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Malekan M, Haass NK, Rokni GR, Gholizadeh N, Ebrahimzadeh MA, Kazeminejad A. VEGF/VEGFR axis and its signaling in melanoma: Current knowledge toward therapeutic targeting agents and future perspectives. Life Sci 2024; 345:122563. [PMID: 38508233 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is responsible for most skin cancer-associated deaths globally. The progression of melanoma is influenced by a number of pathogenic processes. Understanding the VEGF/VEGFR axis, which includes VEGF-A, PlGF, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D and their receptors, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3, is of great importance in melanoma due to its crucial role in angiogenesis. This axis generates multifactorial and complex cellular signaling, engaging the MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, PKC, PLC-γ, and FAK signaling pathways. Melanoma cell growth and proliferation, migration and metastasis, survival, and acquired resistance to therapy are influenced by this axis. The VEGF/VEGFR axis was extensively examined for their potential as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers in melanoma patients and results showed that VEGF overexpression can be associated with unfavorable prognosis, higher level of tumor invasion and poor response to therapy. MicroRNAs linking to the VEGF/VEGFR axis were identified and, in this review, divided into two categories according to their functions, some of them promote melanoma angiogenesis (promotive group) and some restrict melanoma angiogenesis (protective group). In addition, the approach of treating melanoma by targeting the VEGF/VEGFR axis has garnered significant interest among researchers. These agents can be divided into two main groups: anti-VEGF and VEGFR inhibitors. These therapeutic options may be a prominent step along with the modern targeting and immune therapies for better coverage of pathological processes leading to melanoma progression and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Malekan
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | | | - Ghasem Rahmatpour Rokni
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nasim Gholizadeh
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Armaghan Kazeminejad
- Department of Dermatology, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences,Sari, Iran
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2
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Leikas AJ, Ylä-Herttuala S, Hartikainen JEK. Adenoviral Gene Therapy Vectors in Clinical Use-Basic Aspects with a Special Reference to Replication-Competent Adenovirus Formation and Its Impact on Clinical Safety. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16519. [PMID: 38003709 PMCID: PMC10671366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216519] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenoviral vectors are commonly used in clinical gene therapy. Apart from oncolytic adenoviruses, vector replication is highly undesired as it may pose a safety risk for the treated patient. Thus, careful monitoring for the formation of replication-competent adenoviruses (RCA) during vector manufacturing is required. To render adenoviruses replication deficient, their genomic E1 region is deleted. However, it has been known for a long time that during their propagation, some viruses will regain their replication capability by recombination in production cells, most commonly HEK293. Recently developed RCA assays have revealed that many clinical batches contain more RCA than previously assumed and allowed by regulatory authorities. The clinical significance of the higher RCA content has yet to be thoroughly evaluated. In this review, we summarize the biology of adenovirus vectors, their manufacturing methods, and the origins of RCA formed during HEK293-based vector production. Lastly, we share our experience using minimally RCA-positive serotype 5 adenoviral vectors based on observations from our clinical cardiovascular gene therapy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksi J. Leikas
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, 70200 Kuopio, Finland; (S.Y.-H.); (J.E.K.H.)
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, 70200 Kuopio, Finland
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, 70200 Kuopio, Finland; (S.Y.-H.); (J.E.K.H.)
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, 70200 Kuopio, Finland
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juha E. K. Hartikainen
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, 70200 Kuopio, Finland; (S.Y.-H.); (J.E.K.H.)
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, 70200 Kuopio, Finland
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
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3
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Bokhari SMZ, Hamar P. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-D (VEGF-D): An Angiogenesis Bypass in Malignant Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13317. [PMID: 37686121 PMCID: PMC10487419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are the key regulators of vasculogenesis in normal and oncological development. VEGF-A is the most studied angiogenic factor secreted by malignant tumor cells under hypoxic and inflammatory stress, which made VEGF-A a rational target for anticancer therapy. However, inhibition of VEGF-A by monoclonal antibody drugs led to the upregulation of VEGF-D. VEGF-D was primarily described as a lymphangiogenic factor; however, VEGF-D's blood angiogenic potential comparable to VEGF-A has already been demonstrated in glioblastoma and colorectal carcinoma. These findings suggested a role for VEGF-D in facilitating malignant tumor growth by bypassing the anti-VEGF-A antiangiogenic therapy. Owing to its high mitogenic ability, higher affinity for VEGFR-2, and higher expression in cancer, VEGF-D might even be a stronger angiogenic driver and, hence, a better therapeutic target than VEGF-A. In this review, we summarized the angiogenic role of VEGF-D in blood vasculogenesis and its targetability as an antiangiogenic therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Hamar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary;
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Kuhn E, Gambini D, Despini L, Asnaghi D, Runza L, Ferrero S. Updates on Lymphovascular Invasion in Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030968. [PMID: 36979946 PMCID: PMC10046167 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) has represented one of the foremost pathological features of malignancy and has been associated with a worse prognosis in different cancers, including breast carcinoma. According to the most updated reporting protocols, the assessment of LVI is required in the pathology report of breast cancer surgical specimens. Importantly, strict histological criteria should be followed for LVI assessment, which nevertheless is encumbered by inconsistency in interpretation among pathologists, leading to significant interobserver variability and scarce reproducibility. Current guidelines for breast cancer indicate biological factors as the main determinants of oncological and radiation therapy, together with TNM staging and age. In clinical practice, the widespread use of genomic assays as a decision-making tool for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer and the subsequent availability of a reliable prognostic predictor have likely scaled back interest in LVI's predictive value. However, in selected cases, the presence of LVI impacts adjuvant therapy. This review summarizes current knowledge on LVI in breast cancer with regard to definition, histopathological assessment, its biological understanding, clinicopathological association, and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Kuhn
- Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Gambini
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Despini
- Breast Surgery Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Asnaghi
- Radiotherapy Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Letterio Runza
- Pathology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrero
- Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Pillay V, Shukla L, Herle P, Maciburko S, Bandara N, Reid I, Morgan S, Yuan Y, Luu J, Cowley KJ, Ramm S, Simpson KJ, Achen MG, Stacker SA, Shayan R, Karnezis T. Radiation therapy attenuates lymphatic vessel repair by reducing VEGFR-3 signalling. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1152314. [PMID: 37188266 PMCID: PMC10176020 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1152314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Surgery and radiotherapy are key cancer treatments and the leading causes of damage to the lymphatics, a vascular network critical to fluid homeostasis and immunity. The clinical manifestation of this damage constitutes a devastating side-effect of cancer treatment, known as lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is a chronic condition evolving from the accumulation of interstitial fluid due to impaired drainage via the lymphatics and is recognised to contribute significant morbidity to patients who survive their cancer. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying the damage inflicted on lymphatic vessels, and particularly the lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) that constitute them, by these treatment modalities, remain poorly understood. Methods: We used a combination of cell based assays, biochemistry and animal models of lymphatic injury to examine the molecular mechanisms behind LEC injury and the subsequent effects on lymphatic vessels, particularly the role of the VEGF-C/VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 lymphangiogenic signalling pathway, in lymphatic injury underpinning the development of lymphoedema. Results: We demonstrate that radiotherapy selectively impairs key LEC functions needed for new lymphatic vessel growth (lymphangiogenesis). This effect is mediated by attenuation of VEGFR-3 signalling and downstream signalling cascades. VEGFR-3 protein levels were downregulated in LEC that were exposed to radiation, and LEC were therefore selectively less responsive to VEGF-C and VEGF-D. These findings were validated in our animal models of radiation and surgical injury. Discussion: Our data provide mechanistic insight into injury sustained by LEC and lymphatics during surgical and radiotherapy cancer treatments and underscore the need for alternative non-VEGF-C/VEGFR-3-based therapies to treat lymphoedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinochani Pillay
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Lipi Shukla
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, ACU, AORTEC; Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Prad Herle
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon Maciburko
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Nadeeka Bandara
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Isabella Reid
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven Morgan
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Yinan Yuan
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennii Luu
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Karla J. Cowley
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Susanne Ramm
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kaylene J. Simpson
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Marc G. Achen
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven A. Stacker
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ramin Shayan
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tara Karnezis
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Tara Karnezis,
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Choi J, Choi E, Choi D. The ambivalent nature of the relationship between lymphatics and cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:931335. [PMID: 36158182 PMCID: PMC9489845 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.931335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Do lymphatic vessels support cancer cells? Or are they vessels that help suppress cancer development? It is known that the lymphatic system is a vehicle for tumor metastasis and that the lymphangiogenic regulator VEGF-C supports the tumor. One such role of VEGF-C is the suppression of the immune response to cancer. The lymphatic system has also been correlated with an increase in interstitial fluid pressure of the tumor microenvironment. On the other hand, lymphatic vessels facilitate immune surveillance to mount an immune response against tumors with the support of VEGF-C. Furthermore, the activation of lymphatic fluid drainage may prove to filter and decrease tumor interstitial fluid pressure. In this review, we provide an overview of the dynamic between lymphatics, cancer, and tumor fluid pressure to suggest that lymphatic vessels may be used as an antitumor therapy due to their capabilities of immune surveillance and fluid pressure drainage. The application of this potential may help to prevent tumor proliferation or increase the efficacy of drugs that target cancer.
