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Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Song J, Cheng X, Zhou C, Huang S, Zhao W, Zong Z, Yang L. Targeting the "tumor microenvironment": RNA-binding proteins in the spotlight in colorectal cancer therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111876. [PMID: 38493688 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and has the second highest mortality rate among cancers. The development of CRC involves both genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, and recent research has focused on exploring the ex-transcriptome, particularly post-transcriptional modifications. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are emerging epigenetic regulators that play crucial roles in post-transcriptional events. Dysregulation of RBPs can result in aberrant expression of downstream target genes, thereby affecting the progression of colorectal tumors and the prognosis of patients. Recent studies have shown that RBPs can influence CRC pathogenesis and progression by regulating various components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although previous research on RBPs has primarily focused on their direct regulation of colorectal tumor development, their involvement in the remodeling of the TME has not been systematically reported. This review aims to highlight the significant role of RBPs in the intricate interactions within the CRC tumor microenvironment, including tumor immune microenvironment, inflammatory microenvironment, extracellular matrix, tumor vasculature, and CRC cancer stem cells. We also highlight several compounds under investigation for RBP-TME-based treatment of CRC, including small molecule inhibitors such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNAs, agonists, gene manipulation, and tumor vaccines. The insights gained from this review may lead to the development of RBP-based targeted novel therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the TME, potentially inhibiting the progression and metastasis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, China
| | - Yujun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jingjing Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; School of Ophthalmology and Optometry of Nanchang University, China
| | - Xifu Cheng
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry of Nanchang University, China
| | - Chulin Zhou
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wentao Zhao
- The 3rd Clinical Department of China Medical University, 10159 Shenyang, China
| | - Zhen Zong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China.
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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Li X, Nakashima K, Ito M, Matsuda M, Chida T, Sekihara K, Takahashi H, Kato T, Sawasaki T, Suzuki T. SRPKIN-1 as an inhibitor against hepatitis B virus blocking the viral particle formation and the early step of the viral infection. Antiviral Res 2023; 220:105756. [PMID: 37992764 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
New antiviral agents are needed for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection because currently available drugs do not completely eradicate chronic HBV in patients. Phosphorylation dynamics of the HBV core protein (HBc) regulate several processes in the HBV life cycle, including nucleocapsid formation, cell trafficking, and virus uncoating after entry. In this study, the SRPK inhibitors SPHINX31, SRPIN340, and SRPKIN-1 showed concentration-dependent anti-HBV activity. Detailed analysis of the effects of SRPKIN-1, which exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity, on the HBV replication process showed that it inhibits the formation of infectious particles by inhibiting pregenomic RNA packaging into capsids and nucleocapsid envelopment. Mass spectrometry analysis combined with cell-free translation system experiments revealed that hyperphosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of HBc is inhibited by SRPKIN-1. Further, SRPKIN-1 exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of HBV infection not only in HepG2-hNTCP-C4 cells but also in fresh human hepatocytes (PXB cells) and in the single-round infection system. Treatment with SRPKIN-1 at the time of infection reduced the nuclease sensitivity of HBV DNA in the nuclear fraction. These results suggest that SRPKIN-1 has the potential to not only inhibit the HBV particle formation process but also impair the early stages of viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji Nakashima
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masahiko Ito
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Mami Matsuda
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashi-murayama, Japan
| | - Takeshi Chida
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan; Department of Regional Medical Care Support, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Sekihara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Takahashi
- Division of Cell-Free Science, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Takanobu Kato
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sawasaki
- Division of Cell-Free Science, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan.
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Ding N, Zheng C. Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 promotes angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and alleviates myocardial injury in diabetic mice with myocardial infarction by inhibiting Wnt5a/JNK signaling. Bioengineered 2022; 13:11656-11667. [PMID: 35506262 PMCID: PMC9275896 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2070964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) affects the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by high glucose (HG). HUVECs were treated with different concentrations of glucose. MTT, wound healing, angiogenesis, and ELISA assays were used to detect cell cytotoxicity, migration, tube formation, and VEGF165 and VEGF165b levels, respectively. The mice model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with myocardial infarction (MI) was established. SFRP5 was injected intrabitoneally for 2 weeks. cardiac output (CO), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular shortening fraction (LVSF) were detected by echocardiography. Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of SFRP5, Wnt5a, JNK1/2/3, p-JNK1/2/3, TGF-β1, Caspase3, Bax, and Bcl-2. The expression of SFRP5 was declined in HG-induced HUVECs and T2DM-MI. Intervention of SFRP5 promoted the migration of HUVECs and angiogenesis, as evidenced by a lower expression of Bax and caspase3, but a higher expression of Bcl-2. Meanwhile, SFRP5 inhibition repress Wnt5a and p-JNK expression. Howerver, The JNK inhibitor (SP600125) enhanced the down-regulation of Wnt5a/JNK pathway proteins by SFRP5. SFRP5 intervention increased the levels of CO, LVSF, and LVEF in T2DM-MI mice. SFRP5 inhibited myocardial pathological injury and fibrosis in T2DM-MI mice and SFRP5 could down-regulate Wnt5a and p-JNK1/2/3 activation. SFRP5 promotes the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs induced by HG, and inhibits cardiac dysfunction, pathological damage, fibrosis, and myocardial angiogenesis in diabetic myocardial ischemia mice, which is achieved by inhibiting Wnt5a/JNK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Ding
- Clinical College of Traditional Chinese medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Medical Ward, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenghong Zheng
- Clinical College of Traditional Chinese medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Medical Ward, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
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4
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Al Kawas H, Saaid I, Jank P, Westhoff CC, Denkert C, Pross T, Weiler KBS, Karsten MM. How VEGF-A and its splice variants affect breast cancer development - clinical implications. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:227-239. [PMID: 35303290 PMCID: PMC9050780 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00665-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered expression levels and structural variations in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been found to play important roles in cancer development and to be associated with the overall survival and therapy response of cancer patients. Particularly VEGF-A and its splice variants have been found to affect physiological and pathological angiogenic processes, including tumor angiogenesis, correlating with tumor progression, mostly caused by overexpression. This review focuses on the expression and impact of VEGF-A splice variants under physiologic conditions and in tumors and, in particular, the distribution and role of isoform VEGF165b in breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES Many publications already highlighted the importance of VEGF-A and its splice variants in tumor therapy, especially in breast cancer, which are summarized in this review. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate that cytoplasmatic VEGFA/165b expression is higher in invasive breast cancer tumor cells than in normal tissues or stroma. These examples show that the detection of VEGF splice variants can be performed also on the protein level in formalin fixed tissues. Although no quantitative conclusions can be drawn, these results may be the starting point for further studies at a quantitative level, which can be a major step towards the design of targeted antibody-based (breast) cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hivin Al Kawas
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inas Saaid
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Jank
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Therese Pross
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Maria Margarete Karsten
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
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5
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Peng Q, Zhou Y, Oyang L, Wu N, Tang Y, Su M, Luo X, Wang Y, Sheng X, Ma J, Liao Q. Impacts and mechanisms of alternative mRNA splicing in cancer metabolism, immune response, and therapeutics. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1018-1035. [PMID: 34793975 PMCID: PMC8899522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative pre-mRNA splicing (AS) provides the potential to produce diversity at RNA and protein levels. Disruptions in the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing can lead to diseases. With the development of transcriptome and genome sequencing technology, increasing diseases have been identified to be associated with abnormal splicing of mRNAs. In tumors, abnormal alternative splicing frequently plays critical roles in cancer pathogenesis and may be considered as new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer intervention. Metabolic abnormalities and immune disorders are important hallmarks of cancer. AS produces multiple different isoforms and diversifies protein expression, which is utilized by the immune and metabolic reprogramming systems to expand gene functions. The abnormal splicing events contributed to tumor progression, partially due to effects on immune response and metabolic reprogramming. Herein, we reviewed the vital role of alternative splicing in regulating cancer metabolism and immune response. We discussed how alternative splicing regulates metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and antitumor immune response, and the possible strategies to targeting alternative splicing pathways or splicing-regulated metabolic pathway in the context of anticancer immunotherapy. Further, we highlighted the challenges and discuss the perspectives for RNA-based strategies for the treatment of cancer with abnormally alternative splicing isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Peng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yujuan Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China,Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Linda Oyang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China
| | - Nayiyuan Wu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China
| | - Yanyan Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China
| | - Min Su
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China
| | - Xia Luo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China
| | - Xiaowu Sheng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Qianjin Liao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China.
