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Sheng X, Zhang C, Zhao J, Xu J, Zhang P, Ding Q, Zhang J. Microvascular destabilization and intricated network of the cytokines in diabetic retinopathy: from the perspective of cellular and molecular components. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:85. [PMID: 38937783 PMCID: PMC11212265 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01269-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Microvascular destabilization is the primary cause of the inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB) breakdown and increased vascular leakage in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Microvascular destabilization results from the combinational effects of increased levels of growth factors and cytokines, involvement of inflammation, and the changed cell-to-cell interactions, especially the loss of endothelial cells and pericytes, due to hyperglycemia and hypoxia. As the manifestation of microvascular destabilization, the fluid transports via paracellular and transcellular routes increase due to the disruption of endothelial intercellular junctional complexes and/or the altered caveolar transcellular transport across the retinal vascular endothelium. With diabetes progression, the functional and the structural changes of the iBRB components, including the cellular and noncellular components, further facilitate and aggravate microvascular destabilization, resulting in macular edema, the neuroretinal damage and the dysfunction of retinal inner neurovascular unit (iNVU). Although there have been considerable recent advances towards a better understanding of the complex cellular and molecular network underlying the microvascular destabilization, some still remain to be fully elucidated. Recent data indicate that targeting the intricate signaling pathways may allow to against the microvascular destabilization. Therefore, efforts have been made to better clarify the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are involved in the microvascular destabilization in DR. In this review, we discuss: (1) the brief introduction of DR and microvascular destabilization; (2) the cellular and molecular components of iBRB and iNVU, and the breakdown of iBRB; (3) the matrix and cell-to-cell contacts to maintain microvascular stabilization, including the endothelial glycocalyx, basement membrane, and various cell-cell interactions; (4) the molecular mechanisms mediated cell-cell contacts and vascular cell death; (5) the altered cytokines and signaling pathways as well as the intricate network of the cytokines involved in microvascular destabilization. This comprehensive review aimed to provide the insights for microvascular destabilization by targeting the key molecules or specific iBRB cells, thus restoring the function and structure of iBRB and iNVU, to treat DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Sheng
- People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chunmei Zhang
- People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiwei Zhao
- People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Quanju Ding
- People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.
- The International Eye Research Institute of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China.
- C-MER (Shenzhen) Dennis Lam Eye Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
- C-MER International Eye Care Group, C-MER Dennis Lam & Partners Eye Center, Hong Kong, China.
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Nayarisseri A, Abdalla M, Joshi I, Yadav M, Bhrdwaj A, Chopra I, Khan A, Saxena A, Sharma K, Panicker A, Panwar U, Mendonça Junior FJB, Singh SK. Potential inhibitors of VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3 developed through Deep Learning for the treatment of Cervical Cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13251. [PMID: 38858458 PMCID: PMC11164920 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63762-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer stands as a prevalent gynaecologic malignancy affecting women globally, often linked to persistent human papillomavirus infection. Biomarkers associated with cervical cancer, including VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and VEGF-E, show upregulation and are linked to angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. This research aims to employ in-silico methods to target tyrosine kinase receptor proteins-VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3, and identify novel inhibitors for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors receptors (VEGFRs). A comprehensive literary study was conducted which identified 26 established inhibitors for VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 receptor proteins. Compounds with high-affinity scores, including PubChem ID-25102847, 369976, and 208908 were chosen from pre-existing compounds for creating Deep Learning-based models. RD-Kit, a Deep learning algorithm, was used to generate 43 million compounds for VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 targets. Molecular docking studies were conducted on the top 10 molecules for each target to validate the receptor-ligand binding affinity. The results of Molecular Docking indicated that PubChem IDs-71465,645 and 11152946 exhibited strong affinity, designating them as the most efficient molecules. To further investigate their potential, a Molecular Dynamics Simulation was performed to assess conformational stability, and a pharmacophore analysis was also conducted for indoctrinating interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuraj Nayarisseri
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India.
- Bioinformatics Research Laboratory, LeGene Biosciences Pvt Ltd, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India.
| | - Mohnad Abdalla
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Isha Joshi
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
| | - Manasi Yadav
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
| | - Anushka Bhrdwaj
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India
| | - Ishita Chopra
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Ross Hall, 2300 Eye Street, Washington, D.C., NW, 20037, USA
| | - Arshiya Khan
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India
| | - Arshiya Saxena
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
| | - Khushboo Sharma
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India
| | - Aravind Panicker
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, 91, Sector-A, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452010, India
| | - Umesh Panwar
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India
| | | | - Sanjeev Kumar Singh
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India.
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3
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Brouillard P, Murtomäki A, Leppänen VM, Hyytiäinen M, Mestre S, Potier L, Boon LM, Revencu N, Greene A, Anisimov A, Salo MH, Hinttala R, Eklund L, Quéré I, Alitalo K, Vikkula M. Loss-of-function mutations of the TIE1 receptor tyrosine kinase cause late-onset primary lymphedema. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e173586. [PMID: 38820174 PMCID: PMC11245153 DOI: 10.1172/jci173586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary lymphedema (PL), characterized by tissue swelling, fat accumulation, and fibrosis, results from defects in lymphatic vessels or valves caused by mutations in genes involved in development, maturation, and function of the lymphatic vascular system. Pathogenic variants in various genes have been identified in about 30% of PL cases. By screening of a cohort of 755 individuals with PL, we identified two TIE1 (tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin- and epidermal growth factor-like domains 1) missense variants and one truncating variant, all predicted to be pathogenic by bioinformatic algorithms. The TIE1 receptor, in complex with TIE2, binds angiopoietins to regulate the formation and remodeling of blood and lymphatic vessels. The premature stop codon mutant encoded an inactive truncated extracellular TIE1 fragment with decreased mRNA stability, and the amino acid substitutions led to decreased TIE1 signaling activity. By reproducing the two missense variants in mouse Tie1 via CRISPR/Cas9, we showed that both cause edema and are lethal in homozygous mice. Thus, our results indicate that TIE1 loss-of-function variants can cause lymphatic dysfunction in patients. Together with our earlier demonstration that ANGPT2 loss-of-function mutations can also cause PL, our results emphasize the important role of the ANGPT2/TIE1 pathway in lymphatic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Brouillard
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aino Murtomäki
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veli-Matti Leppänen
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marko Hyytiäinen
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sandrine Mestre
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Centre de Référence des Maladies Lymphatiques et Vasculaires Rares, Inserm IDESP, CHU Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Lucas Potier
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurence M. Boon
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Vascular Anomalies, Division of Plastic Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, University of Louvain, VASCERN-VASCA Reference Centre, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicole Revencu
- Center for Human Genetics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arin Greene
- Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Lymphedema Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrey Anisimov
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Miia H. Salo
- Biocenter Oulu, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Reetta Hinttala
- Biocenter Oulu, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Lauri Eklund
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Isabelle Quéré
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Centre de Référence des Maladies Lymphatiques et Vasculaires Rares, Inserm IDESP, CHU Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Miikka Vikkula
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- WELBIO department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
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Hu Z, Zhao X, Wu Z, Qu B, Yuan M, Xing Y, Song Y, Wang Z. Lymphatic vessel: origin, heterogeneity, biological functions, and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:9. [PMID: 38172098 PMCID: PMC10764842 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01723-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels, comprising the secondary circulatory system in human body, play a multifaceted role in maintaining homeostasis among various tissues and organs. They are tasked with a serious of responsibilities, including the regulation of lymph absorption and transport, the orchestration of immune surveillance and responses. Lymphatic vessel development undergoes a series of sophisticated regulatory signaling pathways governing heterogeneous-origin cell populations stepwise to assemble into the highly specialized lymphatic vessel networks. Lymphangiogenesis, as defined by new lymphatic vessels sprouting from preexisting lymphatic vessels/embryonic veins, is the main developmental mechanism underlying the formation and expansion of lymphatic vessel networks in an embryo. However, abnormal lymphangiogenesis could be observed in many pathological conditions and has a close relationship with the development and progression of various diseases. Mechanistic studies have revealed a set of lymphangiogenic factors and cascades that may serve as the potential targets for regulating abnormal lymphangiogenesis, to further modulate the progression of diseases. Actually, an increasing number of clinical trials have demonstrated the promising interventions and showed the feasibility of currently available treatments for future clinical translation. Targeting lymphangiogenic promoters or inhibitors not only directly regulates abnormal lymphangiogenesis, but improves the efficacy of diverse treatments. In conclusion, we present a comprehensive overview of lymphatic vessel development and physiological functions, and describe the critical involvement of abnormal lymphangiogenesis in multiple diseases. Moreover, we summarize the targeting therapeutic values of abnormal lymphangiogenesis, providing novel perspectives for treatment strategy of multiple human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoliang Hu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xushi Zhao
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Zhonghua Wu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Bicheng Qu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Minxian Yuan
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yanan Xing
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
| | - Yongxi Song
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
| | - Zhenning Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
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5
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Yan W, Hou N, Zheng J, Zhai W. Predictive genomic biomarkers of therapeutic effects in renal cell carcinoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:1559-1575. [PMID: 37223875 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00827-4] [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] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, there have been great improvements in the therapy of renal cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, the therapeutic effect varies significantly from person to person. To discern the effective treatment for different populations, predictive molecular biomarkers in response to target, immunological, and combined therapies are widely studied. CONCLUSION This review summarized those studies from three perspectives (SNPs, mutation, and expression level) and listed the relationship between biomarkers and therapeutic effect, highlighting the great potential of predictive molecular biomarkers in metastatic RCC therapy. However, due to a series of reasons, most of these findings require further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Yan
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Naiqiao Hou
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junhua Zheng
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhai
