the NPC. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we provide evidence for an alternative Stat1 nuclear import mechanism, which is mediated by the shuttle protein nucleolin. We observed Stat1-nucleolin association, nuclear translocation and specific binding to the regulatory DNA element GAS. Using expression of nucleolin transgenes, we found that the nuclear localization signal (NLS) of nucleolin is responsible for Stat1 nuclear translocation. We show that this mechanism is utilized upon differentiation of myeloid cells and is specific for the differentiation step from monocytes to macrophages. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our data add the nucleolin-Stat1 complex as a novel functional partner for the cell differentiation program, which is uniquely poised to regulate the transcription machinery via Stat1 and nuclear metabolism via nucleolin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Jerke
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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48
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Urokinase-receptor-mediated phenotypic changes in vascular smooth muscle cells require the involvement of membrane rafts. Biochem J 2009; 423:343-51. [PMID: 19691446 DOI: 10.1042/bj20090447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The cholesterol-enriched membrane microdomains lipid rafts play a key role in cell activation by recruiting and excluding specific signalling components of cell-surface receptors upon receptor engagement. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol)-linked uPAR [uPA (urokinase-type plasminogen activator) receptor], which can be found in lipid rafts and in non-raft fractions, can mediate the differentiation of VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells) towards a pathophysiological de-differentiated phenotype. However, the mechanism by which uPAR and its ligand uPA regulate VSMC phenotypic changes is not known. In the present study, we provide evidence that the molecular machinery of uPAR-mediated VSMC differentiation employs lipid rafts. We show that the disruption of rafts in VSMCs by membrane cholesterol depletion using MCD (methyl-beta-cyclodextrin) or filipin leads to the up-regulation of uPAR and cell de-differentiation. uPAR silencing by means of interfering RNA resulted in an increased expression of contractile proteins. Consequently, disruption of lipid rafts impaired the expression of these proteins and transcriptional activity of related genes. We provide evidence that this effect was mediated by uPAR. Similar effects were observed in VSMCs isolated from Cav1Z(-/-) (caveolin-1-deficient) mice. Despite the level of uPAR being significantly higher after the disruption of the rafts, uPA/uPAR-dependent cell migration was impaired. However, caveolin-1 deficiency impaired only uPAR-dependent cell proliferation, whereas cell migration was strongly up-regulated in these cells. Our results provide evidence that rafts are required in the regulation of uPAR-mediated VSMC phenotypic modulations. These findings suggest further that, in the context of uPA/uPAR-dependent processes, caveolae-associated and non-associated rafts represent different signalling membrane domains.
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Fuhrman B, Gantman A, Khateeb J, Volkova N, Horke S, Kiyan J, Dumler I, Aviram M. Urokinase activates macrophage PON2 gene transcription via the PI3K/ROS/MEK/SREBP-2 signalling cascade mediated by the PDGFR-beta. Cardiovasc Res 2009; 84:145-54. [PMID: 19497963 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvp184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS We have recently shown that urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) increases oxidative stress (OS), cholesterol biosynthesis, and paraoxonase 2 (PON2) expression in macrophages via binding to its receptor, the uPAR. Since PON2 is regulated by both OS and cholesterol content, we hypothesized that uPA elicits a cascade of signal transduction events shared by NADPH oxidase and cholesterol biosynthesis that culminates in PON2 gene expression. Here, we investigated the signalling pathway that leads to the expression of PON2 in macrophages in response to uPA. METHODS AND RESULTS The increase in macrophage PON2 mRNA levels in response to uPA was shown to depend on PON2 gene promoter activation and mRNA transcription. LDL abolished these effects, suggesting a possible role for a transcription factor involved in cellular cholesterogenesis. Indeed, uPA upregulated PON2 expression in a sterol regulatory binding protein-2 (SREBP-2)-dependent manner, since blocking SREBP-2 maturation by 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonyl fluoride abolished uPA-stimulation of PON2, whereas inhibition of SREBP-2 catabolism by N-acetyl-leucyl-norleucinal had an opposite effect. The upstream signalling mechanisms include uPA activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), which was dependent on NADPH oxidase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation, and these latter effects were mediated by the tyrosine kinase activity of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta. CONCLUSION These findings provide a framework linking interactions among cellular signalling pathways associated with reactive oxygen species production, macrophage cholesterol biosynthesis, and cellular PON2 expression in vascular pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Fuhrman
- The Lipid Research Laboratory, Technion Faculty of Medicine, The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa 31096, Israel.
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50
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Jo M, Takimoto S, Montel V, Gonias SL. The urokinase receptor promotes cancer metastasis independently of urokinase-type plasminogen activator in mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2009; 175:190-200. [PMID: 19497996 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2009.081053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The urokinase receptor (uPAR) promotes metastasis of human malignancies; however, its mechanism of action remains incompletely understood. Established models focus on the ability of uPAR to bind urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and promote protease activation in the tumor cell microenvironment; however, uPAR also regulates cell signaling and migration by both uPA-dependent and -independent mechanisms in vitro. The significance of uPAR as a cell-signaling receptor in vivo remains unclear. In this study, we expressed either human or mouse uPAR in human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells. We selected HEK-293 cells because, unlike most cancer cells, they do not express uPA or uPAR endogenously. Both mouse and human uPAR increased cell adhesion and migration on vitronectin. Rac1 was activated and responsible for the increase in cell migration. HEK-293 cells that did not express uPAR formed palpable tumors in severe combined immunodeficient mice; however, metastases were exceedingly rare. The xenografts contained abundant mouse uPA, produced by infiltrating mouse cells, but no human uPA. Mouse uPA bound only to mouse uPAR and not human uPAR and, thus, could not interact with human uPAR-expressing HEK-293 cells in xenografts. Nevertheless, both mouse and human uPAR significantly increased HEK-293 cell metastasis into the lungs. The activity of human uPAR suggests that uPAR may promote cancer metastasis independent of uPA. Candidate mechanisms include its effects on adhesion, migration, and Rac1 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji Jo
- Department of Pathology, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093-0612, USA
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