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6
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Bucolo C, Barbieri A, Viganò I, Marchesi N, Bandello F, Drago F, Govoni S, Zerbini G, Pascale A. Short-and Long-Term Expression of Vegf: A Temporal Regulation of a Key Factor in Diabetic Retinopathy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:707909. [PMID: 34489701 PMCID: PMC8418071 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.707909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at different phases of diabetic retinopathy (DR), we assessed the retinal protein expression of VEGF-A164 (corresponding to the VEGF165 isoform present in humans, which is the predominant member implicated in vascular hyperpermeability and proliferation), HIF-1α and PKCβ/HuR pathway in Ins2Akita (diabetic) mice at different ages. We used C57BL6J mice (WT) at different ages as control. Retina status, in terms of tissue morphology and neovascularization, was monitored in vivo at different time points by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA), respectively. The results showed that VEGF-A164 protein expression increased along time to become significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at 9 and 46 weeks of age compared to WT mice. The HIF-1α protein level was significantly (p < 0.05) increased at 9 weeks of age, while PKCβII and HuR protein levels were increased at 46 weeks of age compared to WT mice. The thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer as measured by OCT was decreased in Ins2Akita mice at 9 and 46 weeks of age, while no difference in the retinal vasculature were observed by FA. The present findings show that the retina of the diabetic Ins2Akita mice, as expected for mice, does not develop proliferative retinopathy even after 46 weeks. However, diabetic Ins2Akita mice recapitulate the same evolution of patients with DR in terms of both retinal neurodegeneration and pro-angiogenic shift, this latter indicated by the progressive protein expression of the pro-angiogenic isoform VEGF-A164, which can be sustained by the PKCβII/HuR pathway acting at post-transcriptional level. In agreement with this last concept, this rise in VEGF-A164 protein is not paralleled by an increment of the corresponding transcript. Nevertheless, the observed increase in HIF-1α at 9 weeks indicates that this transcription factor may favor, in the early phase of the disease, the transcription of other isoforms, possibly neuroprotective, in the attempt to counteract the neurodegenerative effects of VEGF-A164. The time-dependent VEGF-A164 expression in the retina of diabetic Ins2Akita mice suggests that pharmacological intervention in DR might be chosen, among other reasons, on the basis of the specific stages of the pathology in order to pursue the best clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Annalisa Barbieri
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Viganò
- Complications of Diabetes Unit, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Marchesi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bandello
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Zerbini
- Complications of Diabetes Unit, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Pascale
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Dailey W, Shunemann R, Yang F, Moore M, Knapp A, Chen P, Deshpande M, Metcalf B, Tompkins Q, Guzman AE, Felisky J, Mitton KP. Differences in activation of intracellular signaling in primary human retinal endothelial cells between isoforms of VEGFA 165. Mol Vis 2021; 27:191-205. [PMID: 33953532 PMCID: PMC8092446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose There are reports that a b-isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor-A 165 (VEGFA165b) is predominant in normal human vitreous, switching to the a-isoform (VEGFA165a) in the vitreous of some diseased eyes. Although these isoforms appear to have a different ability to activate the VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in various endothelial cells, the nature of their ability to activate intracellular signaling pathways is not fully characterized, especially in retinal endothelial cells. We determined their activation potential for two key intracellular signaling pathways (MAPK, AKT) over complete dose-response curves and compared potential effects on the expression of several VEGFA165 target genes in primary human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs). Methods To determine full dose-response curves for the activation of MAPK (ERK1/2), AKT, and VEGFR2, direct in-cell western assays were developed using primary HRMECs. Potential differences in dose-response effects on gene expression markers related to endothelial cell and leukocyte adhesion (ICAM1, VCAM1, and SELE) and tight junctions (CLDN5 and OCLN) were tested with quantitative PCR. Results Activation dose-response analysis revealed much stronger activation of MAPK, AKT, and VEGFR2 by the a-isoform at lower doses. MAPK activation in primary HRMECs displayed a sigmoidal dose-response to a range of VEGFA 165 a concentrations spanning 10-250 pM, which shifted higher into the 100-5,000 pM range with VEGFA 165 b. Similar maximum activation of MAPK was achieved by both isoforms at high concentrations. Maximum activation of AKT by VEGFA 165 b was only half of the maximum activation from VEGFA 165 a. At a lower intermediate dose, where VEGFA 165 a activated intracellular signaling stronger than VEGFA 165 b, the changes in VEGFA target gene expression were generally greater with VEGFA 165 a. Conclusions In primary HRMECs, VEGFA 165 a could maximally activate MAPK and AKT at lower concentrations where VEGFA 165 b had relatively little effect. The timing for maximum activation of MAPK was similar for the isoforms, which is different from that reported for non-retinal endothelial cells. Although differences in VEGFA 165 a and VEGFA 165 b are limited to the sequence of their six C-terminal six amino acids, this results in a large difference in their ability to activate at least two key intracellular signaling pathways and VEGF-target gene expression in primary human retinal endothelial cells.
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8
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Di Benedetto P, Ruscitti P, Berardicurti O, Vomero M, Navarini L, Dolo V, Cipriani P, Giacomelli R. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in systemic sclerosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 205:12-27. [PMID: 33772754 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by significant vascular alterations and multi-organ fibrosis. Microvascular alterations are the first event of SSc and injured endothelial cells (ECs) may transdifferentiate towards myofibroblasts, the cells responsible for fibrosis and collagen deposition. This process is identified as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and understanding of its development is pivotal to identify early pathogenetic events and new therapeutic targets for SSc. In this review, we have highlighted the molecular mechanisms of EndMT and summarize the evidence of the role played by EndMT during the development of progressive fibrosis in SSc, also exploring the possible therapeutic role of its inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Di Benedetto
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Ruscitti
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - O Berardicurti
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Vomero
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
| | - L Navarini
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
| | - V Dolo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Cipriani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Giacomelli
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
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9
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Natua S, Ashok C, Shukla S. Hypoxia-induced alternative splicing in human diseases: the pledge, the turn, and the prestige. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:2729-2747. [PMID: 33386889 PMCID: PMC11072330 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03727-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of oxygen homeostasis is an indispensable criterion for the existence of multicellular life-forms. Disruption of this homeostasis due to inadequate oxygenation of the respiring tissues leads to pathological hypoxia, which acts as a significant stressor in several pathophysiological conditions including cancer, cardiovascular defects, bacterial infections, and neurological disorders. Consequently, the hypoxic tissues develop necessary adaptations both at the tissue and cellular level. The cellular adaptations involve a dramatic alteration in gene expression, post-transcriptional and post-translational modification of gene products, bioenergetics, and metabolism. Among the key responses to oxygen-deprivation is the skewing of cellular alternative splicing program. Herein, we discuss the current concepts of oxygen tension-dependent alternative splicing relevant to various pathophysiological conditions. Following a brief description of cellular response to hypoxia and the pre-mRNA splicing mechanism, we outline the impressive number of hypoxia-elicited alternative splicing events associated with maladies like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. Furthermore, we discuss how manipulation of hypoxia-induced alternative splicing may pose promising strategies for novel translational diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhashis Natua
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal, 462066, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Cheemala Ashok
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal, 462066, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjeev Shukla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal, 462066, Madhya Pradesh, India.
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10
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Implicación de la isoforma antiangiogénica VEGF-A165b en la angiogénesis y la función sistólica tras un infarto de miocardio reperfundido. Rev Esp Cardiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.recesp.2020.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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11
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Ravikumar G, Mukhopadhyay A, Mani C, Kocchar P, Crasta J, Thomas T, Dwarkanath P, Thomas A, Kurpad AV, Sridhar TS. Placental expression of angiogenesis-related genes and their receptors in IUGR pregnancies: correlation with fetoplacental and maternal parameters. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 33:3954-3961. [PMID: 30922130 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1593362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Aberrations in placental vascular development compromising fetal supply of oxygen and essential nutrients can be a significant contributor to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The development of placental vascular tree is under the influence of two families of growth factors, namely the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and angiopoietin/TEK family. In this study, we have examined the expression of angiogenesis-related growth factors, mainly VEGF family and angiopoietin-TEK (endothelial-specific receptor tyrosine kinase) family genes in placentae from IUGR pregnancies uncomplicated by preeclampsia (PE) compared to normal pregnancies.Methods: Placentae from normotensive IUGR (n = 42) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies (n = 47) were collected and examined histologically. Clinical parameters were obtained from the medical records. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to assess placental transcript abundance of VEGF, PGF, FLT1, ANGPT1, ANGPT2, and TEK normalized to a panel of reference genes. Associations of placental transcript abundance of the genes with maternal, placental, and neonatal parameters were tested.Results: Placental transcript abundance for VEGF (relative expression 10.81 versus 12.98, p < .001), PGF (12.14 versus 13.8, p < .001) and ANGPT2 (3.67 versus 9.55, p = .002) were significantly lower in IUGR placentae compared to AGA. The transcript level of VEGF showed significant negative correlation with birth weight (r = -0.419, p = .006), placental weight (r = -0.318, p = .040), placental length (r = -0.389, p = .011) and breadth (r = -0.308, p = .047) only in the IUGR group. Presence of histopathological features of hypoxia correlated with significantly higher transcript levels of PGF in IUGR placentae (12.6 versus 10.9, p = .046).Conclusion: The low levels of VEGF transcripts may be responsible for the impaired angiogenesis in IUGR placentae. The significance of higher relative expression of PGF in the presence of chronic hypoxia needs to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Ravikumar