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Pérez-Gutiérrez L, Ferrara N. Biology and therapeutic targeting of vascular endothelial growth factor A. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:816-834. [PMID: 37491579 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00631-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The formation of new blood vessels, called angiogenesis, is an essential pathophysiological process in which several families of regulators have been implicated. Among these, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA; also known as VEGF) and its two tyrosine kinase receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, represent a key signalling pathway mediating physiological angiogenesis and are also major therapeutic targets. VEGFA is a member of the gene family that includes VEGFB, VEGFC, VEGFD and placental growth factor (PLGF). Three decades after its initial isolation and cloning, VEGFA is arguably the most extensively investigated signalling system in angiogenesis. Although many mediators of angiogenesis have been identified, including members of the FGF family, angiopoietins, TGFβ and sphingosine 1-phosphate, all current FDA-approved anti-angiogenic drugs target the VEGF pathway. Anti-VEGF agents are widely used in oncology and, in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, are now the standard of care in multiple malignancies. Anti-VEGF drugs have also revolutionized the treatment of neovascular eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and ischaemic retinal disorders. In this Review, we emphasize the molecular, structural and cellular basis of VEGFA action as well as recent findings illustrating unexpected interactions with other pathways and provocative reports on the role of VEGFA in regenerative medicine. We also discuss clinical and translational aspects of VEGFA. Given the crucial role that VEGFA plays in regulating angiogenesis in health and disease, this molecule is largely the focus of this Review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pérez-Gutiérrez
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Napoleone Ferrara
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Vimalraj S, Hariprabu KNG, Rahaman M, Govindasami P, Perumal K, Sekaran S, Ganapathy D. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C and its receptor-3 signaling in tumorigenesis. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:326. [PMID: 37663750 PMCID: PMC10474002 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The cancer-promoting ligand vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) activates VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3). The VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis is expressed by a range of human tumor cells in addition to lymphatic endothelial cells. Activating the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 signaling enhances metastasis by promoting lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis inside and around tumors. Stimulation of VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 signaling promotes tumor metastasis in tumors, such as ovarian, renal, pancreatic, prostate, lung, skin, gastric, colorectal, cervical, leukemia, mesothelioma, Kaposi sarcoma, and endometrial carcinoma. We discuss and update the role of VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 signaling in tumor development and the research is still needed to completely comprehend this multifunctional receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selvaraj Vimalraj
- Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, India
| | | | - Mostafizur Rahaman
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Periyasami Govindasami
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Karthikeyan Perumal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 151 W. Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Saravanan Sekaran
- Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077 India
| | - Dhanraj Ganapathy
- Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077 India
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8
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Lee JY, Park S, Han AR, Hwang HS, Kim HJ. Therapeutic potential of FLT4-targeting peptide in acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:2919-2925. [PMID: 36763100 PMCID: PMC10991567 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we found that dysfunctional natural killer (NK) cells with low interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were restored in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by the FLT4 antagonist MAZ51. Here, we developed 12 peptides targeting FLT4 for clinical application and examined whether they restored the frequency of lymphocytes, especially T cells and NK cells, and high IFN-γ expression, as MAZ51 treatment did in our previous study. Although clinical data from using peptides are currently available, peptides targeting FLT4 to modulate immune cells have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we focus on novel peptide 4 (P4) from the intracellular domain of FLT4 because it had dominant negative activity. Similar to MAZ51, high IFN-γ levels were expressed in AML-mononuclear cells exposed to P4. Additionally, T and NK cell levels were restored, as were high IFN-γ levels, in a leukemic environment when P4 was treated. Interestingly, the regulatory T cells were significantly decreased by P4, implying the role of peptide in tumor niche. Overall, we demonstrated the therapeutic value of functionally modulating lymphocytes using a peptide targeting FLT4 and proposed the development of advanced therapeutic approaches against AML by using immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yoon Lee
- CHA Advanced Research Institute, Bundang CHA Hospital, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Soojin Park
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Catholic Hematology Hospital, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - A-Reum Han
- CHA Advanced Research Institute, Bundang CHA Hospital, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hee-Sun Hwang
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Catholic Hematology Hospital, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee-Je Kim
- Catholic Hematology Hospital, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Hematology, College of Medicine, Leukemia Research Institute, Catholic Hematology Hospital, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-Daero, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, 06591, Korea.
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9
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Lungu CN, Mehedinti MC. Molecular Motifs in Vascular Morphogenesis: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) as the Leading Promoter of Angiogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12169. [PMID: 37569543 PMCID: PMC10418718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissular hypoxia stimulates vascular morphogenesis. Vascular morphogenesis shapes the cell and, consecutively, tissue growth. The development of new blood vessels is intermediated substantially through the tyrosine kinase pathway. There are several types of receptors inferred to be located in the blood vessel structures. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is the leading protagonist of angiogenesis. VEGF-A's interactions with its receptors VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3, together with disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 (ADAMTS1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and neuropilin-1 (NRP1), independently, are studied computationally. Peripheral artery disease (PAD), which results in tissue ischemia, is more prevalent in the senior population. Presently, medical curatives used to treat cases of PAD-antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents, statins, antihypertensive remedies with ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) impediments, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) or β- blockers, blood glucose control, and smoking cessation-are not effective. These curatives were largely established from the treatment of complaint cases of coronary disease. However, these medical curatives do not ameliorate lower limb perfusion in cases of PAD. Likewise, surgical or endovascular procedures may be ineffective in relieving symptoms. Eventually, after successful large vessel revascularization, the residual microvascular circulation may well limit the effectiveness of curatives in cases of PAD. It would thus feel rational to attempt to ameliorate perfusion in PAD by enhancing vascular rejuvenescence and function. Likewise, stimulating specific angiogenesis in these cases (PAD) can ameliorate the patient's symptomatology. Also, the quality of life of PAD patients can be improved by developing new vasodilative and angiogenetic molecules that stimulate the tyrosine kinase pathway. In this respect, the VEGFA angiogenetic pathway was explored computationally. Docking methodologies, molecular dynamics, and computational molecular design methodologies were used. VEGFA's interaction with its target was primarily studied. Common motifs in the vascular morphogenesis pathway are suggested using conformational energy and Riemann spaces. The results show that interaction with VEGFR2 and ADAMTS1 is pivotal in the angiogenetic process. Also, the informational content of two VEGFA complexes, VEGFR2 and ADAMTS1, is crucial in the angiogenesis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu N. Lungu
- Departament of Functional and Morphological Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharamacy, Dunarea de Jos University, 800010 Galati, Romania
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10
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Liu X, Li X, Wei H, Liu Y, Li N. Mast cells in colorectal cancer tumour progression, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1209056. [PMID: 37497234 PMCID: PMC10366593 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1209056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The characteristics of the tumour cells, as well as how tumour cells interact with their surroundings, affect the prognosis of cancer patients. The resident cells in the tumour microenvironment are mast cells (MCs), which are known for their functions in allergic responses, but their functions in the cancer milieu have been hotly contested. Several studies have revealed a link between MCs and the development of tumours. Mast cell proliferation in colorectal cancer (CRC) is correlated with angiogenesis, the number of lymph nodes to which the malignancy has spread, and patient prognosis. By releasing angiogenic factors (VEGF-A, CXCL 8, MMP-9, etc.) and lymphangiogenic factors (VEGF-C, VEGF-D, etc.) stored in granules, mast cells play a significant role in the development of CRC. On the other hand, MCs can actively encourage tumour development via pathways including the c-kit/SCF-dependent signaling cascade and histamine production. The impact of MC-derived mediators on tumour growth, the prognostic importance of MCs in patients with various stages of colorectal cancer, and crosstalk between MCs and CRC cells in the tumour microenvironment are discussed in this article. We acknowledge the need for a deeper comprehension of the function of MCs in CRC and the possibility that targeting MCs might be a useful therapeutic approach in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxin Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haotian Wei
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ningxu Li
- Department of Nephrology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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11
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Wong-Guerra M, Calfio C, Maccioni RB, Rojo LE. Revisiting the neuroinflammation hypothesis in Alzheimer's disease: a focus on the druggability of current targets. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1161850. [PMID: 37361208 PMCID: PMC10288808 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1161850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disease and disability in the elderly; it is estimated to account for 60%-70% of all cases of dementia worldwide. The most relevant mechanistic hypothesis to explain AD symptoms is neurotoxicity induced by aggregated amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and misfolded tau protein. These molecular entities are seemingly insufficient to explain AD as a multifactorial disease characterized by synaptic dysfunction, cognitive decline, psychotic symptoms, chronic inflammatory environment within the central nervous system (CNS), activated microglial cells, and dysfunctional gut microbiota. The discovery that AD is a neuroinflammatory disease linked to innate immunity phenomena started in the early nineties by several authors, including the ICC´s group that described, in 2004, the role IL-6 in AD-type phosphorylation of tau protein in deregulating the cdk5/p35 pathway. The "Theory of Neuroimmunomodulation", published in 2008, proposed the onset and progression of degenerative diseases as a multi-component "damage signals" phenomena, suggesting the feasibility of "multitarget" therapies in AD. This theory explains in detail the cascade of molecular events stemming from microglial disorder through the overactivation of the Cdk5/p35 pathway. All these knowledge have led to the rational search for inflammatory druggable targets against AD. The accumulated evidence on increased levels of inflammatory markers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AD patients, along with reports describing CNS alterations caused by senescent immune cells in neuro-degenerative diseases, set out a conceptual framework in which the neuroinflammation hypothesis is being challenged from different angles towards developing new therapies against AD. The current evidence points to controversial findings in the search for therapeutic candidates to treat neuroinflammation in AD. In this article, we discuss a neuroimmune-modulatory perspective for pharmacological exploration of molecular targets against AD, as well as potential deleterious effects of modifying neuroinflammation in the brain parenchyma. We specifically focus on the role of B and T cells, immuno-senescence, the brain lymphatic system (BLS), gut-brain axis alterations, and dysfunctional interactions between neurons, microglia and astrocytes. We also outline a rational framework for identifying "druggable" targets for multi-mechanistic small molecules with therapeutic potential against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maylin Wong-Guerra
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (CBA-USACH), Santiago, Chile
- International Center for Biomedicine (ICC), Santiago, Chile
| | - Camila Calfio
- International Center for Biomedicine (ICC), Santiago, Chile
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurosciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo B. Maccioni
- International Center for Biomedicine (ICC), Santiago, Chile
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurosciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leonel E. Rojo
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (CBA-USACH), Santiago, Chile
- International Center for Biomedicine (ICC), Santiago, Chile
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12