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7
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Suppression of VEGFD expression by S-nitrosylation promotes the development of lung adenocarcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:239. [PMID: 35941690 PMCID: PMC9358865 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGFD), a member of the VEGF family, is implicated in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and is deemed to be expressed at a low level in cancers. S-nitrosylation, a NO (nitric oxide)-mediated post-translational modification has a critical role in angiogenesis. Here, we attempt to dissect the role and underlying mechanism of S-nitrosylation-mediated VEGFD suppression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods Messenger RNA and protein expression of VEGFD in LUAD were analyzed by TCGA and CPTAC database, respectively, and Assistant for Clinical Bioinformatics was performed for complex analysis. Mouse models with urethane (Ure)–induced LUAD or LUAD xenograft were established to investigate the role of S-nitrosylation in VEGFD expression and of VEGFD mutants in the oncogenesis of LUAD. Molecular, cellular, and biochemical approaches were applied to explore the underlying mechanism of S-nitrosylation-mediated VEGFD suppression. Tube formation and wound healing assays were used to examine the role of VEGFD on the angiogenesis and migration of LUAD cells, and the molecular modeling was applied to predict the protein stability of VEGFD mutant. Results VEGFD mRNA and protein levels were decreased to a different extent in multiple primary malignancies, especially in LUAD. Low VEGFD protein expression was closely related to the oncogenesis of LUAD and resultant from excessive NO-induced VEGFD S-nitrosylation at Cys277. Moreover, inhibition of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase consistently decreased the VEGFD denitrosylation at Cys277 and consequently promoted angiogenesis of LUAD. Finally, the VEGFDC277S mutant decreased the secretion of mature VEGFD by attenuating the PC7-dependent proteolysis and VEGFDC277S mutant thus reversed the effect of VEGFD on angiogenesis of LUAD. Conclusion Low-expression of VEGFD positively correlates with LUAD development. Aberrant S-nitrosylation of VEGFD negates itself to induce the tumorigenesis of LUAD, whereas normal S-nitrosylation of VEGFD is indispensable for its secretion and repression of angiogenesis of LUAD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02453-8.
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Leikas AJ, Hassinen I, Kivelä A, Hedman A, Mussalo H, Ylä-Herttuala S, Hartikainen JEK. Intramyocardial adenoviral vascular endothelial growth factor-D ∆N∆C gene therapy does not induce ventricular arrhythmias. J Gene Med 2022; 24:e3437. [PMID: 35750637 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3437] [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: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phase I KAT301 trial investigated the use of intramyocardial adenoviral vascular endothelial growth factor -DΔNΔC (AdVEGF-D) gene therapy (GT) to alleviate symptoms in refractory angina (RA) patients. In KAT301, 30 patients with RA were randomized to AdVEGF-D or control group in 4:1 ratio. The treatment was found feasible, increased myocardial perfusion, and reduced angina symptoms at 1-year follow-up. However, there is some evidence suggesting that intramyocardial delivery route and overexpression of VEGFs might induce ventricular arrhythmias. Thus, we investigated whether intramyocardial AdVEGF-D GT increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients treated for RA. METHODS We analyzed non-invasive risk predictors of ventricular arrhythmias from 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) as well as heart rate variability (HRV) and the incidence of arrhythmias from 24 h ambulatory ECG at baseline and 3 and 12 months after the GT. In addition, we analyzed the incidence of new-onset arrhythmias and pacemaker implantations during 8.2-year (range 6.3 - 10.4 years) follow-up. RESULTS We found no significant increase in arrhythmias, including supraventricular and ventricular ectopic beats, atrial fibrillation, non-sustained ventricular tachycardias, and life-threatening tachycardias, nor changes in the non-invasive risk predictors of ventricular arrhythmias in the AdVEGF-D treated patients. Instead, we found a significant improvement in the very low and high-frequency bands of HRV suggestive of improved cardiac autonomic regulation after GT. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results suggest that AdVEGF-D GT does not predispose to arrhythmias and might improve HRV metrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksi J Leikas
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Iiro Hassinen
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Mikkeli Central Hospital, Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Antti Kivelä
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antti Hedman
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hanna Mussalo
- Center of Diagnostic Imaging, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juha E K Hartikainen
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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El-Sammak H, Yang B, Guenther S, Chen W, Marín-Juez R, Stainier DY. A Vegfc-Emilin2a-Cxcl8a Signaling Axis Required for Zebrafish Cardiac Regeneration. Circ Res 2022; 130:1014-1029. [PMID: 35264012 PMCID: PMC8976759 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.319929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemic heart disease following the obstruction of coronary vessels leads to the death of cardiac tissue and the formation of a fibrotic scar. In contrast to adult mammals, zebrafish can regenerate their heart after injury, enabling the study of the underlying mechanisms. One of the earliest responses following cardiac injury in adult zebrafish is coronary revascularization. Defects in this process lead to impaired cardiomyocyte repopulation and scarring. Hence, identifying and investigating factors that promote coronary revascularization holds great therapeutic potential. METHODS We used wholemount imaging, immunohistochemistry and histology to assess various aspects of zebrafish cardiac regeneration. Deep transcriptomic analysis allowed us to identify targets and potential effectors of Vegfc (vascular endothelial growth factor C) signaling. We used newly generated loss- and gain-of-function genetic tools to investigate the role of Emilin2a (elastin microfibril interfacer 2a) and Cxcl8a (chemokine (C-X-C) motif ligand 8a)-Cxcr1 (chemokine (C-X-C) motif receptor 1) signaling in cardiac regeneration. RESULTS We first show that regenerating coronary endothelial cells upregulate vegfc upon cardiac injury in adult zebrafish and that Vegfc signaling is required for their proliferation during regeneration. Notably, blocking Vegfc signaling also significantly reduces cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation and proliferation. Using transcriptomic analyses, we identified emilin2a as a target of Vegfc signaling and found that manipulation of emilin2a expression can modulate coronary revascularization as well as cardiomyocyte proliferation. Mechanistically, Emilin2a induces the expression of the chemokine gene cxcl8a in epicardium-derived cells, while cxcr1, the Cxcl8a receptor gene, is expressed in coronary endothelial cells. We further show that Cxcl8a-Cxcr1 signaling is also required for coronary endothelial cell proliferation during cardiac regeneration. CONCLUSIONS These data show that after cardiac injury, coronary endothelial cells upregulate vegfc to promote coronary network reestablishment and cardiac regeneration. Mechanistically, Vegfc signaling upregulates epicardial emilin2a and cxcl8a expression to promote cardiac regeneration. These studies aid in understanding the mechanisms underlying coronary revascularization in zebrafish, with potential therapeutic implications to enhance revascularization and regeneration in injured human hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadil El-Sammak
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse 43, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Rhine-Main, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bingyuan Yang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Stefan Guenther
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Rhine-Main, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Frankfurt, Germany
- Bioinformatics and Deep Sequencing Platform, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse 43, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Wenbiao Chen
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Rubén Marín-Juez
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse 43, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Rhine-Main, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Current address: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5 Montréal, QC, Canada, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Didier Y.R. Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse 43, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Rhine-Main, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Frankfurt, Germany
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10
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Genetic and Molecular Determinants of Lymphatic Malformations: Potential Targets for Therapy. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:jdb10010011. [PMID: 35225964 PMCID: PMC8883961 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic malformations are fluid-filled congenital defects of lymphatic channels occurring in 1 in 6000 to 16,000 patients. There are various types, and they often exist in conjunction with other congenital anomalies and vascular malformations. Great strides have been made in understanding these malformations in recent years. This review summarize known molecular and embryological precursors for lymphangiogenesis. Gene mutations and dysregulations implicated in pathogenesis of lymphatic malformations are discussed. Finally, we touch on current and developing therapies with special attention on targeted biotherapeutics.