- Department of Pathology, St. John's Medical College, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Arpita Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Ceera Mani
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Prachi Kocchar
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Julian Crasta
- Department of Pathology, St. John's Medical College, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Tinku Thomas
- Department of Biostatistics, St. John's Medical College, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Pratibha Dwarkanath
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Annamma Thomas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. John's Medical College Hospital, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Anura V Kurpad
- Department of Physiology, Division of Nutrition, St. John's Medical College, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Tirumalai Srinivas Sridhar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
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12
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Kikuchi R, Tsuboi N, Sada KE, Nakatochi M, Yokoe Y, Suzuki A, Maruyama S, Murohara T, Matsushita T, Amano K, Atsumi T, Takasaki Y, Ito S, Hasegawa H, Dobashi H, Ito T, Makino H, Matsuo S. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and VEGF-A 165b are associated with time to remission of granulomatosis with polyangiitis in a nationwide Japanese prospective cohort study. Ann Clin Biochem 2020; 58:86-94. [PMID: 33081494 DOI: 10.1177/0004563220968371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective prognostic markers are needed for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). This study evaluated the clinical associations of serum vascular endothelial growth factor-A (sVEGF-A) and sVEGF-A165b (an antiangiogenic isoform of VEGF-A) concentrations with time to remission of AAV in a nationwide Japanese prospective follow-up cohort. METHODS We collected samples from patients with AAV who were enrolled in the nationwide Japanese cohort study (RemIT-JAV-RPGN). We measured sVEGF-A and sVEGF-A165b concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 57 serum samples collected 6 months before and after initiation of AAV treatment. Patients were classified based on AAV disease subtypes: microscopic polyangiitis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). RESULTS Results revealed significant reductions in sVEGF-A and sVEGF-A165b concentrations in patients with microscopic polyangiitis and EGPA, respectively. However, despite the comparable concentrations of sVEGF-A and sVEGF-A165b during the 6 months of treatment in granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients, correlation analysis revealed that the differences in log2-transformed concentrations of sVEGF-A and sVEGF-A165b were inversely correlated with time to remission in granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients. CONCLUSION These results suggest that sVEGF-A and -A165b can serve as potential markers of time to remission in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Kikuchi
- Department of Medical Technique, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naotake Tsuboi
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ken-Ei Sada
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakatochi
- Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuki Yokoe
- Department of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsuo Suzuki
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shoichi Maruyama
- Department of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toyoaki Murohara
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tadashi Matsushita
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Transfusion Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Koichi Amano
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Atsumi
- Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshinari Takasaki
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ito
- Department of Rheumatology, Niigata Rheumatic Center, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hasegawa
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Dobashi
- Division of Hematology, Rheumatology and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Takafumi Ito
- Division of Nephrology, Shimane University, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
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13
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Jaiswal U, Yadav RK, Bhat MA, Kriplani A, Roy KK, Netam RK. Cytokine and growth factor profile in endometriosis: a multiplex analysis of peritoneal fluid to assess diagnostic utility. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:718-722. [PMID: 31958023 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2020.1712695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to assay cytokines and growth factors in peritoneal fluid samples from women with and without endometriosis to understand the inflammatory milieu, and assess their potential diagnostic utility. This cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital included 54 women, aged 20-45 years, with regular menstrual history and undergoing diagnostic/therapeutic laparoscopy for infertility and/or pain. Peritoneal fluid samples were collected after insertion of trocar & laparoscope but prior to other surgical intervention. A multiplex immunoassay of 27 cytokines and growth factors was performed. The concentration of FGF2 and CSF3 were significantly lower in women with endometriosis than without endometriosis (p = .043 and .003, respectively). The levels of CCL2 and IL1RN were significantly higher in moderate-severe than in minimal-mild endometriosis (p = .038 and .043, respectively). Phase-specific comparison revealed that in proliferative phase, the levels of CSF2 and CSF3 were lower in women with endometriosis than without the disease (p = .047 and .013, respectively). The ROC curve analysis provided a cutoff value 0.78 and 0.76 for FGF2 and CSF3, respectively. Cytokines and growth factors such as FGF2, CSF3, CSF2, CCL2 and IL1RN seem to contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis and may have a potential utility for the diagnosis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urja Jaiswal
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Raj Kumar Yadav
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Muzaffer Ahmed Bhat
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Alka Kriplani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kallol Kumar Roy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ritesh Kumar Netam
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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14
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Effects of Botulinum Toxin Type A on Microvessels in Hypertrophic Scar Models on Rabbit Ears. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:2170750. [PMID: 32626735 PMCID: PMC7315252 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2170750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Although Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTXA) has been applied to scar prevention and treatment, the mechanisms still require further exploration. Objective To investigate the effects of BTXA on microvessels in the hypertrophic scar models on rabbit ears. Methods Eight big-eared New Zealand rabbits (males or females) were selected to establish scar models. One ear of each rabbit (4 models in each ear) was selected randomly to be injected with BTXA immediately after modeling and included in the treated group, while the opposite ear was untreated and included in the control group. The growth of scars in each group was observed and recorded, and 4 rabbits were sacrificed on days 30 and 45 after modeling. Then, scar height was measured by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) testing, and microvessel density (MVD) was calculated based on CD34 (human hematopoietic progenitor cell antigen). Results The wounds in each group were well healed and free from infection or necrosis. On days 30 and 45, the scar height, MVD value, and VEGF expression in the treated group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). For the treated group, the above indicators on day 45 were lower than on day 30 (P > 0.05). Besides, there was a positive correlation between the MVD value and the VEGF expression in the treated group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The injection of BTXA immediately after modeling inhibits VEGF expression and reduces angiogenesis, thereby inhibiting hypertrophic scar formation.
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15
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Dardente H, English WR, Valluru MK, Kanthou C, Simpson D. Debunking the Myth of the Endogenous Antiangiogenic Vegfaxxxb Transcripts. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2020; 31:398-409. [PMID: 32396842 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In this opinion article we critically assess evidence for the existence of a family of antiangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegfaxxxb) transcripts, arising from the use of a phylogenetically conserved alternative distal splice site within exon 8 of the VEGFA gene. We explain that prior evidence for Vegfaxxxb transcripts in tissues rests heavily upon flawed RT-PCR methodologies, with the extensive use of 5'-tailing in primer design being the main issue. Furthermore, our analysis of large RNA-seq data sets (human and ovine) fails to identify a single Vegfaxxxb transcript. Therefore, we challenge the very existence of Vegfaxxxb transcripts, which further questions the physiological relevance of studies based on the use of 'anti-VEGFAxxxb' antibodies. Our analysis has implications for the proposed therapeutic use of isoform-specific anti-VEGFA strategies for treating cancer and retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Dardente
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
| | - William R English
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Tumour Microcirculation Group, University of Sheffield, School of Medicine, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Manoj K Valluru
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Tumour Microcirculation Group, University of Sheffield, School of Medicine, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Chryso Kanthou
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Tumour Microcirculation Group, University of Sheffield, School of Medicine, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - David Simpson
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN, UK
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16
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Role of antiangiogenic VEGF-A 165b in angiogenesis and systolic function after reperfused myocardial infarction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 74:131-139. [PMID: 32474003 DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2020.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Angiogenesis helps to reestablish microcirculation after myocardial infarction (MI). In this study, we aimed to further understand the role of the antiangiogenic isoform vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A165b after MI and to explore its potential as a coadjuvant therapy to coronary reperfusion. METHODS Two mice MI models were formed: a) permanent coronary ligation (nonreperfused MI); b) transient 45-minute coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion (reperfused MI); in both models, animals underwent echocardiography before euthanasia at day 21 after MI induction. We determined serum and myocardial VEGF-A165b levels. In both experimental MI models, we assessed the functional and structural role of VEGF-A165b blockade. In a cohort of 104 ST-segment elevation MI patients, circulating VEGF-A165b levels were correlated with cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived left ventricular ejection fraction at 6 months and with the occurrence of adverse events (death, heart failure, and/or reinfarction). RESULTS In both models, circulating and myocardial VEGF-A165b levels were increased 21 days after MI induction. Serum VEGF-A165b levels inversely correlated with systolic function evaluated by echocardiography. VEGF-A165b blockade increased capillary density, reduced infarct size, and enhanced left ventricular function in reperfused, but not in nonreperfused, MI experiments. In patients, higher VEGF-A165b levels correlated with depressed ejection fraction and worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In experimental and clinical studies, higher serum VEGF-A165b levels are associated with worse systolic function. Their blockade enhances neoangiogenesis, reduces infarct size, and increases ejection fraction in reperfused, but not in nonreperfused, MI experiments. Therefore, VEGF-A165b neutralization represents a potential coadjuvant therapy to coronary reperfusion.