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Ejaz SA, Aziz M, Fawzy Ramadan M, Fayyaz A, Bilal MS. Pharmacophore-Based Virtual Screening and In-Silico Explorations of Biomolecules (Curcumin Derivatives) of Curcuma longa as Potential Lead Inhibitors of ERBB and VEGFR-2 for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104044. [PMID: 37241785 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The newly FDA-approved drug, Axitinib, is an effective therapy against RTKs, but it possesses severe adverse effects like hypertension, stomatitis, and dose-dependent toxicity. In order to ameliorate Axitinib's downsides, the current study is expedited to search for energetically stable and optimized pharmacophore features of 14 curcumin (1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione) derivatives. The rationale behind the selection of curcumin derivatives is their reported anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer properties. Furthermore, they possessed a low molecular weight and a low toxicity profile. In the current investigation, the pharmacophore model-based drug design, facilitates the filtering of curcumin derivatives as VEGFR2 interfacial inhibitors. Initially, the Axitinib scaffold was used to build a pharmacophore query model against which curcumin derivatives were screened. Then, top hits from pharmacophore virtual screening were subjected to in-depth computational studies such as molecular docking, density functional theory (DFT) studies, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and ADMET property prediction. The findings of the current investigation revealed the substantial chemical reactivity of the compounds. Specifically, compounds S8, S11, and S14 produced potential molecular interactions against all four selected protein kinases. Docking scores of -41.48 and -29.88 kJ/mol for compounds S8 against VEGFR1 and VEGFR3, respectively, were excellent. Whereas compounds S11 and S14 demonstrated the highest inhibitory potential against ERBB and VEGFR2, with docking scores of -37.92 and -38.5 kJ/mol against ERBB and -41.2 and -46.5 kJ/mol against VEGFR-2, respectively. The results of the molecular docking studies were further correlated with the molecular dynamics simulation studies. Moreover, HYDE energy was calculated through SeeSAR analysis, and the safety profile of the compounds was predicted through ADME studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Abida Ejaz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Mubashir Aziz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ammara Fayyaz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sajjad Bilal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
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13
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Tota M, Łacwik J, Laska J, Sędek Ł, Gomułka K. The Role of Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Asthma. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091326. [PMID: 37174726 PMCID: PMC10177218 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic complex pulmonary disease characterized by airway inflammation, remodeling, and hyperresponsiveness. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) are two significant mediators involved in the pathophysiology of asthma. In asthma, VEGF and EDN levels are elevated and correlate with disease severity and airway hyperresponsiveness. Diversity in VEGF polymorphisms results in the variability of responses to glucocorticosteroids and leukotriene antagonist treatment. Targeting VEGF and eosinophils is a promising therapeutic approach for asthma. We identified lichochalcone A, bevacizumab, azithromycin (AZT), vitamin D, diosmetin, epigallocatechin gallate, IGFBP-3, Neovastat (AE-941), endostatin, PEDF, and melatonin as putative add-on drugs in asthma with anti-VEGF properties. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of those drugs. AZT reduces the exacerbation rate and may be considered in adults with persistent symptomatic asthma. However, the long-term effects of AZT on community microbial resistance require further investigation. Vitamin D supplementation may enhance corticosteroid responsiveness. Herein, anti-eosinophil drugs are reviewed. Among them are, e.g., anti-IL-5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab), anti-IL-13 (lebrikizumab and tralokinumab), anti-IL-4 and anti-IL-13 (dupilumab), and anti-IgE (omalizumab) drugs. EDN over peripheral blood eosinophil count is recommended to monitor the asthma control status and to assess the efficacy of anti-IL-5 therapy in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Tota
- Student Scientific Group of Adult Allergology, Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Julia Łacwik
- Student Scientific Group of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Laska
- Student Scientific Group of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Sędek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gomułka
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
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14
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Go YJ, Kalathingal M, Rhee YM. Elucidating activation and deactivation dynamics of VEGFR-2 transmembrane domain with coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281781. [PMID: 36795710 PMCID: PMC9934429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) is a member of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and is a dimeric membrane protein that functions as a primary regulator of angiogenesis. As is usual with RTKs, spatial alignment of its transmembrane domain (TMD) is essential toward VEGFR-2 activation. Experimentally, the helix rotations within TMD around their own helical axes are known to participate importantly toward the activation process in VEGFR-2, but the detailed dynamics of the interconversion between the active and inactive TMD forms have not been clearly elucidated at the molecular level. Here, we attempt to elucidate the process by using coarse grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We observe that inactive dimeric TMD in separation is structurally stable over tens of microseconds, suggesting that TMD itself is passive and does not allow spontaneous signaling of VEGFR-2. By starting from the active conformation, we reveal the mechanism of TMD inactivation through analyzing the CG MD trajectories. We observe that interconversions between a left-handed overlay and a right-handed one are essential for the process of going from an active TMD structure to the inactive form. In addition, our simulations find that the helices can rotate properly when the overlaying structure of the helices interconverts and when the crossing angle of the two helices changes by larger than ~40 degrees. As the activation right after the ligand attachment on VEGFR-2 will take place in the reverse manner of this inactivation process, these structural aspects will also appear importantly for the activation process. The rather large change in helix configuration for activation also explains why VEGFR-2 rarely self-activate and how the activating ligand structurally drive the whole VEGFR-2. This mechanism of TMD activation / inactivation within VEGFR-2 may help in further understanding the overall activation processes of other RTKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Ju Go
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Mahroof Kalathingal
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - Young Min Rhee
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
- * E-mail:
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15
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Rauniyar K, Akhondzadeh S, Gąciarz A, Künnapuu J, Jeltsch M. Bioactive VEGF-C from E. coli. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18157. [PMID: 36307539 PMCID: PMC9616921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22960-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) stimulates lymphatic vessel growth in transgenic models, via viral gene delivery, and as a recombinant protein. Expressing eukaryotic proteins like VEGF-C in bacterial cells has limitations, as these cells lack specific posttranslational modifications and provisions for disulfide bond formation. However, given the cost and time savings associated with bacterial expression systems, there is considerable value in expressing VEGF-C using bacterial cells. We identified two approaches that result in biologically active Escherichia coli-derived VEGF-C. Expectedly, VEGF-C expressed from a truncated cDNA became bioactive after in vitro folding from inclusion bodies. Given that VEGF-C is one of the cysteine-richest growth factors in humans, it was unclear whether known methods to facilitate correct cysteine bond formation allow for the direct expression of bioactive VEGF-C in the cytoplasm. By fusing VEGF-C to maltose-binding protein and expressing these fusions in the redox-modified cytoplasm of the Origami (DE3) strain, we could recover biological activity for deletion mutants lacking the propeptides of VEGF-C. This is the first report of a bioactive VEGF growth factor obtained from E. coli cells circumventing in-vitro folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushbu Rauniyar
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biocenter 2, University of Helsinki, P.O.B. 56 (Viikinkaari 5E), 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Soheila Akhondzadeh
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biocenter 2, University of Helsinki, P.O.B. 56 (Viikinkaari 5E), 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Gąciarz
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Künnapuu
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biocenter 2, University of Helsinki, P.O.B. 56 (Viikinkaari 5E), 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Jeltsch
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biocenter 2, University of Helsinki, P.O.B. 56 (Viikinkaari 5E), 00014 Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.452042.50000 0004 0442 6391Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Nawaz A, Zaman Safi S, Sikandar S, Zeeshan R, Zulfiqar S, Mehmood N, Alobaid HM, Rehman F, Imran M, Tariq M, Ali A, Emran TB, Yar M. Heparin-Loaded Alginate Hydrogels: Characterization and Molecular Mechanisms of Their Angiogenic and Anti-Microbial Potential. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:ma15196683. [PMID: 36234025 PMCID: PMC9573464 DOI: 10.3390/ma15196683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Chronic wounds continue to be a global concern that demands substantial resources from the healthcare system. The process of cutaneous wound healing is complex, involving inflammation, blood clotting, angiogenesis, migration and remodeling. In the present study, commercially available alginate wound dressings were loaded with heparin. The purpose of the study was to enhance the angiogenic potential of alginate wound dressings and analyze the antibacterial activity, biocompatibility and other relevant properties. We also aimed to conduct some molecular and gene expression studies to elaborate on the mechanisms through which heparin induces angiogenesis. Methods: The physical properties of the hydrogels were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Swelling ability was measured by soaking hydrogels in the Phosphate buffer at 37 °C, and cell studies were conducted to evaluate the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of hydrogels in NIH3T3 (fibroblasts). Real-time PCR was conducted to check the molecular mechanisms of heparin/alginate-induced angiogenesis. The physical properties of the hydrogels were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: FTIR confirmed the formation of heparin-loaded alginate wound dressing and the compatibility of both heparin and alginate. Among all, 10 µg/mL concentration of heparin showed the best antibacterial activity against E. coli. The swelling was considerably increased up to 1500% within 1 h. Alamar Blue assay revealed no cytotoxic effect on NIH3T3. Heparin showed good anti-microbial properties and inhibited the growth of E. coli in zones with a diameter of 18 mm. The expression analysis suggested that heparin probably exerts its pro-angiogenetic effect through VEGF and cPGE. Conclusions: We report that heparin-loaded alginate dressings are not cytotoxic and offer increased angiogenic and anti-bacterial potential. The angiogenesis is apparently taken through the VEGF pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Nawaz
- Interdisciplinary Research Center in Biomedical Materials, COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- Department of Biology, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore 54810, Pakistan
| | - Sher Zaman Safi
- Interdisciplinary Research Center in Biomedical Materials, COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom 42610, Selangor, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
| | - Shomaila Sikandar
- Department of Biology, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore 54810, Pakistan
| | - Rabia Zeeshan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center in Biomedical Materials, COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Saima Zulfiqar
- Interdisciplinary Research Center in Biomedical Materials, COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Nadia Mehmood
- Interdisciplinary Research Center in Biomedical Materials, COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Hussah M. Alobaid
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fozia Rehman
- Interdisciplinary Research Center in Biomedical Materials, COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Biochemistry Section, Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tariq
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University College of Duba, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Yar
- Interdisciplinary Research Center in Biomedical Materials, COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
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17
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Lee JY, Wu J, Liu Y, Saraswathy S, Zhou L, Bu Q, Su Y, Choi D, Park E, Strohmaier CA, Weinreb RN, Hong YK, Pan X, Huang AS. Subconjunctival Lymphatics Respond to VEGFC and Anti-Metabolites in Rabbit and Mouse Eyes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:16. [PMID: 36166215 PMCID: PMC9526361 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.10.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize and pharmacologically influence subconjunctival lymphatics in rabbit and mouse eyes. Methods Rabbits received subconjunctival injections of trypan blue or fixable fluorescent dextrans. Bleb-related outflow pathways were quantified. Immunofluorescence for vessel-specific markers (lymphatics [podoplanin and LYVE-1] and blood vessels [CD31]) were performed in native rabbit conjunctiva and after fixable fluorescent dextran injection. Vascular endothelial cell growth factor-C (VEGFC) was injected subconjunctivally in rabbits. mRNA and protein were assessed for the above markers using RT-PCR and Western blot. Alternatively, mouse studies used Prox1-tdTomato transgenic reporter mice. Subconjunctival injection conditions included: no injection, balanced salt solution (BSS), VEGFC, 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and two concentrations of mitomycin-C (MMC). Two mouse injection protocols (short and long) with different follow-up times and number of injections were performed. Mouse eyes were enucleated, flat mounts created, and subconjunctival branching and length assessed. Results Rabbit eyes demonstrated clear bleb-related subconjunctival outflow pathways that were distinct from blood vessels and were without nasal/temporal predilection. Immunofluorescence against vessel-specific markers showed lymphatics and blood vessels in rabbit conjunctiva, and these lymphatics overlapped with bleb-related subconjunctival outflow pathways. Subconjunctival VEGFC increased lymphatic (P = 0.004-0.04) but not blood vessel (P = 0.77-0.84) mRNA or protein in rabbits. Prox1-tdTomato transgenic reporter mice demonstrated natively fluorescent lymphatics. Subconjunctival VEGFC increased murine lymphatic branching and length (P ≤ 0.001-0.004) while antimetabolites (P ≤ 0.001-0.043) did the opposite for the long protocol. Discussion Subconjunctival lymphatics are pharmacologically responsive to both VEGFC and antimetabolites in two animal models studied using different methodologies. These results may be important for bleb-forming glaucoma surgeries or ocular drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Yeon Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gachon University College of Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jingyi Wu
- Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yameng Liu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Sindhu Saraswathy
- Doheny Eye Institute and Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Longfang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qianwen Bu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ying Su
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dongwon Choi
- Department of Surgery, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Eunkyung Park
- Department of Surgery, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Clemens A Strohmaier
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria.,Hamilton Glaucoma Center, The Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Robert N Weinreb
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, The Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Young-Kwon Hong
- Department of Surgery, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Xiaojing Pan
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Alex S Huang
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, The Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, California, United States
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18
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Kingston RL, Millane RP. A general method for directly phasing diffraction data from high-solvent-content protein crystals. IUCRJ 2022; 9:648-665. [PMID: 36071801 PMCID: PMC9438493 DOI: 10.1107/s2052252522006996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A procedure is described for direct phase determination in protein crystallography, applicable to crystals with high solvent content. The procedure requires only the diffraction data and an estimate of the solvent content as input. Direct phase determination is treated as a constraint satisfaction problem, in which an image is sought that is consistent with both the diffraction data and generic constraints on the density distribution in the crystal. The problem is solved using an iterative projection algorithm, the Difference Map algorithm, which has good global convergence properties, and can locate the correct solution without any initial phase information. Computational efficiency is improved by breaking the problem down into two stages; initial approximation of the molecular envelope at low resolution, followed by subsequent phase determination using all of the data. The molecular envelope is continually updated during the phase determination step. At both stages, the algorithm is initiated with many different and random phase sets, which are evolved subject to the constraints. A clustering procedure is used to identify consistent results across multiple runs, which are then averaged to generate consensus envelopes or phase sets. The emergence of highly consistent phase sets is diagnostic of success. The effectiveness of the procedure is demonstrated by application to 42 known structures of solvent fraction 0.60-0.85. The procedure works robustly at intermediate resolutions (1.9-3.5 Å) but is strongly dependent on crystal solvent content, only working routinely with solvent fractions greater than 0.70.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lawrence Kingston
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, 3a Symonds St, Auckland City, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Rick P. Millane
- Computational Imaging Group, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
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19
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Dai W, Yang M, Xia P, Xiao C, Huang S, Zhang Z, Cheng X, Li W, Jin J, Zhang J, Wu B, Zhang Y, Wu PH, Lin Y, Wu W, Zhao H, Zhang Y, Lin WJ, Ye X. A functional role of meningeal lymphatics in sex difference of stress susceptibility in mice. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4825. [PMID: 35974004 PMCID: PMC9381547 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32556-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions. Meningeal lymphatics are essential for drainage of molecules in the cerebrospinal fluid to the peripheral immune system. Their potential role in depression-like behaviour has not been investigated. Here, we show in mice, sub-chronic variable stress as a model of depression-like behaviour impairs meningeal lymphatics in females but not in males. Manipulations of meningeal lymphatics regulate the sex difference in the susceptibility to stress-induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in mice, as well as alterations of the medial prefrontal cortex and the ventral tegmental area, brain regions critical for emotional regulation. Together, our findings suggest meningeal lymphatic impairment contributes to susceptibility to stress in mice, and that restoration of the meningeal lymphatics might have potential for modulation of depression-like behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Dai
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengqian Yang
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei Xia
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuan Xiao
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuying Huang
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Cheng
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenchang Li
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Jin
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyun Zhang
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binghuo Wu
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei-Hui Wu
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Lin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hu Zhao
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Wei-Jye Lin
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. .,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaojing Ye
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. .,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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20
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Abstract
The lymphatic system, composed of initial and collecting lymphatic vessels as well as lymph nodes that are present in almost every tissue of the human body, acts as an essential transport system for fluids, biomolecules and cells between peripheral tissues and the central circulation. Consequently, it is required for normal body physiology but is also involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, most notably cancer. The important role of tumor-associated lymphatic vessels and lymphangiogenesis in the formation of lymph node metastasis has been elucidated during the last two decades, whereas the underlying mechanisms and the relation between lymphatic and peripheral organ dissemination of cancer cells are incompletely understood. Lymphatic vessels are also important for tumor-host communication, relaying molecular information from a primary or metastatic tumor to regional lymph nodes and the circulatory system. Beyond antigen transport, lymphatic endothelial cells, particularly those residing in lymph node sinuses, have recently been recognized as direct regulators of tumor immunity and immunotherapy responsiveness, presenting tumor antigens and expressing several immune-modulatory signals including PD-L1. In this review, we summarize recent discoveries in this rapidly evolving field and highlight strategies and challenges of therapeutic targeting of lymphatic vessels or specific lymphatic functions in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lothar C Dieterich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carlotta Tacconi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Ducoli
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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21
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Li L, Wu D, Qin X, Mi LZ. PDGF-D Prodomain Differentially Inhibits the Biological Activities of PDGF-D and PDGF-B. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167709. [PMID: 35777468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
As a member of PDGF/VEGF (Platelet-derived growth factor/ Vascular endothelial growth factor) growth factors, PDGF-D regulates blood vessel development, wound healing, innate immunity, and organogenesis. Unlike PDGF-A and PDGF-B, PDGF-D has an additional CUB (Complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain at the N-terminus of its growth factor domain, and thus it is secreted in a latent, inactive complex, which needs to be proteolytically activated for its biological activities. However, how the CUB domain contributes to the latency and activation of the growth factor remains elusive. In this study, we modeled the dimeric structure of PDGF-D pro-complex and studied the inhibitory functions of PDGF-D prodomain on PDGF-B and PDGF-D signaling. In our model, the growth factor domain of PDGF-D forms a VEGF-D-like dimer through their β1 and β3 interactions. The hinge and CUB domains of PDGF-D bind at the opposite sides of the growth factor domain and exclude the PDGFR-β (PDGF Receptor β) D2 and D3 domains from recognizing the growth factor. In addition, we verified that PDGF-D prodomain could inhibit both PDGF-B and PDGF-D mediated PDGFR-β transphosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. However, PDGF-D prodomain could only inhibit the proliferation of NIH 3T3 cells stimulated by PDGF-D but not by PDGF-B, indicating its differential inhibitory activities toward PDGF-B and PDGF-D signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linli Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Dan Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Qin
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China.
| | - Li-Zhi Mi
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China.
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22
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Rasoulinejad SA, Sarreshtehdari N, Mafi AR. The crosstalk between VEGF signaling pathway and long non-coding RNAs in neovascular retinal diseases: Implications for anti-VEGF therapy. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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23
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Wang C, Chu M. Advances in Drugs Targeting Lymphangiogenesis for Preventing Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Front Oncol 2022; 11:783309. [PMID: 35087755 PMCID: PMC8787832 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.783309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis of cancer cells from the primary tumor to other organs and tissues in the body is the leading cause of death in patients with malignancies. One of the principal ways cancer cells travel is through lymphatic vessels, and tumor invasion into the regional lymph nodes is a hallmark of early metastasis; thus, the formation of especially peritumoral lymphatic vessels is essential for tumor transportation that gives rise to further progression. In the past few decades, tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis has been testified to its tight correlation with lymphatic metastasis and poor clinical outcomes in multiple types of human malignancies, which warrants novel potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. As the understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms has grown tremendously over the years, an inexorable march of anti-lymphangiogenic therapy also aroused terrific interest. As a result, a great number of drugs have entered clinical trials, and some of them exhibited predominant contributions in cancer management. Herein, this review provides an updated summary of the current advances in therapies preventing lymphatic metastasis and discusses the validity of different applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuqi Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing, China.,I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing, China
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24
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Stăncioiu L, Gherman AMR, Brezeștean I, Dina NE. Vibrational spectral analysis of Sorafenib and its molecular docking study compared to other TKIs. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.131507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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25
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Ye X, Gaucher JF, Vidal M, Broussy S. A Structural Overview of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors Pharmacological Ligands: From Macromolecules to Designed Peptidomimetics. Molecules 2021; 26:6759. [PMID: 34833851 PMCID: PMC8625919 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of cytokines plays a key role in vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-A is the main member of this family, alongside placental growth factor (PlGF), VEGF-B/C/D in mammals, and VEGF-E/F in other organisms. To study the activities of these growth factors under physiological and pathological conditions, resulting in therapeutic applications in cancer and age-related macular degeneration, blocking ligands have been developed. These have mostly been large biomolecules like antibodies. Ligands with high affinities, at least in the nanomolar range, and accurate structural data from X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy have been described. They constitute the main focus of this overview, which evidences similarities and differences in their binding modes. For VEGF-A ligands, and to a limited extent also for PlGF, a transition is now observed towards developing smaller ligands like nanobodies and peptides. These include unnatural amino acids and chemical modifications for designed and improved properties, such as serum stability and greater affinity. However, this review also highlights the scarcity of such small molecular entities and the striking lack of small organic molecule ligands. It also shows the gap between the rather large array of ligands targeting VEGF-A and the general absence of ligands binding other VEGF members, besides some antibodies. Future developments in these directions are expected in the upcoming years, and the study of these growth factors and their promising therapeutic applications will be welcomed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Ye
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, U 1268 INSERM, 75006 Paris, France; (X.Y.); (M.V.)
| | - Jean-François Gaucher
- Laboratoire de Cristallographie et RMN Biologiques, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Michel Vidal
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, U 1268 INSERM, 75006 Paris, France; (X.Y.); (M.V.)