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11
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Rezzola S, Sigmund EC, Halin C, Ronca R. The lymphatic vasculature: An active and dynamic player in cancer progression. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:576-614. [PMID: 34486138 PMCID: PMC9291933 DOI: 10.1002/med.21855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature has been widely described and explored for its key functions in fluid homeostasis and in the organization and modulation of the immune response. Besides transporting immune cells, lymphatic vessels play relevant roles in tumor growth and tumor cell dissemination. Cancer cells that have invaded into afferent lymphatics are propagated to tumor‐draining lymph nodes (LNs), which represent an important hub for metastatic cell arrest and growth, immune modulation, and secondary dissemination to distant sites. In recent years many studies have reported new mechanisms by which the lymphatic vasculature affects cancer progression, ranging from induction of lymphangiogenesis to metastatic niche preconditioning or immune modulation. In this review, we provide an up‐to‐date description of lymphatic organization and function in peripheral tissues and in LNs and the changes induced to this system by tumor growth and progression. We will specifically focus on the reported interactions that occur between tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), as well as on interactions between immune cells and LECs, both in the tumor microenvironment and in tumor‐draining LNs. Moreover, the most recent prognostic and therapeutic implications of lymphatics in cancer will be reported and discussed in light of the new immune‐modulatory roles that have been ascribed to LECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rezzola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena C Sigmund
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Halin
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Uemura A, Fruttiger M, D'Amore PA, De Falco S, Joussen AM, Sennlaub F, Brunck LR, Johnson KT, Lambrou GN, Rittenhouse KD, Langmann T. VEGFR1 signaling in retinal angiogenesis and microinflammation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100954. [PMID: 33640465 PMCID: PMC8385046 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Five vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) ligands (VEGF-A, -B, -C, -D, and placental growth factor [PlGF]) constitute the VEGF family. VEGF-A binds VEGF receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1/2), whereas VEGF-B and PlGF only bind VEGFR1. Although much research has been conducted on VEGFR2 to elucidate its key role in retinal diseases, recent efforts have shown the importance and involvement of VEGFR1 and its family of ligands in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and microinflammatory cascades within the retina. Expression of VEGFR1 depends on the microenvironment, is differentially regulated under hypoxic and inflammatory conditions, and it has been detected in retinal and choroidal endothelial cells, pericytes, retinal and choroidal mononuclear phagocytes (including microglia), Müller cells, photoreceptor cells, and the retinal pigment epithelium. Whilst the VEGF-A decoy function of VEGFR1 is well established, consequences of its direct signaling are less clear. VEGFR1 activation can affect vascular permeability and induce macrophage and microglia production of proinflammatory and proangiogenic mediators. However the ability of the VEGFR1 ligands (VEGF-A, PlGF, and VEGF-B) to compete against each other for receptor binding and to heterodimerize complicates our understanding of the relative contribution of VEGFR1 signaling alone toward the pathologic processes seen in diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, retinopathy of prematurity, and age-related macular degeneration. Clinically, anti-VEGF drugs have proven transformational in these pathologies and their impact on modulation of VEGFR1 signaling is still an opportunity-rich field for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiyoshi Uemura
- Department of Retinal Vascular Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan.
| | - Marcus Fruttiger
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
| | - Patricia A D'Amore
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Sandro De Falco
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; ANBITION S.r.l., Via Manzoni 1, 80123, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonia M Joussen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, and Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Florian Sennlaub
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012, Paris, France.
| | - Lynne R Brunck
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Kristian T Johnson
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - George N Lambrou
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Kay D Rittenhouse
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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13
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Snake venom vascular endothelial growth factors (svVEGFs): Unravelling their molecular structure, functions, and research potential. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2021; 60:133-143. [PMID: 34090786 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesis, a physiological process characterized by the formation of new vessels from a preexisting endothelium. VEGF has also been implicated in pathologic states, such as neoplasias, intraocular neovascular disorders, among other conditions. VEGFs are distributed in seven different families: VEGF-A, B, C, D, and PIGF (placental growth factor), which are identified in mammals; VEGF-E, which are encountered in viruses; and VEGF-F or svVEGF (snake venom VEGF) described in snake venoms. This is the pioneer review of svVEGF family, exploring its distribution among the snake venoms, molecular structure, main functions, and potential applications.
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14
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Dachy G, Fraitag S, Boulouadnine B, Cordi S, Demoulin JB. Novel COL4A1-VEGFD gene fusion in myofibroma. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:4387-4394. [PMID: 33830670 PMCID: PMC8093964 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroma is a benign pericytic tumour affecting young children. The presence of multicentric myofibromas defines infantile myofibromatosis (IMF), which is a life‐threatening condition when associated with visceral involvement. The disease pathophysiology remains poorly characterized. In this study, we performed deep RNA sequencing on eight myofibroma samples, including two from patients with IMF. We identified five different in‐frame gene fusions in six patients, including three previously described fusion transcripts, SRF‐CITED1, SRF‐ICA1L and MTCH2‐FNBP4, and a fusion of unknown significance, FN1‐TIMP1. We found a novel COL4A1‐VEGFD gene fusion in two cases, one of which also carried a PDGFRB mutation. We observed a robust expression of VEGFD by immunofluorescence on the corresponding tumour sections. Finally, we showed that the COL4A1‐VEGFD chimeric protein was processed to mature VEGFD growth factor by proteases, such as the FURIN proprotein convertase. In conclusion, our results unravel a new recurrent gene fusion that leads to VEGFD production under the control of the COL4A1 gene promoter in myofibroma. This fusion is highly reminiscent of the COL1A1‐PDGFB oncogene associated with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. This work has implications for the diagnosis and, possibly, the treatment of a subset of myofibromas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Dachy
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Fraitag
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Sabine Cordi
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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15
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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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16
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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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17
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Armando F, Ferrari L, Arcari ML, Azzali G, Dallatana D, Ferrari M, Lombardi G, Zanfabro M, Di Lecce R, Lunghi P, Cameron ER, Cantoni AM, Corradi A. Endocanalicular transendothelial crossing (ETC): A novel intravasation mode used by HEK-EBNA293-VEGF-D cells during the metastatic process in a xenograft model. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239932. [PMID: 33085676 PMCID: PMC7577447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In cancer metastasis, intravasation of the invasive tumor cell (TCi) represents one of the most relevant events. During the last years, models regarding cancer cell intravasation have been proposed, such as the “endocanalicular transendothelial crossing” (ETC) theory. This theory describes the interplay between two adjacent endothelial cells and the TCi or a leukocyte during intravasation. Two endothelial cells create a channel with their cell membranes, in which the cell fits in without involving endothelial cell intercellular junctions, reaching the lumen through a transendothelial passage. In the present study, ten SCID mice were subcutaneously xenotransplanted with the HEK-EBNA293-VEGF-D cell line and euthanized after 35 days. Post-mortem examinations were performed and proper specimens from tumors were collected. Routine histology and immunohistochemistry for Ki-67, pAKT, pERK, ZEB-1, TWIST-1, F-actin, E-cadherin and LYVE-1 were performed followed by ultrastructural serial sections analysis. A novel experimental approach involving Computed Tomography (CT) combined with 3D digital model reconstruction was employed. The analysis of activated transcription factors supports that tumor cells at the periphery potentially underwent an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like process. Topographical analysis of LYVE-1 immunolabeled lymphatics revealed a peritumoral localisation. TEM investigations of the lymphatic vessels combined with 3D digital modelling enhanced the understanding of the endotheliocytes behavior during TCi intravasation, clarifying the ETC theory. Serial ultrastructural analysis performed within tumor periphery revealed numerous cells during the ETC process. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that ETC is an intravasation mode more frequently used by the TCi than by leukocytes during intravasation in the HEK-EBNA293-VEGF-D xenograft model and lays down the potential basis for promising future studies regarding intravasation blocking therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Armando
- Department of Veterinary Science, Pathology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- * E-mail: (AMC); (FA); (LF)
| | - Luca Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Science, Pathology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- * E-mail: (AMC); (FA); (LF)
| | | | - Giacomo Azzali
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Davide Dallatana
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maura Ferrari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini”, Unit of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Guerino Lombardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini”, Unit of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Matteo Zanfabro
- Practitioner, 3D Veterinary Printing Project, Parma, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Science, Diagnostic Imaging Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Rosanna Di Lecce
- Department of Veterinary Science, Pathology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paolo Lunghi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma,Parma, Italy
- Centre for Molecular and Translational Oncology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Ewan R. Cameron
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Anna M. Cantoni
- Department of Veterinary Science, Pathology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- * E-mail: (AMC); (FA); (LF)
| | - Attilio Corradi
- Department of Veterinary Science, Pathology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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18