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17
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Karsten MM, Beck MH, Rademacher A, Knabl J, Blohmer JU, Jückstock J, Radosa JC, Jank P, Rack B, Janni W. VEGF-A165b levels are reduced in breast cancer patients at primary diagnosis but increase after completion of cancer treatment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3635. [PMID: 32108136 PMCID: PMC7046696 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59823-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The antiangiogenic splice variant VEGF-A165b is downregulated in a variety of cancer entities, but little is known so far about circulating plasma levels. The present analysis addresses this question and examines circulating VEGF-A/VEGF-A165b levels in a collective of female high-risk breast cancer patients over the course of treatment. Within the SUCCES-A trial 205 patients were recruited after having received primary breast surgery. Using ELISA VEGF-A/VEGF-A165b concentrations were determined and correlated to clinical characteristics (1) before adjuvant chemotherapy, (2) four weeks and (3) two years after therapy and compared to healthy controls (n = 107). VEGF165b levels were significantly elevated after completion of chemotherapy. Within the breast cancer cohort, VEGF-A165b levels increased two years after completion of chemotherapy. VEGF-A plasma concentrations were significantly elevated in the breast cancer cohort at all examined time points and decreased after treatment. VEGF-A levels two years after chemotherapy correlated with increased cancer related mortality, no such correlation could be found between VEGF-A165b and the examined clinical characteristics. Compared to controls, VEGF-A/VEGF-A165b ratios were decreased in patients before and after chemotherapy. Our data suggests that circulating VEGF-A165b is significantly reduced in women with primary breast cancer at time of diagnosis; furthermore, levels change during adjuvant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Margarete Karsten
- Department of Gynecology and Breast Care Center, University Hospital, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Maximilian Heinz Beck
- Department of Gynecology and Breast Care Center, University Hospital, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Rademacher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Orthopedics, Schön Clinic, Munich, Harlaching, Germany
| | - Julia Knabl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens-Uwe Blohmer
- Department of Gynecology and Breast Care Center, University Hospital, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Jückstock
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Caroline Radosa
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany
| | - Paul Jank
- Department of Pathology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Brigitte Rack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Janni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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18
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Khodabakhsh F, Muyldermans S, Behdani M, Kazemi-Lomedasht F. Liposomal delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor/receptors and their inhibitors. J Drug Target 2019; 28:379-385. [DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2019.1693578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Khodabakhsh
- Department of Genetics and Advanced Medical Technology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kazemi-Lomedasht
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Abedal-Majed MA, Kurz SG, Springman SA, McNeel AK, Freetly HC, Largen V, Magamage M, Sargent KM, Wood JR, Cushman RA, Cupp AS. Vascular endothelial growth factor A isoforms modulate follicle development in peripubertal heifers independent of diet through diverse signal transduction pathways. Biol Reprod 2019; 102:680-692. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Follicular progression during peripuberty is affected by diet. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) induces follicle progression in many species; however, there are limited studies to determine if diet may alter the effects of angiogenic VEGFA165-stimulated follicle progression or antiangiogenic VEGFA165b follicle arrest. We hypothesized that diet affects the magnitude of angiogenic and antiangiogenic VEGFA isoform actions on follicular development through diverse signal transduction pathways. To test this hypothesis, beef heifers in our first trial received Stair-Step (restricted and refeeding) or control diets from 8 to 13 months of age. Ovaries were collected to determine follicle stages, measure vascular gene expression and conduct ovarian cortical cultures. Ovarian cortical cultures were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (control), 50 ng/ml VEGFA165, VEGFA165b, or VEGFA165 + VEGFA165b. The Stair-Step heifers had more primordial follicles (P < 0.0001), greater messenger RNA abundance of vascular markers VE-cadherin (P < 0.0001) and NRP-1 (P < 0.0051) than controls at 13 months of age prior to culture. After culture, VEGFA isoforms had similar effects, independent of diet, where VEGFA165 stimulated and VEGFA165b inhibited VEGFA165-stimulated follicle progression from early primary to antral follicle stages. In vitro cultures were treated with VEGFA isoforms and signal transduction array plates were evaluated. VEGFA165 stimulated expression of genes related to cell cycle, cell proliferation, and growth while VEGFA165b inhibited expression of those genes. Thus, VEGFA isoforms can act independently of diet to alter follicle progression or arrest. Furthermore, follicle progression can be stimulated by VEGFA165 and inhibited by VEGFA165b through diverse signal transduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Abedal-Majed
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, The Universityof Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Scott G Kurz
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Shelby A Springman
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Anthony K McNeel
- The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Harvey C Freetly
- The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Valerie Largen
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Manjula Magamage
- Department of Livestock Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Kevin M Sargent
- Department of Agriculture, College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, MO, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Robert A Cushman
- The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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20
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Ganta VC, Choi M, Farber CR, Annex BH. Antiangiogenic VEGF 165b Regulates Macrophage Polarization via S100A8/S100A9 in Peripheral Artery Disease. Circulation 2019; 139:226-242. [PMID: 30586702 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.118.034165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic occlusions decrease blood flow to the lower limbs, causing ischemia and tissue loss in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). No effective medical therapies are currently available to induce angiogenesis and promote perfusion recovery in patients with severe PAD. Clinical trials aimed at inducing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A levels, a potent proangiogenic growth factor to induce angiogenesis, and perfusion recovery were not successful. Alternate splicing in the exon-8 of VEGF-A results in the formation of VEGFxxxa (VEGF165a) and VEGFxxxb (VEGF165b) isoforms with existing literature focusing on VEGF165b's role in inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-dependent angiogenesis. However, we have recently shown that VEGF165b blocks VEGF-A-induced endothelial vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) activation in ischemic muscle to impair perfusion recovery. Because macrophage-secreted VEGF165b has been shown to decrease angiogenesis in peripheral artery disease, and macrophages were well known to play important roles in regulating ischemic muscle vascular remodeling, we examined the role of VEGF165b in regulating macrophage function in PAD. METHODS Femoral artery ligation and resection were used as an in vivo preclinical PAD model, and hypoxia serum starvation was used as an in vitro model for PAD. Experiments including laser-Doppler perfusion imaging, adoptive cell transfer to ischemic muscle, immunoblot analysis, ELISAs, immunostainings, flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, and RNA sequencing were performed to determine a role of VEGF165b in regulating macrophage phenotype and function in PAD. RESULTS First, we found increased VEGF165b expression with increased M1-like macrophages in PAD versus non-PAD (controls) muscle biopsies. Next, using in vitro hypoxia serum starvation, in vivo pre clinical PAD models, and adoptive transfer of VEGF165b-expressing bone marrow-derived macrophages or VEGFR1+/- bone marrow-derived macrophages (M1-like phenotype), we demonstrate that VEGF165b inhibits VEGFR1 activation to induce an M1-like phenotype that impairs ischemic muscle neovascularization. Subsequently, we found S100A8/S100A9 as VEGFR1 downstream regulators of macrophage polarization by RNA-Seq analysis of hypoxia serum starvation-VEGFR1+/+ versus hypoxia serum starvation-VEGFR1+/- bone marrow-derived macrophages. CONCLUSIONS In our current study, we demonstrate that increased VEGF165b expression in macrophages induces an antiangiogenic M1-like phenotype that directly impairs angiogenesis. VEGFR1 inhibition by VEGF165b results in S100A8/S100A9-mediated calcium influx to induce an M1-like phenotype that impairs ischemic muscle revascularization and perfusion recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Chaitanya Ganta
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (V.C.G., M.C., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville.,Division Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (V.C.G., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Min Choi
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (V.C.G., M.C., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Charles R Farber
- Department of Public Health Sciences (C.R.F.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Brian H Annex
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (V.C.G., M.C., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville.,Division Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (V.C.G., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
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21
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Changes in VEGF-related factors are associated with presence of inflammatory factors in carbohydrate metabolism disorders during pregnancy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220650. [PMID: 31415573 PMCID: PMC6695137 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the action of molecules in carbohydrate metabolism disorders during pregnancy. The concentration of different types of cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the plasma were measured in 4 groups of women: Group I, normal pregnancy (n = 10); Group II, patients with gestational DM (n = 12); Group III, pregnant patients with preexisting DM (n = 16); and Group IV, diabetic non-pregnant women (n = 22). The plasma VEGF concentration was significantly higher in the women in Group IV than in other groups (P <0.01). The concentration of the soluble form of the VEGF receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) was significantly higher in Group I than in other groups (P <0.01). The concentration of soluble form of the VEGF receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2) was significantly lower in Groups I than in other groups (P <0.05). The concentrations of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and eotaxin were significantly lower in Group I than in Groups III and IV. The levels of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were significantly higher in Group I than in Group IV. Both the VEGF-related molecules and the Inflammatory cytokines are altered in pregnant women with the carbohydrate metabolism disorders.
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Aslankoc R, Ozmen O. The effects of high-fructose corn syrup consumption on testis physiopathology-The ameliorative role of melatonin. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13327. [PMID: 31168831 DOI: 10.1111/and.13327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the ameliorative role of melatonin (MLT) and the effects of a long-term intake of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on the male reproductive system. Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups as follows: Control, HFCS and HFCS + MLT. Testis and epididymal weights were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, total testosterone levels, testicular histopathological damage scores were evaluated, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on testicular tissue. Epididymal weights were significantly lower in the HFCS + MLT group than those of the control and HFCS groups. MDA was significantly increased, while SOD and CAT activities were reduced in the HFCS group compared with the control group. Administration of melatonin significantly increased SOD and CAT activities in the HFCS + MLT group. Histopathological evaluation revealed slight hyperaemia and oedema in the stromal tissue of rat testes in the HFCS group. Sperm count and Johnsen's testicular biopsy score (JTBS) were significantly decreased in the HFCS group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that HSP, iNOS, MDA, OPN and VEGF values were significantly increased in the HFCS group. However, melatonin ameliorated the immunohistochemical scoring. Our results showed that a long-term intake of HFCS caused testicular damage. Melatonin may be a promising pharmacological agent against testicular toxicity induced by HFCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahime Aslankoc
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Ozmen
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