- Service Biologie du Médicament, Toxicologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Broussy
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, U 1268 INSERM, 75006 Paris, France; (X.Y.); (M.V.)
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26
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Angiogenesis in Chronic Inflammatory Skin Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112035. [PMID: 34769465 PMCID: PMC8584589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels from preexisting vessels, is associated with inflammation in various pathological conditions. Well-known angiogenetic factors include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietins, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-β, and basic fibroblast growth factor. Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) have recently been added to an important angiogenic factor. Accumulating evidence indicates associations between angiogenesis and chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Angiogenesis is deeply involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. VEGF, angiopoietins, tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin-8, and interleukin-17 are unregulated in psoriasis and induce angiogenesis. Angiogenesis may be involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, and in particular, mast cells are a major source of VEGF expression. Angiogenesis is an essential process in rosacea, which is induced by LL-37 from a signal cascade by microorganisms, VEGF, and MMP-3 from mast cells. In addition, angiogenesis by increased VEGF has been reported in chronic urticaria and hidradenitis suppurativa. The finding that VEGF is expressed in inflammatory skin lesions indicates that inhibition of angiogenesis is a useful strategy for treatment of chronic, inflammatory skin disorders.
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27
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Regulation of VEGFR Signalling in Lymphatic Vascular Development and Disease: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147760. [PMID: 34299378 PMCID: PMC8306507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of lymphatic vessels in a myriad of human diseases is rapidly gaining recognition; lymphatic vessel dysfunction is a feature of disorders including congenital lymphatic anomalies, primary lymphoedema and obesity, while improved lymphatic vessel function increases the efficacy of immunotherapy for cancer and neurological disease and promotes cardiac repair following myocardial infarction. Understanding how the growth and function of lymphatic vessels is precisely regulated therefore stands to inform the development of novel therapeutics applicable to a wide range of human diseases. Lymphatic vascular development is initiated during embryogenesis following establishment of the major blood vessels and the onset of blood flow. Lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells arise from a combination of venous and non-venous sources to generate the initial lymphatic vascular structures in the vertebrate embryo, which are then further ramified and remodelled to elaborate an extensive lymphatic vascular network. Signalling mediated via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinases is crucial for development of both the blood and lymphatic vascular networks, though distinct components are utilised to different degrees in each vascular compartment. Although much is known about the regulation of VEGFA/VEGFR2 signalling in the blood vasculature, less is understood regarding the mechanisms by which VEGFC/VEGFD/VEGFR3 signalling is regulated during lymphatic vascular development. This review will focus on recent advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating VEGFA-, VEGFC- and VEGFD-mediated signalling via VEGFRs which are important for driving the construction of lymphatic vessels during development and disease.
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28
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Monaghan RM, Page DJ, Ostergaard P, Keavney BD. The physiological and pathological functions of VEGFR3 in cardiac and lymphatic development and related diseases. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:1877-1890. [PMID: 33067626 PMCID: PMC8262640 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) are part of the evolutionarily conserved VEGF signalling pathways that regulate the development and maintenance of the body's cardiovascular and lymphovascular systems. VEGFR3, encoded by the FLT4 gene, has an indispensable and well-characterized function in development and establishment of the lymphatic system. Autosomal dominant VEGFR3 mutations, that prevent the receptor functioning as a homodimer, cause one of the major forms of hereditary primary lymphoedema; Milroy disease. Recently, we and others have shown that FLT4 variants, distinct to those observed in Milroy disease cases, predispose individuals to Tetralogy of Fallot, the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease, demonstrating a novel function for VEGFR3 in early cardiac development. Here, we examine the familiar and emerging roles of VEGFR3 in the development of both lymphovascular and cardiovascular systems, respectively, compare how distinct genetic variants in FLT4 lead to two disparate human conditions, and highlight the research still required to fully understand this multifaceted receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Monaghan
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Donna J Page
- School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Pia Ostergaard
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Bernard D Keavney
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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29
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Abstract
Lymphatic vessels maintain tissue fluid homeostasis by returning to blood circulation interstitial fluid that has extravasated from the blood capillaries. They provide a trafficking route for cells of the immune system, thus critically contributing to immune surveillance. Developmental or functional defects in the lymphatic vessels, their obstruction or damage, lead to accumulation of fluid in tissues, resulting in lymphedema. Here we discuss developmental lymphatic anomalies called lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies that manifest as localized or multifocal lesions of the lymphatic vasculature, respectively. They are rare diseases that are caused mostly by somatic mutations and can present with variable symptoms based upon the size and location of the lesions composed of fluid-filled cisterns or channels. Substantial progress has been made recently in understanding the molecular basis of their pathogenesis through the identification of their genetic causes, combined with the elucidation of the underlying mechanisms in animal disease models and patient-derived lymphatic endothelial cells. Most of the solitary somatic mutations that cause lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies occur in genes that encode components of oncogenic growth factor signal transduction pathways. This has led to successful repurposing of some targeted cancer therapeutics to the treatment of lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies. Apart from the mutations that act as lymphatic endothelial cell-autonomous drivers of these anomalies, current evidence points to superimposed paracrine mechanisms that critically contribute to disease pathogenesis and thus provide additional targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we review these advances and discuss new treatment strategies that are based on the recently identified molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taija Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (T.M.)
| | - Laurence M Boon
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Center for Vascular Anomalies, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium (L.M.B.).,Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (L.M.B., M.V.)
| | - Miikka Vikkula
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (L.M.B., M.V.).,Walloon Excellence in Lifesciences and Biotechnology, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (M.V.)
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Biomedicum, University of Helsinki, Finland (K.A.)
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30
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The BMP Pathway in Blood Vessel and Lymphatic Vessel Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126364. [PMID: 34198654 PMCID: PMC8232321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were originally identified as the active components in bone extracts that can induce ectopic bone formation. In recent decades, their key role has broadly expanded beyond bone physiology and pathology. Nowadays, the BMP pathway is considered an important player in vascular signaling. Indeed, mutations in genes encoding different components of the BMP pathway cause various severe vascular diseases. Their signaling contributes to the morphological, functional and molecular heterogeneity among endothelial cells in different vessel types such as arteries, veins, lymphatic vessels and capillaries within different organs. The BMP pathway is a remarkably fine-tuned pathway. As a result, its signaling output in the vessel wall critically depends on the cellular context, which includes flow hemodynamics, interplay with other vascular signaling cascades and the interaction of endothelial cells with peri-endothelial cells and the surrounding matrix. In this review, the emerging role of BMP signaling in lymphatic vessel biology will be highlighted within the framework of BMP signaling in the circulatory vasculature.
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31
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Litvinova LS, Yurova KA, Khaziakhmatova OG, Khlusova MY, Malashchenko VV, Shunkin EO, Todosenko NM, Norkin IK, Ivanov PA, Khlusov IA. Osteogenic and Angiogenic Properties of Heparin as a System for Delivery of Biomolecules for Bone Bioengineering: a Brief Critical Review. BIOCHEMISTRY MOSCOW-SUPPLEMENT SERIES B-BIOMEDICAL CHEMISTRY 2021; 15:147-152. [PMID: 34007413 PMCID: PMC8120488 DOI: 10.1134/s1990750821020050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The review considers complex, controversial, and individual effects of heparin and its derivatives on the bone and circulatory systems in dependence of the dose, the state of the cells and tissues of the recipient. General data on the anticoagulant activity of heparin and its derivatives are presented; special attention is paid to the effect of heparin on mesenchymal cells and tissues and its role in angiogenesis. We also discuss the ability of heparin to bind osteogenic and angiogenic biomolecules in the context of the development of systems for their delivery and sustained controlled release and propose a schematic representation of the positive and side effects of heparin as a delivery system for biomolecules in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Litvinova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, ul. Gaidarа 6, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - K A Yurova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, ul. Gaidarа 6, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - O G Khaziakhmatova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, ul. Gaidarа 6, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - M Yu Khlusova
- Division of Pathophysiology, Siberian State Medical University, ul. Uchebnaya 39, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - V V Malashchenko
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, ul. Gaidarа 6, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - E O Shunkin
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, ul. Gaidarа 6, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - N M Todosenko
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, ul. Gaidarа 6, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - I K Norkin
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, ul. Gaidarа 6, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - P A Ivanov
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, ul. Gaidarа 6, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - I A Khlusov
- Department of Morphology and General Pathology, Siberian State Medical University, Moskovsky Trakt 2, bldg. 7, 634050 Tomsk, Russia.,Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, ul. Lenina 43-A, 634034 Tomsk, Russia
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32
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Künnapuu J, Bokharaie H, Jeltsch M. Proteolytic Cleavages in the VEGF Family: Generating Diversity among Angiogenic VEGFs, Essential for the Activation of Lymphangiogenic VEGFs. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:167. [PMID: 33672235 PMCID: PMC7926383 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Specific proteolytic cleavages turn on, modify, or turn off the activity of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). Proteolysis is most prominent among the lymph-angiogenic VEGF-C and VEGF-D, which are synthesized as precursors that need to undergo enzymatic removal of their C- and N-terminal propeptides before they can activate their receptors. At least five different proteases mediate the activating cleavage of VEGF-C: plasmin, ADAMTS3, prostate-specific antigen, cathepsin D, and thrombin. All of these proteases except for ADAMTS3 can also activate VEGF-D. Processing by different proteases results in distinct forms of the "mature" growth factors, which differ in affinity and receptor activation potential. The "default" VEGF-C-activating enzyme ADAMTS3 does not activate VEGF-D, and therefore, VEGF-C and VEGF-D do function in different contexts. VEGF-C itself is also regulated in different contexts by distinct proteases. During embryonic development, ADAMTS3 activates VEGF-C. The other activating proteases are likely important for non-developmental lymphangiogenesis during, e.g., tissue regeneration, inflammation, immune response, and pathological tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis. The better we understand these events at the molecular level, the greater our chances of developing successful therapies targeting VEGF-C and VEGF-D for diseases involving the lymphatics such as lymphedema or cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaana Künnapuu
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (J.K.); (H.B.)
| | - Honey Bokharaie
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (J.K.); (H.B.)
| | - Michael Jeltsch
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (J.K.); (H.B.)