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Gutierrez-Miranda L, Yaniv K. Cellular Origins of the Lymphatic Endothelium: Implications for Cancer Lymphangiogenesis. Front Physiol 2020; 11:577584. [PMID: 33071831 PMCID: PMC7541848 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.577584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system plays important roles in physiological and pathological conditions. During cancer progression in particular, lymphangiogenesis can exert both positive and negative effects. While the formation of tumor associated lymphatic vessels correlates with metastatic dissemination, increased severity and poor patient prognosis, the presence of functional lymphatics is regarded as beneficial for anti-tumor immunity and cancer immunotherapy delivery. Therefore, a profound understanding of the cellular origins of tumor lymphatics and the molecular mechanisms controlling their formation is required in order to improve current strategies to control malignant spread. Data accumulated over the last decades have led to a controversy regarding the cellular sources of tumor-associated lymphatic vessels and the putative contribution of non-endothelial cells to this process. Although it is widely accepted that lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) arise mainly from pre-existing lymphatic vessels, additional contribution from bone marrow-derived cells, myeloid precursors and terminally differentiated macrophages, has also been claimed. Here, we review recent findings describing new origins of LECs during embryonic development and discuss their relevance to cancer lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karina Yaniv
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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19
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Zhao L, Chen H, Lu L, Wang L, Zhang X, Guo X. New insights into the role of co-receptor neuropilins in tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and targeted therapy strategies. J Drug Target 2020; 29:155-167. [PMID: 32838575 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2020.1815210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Local tumour sites lead to pathological angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis due to malignant conditions such as hypoxia. Although VEGF and VEGFR are considered to be the main anti-tumour treatment targets, the problems of limited efficacy and observable side effects of some drugs relevant to this target still remain to be solved. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new therapeutic targets for angiogenesis or lymphangiogenesis. The neuropilin family is a class of single transmembrane glycoprotein receptors, including neuropilin1 (NRP1) and neuropilin2 (NRP2), which could act as co-receptors of VEGFA-165 and VEGFC and play a key role in promoting tumour proliferation, invasion and metastasis. In this review, we introduced the schematic diagram to visually reveal the function of NRP1 and NRP2 in enhancing the binding affinity of VEGFR2 to VEGFA-165 and VEGFR3 to VEGFC, respectively. We also discussed the signalling pathways that depend on the co-receptors NRP1 and NRP2 and some existing targeted therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies, targeted peptides, microRNAs and small molecule inhibitors. It will contribute a vital foundation for the future research and development of new drugs targeting NRPs. HIGHLIGHTS NRP1 acts as a co-receptor with VEGFR2 and the pro-angiogenic factor VEGFA-165 to up-regulate tumour angiogenesis by promoting endothelial cells proliferation, survival, migration, invasion and by preventing of apoptosis. NRP2 acts as a co-receptor with VEGFR3 and the pro-lymphogenic factor VEGFC to facilitate tumour metastasis by promoting lymphangiogenesis. Although NRP1 and NRP2 do not have enzymatic signalling activity, the affinity of VEGFR2 for VEGFA-165 and VEGFR3 for VEGFC can increase in a co-receptor manner, as detailed in the schematic. The exclusive roles of NRP1 and NRP2 in signalling pathways are specifically described to emphasise the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in co-receptors. Various studies have shown that the co-receptors NRP1 and NRP2 can be directly or indirectly targeted by different methods to prevent tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Therapeutic strategies targeting NRPs look promising soon as evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongyuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong University Affiliated Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuli Guo
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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20
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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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21
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Tisi A, Parete G, Flati V, Maccarone R. Up-regulation of pro-angiogenic pathways and induction of neovascularization by an acute retinal light damage. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6376. [PMID: 32286488 PMCID: PMC7156521 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The light damage (LD) model was mainly used to study some of the main aspects of age related macular degeneration (AMD), such as oxidative stress and photoreceptor death. Several protocols of light-induced retinal degeneration exist. Acute light damage is characterized by a brief exposure (24 hours) to high intensity light (1000 lux) and leads to focal degeneration of the retina which progresses over time. To date there are not experimental data that relate this model to neovascular events. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the retina after an acute light damage to assess whether the vascularization was affected. Functional, molecular and morphological investigations were carried out. The electroretinographic response was assessed at all recovery times (7, 60, 120 days after LD). Starting from 7 days after light damage there was a significant decrease in the functional response, which remained low up to 120 days of recovery. At 7 days after light exposure, neo-vessels invaded the photoreceptor layer and retinal neovascularization occurred. Remarkably, neoangiogenesis was associated to the up-regulation of VEGF, bFGF and their respective receptors (VEGFR2 and FGFR1) with the progression of degeneration. These important results indicate that a brief exposure to bright light induces the up-regulation of pro-angiogenic pathways with subsequent neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tisi
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Parete
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - V Flati
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Maccarone
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
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22
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Hemostasis stimulates lymphangiogenesis through release and activation of VEGFC. Blood 2020; 134:1764-1775. [PMID: 31562136 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019001736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemostasis associated with tissue injury is followed by wound healing, a complex process by which damaged cellular material is removed and tissue repaired. Angiogenic responses are a central aspect of wound healing, including the growth of new lymphatic vessels by which immune cells, protein, and fluid are transported out of the wound area. The concept that hemostatic responses might be linked to wound healing responses is an old one, but demonstrating such a link in vivo and defining specific molecular mechanisms by which the 2 processes are connected has been difficult. In the present study, we demonstrate that the lymphangiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) and VEGFD are cleaved by thrombin and plasmin, serine proteases generated during hemostasis and wound healing. Using a new tail-wounding assay to test the relationship between clot formation and lymphangiogenesis in mice, we find that platelets accelerate lymphatic growth after injury in vivo. Genetic studies reveal that platelet enhancement of lymphatic growth after wounding is dependent on the release of VEGFC, but not VEGFD, a finding consistent with high expression of VEGFC in both platelets and avian thrombocytes. Analysis of lymphangiogenesis after full-thickness skin excision, a wound model that is not associated with significant clot formation, also revealed an essential role for VEGFC, but not VEGFD. These studies define a concrete molecular and cellular link between hemostasis and lymphangiogenesis during wound healing and reveal that VEGFC, the dominant lymphangiogenic factor during embryonic development, continues to play a dominant role in lymphatic growth in mature animals.
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23
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Ceci C, Atzori MG, Lacal PM, Graziani G. Role of VEGFs/VEGFR-1 Signaling and its Inhibition in Modulating Tumor Invasion: Experimental Evidence in Different Metastatic Cancer Models. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1388. [PMID: 32085654 PMCID: PMC7073125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members, VEGF-A, placenta growth factor (PlGF), and to a lesser extent VEGF-B, play an essential role in tumor-associated angiogenesis, tissue infiltration, and metastasis formation. Although VEGF-A can activate both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 membrane receptors, PlGF and VEGF-B exclusively interact with VEGFR-1. Differently from VEGFR-2, which is involved both in physiological and pathological angiogenesis, in the adult VEGFR-1 is required only for pathological angiogenesis. Besides this role in tumor endothelium, ligand-mediated stimulation of VEGFR-1 expressed in tumor cells may directly induce cell chemotaxis and extracellular matrix invasion. Furthermore, VEGFR-1 activation in myeloid progenitors and tumor-associated macrophages favors cancer immune escape through the release of immunosuppressive cytokines. These properties have prompted a number of preclinical and clinical studies to analyze VEGFR-1 involvement in the metastatic process. The aim of the present review is to highlight the contribution of VEGFs/VEGFR-1 signaling in the progression of different tumor types and to provide an overview of the therapeutic approaches targeting VEGFR-1 currently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ceci
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.A.)
| | - Maria Grazia Atzori
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.A.)
| | - Pedro Miguel Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, “Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico”, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy;
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.A.)
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24
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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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25
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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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26
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Increased Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-D Following Brain Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071594. [PMID: 30935023 PMCID: PMC6479775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) A and B occur during blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and angiogenesis following brain injury. In this study, the temporal and spatial expression of VEGF-D and VEGF receptors-2 and -3 (VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3, respectively) was determined at the mRNA and protein level in the rat cortical cold-injury model over a period of 0.5 to 6 days post-injury. In order to relate endothelial VEGF-D protein expression with BBB breakdown, dual labeling immunofluorescence was performed using antibodies to VEGF-D and to fibronectin, a marker of BBB breakdown. In control rats, VEGF-D signal was only observed in scattered perivascular macrophages in the cerebral cortex. The upregulation of VEGF-D mRNA expression was observed in the injury site between days 0.5 to 4, coinciding with the period of BBB breakdown and angiogenesis. At the protein level, intracerebral vessels with BBB breakdown to fibronectin in the lesion on days 0.5 to 4 failed to show endothelial VEGF-D. Between days 0.5 to 6, an increased VEGF-D immunoreactivity was noted in the endothelium of pial vessels overlying the lesion site, in neutrophils, macrophages, and free endothelial cells within the lesion. The upregulation of VEGFR-2 and -3 mRNA and protein expression was observed early post-injury on day 0.5. Although there was concurrent expression of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and VEGF-D post-injury, differences in their spatial expression during BBB breakdown and angiogenesis suggest that they have specific and separate roles in these processes.