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Cutolo M, Soldano S, Smith V. Pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis: current understanding and new insights. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:753-764. [PMID: 31046487 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2019.1614915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by chronic and progressive tissue and organ fibrosis with broad patient-to-patient variability. Some risk factors are known and include combination of persistent Raynaud's phenomenon, steroid hormone imbalance, selected chemicals, thermal, or other injuries. Endogenous and/or exogenous environmental trigger/risk factors promote epigenetic mechanisms in genetically primed subjects. Disease pathogenesis presents early microvascular changes with endothelial cell dysfunction, followed by the activation of mechanisms promoting their transition into myofibroblasts. A complex autoimmune response, involving innate and adaptive immunity with specific/functional autoantibody production, characterizes the disease. Progressive fibrosis and ischemia involve skin and visceral organs resulting in their irreversible damage/failure. Progenitor circulating cells (monocytes, fibrocytes), together with growth factors and cytokines participate in disease diffusion and evolution. Epigenetic, vascular and immunologic mechanisms implicated in systemic fibrosis, represent major targets for incoming disease modifying therapeutic approaches. Areas covered: This review discusses current understanding and new insights of SSc pathogenesis, through an overview of the most relevant advancements to present aspects and mechanisms involved in disease pathogenesis. Expert opinion: Considering SSc intricacy/heterogeneity, early combination therapy with vasodilators, immunosuppressive and antifibrotic drugs should successfully downregulate the disease progression, especially if started from the beginning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cutolo
- a Research Laboratory and Academic Unit of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine , University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital Genova , Genova , Italy
| | - Stefano Soldano
- a Research Laboratory and Academic Unit of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine , University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital Genova , Genova , Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- b Department of Internal Medicine , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium.,c Department of Rheumatology , Ghent University Hospital , Ghent , Belgium.,d Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation , VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC) , Ghent , Belgium
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Stevens M, Neal CR, Craciun EC, Dronca M, Harper SJ, Oltean S. The natural drug DIAVIT is protective in a type II mouse model of diabetic nephropathy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212910. [PMID: 30865689 PMCID: PMC6415805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is evidence to suggest that abnormal angiogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis drive diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, there is no specific treatment to counteract these processes. We aimed to determine whether DIAVIT, a natural Vaccinium myrtillus (blueberry) and Hippophae Rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) extract, is protective in a model of type II DN. Diabetic db/db mice were administered DIAVIT in their drinking water for 14 weeks. We assessed the functional, structural, and ultra-structural phenotype of three experimental groups (lean+vehicle, db/db+vehicle, db/db+DIAVIT). We also investigated the angiogenic and fibrotic pathways involved in the mechanism of action of DIAVIT. Diabetic db/db mice developed hyperglycaemia, albuminuria, and an increased glomerular water permeability; the latter two were prevented by DIAVIT. db/db mice developed fibrotic glomeruli, endothelial insult, and glomerular ultra-structural changes, which were not present in DIAVIT-treated mice. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) splicing was altered in the db/db kidney cortex, increasing the pro-angiogenic VEGF-A165 relative to the anti-angiogenic VEGF-A165b. This was partially prevented with DIAVIT treatment. Delphinidin, an anthocyanin abundant in DIAVIT, increased the VEGF-A165b expression relative to total VEGF-A165 in cultured podocytes through phosphorylation of the splice factor SRSF6. DIAVIT, in particular delphinidin, alters VEGF-A splicing in type II DN, rescuing the DN phenotype. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of natural drugs in DN through the manipulation of gene splicing and expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Stevens
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Bristol Renal, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MS); (SO)
| | - Christopher R. Neal
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Bristol Renal, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Elena C. Craciun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Dronca
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Steven J. Harper
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Bristol Renal, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Oltean
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Bristol Renal, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MS); (SO)
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Patel M, Sachidanandan M, Adnan M. Serine arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1): a moonlighting protein with theranostic ability in cancer prevention. Mol Biol Rep 2018; 46:1487-1497. [PMID: 30535769 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-018-4545-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Serine/arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1); a versatile functional moonlighting protein involved in varied cellular activities comprised of cell cycle progression, innate immune response, chromatin reorganization, negative and positive regulation of viral genome replication, protein amino acid phosphorylation, regulation of numerous mRNA-processing pathways, germ cell development as well as inflammation due to acquaintances with many transcription factors and signaling pathways. Several diseases including cancer have been associated with dysregulation of SRPK1. The function of SRPK1 in cancer is contradictory and inexplicable because it acts as both tumor suppressor and promoter based on the type of cell and locale. Over expression of SRPK1 including its role has been recently narrated and associated with several cancers, which includes, lung, glioma, prostate and breast via dysregulated signals from the Akt/eIF4E/HIF-1/VEGF, Erk or MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, TGF-β, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Therefore, SRPK1 has occurred as a promising and possible curative target in cancer. In recent years, few natural and synthetic SRPK1 inhibitors have been discovered. This review emphasizes and highlights the complicated connections between SRPK1 and oncogenic signaling circuits together with the possibility of aiming SRPK1 in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitesh Patel
- Department of Biosciences, Bapalal Vaidya Botanical Research Centre, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, Gujarat, India
| | - Manojkumar Sachidanandan
- Department of Oral Radiology, College of Dentistry, University of Hail, P O Box 2440, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hail, P O Box 2440, Hail, Saudi Arabia.
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Zhang H, Jia E, Xia W, Lu C, Zhu W. VEGF165b mutant with a prolonged half-life and enhanced anti-tumor potency in a mouse model. J Biotechnol 2018; 284:84-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Anti-angiogenic VEGFAxxxb transcripts are not expressed in the medio-basal hypothalamus of the seasonal sheep. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197123. [PMID: 29746548 PMCID: PMC5944957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated Vegfa expression in the pars tuberalis (PT) of the pituitary and medio-basal hypothalamus (MBH) of sheep, across seasons and reproductive states. It has recently been proposed that season impacts alternative splicing of Vegfa mRNA in the PT, which shifts the balance between angiogenic VEGFAxxx and anti-angiogenic VEGFAxxxb isoforms (with xxx the number of amino acids of the mature VEGFA proteins) to modulate seasonal breeding. Here, we used various RT-PCR methodologies and analysis of RNAseq datasets to investigate seasonal variation in expression and splicing of the ovine Vegfa gene. Collectively, we identify 5 different transcripts for Vegfa within the ewe PT/MBH, which correspond to splicing events previously described in mouse and human. All identified transcripts encode angiogenic VEGFAxxx isoforms, with no evidence for alternative splicing within exon 8. These findings led us to investigate in detail how "Vegfaxxxb-like" PCR products could be generated by RT-PCR and misidentified as endogenous transcripts, in sheep and human HEK293 cells. In conclusion, our findings do not support the existence of anti-angiogenic VEGFAxxxb isoforms in the ovine PT/MBH and shed new light on the interpretation of prior studies, which claimed to identify Vegfaxxxb isoforms by RT-PCR.
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Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy from Recurrent Intermittent Hypoxia Is Not Dependent on Resolution with Room Air or Oxygen, in Neonatal Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051337. [PMID: 29724000 PMCID: PMC5983662 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm infants often experience intermittent hypoxia (IH) with resolution in room air (RA) or hyperoxia (Hx) between events. Hypoxia is a major inducer of vascular endothelial growth factor, which plays a key role in normal and aberrant retinal angiogenesis. This study tested the hypothesis that neonatal IH which resolved with RA is less injurious to the immature retina than IH resolved by Hx between events. Newborn rats were exposed to: (1) Hx (50% O2) with brief hypoxia (12% O2); (2) RA with 12% O2; (3) Hx with RA; (4) Hx only; or (5) RA only, from P0 to P14. Pups were examined at P14 or placed in RA until P21. Retinal vascular and astrocyte integrity; retinal layer thickness; ocular and systemic biomarkers of angiogenesis; and somatic growth were determined at P14 and P21. All IH paradigms resulted in significant retinal vascular defects, disturbances in retinal astrocyte template, retinal thickening, and photoreceptor damage concurrent with elevations in angiogenesis biomarkers. These data suggest that the susceptibility of the immature retina to changes in oxygen render no differences in the outcomes between RA or O2 resolution. Interventions and initiatives to curtail O2 variations should remain a high priority to prevent severe retinopathy.
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The VEGFA156b isoform is dysregulated in senescent endothelial cells and may be associated with prevalent and incident coronary heart disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:313-325. [PMID: 29330351 DOI: 10.1042/cs20171556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of morbidity in people over 65 years of age; >40% of all deaths are due to this condition. The association between increasing age and CHD is well documented; the accumulation of senescent cells in cardiac and vascular tissues may represent one factor underpinning this observation. We aimed to identify senescence-related expression changes in primary human senescent cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells and to relate transcript expression in peripheral blood leucocytes to prevalent and incident CHD in the InCHIANTI study of aging. We quantified splicing factor expression and splicing patterns of candidate transcripts in proliferative and senescent later passage endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes using qRTPCR. Senescence-associated isoforms also expressed in peripheral blood leucocytes were then examined for associations with CHD status in 134 pairs of age, sex and BMI-matched CHD cases and controls. Splicing factor expression was dysregulated in senescent cardiomyocytes, as previously reported for endothelial cells, as was the expression of alternatively expressed cardiac and vascular candidate genes in both cell types. We found nominal associations between the expression of VEGFA156b and FNI-EIIIIA isoforms in peripheral blood mRNA and CHD status. Dysregulated splicing factor expression is a key feature of senescent cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. Altered splicing of key cardiac or endothelial genes may contribute to the risk of CHD in the human population.
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Dynamics and implications of circulating anti-angiogenic VEGF-A 165b isoform in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9962. [PMID: 28855597 PMCID: PMC5577291 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10505-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is crucial to restore microvascular perfusion in the jeopardized myocardium in the weeks following reperfused ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). (VEGF)-A165b, an anti-angiogenic factor, has been identified as a regulator of vascularization; however, it has not been previously implicated in acute myocardial infarction. We sought to investigate the dynamics of circulating VEGF-A165b and its association with cardiac magnetic resonance-derived infarct size and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). 50 STEMI patients and 23 controls were included. Compared with control individuals, serum VEGF-A165b was elevated in STEMI patients prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Following PCI, serum VEGF-A165b increased further, reaching a maximum level at 24 h and decreased one month after reperfusion. VEGF-A165b levels at 24 h were associated with a large infarct size and inversely related to LVEF. VEGF-A165b expression was increased in myocardial infarct areas from patients with previous history of AMI. An ex vivo assay using serum from STEMI patients showed that neutralization of VEGF-A165b increased tubulogenesis. Overall, the study suggests that VEGF-A165b might play a deleterious role after AMI as an inhibitor of angiogenesis in the myocardium. Accordingly, neutralization of VEGF-A165b could represent a novel pro-angiogenic therapy for reperfusion of myocardium in STEMI.