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Wihuri Research Institute, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
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Litvinova LS, Yurova KA, Khaziakhmatova OG, Khlusova MY, Malashchenko VV, Shunkin EO, Todosenko NM, Norkin IK, Ivanov PA, Khlusov IA. [Osteogenic and angiogenic properties of heparin as a system of biomolecule delivery for bone bioengineering: a brief critical review]. BIOMEDIT︠S︡INSKAI︠A︡ KHIMII︠A︡ 2021; 66:431-436. [PMID: 33372899 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20206606431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The review discusses the complex, ambiguous and individual effects of heparin and its derivatives on the bone and circulatory systems, in dependence of the dosage, the state of the cells and tissues of recipients. General data on the anticoagulant activity of heparin and its derivatives are presented; aspects of the effect of heparin on mesenchymal cells and tissues and its role in angiogenesis are considered in details. Particular attention is paid to the ability of heparin to bind osteogenic and angiogenic biomolecules: thus us especially important for the development of systems for their delivery and sustained controlled release. A schematic representation of the positive and side effects of heparin as a delivery system for biomolecules in tissue engineering is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Litvinova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - K A Yurova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - O G Khaziakhmatova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - M Yu Khlusova
- Division of Pathophysiology Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - V V Malashchenko
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - E O Shunkin
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - N M Todosenko
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - I K Norkin
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - P A Ivanov
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - I A Khlusov
- Department of Morphology and General Pathology Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia; Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russia
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Arciniegas E, Carrillo LM, Rojas H, Pineda J, Ramírez R, Reyes O, Chopite M, Rocheta A. Plump endothelial cells integrated into pre-existing venules contribute to the formation of 'mother' and 'daughter' vessels in pyogenic granuloma: possible role of galectin-1, -3 and -8. Scars Burn Heal 2021; 7:2059513120986687. [PMID: 33796337 PMCID: PMC7841855 DOI: 10.1177/2059513120986687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a reactive inflammatory vascular lesion of the skin and mucous membranes, characterised by the presence of enlarged venules and seamed and seamless capillaries with plump endothelial cells (EC), and numerous macrophages. EC activation upregulates the synthesis of galectins and induces their translocation to the EC surface promoting angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, particularly galectin-1 (Gal-1), Gal-3 and Gal-8. However, the presence and distribution of Gal-1, -3 and -8, as well as their implications in the pathogenesis of PG, has not been considered. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight biopsies from patients diagnosed with PG were selected. The presence of PECAM-1/CD31, IL-1β, VEGF-C, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, integrin β1, CD44, fibronectin and Gal-1, -3 and -8 was assessed by immunofluorescence staining using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Immunostaining revealed that these molecules were present in the enlarged venules with plump ECs, in some macrophages and other immune cells. We propose that macrophages release VEGF-A and VEGF-C inducing VEGFR-2/VEGFR-3 expression and activation, leading macrophages to transdifferentiate into plump ECs that might integrate into pre-existing venules, contributing to the formation of enlarged venules with transluminal bridges and capillaries. EC activation, induced by certain cytokines, has been shown to stimulate galectin expression and changes in the cellular localisation through association and activation of specific EC surface glycoproteins. Therefore, it is plausible that Gal-1, -3 and -8, acting in a concerted manner, could be mediating the transdifferentiation of macrophages into plump ECs and facilitating their migration and incorporation into the new vessels. LAY SUMMARY In this study, immunostaining of pyogenic granuloma (PG) tissue sections showed immunoreactivity for PECAM-1/CD31, IL-1β, VEGF-C, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3, and galectin-1, -3 and -8 in enlarged venules with plump endothelial cells (EC), as well as in some macrophages and other immune cells. Interestingly, enlarged and thin-walled transient vessels lined by PECAM-1/CD31 and VEGFR-2 immunopositive ECs that form from pre-existing normal venules in response to VEGF-A (called 'mother' vessels [MV]) and that undergo intraluminal bridging evolving into various types of capillaries (called 'daughter' vessels [DV]) have been observed in benign and malignant tumours, in physiological and pathological angiogenesis as well as in vascular malformations, suggesting an important role for VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 in such a process. However, it is not only the mechanisms by which the MVs evolve in different types of DVs that remains to be elucidated, but also whether the cells that form intraluminal bridges proceed from locally activated ECs or whether they are derived from bone marrow precursors or from resident macrophages.Given that the formation of homodimers by Gal-1 and Gal-8 and pentamers by Gal-3 to generate gal-glycan lattices at the cell surface and in the extracellular space has been shown, it is possible that in PG tissue Gal-1, -3 and -8, through their binding partners, form a supramolecular structure at the surface of ECs and plump ECs, macrophages and in the extracellular space that might be mediating the transdifferentiation of macrophages into plump ECs and facilitating the migration and incorporation of these cells into the pre-existing venules, thus contributing to the formation of MVs and DVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Arciniegas
- Institute of Biomedicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Luz Marina Carrillo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
- Autonomus Service Institute of Biomedicine, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Héctor Rojas
- Institute of Immunology, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Jacinto Pineda
- Institute of Anatomy and Pathology, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Richard Ramírez
- Autonomus Service Institute of Biomedicine, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Oscar Reyes
- Autonomus Service Institute of Biomedicine, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Marina Chopite
- Autonomus Service Institute of Biomedicine, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Albani Rocheta
- Autonomus Service Institute of Biomedicine, Caracas, Venezuela
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Shaik F, Cuthbert GA, Homer-Vanniasinkam S, Muench SP, Ponnambalam S, Harrison MA. Structural Basis for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Activation and Implications for Disease Therapy. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121673. [PMID: 33333800 PMCID: PMC7765180 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) bind to membrane receptors on a wide variety of cells to regulate diverse biological responses. The VEGF-A family member promotes vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, processes which are essential for vascular development and physiology. As angiogenesis can be subverted in many disease states, including tumour development and progression, there is much interest in understanding the mechanistic basis for how VEGF-A regulates cell and tissue function. VEGF-A binds with high affinity to two VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFR1, VEGFR2) and with lower affinity to co-receptors called neuropilin-1 and neuropilin-2 (NRP1, NRP2). Here, we use a structural viewpoint to summarise our current knowledge of VEGF-VEGFR activation and signal transduction. As targeting VEGF-VEGFR activation holds much therapeutic promise, we examine the structural basis for anti-angiogenic therapy using small-molecule compounds such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors that block VEGFR activation and downstream signalling. This review provides a rational basis towards reconciling VEGF and VEGFR structure and function in developing new therapeutics for a diverse range of ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Shaik
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-207-8824207
| | - Gary A. Cuthbert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (G.A.C.); (S.H.-V.); (M.A.H.)
| | | | - Stephen P. Muench
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | | | - Michael A. Harrison
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (G.A.C.); (S.H.-V.); (M.A.H.)
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Vogrin AJ, Bower NI, Gunzburg MJ, Roufail S, Okuda KS, Paterson S, Headey SJ, Stacker SA, Hogan BM, Achen MG. Evolutionary Differences in the Vegf/Vegfr Code Reveal Organotypic Roles for the Endothelial Cell Receptor Kdr in Developmental Lymphangiogenesis. Cell Rep 2020; 28:2023-2036.e4. [PMID: 31433980 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.07.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vascular development establishes embryonic and adult tissue fluid balance and is integral in disease. In diverse vertebrate organs, lymphatic vessels display organotypic function and develop in an organ-specific manner. In all settings, developmental lymphangiogenesis is considered driven by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-3 (VEGFR3), whereas a role for VEGFR2 remains to be fully explored. Here, we define the zebrafish Vegf/Vegfr code in receptor binding studies. We find that while Vegfd directs craniofacial lymphangiogenesis, it binds Kdr (a VEGFR2 homolog) but surprisingly, unlike in mammals, does not bind Flt4 (VEGFR3). Epistatic analyses and characterization of a kdr mutant confirm receptor-binding analyses, demonstrating that Kdr is indispensible for rostral craniofacial lymphangiogenesis, but not caudal trunk lymphangiogenesis, in which Flt4 is central. We further demonstrate an unexpected yet essential role for Kdr in inducing lymphatic endothelial cell fate. This work reveals evolutionary divergence in the Vegf/Vegfr code that uncovers spatially restricted mechanisms of developmental lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Vogrin
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Neil I Bower
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Menachem J Gunzburg
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Sally Roufail
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Kazuhide S Okuda
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Scott Paterson
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Stephen J Headey
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Steven A Stacker
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Marc G Achen
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
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Morfoisse F, Noel A. Lymphatic and blood systems: Identical or fraternal twins? Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 114:105562. [PMID: 31278994 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2019.105562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Blood and lymphatic systems work in close collaboration to ensure their respective physiological functions. The lymphatic vessel network is being extensively studied, but has been overlooked as compared to the blood vasculature mainly due to the problematic discrimination of lymphatic vessels from the blood ones. This issue has been fortunately resolved in the past decade leading to the emergence of a huge amount of data in lymphatic biology revealing many shared features with the blood vasculature. However, this likeliness between the two vascular systems may lead to a simplistic view of lymphatics and a direct transcription of what is known for the blood system to the lymphatic one, thereby neglecting the lymphatic specificities. In this context, this review aims to clarify the main differences between the two vascular systems focusing on recently discovered lymphatic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Morfoisse
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Agnès Noel
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