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27
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Synchronous vascular endothelial growth factor protein profiles in both tissue and serum identify metastasis and poor survival in colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4228. [PMID: 30862805 PMCID: PMC6414611 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40862-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. We examined if tumor tissue and circulating protein levels of all vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) were synchronous and different in Taiwan patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) vs. non-mCRC. We analyzed samples from 109 patients enrolled from 2005–2017, 50 with stages I/II and 59 with stages III/IV CRC. We found that VEGF-A, -B, -C, -D, placental growth factor (PlGF), VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 were higher in tumor tissues than non-tumor tissues. Metastatic patients had higher levels of circulating VEGFs and soluble VEGFRs (sVEGFRs) than healthy subjects, as well as higher VEGF-A, -B, -C, -D, and PlGF proteins in both tumor tissue and serum than non-metastatic patients. Protein levels of VEGF and VEGFR were mainly associated with the patient’s age, tumor site, tumor size, tumor stage, and lymph node metastasis. Patients exhibiting high levels of VEGF, VEGFR, and sVEGFR had a shorter overall survival and disease-free survival than those with low levels. We conclude that synchronous changes in VEGF and VEGFR levels in CRC tissue and serum VEGF can discriminate between metastatic and non-metastatic subjects and high levels are associated with poor survival in CRC.
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28
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Karnezis T, Farnsworth RH, Harris NC, Williams SP, Caesar C, Byrne DJ, Herle P, Macheda ML, Shayan R, Zhang YF, Yazar S, Takouridis SJ, Gerard C, Fox SB, Achen MG, Stacker SA. CCL27/CCL28-CCR10 Chemokine Signaling Mediates Migration of Lymphatic Endothelial Cells. Cancer Res 2019; 79:1558-1572. [PMID: 30709930 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-1858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis via the lymphatic vasculature is an important step in cancer progression. The formation of new lymphatic vessels (lymphangiogenesis), or remodeling of existing lymphatics, is thought to facilitate the entry and transport of tumor cells into lymphatic vessels and on to distant organs. The migration of lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) toward guidance cues is critical for lymphangiogenesis. While chemokines are known to provide directional navigation for migrating immune cells, their role in mediating LEC migration during tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis is not well defined. Here, we undertook gene profiling studies to identify chemokine-chemokine receptor pairs that are involved in tumor lymphangiogenesis associated with lymph node metastasis. CCL27 and CCL28 were expressed in tumor cells with metastatic potential, while their cognate receptor, CCR10, was expressed by LECs and upregulated by the lymphangiogenic growth factor VEGFD and the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα. Migration assays demonstrated that LECs are attracted to both CCL27 and CCL28 in a CCR10-dependent manner, while abnormal lymphatic vessel patterning in CCR10-deficient mice confirmed the significant role of CCR10 in lymphatic patterning. In vivo analyses showed that LECs are recruited to a CCL27 or CCL28 source, while VEGFD was required in combination with these chemokines to enable formation of coherent lymphatic vessels. Moreover, tumor xenograft experiments demonstrated that even though CCL27 expression by tumors enhanced LEC recruitment, the ability to metastasize was dependent on the expression of VEGFD. These studies demonstrate that CCL27 and CCL28 signaling through CCR10 may cooperate with inflammatory mediators and VEGFD during tumor lymphangiogenesis. SIGNIFICANCE: The study shows that the remodeling of lymphatic vessels in cancer is influenced by CCL27 and CCL28 chemokines, which may provide a future target to modulate metastatic spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Karnezis
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,O'Brien Institute Department, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Nicole C Harris
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,O'Brien Institute Department, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven P Williams
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,O'Brien Institute Department, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carol Caesar
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David J Byrne
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Prad Herle
- O'Brien Institute Department, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria L Macheda
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ramin Shayan
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,O'Brien Institute Department, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - You-Fang Zhang
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sezer Yazar
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon J Takouridis
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig Gerard
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephen B Fox
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marc G Achen
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven A Stacker
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. .,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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29
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Gucciardo E, Loukovaara S, Salven P, Lehti K. Lymphatic Vascular Structures: A New Aspect in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124034. [PMID: 30551619 PMCID: PMC6321212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common diabetic microvascular complication and major cause of blindness in working-age adults. According to the level of microvascular degeneration and ischemic damage, DR is classified into non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and end-stage, proliferative DR (PDR). Despite advances in the disease etiology and pathogenesis, molecular understanding of end-stage PDR, characterized by ischemia- and inflammation-associated neovascularization and fibrosis, remains incomplete due to the limited availability of ideal clinical samples and experimental research models. Since a great portion of patients do not benefit from current treatments, improved therapies are essential. DR is known to be a complex and multifactorial disease featuring the interplay of microvascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, genetic/epigenetic, immunological, and inflammation-related factors. Particularly, deeper knowledge on the mechanisms and pathophysiology of most advanced PDR is critical. Lymphatic-like vessel formation coupled with abnormal endothelial differentiation and progenitor cell involvement in the neovascularization associated with PDR are novel recent findings which hold potential for improved DR treatment. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of PDR pathogenesis is therefore crucial. To this goal, multidisciplinary approaches and new ex vivo models have been developed for a more comprehensive molecular, cellular and tissue-level understanding of the disease. This is the first step to gain the needed information on how PDR can be better evaluated, stratified, and treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Gucciardo
- Research Programs Unit, Genome-Scale Biology, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Sirpa Loukovaara
- Unit of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Petri Salven
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Kaisa Lehti
- Research Programs Unit, Genome-Scale Biology, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, SE-17165 Stockholm, Sweden.
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30
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Ribatti D. Historical overview of lymphangiogenesis. Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 53:161-166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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31
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Nowak-Sliwinska P, Alitalo K, Allen E, Anisimov A, Aplin AC, Auerbach R, Augustin HG, Bates DO, van Beijnum JR, Bender RHF, Bergers G, Bikfalvi A, Bischoff J, Böck BC, Brooks PC, Bussolino F, Cakir B, Carmeliet P, Castranova D, Cimpean AM, Cleaver O, Coukos G, Davis GE, De Palma M, Dimberg A, Dings RPM, Djonov V, Dudley AC, Dufton NP, Fendt SM, Ferrara N, Fruttiger M, Fukumura D, Ghesquière B, Gong Y, Griffin RJ, Harris AL, Hughes CCW, Hultgren NW, Iruela-Arispe ML, Irving M, Jain RK, Kalluri R, Kalucka J, Kerbel RS, Kitajewski J, Klaassen I, Kleinmann HK, Koolwijk P, Kuczynski E, Kwak BR, Marien K, Melero-Martin JM, Munn LL, Nicosia RF, Noel A, Nurro J, Olsson AK, Petrova TV, Pietras K, Pili R, Pollard JW, Post MJ, Quax PHA, Rabinovich GA, Raica M, Randi AM, Ribatti D, Ruegg C, Schlingemann RO, Schulte-Merker S, Smith LEH, Song JW, Stacker SA, Stalin J, Stratman AN, Van de Velde M, van Hinsbergh VWM, Vermeulen PB, Waltenberger J, Weinstein BM, Xin H, Yetkin-Arik B, Yla-Herttuala S, Yoder MC, Griffioen AW. Consensus guidelines for the use and interpretation of angiogenesis assays. Angiogenesis 2018; 21:425-532. [PMID: 29766399 PMCID: PMC6237663 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-018-9613-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 414] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The formation of new blood vessels, or angiogenesis, is a complex process that plays important roles in growth and development, tissue and organ regeneration, as well as numerous pathological conditions. Angiogenesis undergoes multiple discrete steps that can be individually evaluated and quantified by a large number of bioassays. These independent assessments hold advantages but also have limitations. This article describes in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro bioassays that are available for the evaluation of angiogenesis and highlights critical aspects that are relevant for their execution and proper interpretation. As such, this collaborative work is the first edition of consensus guidelines on angiogenesis bioassays to serve for current and future reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CMU, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
- Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elizabeth Allen
- Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Resistance, Department of Oncology, VIB-Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Andrey Anisimov
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alfred C Aplin
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Hellmut G Augustin
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis Research, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David O Bates
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Judy R van Beijnum
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R Hugh F Bender
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Gabriele Bergers
- Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Resistance, Department of Oncology, VIB-Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain Tumor Research Center, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andreas Bikfalvi
- Angiogenesis and Tumor Microenvironment Laboratory (INSERM U1029), University Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Joyce Bischoff
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Barbara C Böck
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis Research, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter C Brooks
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Bertan Cakir
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniel Castranova
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anca M Cimpean
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Angiogenesis Research Center, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ondine Cleaver
- Department of Molecular Biology, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - George Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - George E Davis
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, School of Medicine and Dalton Cardiovascular Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Michele De Palma
- School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anna Dimberg
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ruud P M Dings
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | - Andrew C Dudley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Emily Couric Cancer Center, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Neil P Dufton
- Vascular Sciences, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah-Maria Fendt
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Marcus Fruttiger
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dai Fukumura
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bart Ghesquière
- Metabolomics Expertise Center, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Metabolomics Expertise Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert J Griffin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Adrian L Harris
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Oxford University Department of Oncology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher C W Hughes
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Nan W Hultgren
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - Melita Irving
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joanna Kalucka
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robert S Kerbel
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jan Kitajewski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ingeborg Klaassen