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Paine SK, Mondal LK, Borah PK, Bhattacharya CK, Mahanta J. Pro- and antiangiogenic VEGF and its receptor status for the severity of diabetic retinopathy. Mol Vis 2017; 23:356-363. [PMID: 28680264 PMCID: PMC5482372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Alteration of pro- and antiangiogenic homeostasis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms in patients with hyperglycemia seems crucial but substantially unexplored at least quantitatively for diabetic retinopathy (DR). Therefore, in the present study we aimed to estimate the difference between the pro- (VEGF165a) and antiangiogenic (VEGF165b) VEGF isoforms and its soluble receptors for severity of DR. METHODS The study included 123 participants (diabetic retinopathy: 81, diabetic control: 20, non-diabetic control: 22) from the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Kolkata. The protein levels of VEGF165a (proangiogenic), VEGF165b (antiangiogenic), VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1), VEGFR2, and VEGFR3 in plasma were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS An imbalance in VEGF homeostasis, a statistically significant concomitant increase (p<0.0001) in the level of VEGF165a and a decrease in the level of VEGF165b, was observed with the severity of the disease. Increased differences between VEGF165a and VEGF165b i.e. VEGF165a-b concomitantly increased statistically significantly with the severity of the disease (p<0.0001), patients with diffuse diabetic macular edema (DME) with proliferative DR (PDR) had the highest imbalance. The plasma soluble form of VEGFR2 concentration consistently increased statistically significantly with the severity of the disease (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The increased difference or imbalance between the pro- (VEGF165a) and antiangiogenic (VEGF165b) homeostasis of the VEGF isoforms, seems crucial for an adverse prognosis of DR and may be a better explanatory marker compared with either VEGF isoform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman K. Paine
- Regional Medical Research Centre-NE Region (Indian Council of Medical Research), Assam, India
| | | | - Prasanta K. Borah
- Regional Medical Research Centre-NE Region (Indian Council of Medical Research), Assam, India
| | - Chandra K. Bhattacharya
- Regional Medical Research Centre-NE Region (Indian Council of Medical Research), Assam, India
| | - Jagadish Mahanta
- Regional Medical Research Centre-NE Region (Indian Council of Medical Research), Assam, India
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Mostmans Y, Cutolo M, Giddelo C, Decuman S, Melsens K, Declercq H, Vandecasteele E, De Keyser F, Distler O, Gutermuth J, Smith V. The role of endothelial cells in the vasculopathy of systemic sclerosis: A systematic review. Autoimmun Rev 2017; 16:774-786. [PMID: 28572048 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2017.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by fibroproliferative vasculopathy, immunological abnormalities and progressive fibrosis of multiple organs including the skin. In this study, all English speaking articles concerning the role of endothelial cells (ECs) in SSc vasculopathy and representing biomarkers are systematically reviewed and categorized according to endothelial cell (EC) (dys)function in SSc. METHODS A sensitive search on behalf of the EULAR study group on microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases was developed in Pubmed, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science to identify articles on SSc vasculopathy and the role of ECs using the following Mesh terms: (systemic sclerosis OR scleroderma) AND pathogenesis AND (endothelial cells OR marker). All selected papers were read and discussed by two independent reviewers. The selection process was based on title, abstract and full text level. Additionally, both reviewers further searched the reference lists of the articles selected for reading on full text level for supplementary papers. These additional articles went through the same selection process. RESULTS In total 193 resulting articles were selected and the identified biomarkers were categorized according to description of EC (dys)function in SSc. The most representing and reliable biomarkers described by the selected articles were adhesion molecules for EC activation, anti-endothelial cell antibodies for EC apoptosis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptor VEGFR-2 and endostatin for disturbed angiogenesis, endothelial progenitors cells for defective vasculogenesis, endothelin-1 for disturbed vascular tone control, Von Willebrand factor for coagulopathy and interleukin (IL)-33 for EC-immune system communication. Emerging, relatively new discovered biomarkers described in the selected articles, are VEGF165b, IL-17A and the adipocytokines. Finally, myofibroblasts involved in tissue fibrosis in SSc can derive from ECs or epithelial cells through a process known as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. CONCLUSION This systematic review emphasizes the growing evidence that SSc is primarily a vascular disease where EC dysfunction is present and prominent in different aspects of cell survival (activation and apoptosis), angiogenesis and vasculogenesis and where disturbed interactions between ECs and various other cells contribute to SSc vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Mostmans
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Department of Dermatology, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Immunology and Allergology (CIA) Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Van Gehuchtenplein 4, 1020 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - M Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Academic Unit of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - C Giddelo
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Department of Dermatology, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Decuman
- Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent, Belgium
| | - K Melsens
- Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - H Declercq
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - E Vandecasteele
- Department of Cardiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - F De Keyser
- Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - O Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Gutermuth
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Department of Dermatology, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - V Smith
- Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent, Belgium
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Johnson M, Purdom E. Clustering of mRNA-Seq data based on alternative splicing patterns. Biostatistics 2017; 18:295-307. [PMID: 27780810 PMCID: PMC6415726 DOI: 10.1093/biostatistics/kxw044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequencing of messenger RNA (mRNA) can provide estimates of the levels of individual isoforms within the cell. It remains to adapt many standard statistical methods commonly used for analyzing gene expression levels to take advantage of this additional information. One novel question is whether we can find clusters of samples that are distinguished not by their gene expression but by their isoform usage. We propose a novel approach for clustering mRNA-Seq data that identifies such clusters. We show via simulation that our methods are more sensitive to finding clusters based on isoform usage than standard clustering techniques. We demonstrate its performance by finding a technical artifact that resulted in different batches having different isoform usage patterns, and illustrate its usage on several The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets.
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Kanopka A. Cell survival: Interplay between hypoxia and pre-mRNA splicing. Exp Cell Res 2017; 356:187-191. [PMID: 28315669 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
RNA splicing takes place in the nucleus and occurs either co- or post-transcriptionally. Noncoding sequences (introns) in nuclear mRNA precursors (pre-mRNA) are removed by dedicated splicing machinery. The coding sequences (exons) are joined to generate the mature mRNA that is exported to the cytoplasm and translated into protein. Splicing events are tissue-specific. This process plays an important role in cellular differentiation and organism development. The splicing machinery heavily contributes to biological complexity and especially to the ability of cells to adapt to different developmental stages and altered cellular conditions. A striking change has been observed in alternative splicing pattern of genes and alterations in splicing factor expression under pathologic conditions especially in human cancers. Cancer cells are often confronted with a significant reduction in oxygen availability, which is a major reason for changeover of major cellular processes. Hypoxic regions have been identified within all solid tumors and their presence has been linked to malignant progression, metastasis, resistance to therapy, and poor clinical outcomes following treatment. Cellular responses to hypoxia are mediated by hypoxia inducible transcription factors (HIFs). This review focuses on currently available data how pre-mRNAs splicing contributes to cellular adaptation to hypoxic conditions, to genes which alternative splicing is regulated dependent on hypoxia and how regulation of alternative splicing under hypoxic conditions is achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvydas Kanopka
- Vilnius University, Institute of Biotechnology, Sauletekio 7, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania.
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RNA-Sequencing data supports the existence of novel VEGFA splicing events but not of VEGFA xxxb isoforms. Sci Rep 2017; 7:58. [PMID: 28246395 PMCID: PMC5427905 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00100-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), a pivotal regulator of angiogenesis and valuable therapeutic target, is characterised by alternative splicing which generates three principal isoforms, VEGFA121, VEGFA165 and VEGFA189. A second set of anti-angiogenic isoforms termed VEGFAxxxb that utilise an alternative splice site in the final exon have been widely reported, with mRNA detection based principally upon RT-PCR assays. We sought confirmation of the existence of the VEGFAxxxb isoforms within the abundant RNA sequencing data available publicly. Whilst sequences derived specifically from each of the canonical VEGFA isoforms were present in many tissues, there were no sequences derived from VEGFAxxxb isoforms. Sequencing of approximately 50,000 RT-PCR products spanning the exon 7–8 junction in 10 tissues did not identify any VEGFAxxxb transcripts. The absence or extremely low expression of these transcripts in vivo indicates that VEGFAxxxb isoforms are unlikely to play a role in normal physiology. Our analyses also revealed multiple novel splicing events supported by more reads than previously reported for VEGFA145 and VEGFA148 isoforms, including three from novel first exons consistent with existing transcription start site data. These novel VEGFA isoforms may play significant roles in specific cell types.