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Cárdenas-Rivera A, Campero-Romero AN, Heras-Romero Y, Penagos-Puig A, Rincón-Heredia R, Tovar-Y-Romo LB. Early Post-stroke Activation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 Hinders the Receptor 1-Dependent Neuroprotection Afforded by the Endogenous Ligand. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:270. [PMID: 31312121 PMCID: PMC6614187 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has long been connected to the development of tissue lesion following ischemic stroke. Contradictory findings either situate VEGF as a promoter of large infarct volumes or as a potential attenuator of damage due to its well documented neuroprotective capability. The core of this discrepancy mostly lies on the substantial number of pleiotropic functions driven by VEGF. Mechanistically, these effects are activated through several VEGF receptors for which various closely related ligands exist. Here, we tested in an experimental model of stroke how the differential activation of VEGF receptors 1 and 2 would modify functional and histological outcomes in the acute phase post-ischemia. We also assessed whether VEGF-mediated responses would involve the modulation of inflammatory mechanisms and how this trophic factor acted specifically on neuronal receptors. We produced ischemic infarcts in adult rats by transiently occluding the middle cerebral artery and induced the pharmacological inhibition of VEGF receptors by i.c.v. administration of the specific VEGFR2 inhibitor SU1498 and the pan-VEGFR blocker Axitinib. We evaluated the neurological performance of animals at 24 h following stroke and the occurrence of brain infarctions analyzed at the gross metabolic and neuronal viability levels. We also assessed the induction of peripheral pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood and assessed the polarization of activated microglia. Finally, we studied the direct involvement of cortical neuronal receptors for VEGF with in vitro assays of excitotoxic damage. Preferential VEGFR1 activation by the endogenous ligand promotes neuronal protection and prevents the presentation of large volume infarcts that highly correlate with neurological performance, while the concomitant activation of VEGFR2 reduces this effect, even in the presence of exogenous ligand. This process partially involves the polarization of microglia to the state M2. At the cellular level, neurons also responded better to the preferential activation of VEGFR1 when challenged to N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced excitotoxicity. Endogenous activation of VEGFR2 hinders the neuroprotective mechanisms mediated by the activation of VEGFR1. The selective modulation of these concurrent processes might enable the development of therapeutic approaches that target specific VEGFR1-mediated signaling during the acute phase post-stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Cárdenas-Rivera
- Division of Neuroscience, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Aura N Campero-Romero
- Division of Neuroscience, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yessica Heras-Romero
- Division of Neuroscience, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Andrés Penagos-Puig
- Division of Neuroscience, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ruth Rincón-Heredia
- Microscopy Core Unit, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis B Tovar-Y-Romo
- Division of Neuroscience, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Nakamura H, Fujii K, Gupta V, Hata H, Koizumu H, Hoshikawa M, Naruki S, Miyata Y, Takahashi I, Miyazawa T, Sakai H, Tsumoto K, Takagi M, Saji H, Nishimura T. Identification of key modules and hub genes for small-cell lung carcinoma and large-cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma by weighted gene co-expression network analysis of clinical tissue-proteomes. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217105. [PMID: 31166966 PMCID: PMC6550379 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and large-cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma (LCNEC) are high-grade lung neuroendocrine tumors (NET). However, comparative protein expression within SCLC and LCNEC remains unclear. Here, protein expression profiles were obtained via mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified co-expressed modules and hub genes. Of 34 identified modules, six were significant and selected for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and pathway enrichment. Within the six modules, the activation of cellular processes and complexes, such as alternative mRNA splicing, translation initiation, nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex, SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) superfamily-type complex, chromatin remodeling pathway, and mRNA metabolic processes, were significant to SCLC. Modules enriched in processes, including signal recognition particle (SRP)-dependent co-translational protein targeting to membrane, nuclear-transcribed mRNA catabolic process of nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), and cellular macromolecule catabolic process, were characteristically activated in LCNEC. Novel high-degree hub genes were identified for each module. Master and upstream regulators were predicted via causal network analysis. This study provides an understanding of the molecular differences in tumorigenesis and malignancy between SCLC and LCNEC and may help identify potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruhiko Nakamura
- Department of Chest Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kiyonaga Fujii
- Department of Translational Medicine Informatics, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Hiroko Hata
- Medical Proteomics Laboratory, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Koizumu
- Department of Pathology, St. Marianna University Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hoshikawa
- Department of Pathology, St. Marianna University Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Saeko Naruki
- Department of Pathology, St. Marianna University Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuka Miyata
- Corporate Technology Research and Development, NISSHA Co., Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ikuya Takahashi
- Corporate Technology Research and Development, NISSHA Co., Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Miyazawa
- Department of Chest Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sakai
- Department of Chest Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Medical Proteomics Laboratory, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Takagi
- Department of Pathology, St. Marianna University Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hisashi Saji
- Department of Chest Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Toshihide Nishimura
- Department of Translational Medicine Informatics, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
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Jha SK, Rauniyar K, Chronowska E, Mattonet K, Maina EW, Koistinen H, Stenman UH, Alitalo K, Jeltsch M. KLK3/PSA and cathepsin D activate VEGF-C and VEGF-D. eLife 2019; 8:44478. [PMID: 31099754 PMCID: PMC6588350 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) acts primarily on endothelial cells, but also on non-vascular targets, for example in the CNS and immune system. Here we describe a novel, unique VEGF-C form in the human reproductive system produced via cleavage by kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3), aka prostate-specific antigen (PSA). KLK3 activated VEGF-C specifically and efficiently through cleavage at a novel N-terminal site. We detected VEGF-C in seminal plasma, and sperm liquefaction occurred concurrently with VEGF-C activation, which was enhanced by collagen and calcium binding EGF domains 1 (CCBE1). After plasmin and ADAMTS3, KLK3 is the third protease shown to activate VEGF-C. Since differently activated VEGF-Cs are characterized by successively shorter N-terminal helices, we created an even shorter hypothetical form, which showed preferential binding to VEGFR-3. Using mass spectrometric analysis of the isolated VEGF-C-cleaving activity from human saliva, we identified cathepsin D as a protease that can activate VEGF-C as well as VEGF-D. The lymphatic system is composed of networks of vessels that drain fluids from the body’s tissues and filter it back into the blood. Growing these vessels depends on a factor known as VEGF-C, which is released in an inactive form and must be cut by enzymes before it can work. One enzyme that is known to activate the VEGF-C signal when the early embryo is developing is ADAMTS3. If this signal fails to switch on this can result in a condition known as lymphedema – whereby problems in the lymphatic system cause tissues to swell due to insufficient drainage. However, it is unknown whether the VEGF-C signal can be activated by enzymes other than ADAMTS3. To investigate this Jha, Rauniyar et al. tested a specific family of proteins commonly found in the human prostate, which have previously been predicted to act on VEGF-C. This revealed that the lymphatic vessel growth factor can also be activated by an enzyme found in seminal fluid called prostate specific antigen, or PSA for short. To see if enzymes in other bodily fluids could switch on VEGF-C, different components of human saliva were separated and tested to see which could cut inactive VEGF-C. This showed that VEGF-C could be converted to an active form by another enzyme called cathepsin D. Unexpectedly, Jha, Rauniyar et al. found that VEGF-C was also present in semen. For conception to occur PSA must liquify the semen following ejaculation. It was discovered that PSA activates VEGF-C just as the semen starts to liquify, suggesting that the lymphatic vessel growth factor might also play an important role in reproduction. In addition to VEGF-C, both PSA and cathepsin D were found to activate another growth factor called VEGF-D, which has an unknown role in the human body. VEGF-C helps the spread of tumors, and blocking the two enzymes that activate this growth factor may be a new therapeutic approach for cancer. However, more work is needed to validate which types of tumor, if any, use these enzymes to activate VEGF-C. In addition, understanding the relationship between PSA and VEGF-C could help improve our knowledge of human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawan Kumar Jha
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Khushbu Rauniyar
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ewa Chronowska
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Kenny Mattonet
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Eunice Wairimu Maina
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulf-Håkan Stenman
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Jeltsch
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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Tai HC, Lee TH, Tang CH, Chen LP, Chen WC, Lee MS, Chen PC, Lin CY, Chi CW, Chen YJ, Lai CT, Chen SS, Liao KW, Lee CH, Wang SW. Phomaketide A Inhibits Lymphangiogenesis in Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17040215. [PMID: 30959907 PMCID: PMC6520718 DOI: 10.3390/md17040215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is an important biological process associated with cancer metastasis. The development of new drugs that block lymphangiogenesis represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Marine fungus-derived compound phomaketide A, isolated from the fermented broth of Phoma sp. NTOU4195, has been reported to exhibit anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its anti-lymphangiogenic activity has not been clarified to date. In this study, we showed that phomaketide A inhibited cell growth, migration, and tube formation of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) without an evidence of cytotoxicity. Mechanistic investigations revealed that phomaketide A reduced LECs-induced lymphangiogenesis via vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3), protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signalings. Furthermore, human proteome array analysis indicated that phomaketide A significantly enhanced the protein levels of various protease inhibitors, including cystatin A, serpin B6, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1). Importantly, phomaketide A impeded tumor growth and lymphangiogenesis by decreasing the expression of LYVE-1, a specific marker for lymphatic vessels, in tumor xenograft animal model. These results suggest that phomaketide A may impair lymphangiogenesis by suppressing VEGFR-3, PKCδ, and eNOS signaling cascades, while simultaneously activating protease inhibitors in human LECs. We document for the first time that phomaketide A inhibits lymphangiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, which suggests that this natural product could potentially treat cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai-Ching Tai
- School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan.
- Department of Urology, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan.
| | - Tzong-Huei Lee
- Institute of Fisheries Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Hsin Tang
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan.
| | - Lei-Po Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 104, Taiwan.
- Ph.D. Degree Program of Biomedical Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Cheng Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 104, Taiwan.
- Ph.D. Degree Program of Biomedical Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Shian Lee
- Institute of Fisheries Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Chi Chen
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 252, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Yang Lin
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 252, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Wen Chi
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Jen Chen
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 104, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Ta Lai
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 104, Taiwan.
| | - Shiou-Sheng Chen
- Division of Urology, Taipei City Hospital HepingFuyou Branch, Taipei 100, Taiwan.