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Departments of Ophthalmology and Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hynda K Kleinmann
- The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Pieter Koolwijk
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Kuczynski
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Juan M Melero-Martin
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lance L Munn
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roberto F Nicosia
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Agnes Noel
- Laboratory of Tumor and Developmental Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jussi Nurro
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anna-Karin Olsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tatiana V Petrova
- Department of oncology UNIL-CHUV, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kristian Pietras
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund, Sweden
| | - Roberto Pili
- Genitourinary Program, Indiana University-Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Pollard
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark J Post
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul H A Quax
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Department Surgery, LUMC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriel A Rabinovich
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine, National Council of Scientific and Technical Investigations (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marius Raica
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Angiogenesis Research Center, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Anna M Randi
- Vascular Sciences, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
- National Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Curzio Ruegg
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Reinier O Schlingemann
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Departments of Ophthalmology and Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schulte-Merker
- Institute of Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU, Münster, Germany
| | - Lois E H Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan W Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Steven A Stacker
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Sir Peter MacCallum, Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jimmy Stalin
- Institute of Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU, Münster, Germany
| | - Amber N Stratman
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maureen Van de Velde
- Laboratory of Tumor and Developmental Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Victor W M van Hinsbergh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peter B Vermeulen
- HistoGeneX, Antwerp, Belgium
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, GZA Hospitals, Sint-Augustinus & University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johannes Waltenberger
- Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Münster, Germany
| | - Brant M Weinstein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hong Xin
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bahar Yetkin-Arik
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Departments of Ophthalmology and Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Seppo Yla-Herttuala
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mervin C Yoder
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Kim SO, Trau HA, Duffy DM. Vascular endothelial growth factors C and D may promote angiogenesis in the primate ovulatory follicle. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:389-400. [PMID: 28203718 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.144733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis in the ovary occurs rapidly as the ovarian follicle transforms into a mature corpus luteum. Granulosa cells produce vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in response to the ovulatory gonadotropin surge. VEGFA is established as a key mediator of angiogenesis in the primate ovulatory follicle. To determine if additional VEGF family members may be involved in angiogenesis within the ovulatory follicle, cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) received gonadotropins to stimulate multiple follicular development, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) substituted for the luteinizing hormone surge to initiate ovulatory events. Granulosa cells of monkey ovulatory follicles contained mRNA and protein for VEGFC and VEGFD before and after hCG administration. VEGFC and VEGFD were detected in monkey follicular fluid and granulosa cell-conditioned culture media, suggesting that granulosa cells of ovulatory follicles secrete both VEGFC and VEGFD. To determine if these VEGF family members can stimulate angiogenic events, monkey ovarian microvascular endothelial cells (mOMECs) were obtained from monkey ovulatory follicles and treated in vitro with VEGFC and VEGFD. Angiogenic events are mediated via three VEGF receptors; mOMECs express all three VEGF receptors in vivo and in vitro. Exposure of mOMECs to VEGFC increased phosphorylation of AKT, while VEGFD treatment increased phosphorylation of both AKT and CREB. VEGFC and VEGFD increased mOMEC migration and the formation of endothelial cell sprouts in vitro. However, only VEGFD increased mOMEC proliferation. These findings suggest that VEGFC and VEGFD may work in conjunction with VEGFA to stimulate early events in angiogenesis of the primate ovulatory follicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Ok Kim
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Heidi A Trau
- Department of Genetics, Paul D. Coverdell Center, University of Georgia, 500 DW Brooks Drive, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Diane M Duffy
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School; PO Box 1980, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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Simultaneous blockade of IL-6 and CCL5 signaling for synergistic inhibition of triple-negative breast cancer growth and metastasis. Breast Cancer Res 2018; 20:54. [PMID: 29898755 PMCID: PMC6000947 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-018-0981-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous and incurable disease. Numerous studies have been conducted to seek molecular targets to treat TNBC effectively, but chemotherapy is still the main choice for patients with TNBC. We have previously presented evidence of the important roles of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) in TNBC tumor growth and metastasis. These experiments highlighted the importance of the crosstalk between cancer cells and stromal lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in tumor growth and metastasis. Methods We examined the viability and migration of MDA-MB-231-LN, SUM149, and SUM159 cells co-cultured with LECs when treated with maraviroc (CCR5 inhibitor) and tocilizumab (anti-IL-6 receptor antibody). To assess the anti-tumor effects of the combination of these two drugs in an athymic nude mouse model, MDA-MB-231-LN cells were implanted in the mammary fat pad and maraviroc (8 mg/kg, orally daily) and cMR16-1 (murine surrogate of the anti-IL-6R antibody, 10 mg/kg, IP, 3 days a week) were administrated for 5 weeks and effects on tumor growth and thoracic metastasis were measured. Results In this study, we used maraviroc and tocilizumab to confirm that IL-6 and CCL5 signaling are key pathways promoting TNBC cell proliferation and migration. Further, in a xenograft mouse model, we showed that tumor growth was dramatically inhibited by cMR16-1, the mouse version of the anti-IL6R antibody. The combination of maraviroc and cMR16-1 caused significant reduction of TNBC tumor growth compared to the single agents. Significantly, the combination of maraviroc and cMR16-1 abrogated thoracic metastasis. Conclusion Taken together, these findings show that IL-6 and CCL5 signaling, which promote crosstalk between TNBC and lymphatic vessels, are key enhancers of TNBC tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, these results demonstrate that a drug combination inhibiting these pathways may be a promising therapy for TNBC patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13058-018-0981-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Jha SK, Rauniyar K, Jeltsch M. Key molecules in lymphatic development, function, and identification. Ann Anat 2018; 219:25-34. [PMID: 29842991 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
While both blood and lymphatic vessels transport fluids and thus share many similarities, they also show functional and structural differences, which can be used to differentiate them. Specific visualization of lymphatic vessels has historically been and still is a pivot point in lymphatic research. Many of the proteins that are investigated by molecular biologists in lymphatic research have been defined as marker molecules, i.e. to visualize and distinguish lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) from other cell types, most notably from blood vascular endothelial cells (BECs) and cells of the hematopoietic lineage. Among the factors that drive the developmental differentiation of lymphatic structures from venous endothelium, Prospero homeobox protein 1 (PROX1) is the master transcriptional regulator. PROX1 maintains lymphatic identity also in the adult organism and thus is a universal LEC marker. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) is the major tyrosine kinase receptor that drives LEC proliferation and migration. The major activator for VEGFR-3 is vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C). However, before VEGF-C can signal, it needs to be proteolytically activated by an extracellular protein complex comprised of Collagen and calcium binding EGF domains 1 (CCBE1) protein and the protease A disintegrin and metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 3 (ADAMTS3). This minireview attempts to give an overview of these and a few other central proteins that scientific inquiry has linked specifically to the lymphatic vasculature. It is limited in scope to a brief description of their main functions, properties and developmental roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawan Kumar Jha
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Khushbu Rauniyar
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Jeltsch
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Finland; Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Finland.
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Rauniyar K, Jha SK, Jeltsch M. Biology of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C in the Morphogenesis of Lymphatic Vessels. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:7. [PMID: 29484295 PMCID: PMC5816233 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Because virtually all tissues contain blood vessels, the importance of hemevascularization has been long recognized in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. However, the lymphatic vasculature has only recently become a subject of interest. Central to the task of growing a lymphatic network are lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), which constitute the innermost layer of all lymphatic vessels. The central molecule that directs proliferation and migration of LECs during embryogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C). VEGF-C is therefore an important ingredient for LEC culture and attempts to (re)generate lymphatic vessels and networks. During its biosynthesis VEGF-C undergoes a stepwise proteolytic processing, during which its properties and affinities for its interaction partners change. Many of these fundamental aspects of VEGF-C biosynthesis have only recently been uncovered. So far, most—if not all—applications of VEGF-C do not discriminate between different forms of VEGF-C. However, for lymphatic regeneration and engineering purposes, it appears mandatory to understand these differences, since they relate, e.g., to important aspects such as biodistribution and receptor activation potential. In this review, we discuss the molecular biology of VEGF-C as it relates to the growth of LECs and lymphatic vessels. However, the properties of VEGF-C are similarly relevant for the cardiovascular system, since both old and recent data show that VEGF-C can have a profound effect on the blood vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushbu Rauniyar
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sawan Kumar Jha
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Jeltsch
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Emerging Roles for VEGF-D in Human Disease. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8010001. [PMID: 29300337 PMCID: PMC5871970 DOI: 10.3390/biom8010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels and lymphatic vessels are located in many tissues and organs throughout the body, and play important roles in a wide variety of prevalent diseases in humans. Vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) is a secreted protein that can promote the remodeling of blood vessels and lymphatics in development and disease. Recent fundamental and translational studies have provided insight into the molecular mechanisms by which VEGF-D exerts its effects in human disease. Hence this protein is now of interest as a therapeutic and/or diagnostic target, or as a potential therapeutic agent, in a diversity of indications in cardiovascular medicine, cancer and the devastating pulmonary condition lymphangioleiomyomatosis. This has led to clinical trial programs to assess the effect of targeting VEGF-D signaling pathways, or delivering VEGF-D, in angina, cancer and ocular indications. This review summarizes our understanding of VEGF-D signaling in human disease, which is largely based on animal disease models and clinicopathological studies, and provides information about the outcomes of recent clinical trials testing agonists or antagonists of VEGF-D signaling.