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Canavese M, Ngo DTM, Maddern GJ, Hardingham JE, Price TJ, Hauben E. Biology and therapeutic implications of VEGF-A splice isoforms and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in colorectal cancer. Int J Cancer 2017; 140:2183-2191. [PMID: 27943279 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tumor growth, dissemination and metastasis are dependent on angiogenesis. The predominant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoform that plays a major role in angiogenesis is VEGF-A. Indeed, VEGF-A is implicated in promoting angiogenesis of numerous solid malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC). A large body of preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that the expression of specific VEGF-A isoforms represents a predominant pro-angiogenic factor, which is associated with formation of metastases and poor prognosis in CRC patients. Different isoforms of human VEGF-A have been identified, all of which arise from alternative splicing of the primary transcript of a single gene. Notably, it has been recently demonstrated that expression of type 3 isoform pattern is significantly correlated with venous involvement in CRC as well as in progression to metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), although it remains unclear what proportion of CRC tumors express these isoforms. This review highlights the importance of investigating the genetic and the epigenetic variations in VEGF-A pathways in CRC, the functions of different VEGF-A isoforms and their potential application as prognostic markers and/or therapeutic targets. Better understanding of the mechanisms controlling angiogenesis in liver metastases is necessary to address the limitations of current anti-angiogenic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Canavese
- The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Liver Metastasis Research Group, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Doan T M Ngo
- Cardiology Unit, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Basil Hetzel Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Guy J Maddern
- Department of Surgery, University of Adelaide, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jennifer E Hardingham
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia and School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide
| | - Timothy J Price
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia and School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide
| | - Ehud Hauben
- The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Liver Metastasis Research Group, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Malutan A, Drugan T, Georgescu C, Ciortea R, Bucuri C, Bobric A, Rada MP, Mihu D. VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR SERUM LEVELS IN WOMEN WITH ADVANCED ENDOMETRIOSIS. ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA-BUCHAREST 2016; 12:7-13. [PMID: 31258793 DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2016.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Context Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease, characterized by ectopic deposits of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity, and it is associated with pelvic pain and infertility, with an important impact on the quality of life. At this point there is a controversy regarding the etiology and pathophysiology of endometriosis and it seems that pro-angiogenic growth factors might be involved, but their role is not completely understood. Objective To evaluate the serum concentration of the main growth factors in patients with diagnosed endometriosis compared to healthy controls. Subjects and methods A total of 157 women were divided into two study groups (Group I - endometriosis; Group 2 - healthy women). Serum levels of VEGF, G-CSF, GM-CSF, b-FGF, EGF, and HGF were measured with Human Multiplex Cytokine Panels. Results VEGF serum levels were significantly lower in women with endometriosis compared to controls (1.924±0.145 compared to 1.806±0.078 pg/mL, p<0.001). Serum levels of GM-CSF, b-FGF, EGF, and HGF respectively did not differ significantly between patients with endometriosis and healthy controls. G-CSF had a very low detection rate. Conclusions The present study showed that VEGF serum levels are significantly lower in endometriosis patients compared to healthy controls, indicating a possible role in endometriosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Malutan
- "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, II Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - T Drugan
- "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dept. of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - C Georgescu
- "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dept. of Endocrinology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - R Ciortea
- "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, II Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - C Bucuri
- "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, II Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - A Bobric
- "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, II Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - M P Rada
- "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, II Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - D Mihu
- "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, II Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Sargent KM, McFee RM, Spuri Gomes R, Cupp AS. Vascular endothelial growth factor A: just one of multiple mechanisms for sex-specific vascular development within the testis? J Endocrinol 2015; 227:R31-50. [PMID: 26562337 PMCID: PMC4646736 DOI: 10.1530/joe-15-0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Testis development from an indifferent gonad is a critical step in embryogenesis. A hallmark of testis differentiation is sex-specific vascularization that occurs as endothelial cells migrate from the adjacent mesonephros into the testis to surround Sertoli-germ cell aggregates and induce seminiferous cord formation. Many in vitro experiments have demonstrated that vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is a critical regulator of this process. Both inhibitors to VEGFA signal transduction and excess VEGFA isoforms in testis organ cultures impaired vascular development and seminiferous cord formation. However, in vivo models using mice which selectively eliminated all VEGFA isoforms: in Sertoli and germ cells (pDmrt1-Cre;Vegfa(-/-)); Sertoli and Leydig cells (Amhr2-Cre;Vegfa(-/-)) or Sertoli cells (Amh-Cre;Vegfa(-/-) and Sry-Cre;Vegfa(-/-)) displayed testes with observably normal cords and vasculature at postnatal day 0 and onwards. Embryonic testis development may be delayed in these mice; however, the postnatal data indicate that VEGFA isoforms secreted from Sertoli, Leydig or germ cells are not required for testis morphogenesis within the mouse. A Vegfa signal transduction array was employed on postnatal testes from Sry-Cre;Vegfa(-/-) versus controls. Ptgs1 (Cox1) was the only upregulated gene (fivefold). COX1 stimulates angiogenesis and upregulates, VEGFA, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGD2. Thus, other gene pathways may compensate for VEGFA loss, similar to multiple independent mechanisms to maintain SOX9 expression. Multiple independent mechanism that induce vascular development in the testis may contribute to and safeguard the sex-specific vasculature development responsible for inducing seminiferous cord formation, thus ensuring appropriate testis morphogenesis in the male.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Sargent
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
| | - Renee M McFee
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
| | - Renata Spuri Gomes
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
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Roy S, Aksamitiene E, Hota S, Zhang LH, Sciarrino J, Baker AL, Heffelfinger RN, Tuluc M, Hoek JB, Pribitkin EA. Aging effects on pedicled fasciocutaneous flap survival in rats. Head Neck 2015; 38 Suppl 1:E1152-62. [DOI: 10.1002/hed.24181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sudeep Roy
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery; Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Edita Aksamitiene
- Department of Pathology; Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery; Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Salini Hota
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery; Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Li-Hui Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery; Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Joseph Sciarrino
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery; Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Adam L. Baker
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery; Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Ryan N. Heffelfinger
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery; Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Madalina Tuluc
- Department of Pathology; Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Jan B. Hoek
- Department of Pathology; Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Edmund A. Pribitkin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery; Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
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Mundim GJ, Paschoini MC, Araujo Júnior E, Da Silva Costa F, Rodrigues Júnior V. Assessment of angiogenesis modulators in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia: a case-control study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2015. [PMID: 26205065 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-015-3823-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the serum concentration of factors associated with placental angiogenesis in pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnant women. METHODS This was a prospective, cross-sectional, case-control study in which the pro-angiogenic factors PlGF, VEGF and IL-10, and the anti-angiogenic factors IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α of 55 pregnant women (31 with pre-eclampsia-PE and 24 normotensive), with gestational age ≥20 weeks, were measured in maternal blood through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparison between groups. RESULTS Serum PIGF was reduced in the group of pregnant women with PE when compared with the normotensive women (493.2 ± 55.1 pg/mL vs. 4.4 ± 26.5 pg/mL; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in PlGF levels in the pre-eclamptic pregnant women in relation to gestational age or proteinuria levels (p > 0.05). The serum levels of VEGF, IL-17, IL-10 and TNF-α were lower in the pregnant women with PE when compared with their normotensive peers, while the IL-6 levels were higher; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Serum PlGF levels were reduced in the pregnant women with PE and were unrelated to disease severity. Serum levels of VEGF, IL-17, IL-10 and TNF-α were reduced in the pre-eclamptic pregnant women when compared with their normotensive peers, without statistically significant differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilhermo Justino Mundim
- Discipline of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Marina Carvalho Paschoini
- Discipline of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Edward Araujo Júnior
- Department of Obstetrics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), Rua Belchior de Azevedo, 156 apto. 111 Torre Vitoria, São Paulo, SP, 05083-030, Brazil.
| | - Fabricio Da Silva Costa
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Zhang J, Jiang H, Xia W, Jiang Y, Tan X, Liu P, Jia H, Yang X, Shen G. Serine-arginine protein kinase 1 is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma progression and poor patient survival. Tumour Biol 2015. [PMID: 26201897 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3771-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The pre-mRNA splicing regulator serine-arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1) promotes cancer development and various pathophysiological processes. However, the clinical relevance of SRPK1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not clear. This study investigates the expression and prognostic value of SRPK1 in HCC. We found that SRPK1 expression was significantly upregulated at the mRNA and protein level in all HCC cell lines or HCC tissue samples compared with the hepatic cell line or matched noncancerous tissue samples, respectively. Higher SRPK1 expression significantly correlated with clinical staging (p = 0.031), survival time (p = 0.004), and gender (p = 0.011) of HCC patients. Together, our study showed that SRPK1 is overexpressed in HCC and may be a promising indicator of prognosis for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Anomalies, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9th Jinsui Road, Postal Code 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Anomalies, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9th Jinsui Road, Postal Code 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenfei Xia
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yizhou Jiang
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Anomalies, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9th Jinsui Road, Postal Code 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyun Tan
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Anomalies, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9th Jinsui Road, Postal Code 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, People's Republic of China
| | - Peiying Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Anomalies, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9th Jinsui Road, Postal Code 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyun Jia
- Department of Clinical Examination, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuewei Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Shen
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Anomalies, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9th Jinsui Road, Postal Code 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, People's Republic of China.