- Commission for General Education, National United University, Miaoli 360, Taiwan.
| | - Kuang-Wen Liao
- Ph.D. Degree Program of Biomedical Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 300, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Hsing Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Wei Wang
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 252, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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42
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Zanella S, Bocchinfuso G, De Zotti M, Arosio D, Marino F, Raniolo S, Pignataro L, Sacco G, Palleschi A, Siano AS, Piarulli U, Belvisi L, Formaggio F, Gennari C, Stella L. Rational Design of Antiangiogenic Helical Oligopeptides Targeting the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors. Front Chem 2019; 7:170. [PMID: 30984741 PMCID: PMC6449863 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis, essential for cancer development, is regulated mainly by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGFRs), which are overexpressed in cancer cells. Therefore, the VEGF/VEGFR interaction represents a promising pharmaceutical target to fight cancer progression. The VEGF surface interacting with VEGFRs comprises a short α-helix. In this work, helical oligopeptides mimicking the VEGF-C helix were rationally designed based on structural analyses and computational studies. The helical conformation was stabilized by optimizing intramolecular interactions and by introducing helix-inducing Cα,α-disubstituted amino acids. The conformational features of the synthetic peptides were characterized by circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance, and their receptor binding properties and antiangiogenic activity were determined. The best hits exhibited antiangiogenic activity in vitro at nanomolar concentrations and were resistant to proteolytic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Zanella
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Bocchinfuso
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta De Zotti
- Padova Unit, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Daniela Arosio
- National Research Council, Institute of Molecular Science and Technologies, Milan, Italy
| | - Franca Marino
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Stefano Raniolo
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Pignataro
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sacco
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Palleschi
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Alvaro S Siano
- Departamento de Química Organica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Umberto Piarulli
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Laura Belvisi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,National Research Council, Institute of Molecular Science and Technologies, Milan, Italy
| | - Fernando Formaggio
- Padova Unit, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cesare Gennari
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,National Research Council, Institute of Molecular Science and Technologies, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Stella
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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43
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Hsu MC, Pan MR, Hung WC. Two Birds, One Stone: Double Hits on Tumor Growth and Lymphangiogenesis by Targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 3. Cells 2019; 8:cells8030270. [PMID: 30901976 PMCID: PMC6468620 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) has been known for its involvement in tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. The VEGFR3 signaling is stimulated by its main cognate ligand, vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), which in turn promotes tumor progression. Activation of VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) was shown to enhance the proliferation of LECs and the formation of lymphatic vessels, leading to increased lymphatic metastasis of tumor cells. In the past decade, the expression and pathological roles of VEGFR3 in tumor cells have been described. Moreover, the VEGF-C/VEGFR3 axis has been implicated in regulating immune tolerance and suppression. Therefore, the inhibition of the VEGF-C/VEGFR3 axis has emerged as an important therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer. In this review, we discuss the current findings related to VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling in cancer progression and recent advances in the development of therapeutic drugs targeting VEGF-C/VEGFR3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chuan Hsu
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
| | - Mei-Ren Pan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Chun Hung
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
- Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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44
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Crona DJ, Skol AD, Leppänen VM, Glubb DM, Etheridge AS, Hilliard E, Peña CE, Peterson YK, Klauber-DeMore N, Alitalo KK, Innocenti F. Genetic Variants of VEGFA and FLT4 Are Determinants of Survival in Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with Sorafenib. Cancer Res 2019; 79:231-241. [PMID: 30385613 PMCID: PMC6541205 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-1089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Molecular markers of sorafenib efficacy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are not available. The purpose of this study was to discover genetic markers of survival in patients with mRCC treated with sorafenib. Germline variants from 56 genes were genotyped in 295 patients with mRCC. Variant-overall survival (OS) associations were tested in multivariate regression models. Mechanistic studies were conducted to validate clinical associations. VEGFA rs1885657, ITGAV rs3816375, and WWOX rs8047917 (sorafenib arm), and FLT4 rs307826 and VEGFA rs3024987 (sorafenib and placebo arms combined) were associated with shorter OS. FLT4 rs307826 increased VEGFR-3 phosphorylation, membrane trafficking, and receptor activation. VEGFA rs1885657 and rs58159269 increased transcriptional activity of the constructs containing these variants in endothelial and RCC cell lines, and VEGFA rs58159269 increased endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation. FLT4 rs307826 and VEGFA rs58159269 led to reduced sorafenib cytotoxicity. Genetic variation in VEGFA and FLT4 could affect survival in sorafenib-treated patients with mRCC. These markers should be examined in additional malignancies treated with sorafenib and in other angiogenesis inhibitors used in mRCC. SIGNIFICANCE: Clinical and mechanistic data identify germline genetic variants in VEGFA and FLT4 as markers of survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Crona
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, The University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Andrew D Skol
- The University of Chicago, Department of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Dylan M Glubb
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, The University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- The Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Amy S Etheridge
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, The University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Eleanor Hilliard
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Carol E Peña
- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Montville, New Jersey
| | - Yuri K Peterson
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Nancy Klauber-DeMore
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Kari K Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Federico Innocenti
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, The University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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45
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Durré T, Morfoisse F, Erpicum C, Ebroin M, Blacher S, García-Caballero M, Deroanne C, Louis T, Balsat C, Van de Velde M, Kaijalainen S, Kridelka F, Engelholm L, Struman I, Alitalo K, Behrendt N, Paupert J, Noel A. uPARAP/Endo180 receptor is a gatekeeper of VEGFR-2/VEGFR-3 heterodimerisation during pathological lymphangiogenesis. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5178. [PMID: 30518756 PMCID: PMC6281649 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07514-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of new lymphatic vessels occurs in many cancerous and inflammatory diseases through the binding of VEGF-C to its receptors, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. The regulation of VEGFR-2/VEGFR-3 heterodimerisation and its downstream signaling in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) remain poorly understood. Here, we identify the endocytic receptor, uPARAP, as a partner of VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 that regulates their heterodimerisation. Genetic ablation of uPARAP leads to hyperbranched lymphatic vasculatures in pathological conditions without affecting concomitant angiogenesis. In vitro, uPARAP controls LEC migration in response to VEGF-C but not VEGF-A or VEGF-CCys156Ser. uPARAP restricts VEGFR-2/VEGFR-3 heterodimerisation and subsequent VEGFR-2-mediated phosphorylation and inactivation of Crk-II adaptor. uPARAP promotes VEGFR-3 signaling through the Crk-II/JNK/paxillin/Rac1 pathway. Pharmacological Rac1 inhibition in uPARAP knockout mice restores the wild-type phenotype. In summary, our study identifies a molecular regulator of lymphangiogenesis, and uncovers novel molecular features of VEGFR-2/VEGFR-3 crosstalk and downstream signaling during VEGF-C-driven LEC sprouting in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Durré
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Florent Morfoisse
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Erpicum
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Marie Ebroin
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Silvia Blacher
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Melissa García-Caballero
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Christophe Deroanne
- Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-Cancer, Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Thomas Louis
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Cédric Balsat
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Maureen Van de Velde
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Seppo Kaijalainen
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Frédéric Kridelka
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Lars Engelholm
- The Finsen Laboratory/BRIC, Rigshospitalet/University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 124, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ingrid Struman
- Laboratory of Molecular Angiogenesis, GIGA-Cancer, Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Niels Behrendt
- The Finsen Laboratory/BRIC, Rigshospitalet/University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 124, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jenny Paupert
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Agnès Noel
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
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46
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De Rosa L, Di Stasi R, D'Andrea LD. Pro-angiogenic peptides in biomedicine. Arch Biochem Biophys 2018; 660:72-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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47
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Haploinsufficiency of vascular endothelial growth factor related signaling genes is associated with tetralogy of Fallot. Genet Med 2018; 21:1001-1007. [PMID: 30232381 PMCID: PMC6752294 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-018-0260-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine disease-associated single-gene variants in conotruncal defects, particularly tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Methods We analyzed for rare loss-of-function and deleterious variants in FLT4 (VEGFR3) and other genes in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, as part of a genome sequencing study involving 175 adults with TOF from a single site. Results We identified nine (5.1%) probands with novel FLT4 variants: seven loss-of-function, including an 8-kb deletion, and two predicted damaging. In ten other probands we found likely disruptive variants in VEGF-related genes: KDR (VEGFR2; two stopgain and two nonsynonymous variants), VEGFA, FGD5, BCAR1, IQGAP1, FOXO1, and PRDM1. Detection of VEGF-related variants (19/175, 10.9%) was associated with an increased prevalence of absent pulmonary valve (26.3% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.0001) and right aortic arch (52.6% vs. 29.1%, p = 0.029). Extracardiac anomalies were rare. In an attempt to replicate findings, we identified three loss-of-function or damaging variants in FLT4, KDR, and IQGAP1 in ten independent families with TOF. Conclusion Loss-of-function variants in FLT4 and KDR contribute substantially to the genetic basis of TOF. The findings support dysregulated VEGF signaling as a novel mechanism contributing to the pathogenesis of TOF.
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48
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Park SA, Jeong MS, Ha KT, Jang SB. Structure and function of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor system. BMB Rep 2018; 51:73-78. [PMID: 29397867 PMCID: PMC5836560 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2018.51.2.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor (VEGF-VEGFR) system play a critical role in the regulation of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in vertebrates. Each of the VEGF has specific receptors, which it activates by binding to the extracellular domain of the receptors, and, thus, regulates the angiogenic balance in the early embryonic and adult stages. However, de-regulation of the VEGF-VEGFR implicates directly in various diseases, particularly cancer. Moreover, tumor growth needs a dedicated blood supply to provide oxygen and other essential nutrients. Tumor metastasis requires blood vessels to carry tumors to distant sites, where they can implant and begin the growth of secondary tumors. Thus, investigation of signaling systems related to the human disease, such as VEGF-VEGFR, will facilitate the development of treatments for such illnesses. [BMB Reports 2018; 51(2): 73-78].
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Ah Park
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Mi Suk Jeong
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Ki-Tae Ha
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine and Korean Medicine Research Centre for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Se Bok Jang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
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49
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Karaman S, Leppänen VM, Alitalo K. Vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in development and disease. Development 2018; 145:145/14/dev151019. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.151019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are best known for their involvement in orchestrating the development and maintenance of the blood and lymphatic vascular systems. VEGFs are secreted by a variety of cells and they bind to their cognate tyrosine kinase VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) in endothelial cells to elicit various downstream effects. In recent years, there has been tremendous progress in elucidating different VEGF/VEGFR signaling functions in both the blood and lymphatic vascular systems. Here, and in the accompanying poster, we present key elements of the VEGF/VEGFR pathway and highlight the classical and newly discovered functions of VEGF signaling in blood and lymphatic vessel development and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinem Karaman
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Veli-Matti Leppänen
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
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50
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Evaluation of KDR rs34231037 as a predictor of sunitinib efficacy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Pharmacogenet Genomics 2018; 27:227-231. [PMID: 28430711 DOI: 10.1097/fpc.0000000000000280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The identification of biomarkers able to predict clinical benefit from vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors is urgently needed. Recently, Maitland and colleagues described an association between KDR-rs34231037 and soluble VEGFR2 levels as well as pazopanib pharmacodynamics. We investigated in a well-characterized series of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients whether rs34231037 could influence sunitinib response. Clinical data and DNA were available from an international series of 276 patients. KDR-rs34231037 association with sunitinib response, clinical benefit, and progression-free survival was analyzed using logistic and Cox regression analyses. We found that G-allele carriers were over-represented among patients with clinical benefit during sunitinib treatment compared with those refractory to the treatment (odds ratio: 3.78; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-14.06; P=0.047, multivariable analysis). In conclusion, rs34231037 variant carriers seemed to have better sunitinib response than wild-type patients. Moreover, the association with tumor size reduction suggests that this single nucleotide polymorphism might also identify patients with successful tumor downsizing under anti-VEGFR therapy.
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