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Kong LL, Yang NZ, Shi LH, Zhao GH, Zhou W, Ding Q, Wang MH, Zhang YS. The optimum marker for the detection of lymphatic vessels. Mol Clin Oncol 2017; 7:515-520. [PMID: 28855985 PMCID: PMC5574200 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2017.1356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Podoplanin, lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor-1, prospero-related homeobox-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 have been demonstrated to have crucial roles in the development of the lymphatic system and lymphangiogenesis process by combining with their corresponding receptors. Thus, the four markers have been widely used in labelling lymphatic vessels for the detection of lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vessel invasion. Numerous authors have aimed to identify the roles of these four markers in the lymphatic system and the mechanisms have been partly clarified at the molecular level. The aim of the present review was to comprehensively clarify the characteristics and latent action modes of the four markers in order to determine which is the best one for the detection of lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vessel invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ling Kong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Nian-Zhao Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Liang-Hui Shi
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Hai Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Wenbin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China.,Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China.,Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Hai Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Sheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
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Alginate hydrogels allow for bioactive and sustained release of VEGF-C and VEGF-D for lymphangiogenic therapeutic applications. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181484. [PMID: 28723974 PMCID: PMC5517064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic dysfunction is associated with the progression of many cardiovascular disorders due to their role in maintaining tissue fluid homeostasis. Promoting new lymphatic vessels (lymphangiogenesis) is a promising strategy to reverse these cardiovascular disorders via restoring lymphatic function. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) members VEGF-C and VEGF-D are both potent candidates for stimulating lymphangiogenesis, though maintaining spatial and temporal control of these factors represents a challenge to developing efficient therapeutic lymphangiogenic applications. Injectable alginate hydrogels have been useful for the controlled delivery of many angiogenic factors, including VEGF-A, to stimulate new blood vasculature. However, the utility of these tunable hydrogels for delivering lymphangiogenic factors has never been closely examined. Thus, the objective of this study was to utilize ionically cross-linked alginate hydrogels to deliver VEGF-C and VEGF-D for potential lymphangiogenic applications. We demonstrated that lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) are sensitive to temporal presentation of VEGF-C and VEGF-D but with different responses between the factors. The greatest LEC mitogenic and sprouting response was observed for constant concentrations of VEGF-C and a high initial concentration that gradually decreased over time for VEGF-D. Additionally, alginate hydrogels provided sustained release of radiolabeled VEGF-C and VEGF-D. Finally, VEGF-C and VEGF-D released from these hydrogels promoted a similar number of LEC sprouts as exogenously added growth factors and new vasculature in vivo via a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Overall, these findings demonstrate that alginate hydrogels can provide sustained and bioactive release of VEGF-C and VEGF-D which could have applications for therapeutic lymphangiogenesis.
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Paquet-Fifield S, Roufail S, Zhang YF, Sofian T, Byrne DJ, Coughlin PB, Fox SB, Stacker SA, Achen MG. The fibrinolysis inhibitor α 2-antiplasmin restricts lymphatic remodelling and metastasis in a mouse model of cancer. Growth Factors 2017; 35:61-75. [PMID: 28697634 DOI: 10.1080/08977194.2017.1349765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Remodelling of lymphatic vessels in tumours facilitates metastasis to lymph nodes. The growth factors VEGF-C and VEGF-D are well known inducers of lymphatic remodelling and metastasis in cancer. They are initially produced as full-length proteins requiring proteolytic processing in order to bind VEGF receptors with high affinity and thereby promote lymphatic remodelling. The fibrinolytic protease plasmin promotes processing of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in vitro, but its role in processing them in cancer was unknown. Here we explore plasmin's role in proteolytically activating VEGF-D in vivo, and promoting lymphatic remodelling and metastasis in cancer, by co-expressing the plasmin inhibitor α2-antiplasmin with VEGF-D in a mouse tumour model. We show that α2-antiplasmin restricts activation of VEGF-D, enlargement of intra-tumoural lymphatics and occurrence of lymph node metastasis. Our findings indicate that the fibrinolytic system influences lymphatic remodelling in tumours which is consistent with previous clinicopathological observations correlating fibrinolytic components with cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Paquet-Fifield
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Sally Roufail
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
| | - You-Fang Zhang
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Trifina Sofian
- b Australian Centre for Blood Diseases , Monash University , Prahran, Melbourne , Australia
| | - David J Byrne
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
- c Department of Pathology , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Paul B Coughlin
- b Australian Centre for Blood Diseases , Monash University , Prahran, Melbourne , Australia
- d Eastern Health , Box Hill , Australia
| | - Stephen B Fox
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
- c Department of Pathology , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
- e Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology , University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
| | - Steven A Stacker
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
- e Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology , University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
| | - Marc G Achen
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
- e Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology , University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
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An Important Role of VEGF-C in Promoting Lymphedema Development. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 137:1995-2004. [PMID: 28526302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Secondary lymphedema is a common complication after cancer treatment, but the pathomechanisms underlying the disease remain unclear. Using a mouse tail lymphedema model, we found an increase in local and systemic levels of the lymphangiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and identified CD68+ macrophages as a cellular source. Surprisingly, overexpression of VEGF-C in a transgenic mouse model led to aggravation of lymphedema with increased immune cell infiltration and vascular leakage compared with wild-type littermates. Conversely, blockage of VEGF-C by overexpression of soluble VEGF receptor-3 reduced edema development, diminishing inflammation and blood vascular leakage. Similar findings were obtained in a hind limb lymph node excision lymphedema model. Flow cytometry analyses and immunofluorescence stainings in lymphedematic tissue showed that VEGF receptor-3 expression was restricted to lymphatic endothelial cells. Our data suggest that endogenous VEGF-C causes blood vascular leakage and fluid influx into the tissue, thus actively contributing to edema formation. These data may provide the basis for future clinical therapeutic approaches.
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Xu M, Doyle MM, Banan B, Vachharajani N, Wang X, Saad N, Fowler K, Brunt EM, Lin Y, Chapman WC. Neoadjuvant Locoregional Therapy and Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation. J Am Coll Surg 2017; 225:28-40. [PMID: 28400300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2017.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant locoregional therapies (LRTs) have been widely used to reduce tumor burden or to downstage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We examined the impact of LRT response on HCC recurrence after OLT. STUDY DESIGN We performed a retrospective study of 384 patients with HCC treated by OLT. Tumor necrosis was determined by pathologic evaluation. The vascular and lymphatic vessels were localized by immunofluorescence staining in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue; expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2 and VEGFR-3 were analyzed by Western blot. Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and VEGF-C levels of a consecutive cohort of 171 HCC patients were detected by ELISA. RESULTS Of the 384 patients with HCC, 268 had undergone pretransplantation neoadjuvant LRTs. Patients with no tumor necrosis (n = 58; 5.2% recurrence) or complete tumor necrosis (n = 70; 6.1% recurrence) had significantly lower 5-year recurrence rates than those with partial tumor necrosis (n = 140; 22.6% recurrence; p < 0.001). Lymphatic metastases were significantly more numerous in patients with partial tumor necrosis than in those without tumor necrosis after OLT (p < 0.001). With immunofluorescence staining of peritumor zone, lymphatics were visualized around partially necrotic tumors, but not around tumors without necrosis. Plasma levels of VEGF-A and VEGF-C were elevated significantly in patients with evidence of tumor necrosis (n = 102) compared with those without necrosis (n = 69; p < 0.001). By Western blot, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 expression in the peritumoral tissue associated with partially necrotic tumors was significantly higher than in peritumoral tissue of non-necrosis tumors (n = 3/group, p < 0.020 and p < 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Locoregional therapy-induced or spontaneous partially necrotic HCC was associated with increased risk of lymphatic metastases compared with tumors with no or complete tumor necrosis. Anti-lymphangiogenic agents with neoadjuvant LRTs can decrease the pattern of lymphatic metastasis after OLT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xu
- Department of Surgery, Section of Abdominal Transplantation, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Mb Majella Doyle
- Department of Surgery, Section of Abdominal Transplantation, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Babak Banan
- Department of Surgery, Section of Abdominal Transplantation, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Neeta Vachharajani
- Department of Surgery, Section of Abdominal Transplantation, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Xuanchuan Wang
- Department of Surgery, Section of Abdominal Transplantation, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Nael Saad
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Kathryn Fowler
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Elizabeth M Brunt
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Yiing Lin
- Department of Surgery, Section of Abdominal Transplantation, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - William C Chapman
- Department of Surgery, Section of Abdominal Transplantation, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO.