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Xie H, Yang J, Han Y, Zhu X, Fang Q. Inhibition of intimal hyperplasia via local delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor cDNA nanoparticles in a rabbit model of restenosis induced by abdominal aorta balloon injury. Exp Ther Med 2015; 10:55-61. [PMID: 26170912 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In-stent restenosis (ISR) is one of the major factors affecting long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been hypothesized to have a positive role in preventing ISR, however, this remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess whether nanoparticles can be used to deliver VEGF to injured arteries and whether this is beneficial in preventing restenosis. New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into a control group, an empty nanoparticles group and a VEGF nanoparticles group (n=6 in each group). Polylactic-polyglycolic acid VEGF nanoparticles were prepared using a phacoemulsification method. A rabbit model of restenosis was established following abdominal aorta balloon injury, and VEGF gene nanoparticles, empty nanoparticles or normal saline were delivered locally at the site of injury via a GENIE Catheter™ perfusion balloon. Intimal proliferation determination and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed at day 28 following arterial injury. Compared with the control and empty nanoparticle groups, the neointima area (0.49±0.09, 0.48±0.08 and 0.19±0.11 mm2, respectively; P<0.001) and proliferation index (0.32±0.03, 0.32±0.05 and 0.13±0.06, respectively; P<0.001) were significantly lower in the VEGF nanoparticles group. In addition, in the VEGF nanoparticles group, the immunoreactivity of α-actin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were significantly lower (P≤0.001), while the immunoreactivity of VEGF was higher (P=0.01). Therefore, the results revealed that local delivery of VEGF gene nanoparticles reduced intimal thickening and cell proliferation following abdominal aorta balloon injury in a rabbit model, demonstrating the efficacy of this therapy against restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhi Xie
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yang
- Tianjin Biomedical Materials Key Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China
| | - Yechen Han
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Xueqing Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Quan Fang
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
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Guyot M, Pagès G. VEGF Splicing and the Role of VEGF Splice Variants: From Physiological-Pathological Conditions to Specific Pre-mRNA Splicing. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1332:3-23. [PMID: 26285742 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2917-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
During this past decade, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway has been extensively studied. VEGF is a paradigm of molecular regulation since its expression is controlled at all possible steps including transcription, mRNA stability, translation, and pre-mRNA splicing. The latter form of molecular regulation is probably the least studied. This field has been neglected; yet different forms of VEGF with different sizes and different physiological properties issued from alternative splicing have been described a long time ago. Recently a new level of complexity was added to the field of splicing of VEGF pre-mRNA. Whereas thousands of publications have described VEGF as a pro-angiogenic factor, an alternative splicing event generates specific anti-angiogenic forms of VEGF that only differ from the others by a modification in the last six amino acids of the protein. According to the scientists who discovered these isoforms, which are indistinguishable from the pro-angiogenic ones with pan VEGF antibodies, some of the literature on VEGF is at least inexact if not completely false. Moreover, the presence of anti-angiogenic forms of VEGF may explain the disappointing efficacy of anti-VEGF therapies on the overall survival of patients with different forms of cancers and with wet age-related macular degeneration. This review focuses on the existence of the different alternative splice variants of VEGF and the molecular mechanisms associated with their expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Guyot
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Centre Antoine Lacassagne 33 Avenue de Valombrose, UMR CNRS 7284/INSERM U 1081, Nice, 06189, France
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Comparative insight into expression of recombinant human VEGF111b, a newly identified anti-angiogenic isoform, in eukaryotic cell lines. Gene 2014; 553:57-62. [PMID: 25284510 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
VEGF-A is a critical growth factor in tumor growth and progression. Two families of VEGF-A isoforms are produced through alternative splicing including VEGFxxx pro-angiogenic and VEGFxxxb anti-angiogenic isoforms. VEGF111b is a new member of the VEGFxxxb family that is induced by mitomycin C and doesn't express in normal conditions. The potent anti-angiogenic properties of VEGF-111b and its remarkable resistance to proteolysis make it an interesting alternative candidate for therapeutic use in all types of cancers. Here, the recombinant VEGF-111b cDNA with insertion of intronic sequence was constructed by using a class IIs restriction enzyme-based method. The recombinant pBud-VEGF111b was transfected into CHO dhfr(-) and HEK 293 cell lines which are currently the standard hosts for the production of candidate therapeutic proteins. Then, the VEGF-111b expression was evaluated in two cell lines using the Real-time PCR. The production of VEGF-111b protein was also investigated here by dot blotting. The VEGF expression was increased about 109 and 185-folds in transfected CHO-dhfr(-) and HEK 293 cells, respectively, in comparison with the un-transfected cells. Dot blotting approach confirmed that both cell lines have successfully produced the VEGF-111b protein.
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Dehghanian F, Hojati Z, Kay M. New Insights into VEGF-A Alternative Splicing: Key Regulatory Switching in the Pathological Process. Avicenna J Med Biotechnol 2014; 6:192-9. [PMID: 25414781 PMCID: PMC4224658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is one of the most important regulatory factors in pathological and physiological angiogenesis. Alternative splicing is a complicated molecular process in VEGF-A gene expression which adds complexity to VEGF-A biology. Among all VEGF-A exons, alternative splicing of exon 8 is the key determinant of isoform switching from pro-angio-genic VEGF-xxx to anti-angiogenic VEGF-xxxb. This is known as a key molecular switching in many pathological situations. In fact, the balance between VEGF-xxx and VEGF-xxxb isoforms is a critical controlling switch in both conditions of health and disease. Here, the properties of VEGF-xxx and VEGF-xxxb isoforms were discussed and their regulatory mechanism and their roles in certain pathological processes were evaluated. In summary, it was suggested that C-terminal VEGF-A alternative splicing can provide a new treatment opportunity in angiogenic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zohreh Hojati
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
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Ergul A, Abdelsaid M, Fouda AY, Fagan SC. Cerebral neovascularization in diabetes: implications for stroke recovery and beyond. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2014; 34:553-63. [PMID: 24496174 PMCID: PMC3982092 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2014.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Neovascularization is an innate physiologic response by which tissues respond to various stimuli through collateral remodeling (arteriogenesis) and new vessel formation from existing vessels (angiogenesis) or from endothelial progenitor cells (vasculogenesis). Diabetes has a major impact on the neovascularization process but the response varies between different organ systems. While excessive angiogenesis complicates diabetic retinopathy, impaired neovascularization contributes to coronary and peripheral complications of diabetes. How diabetes influences cerebral neovascularization remained unresolved until recently. Diabetes is also a major risk factor for stroke and poor recovery after stroke. In this review, we discuss the impact of diabetes, stroke, and diabetic stroke on cerebral neovascularization, explore potential mechanisms involved in diabetes-mediated neovascularization as well as the effects of the diabetic milieu on poststroke neovascularization and recovery, and finally discuss the clinical implications of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adviye Ergul
- 1] Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA [2] Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, USA [3] Center for Pharmacy and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical College of Georgia and University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mohammed Abdelsaid
- 1] Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA [2] Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Abdelrahman Y Fouda
- 1] Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA [2] Center for Pharmacy and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical College of Georgia and University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Susan C Fagan
- 1] Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA [2] Center for Pharmacy and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical College of Georgia and University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, Georgia, USA [3] Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Association of VEGF-A splice variant mRNA expression with outcome in bevacizumab-treated patients with metastatic breast cancer. Clin Breast Cancer 2014; 14:330-8. [PMID: 24703319 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2014.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic utility of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) splice variants in patients with advanced breast cancer treated with bevacizumab has not been studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 111 patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with weekly docetaxel or ixabepilone without bevacizumab (cohort A) and 100 treated with weekly paclitaxel and bevacizumab (cohort B) were studied. Formalin-fixed tumors were macrodissected for reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction relative quantification of VEGF-A165, -189, and -206 isoforms spliced at exon 8 proximal splice site (VEGF-Axxxa) and at exon 8 distal splice site (VEGF-Axxxb). RESULTS For high VEGF-Axxxa, the hazard ratios (HRs) for progression were 1.08 (P = .71) in non-bevacizumab-treated patients (cohort A) and 0.66 (P = .22) in bevacizumab-treated patients (cohort B), and the HRs for death were 1.45 (P = .13) and 0.50 (P = .049), respectively. The interaction of VEGF-Axxxa with bevacizumab administration was significant (P = .011) for overall survival (OS). High tissue VEGF-Axxxb was not prognostic in cohort A but was predictive for bevacizumab benefit in cohort B (HR for progression, 0.57 [P = .04]; HR for death, 0.51 [P = .02]). Exploratory analyses done only in cohort B suggested that abundance of VEGFR1 messenger RNA (mRNA) in peripheral blood and low VEGFR2 mRNA in tissue correlated with poor outcome. In multivariate analysis, high tissue mRNA of angiogenic VEGF-Axxxa in the presence of bevacizumab therapy predicted for favorable progression-free survival (HR for progression, 0.39; P = .0227) and OS (HR for death, 0.32; P = .0140). CONCLUSION Tissue mRNA expression of angiogenic VEGF-Axxxa isoforms was retrospectively associated with adverse prognosis in the absence of bevacizumab and with favorable outcome when bevacizumab was administered in patients with advanced breast cancer.
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Pesson M, Eymin B, De La Grange P, Simon B, Corcos L. A dedicated microarray for in-depth analysis of pre-mRNA splicing events: application to the study of genes involved in the response to targeted anticancer therapies. Mol Cancer 2014; 13:9. [PMID: 24428911 PMCID: PMC3899606 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-13-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative pre-mRNA splicing (AS) widely expands proteome diversity through the combinatorial assembly of exons. The analysis of AS on a large scale, by using splice-sensitive microarrays, is a highly efficient method to detect the majority of known and predicted alternative transcripts for a given gene. The response to targeted anticancer therapies cannot easily be anticipated without prior knowledge of the expression, by the tumor, of target proteins or genes. To analyze, in depth, transcript structure and levels for genes involved in these responses, including AKT1-3, HER1-4, HIF1A, PIK3CA, PIK3R1-2, VEGFA-D and PIR, we engineered a dedicated gene chip with coverage of an average 185 probes per gene and, especially, exon-exon junction probes. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the ability of such a chip to detect the effects of over-expressed SRSF2 RNA binding protein on the structure and abundance of mRNA products in H358 lung cancer cells conditionally over-expressing SRSF2. Major splicing changes were observed, including in HER1/EGFR pre-mRNA, which were also seen in human lung cancer samples over-expressing the SRSF2 protein. In addition, we showed that variations in HER1/EGFR pre-mRNA splicing triggered by SRSF2 overexpression in H358 cells resulted in a drop in HER1/EGFR protein level, which correlated with increased sensitivity to gefitinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. We propose, therefore, that this novel tool could be especially relevant for clinical applications, with the aim to predict the response before treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Laurent Corcos
- UMR INSERM U1078-UBO, Equipe ECLA, Faculté de Médecine, 22 Avenue Camille Desmoulins, 29200 Brest, France.
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Regulation of vascular function on posttranscriptional level. THROMBOSIS 2013; 2013:948765. [PMID: 24288605 PMCID: PMC3833109 DOI: 10.1155/2013/948765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Posttranscriptional control of gene expression is crucial for regulating plurality of proteins and functional plasticity of the proteome under (patho)physiologic conditions. Alternative splicing as well as micro (mi)RNA-mediated mechanisms play an important role for the regulation of protein expression on posttranscriptional level. Both alternative splicing and miRNAs were shown to influence cardiovascular functions, such as endothelial thrombogenicity and the vascular tone, by regulating the expression of several vascular proteins and their isoforms, such as Tissue Factor (TF) or the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). This review will summarize and discuss the latest findings on the (patho)physiologic role of alternative splicing processes as well as of miRNAs on modulation of vascular functions, such as coagulation, thrombosis, and regulation of the vascular tone.
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