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Bower NI, Vogrin AJ, Le Guen L, Chen H, Stacker SA, Achen MG, Hogan BM. Vegfd modulates both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis during zebrafish embryonic development. Development 2017; 144:507-518. [PMID: 28087639 DOI: 10.1242/dev.146969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) control angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis during development and in pathological conditions. In the zebrafish trunk, Vegfa controls the formation of intersegmental arteries by primary angiogenesis and Vegfc is essential for secondary angiogenesis, giving rise to veins and lymphatics. Vegfd has been largely thought of as dispensable for vascular development in vertebrates. Here, we generated a zebrafish vegfd mutant by genome editing. vegfd mutants display significant defects in facial lymphangiogenesis independent of vegfc function. Strikingly, we find that vegfc and vegfd cooperatively control lymphangiogenesis throughout the embryo, including during the formation of the trunk lymphatic vasculature. Interestingly, we find that vegfd and vegfc also redundantly drive artery hyperbranching phenotypes observed upon depletion of Flt1 or Dll4. Epistasis and biochemical binding assays suggest that, during primary angiogenesis, Vegfd influences these phenotypes through Kdr (Vegfr2) rather than Flt4 (Vegfr3). These data demonstrate that, rather than being dispensable during development, Vegfd plays context-specific indispensable and also compensatory roles during both blood vessel angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil I Bower
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Adam J Vogrin
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Ludovic Le Guen
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Huijun Chen
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Steven A Stacker
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Marc G Achen
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Papiewska-Pająk I, Balcerczyk A, Stec-Martyna E, Koziołkiewicz W, Boncela J. Vascular endothelial growth factor-D modulates oxidant-antioxidant balance of human vascular endothelial cells. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 21:1139-1149. [PMID: 27957793 PMCID: PMC5431135 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor‐D (VEGF‐D) is an angiogenic and lymphangiogenic glycoprotein that facilitates tumour growth and distant organ metastasis. Our previous studies showed that VEGF‐D stimulates the expression of proteins involved in cell–matrix interactions and promoting the migration of endothelial cells. In this study, we focused on the redox homoeostasis of endothelial cells, which is significantly altered in the process of tumour angiogenesis. Our analysis revealed up‐regulated expression of proteins that form the antioxidant barrier of the cell in VEGF‐D‐treated human umbilical endothelial cells and increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in addition to a transient elevation in the total thiol group content. Despite a lack of changes in the total antioxidant capacity, modification of the antioxidant barrier induced by VEGF‐D was sufficient to protect cells against the oxidative stress caused by hypochlorite and paraquat. These results suggest that exogenous stimulation of endothelial cells with VEGF‐D induces an antioxidant response of cells that maintains the redox balance. Additionally, VEGF‐D‐induced changes in serine/threonine kinase mTOR shuttling between the cytosol and nucleus and its increased phosphorylation at Ser‐2448, lead us to the conclusion that the observed shift in redox balance is regulated via mTOR kinase signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aneta Balcerczyk
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Wiktor Koziołkiewicz
- Department of Cytobiology and Proteomics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Boncela
- Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Science, Lodz, Poland
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Davydova N, Harris NC, Roufail S, Paquet-Fifield S, Ishaq M, Streltsov VA, Williams SP, Karnezis T, Stacker SA, Achen MG. Differential Receptor Binding and Regulatory Mechanisms for the Lymphangiogenic Growth Factors Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-C and -D. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:27265-27278. [PMID: 27852824 PMCID: PMC5207153 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.736801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
VEGF-C and VEGF-D are secreted glycoproteins that induce angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in cancer, thereby promoting tumor growth and spread. They exhibit structural homology and activate VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3, receptors on endothelial cells that signal for growth of blood vessels and lymphatics. VEGF-C and VEGF-D were thought to exhibit similar bioactivities, yet recent studies indicated distinct signaling mechanisms (e.g. tumor-derived VEGF-C promoted expression of the prostaglandin biosynthetic enzyme COX-2 in lymphatics, a response thought to facilitate metastasis via the lymphatic vasculature, whereas VEGF-D did not). Here we explore the basis of the distinct bioactivities of VEGF-D using a neutralizing antibody, peptide mapping, and mutagenesis to demonstrate that the N-terminal α-helix of mature VEGF-D (Phe93–Arg108) is critical for binding VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. Importantly, the N-terminal part of this α-helix, from Phe93 to Thr98, is required for binding VEGFR-3 but not VEGFR-2. Surprisingly, the corresponding part of the α-helix in mature VEGF-C did not influence binding to either VEGFR-2 or VEGFR-3, indicating distinct determinants of receptor binding by these growth factors. A variant of mature VEGF-D harboring a mutation in the N-terminal α-helix, D103A, exhibited enhanced potency for activating VEGFR-3, was able to promote increased COX-2 mRNA levels in lymphatic endothelial cells, and had enhanced capacity to induce lymphatic sprouting in vivo. This mutant may be useful for developing protein-based therapeutics to drive lymphangiogenesis in clinical settings, such as lymphedema. Our studies shed light on the VEGF-D structure/function relationship and provide a basis for understanding functional differences compared with VEGF-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Davydova
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Nicole C Harris
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Sally Roufail
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Sophie Paquet-Fifield
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Musarat Ishaq
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Victor A Streltsov
- the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, and
| | - Steven P Williams
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Tara Karnezis
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Steven A Stacker
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000.,the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Marc G Achen
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, .,the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Pulmonary Vasculopathy Associated with FIGF Gene Mutation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 187:25-32. [PMID: 27846380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-D is capable of inducing angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis through signaling via VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2 and VEGFR-3, respectively. Mutations in the FIGF (c-fos-induced growth factor) gene encoding VEGF-D have not been reported previously. We describe a young male with a hemizygous mutation in the X-chromosome gene FIGF (c.352 G>A) associated with early childhood respiratory deficiency. Histologically, lungs showed ectatic pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins. The mutation resulted in a substitution of valine to methionine at residue 118 of the VEGF-D protein. The resultant mutant protein had increased dimerization, induced elevated VEGFR-2 signaling, and caused aberrant angiogenesis in vivo. Our observations characterize a new subtype of congenital diffuse lung disease, provide a histological correlate, and support a critical role for VEGF-D in lung vascular development and homeostasis.
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Phase 1 study of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 monoclonal antibody LY3022856/IMC-3C5 in patients with advanced and refractory solid tumors and advanced colorectal cancer. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2016; 78:815-24. [PMID: 27566701 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-3134-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metastasis of solid tumors to regional lymph nodes is facilitated by tumor lymphangiogenesis, which is primarily mediated by the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3). We conducted a phase 1 dose-escalation (part A) study of the VEGFR-3 human immunoglobulin G subclass 1 monoclonal antibody LY3022856 in advanced solid tumors, followed by a colorectal cancer (CRC) expansion (part B). METHODS Part A evaluated the safety profile and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of LY3022856 in patients treated intravenously at doses of 5-30 mg/kg weekly (qwk). Part B further evaluated tolerability in CRC patients treated with 30 mg/kg. Secondary objectives were pharmacokinetics, anti-tumor activity, and pharmacodynamics (exploratory). RESULTS A total of 44 patients (23 in part A; 21 in part B) were treated; only one dose-limiting toxicity was observed at the lowest dose level. The MTD was not reached. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of any grade included in ≥15 % of all patients were: nausea (41 %), fatigue (32 %), vomiting (30 %), decreased appetite (27 %), pyrexia (25 %), peripheral edema (23 %), and urinary tract infection (UTI, 20 %). The most common grade 3/4 TEAEs included UTI and small intestinal obstruction (7 % each). No radiographic responses were noted. Median progression-free survival in part B was 6.3 weeks (95 % confidence interval: 5.1, 14.4), and a best overall response of stable disease was observed in 4 CRC patients (19.0 %). CONCLUSIONS LY3022856 was well tolerated up to a dose of 30 mg/kg qwk, but with minimal anti-tumor activity in CRC. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER NCT01288989.
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Goi T, Nakazawa T, Hirono Y, Yamaguchi A. The prognosis was poorer in colorectal cancers that expressed both VEGF and PROK1 (No correlation coefficient between VEGF and PROK1). Oncotarget 2016; 6:28790-9. [PMID: 26318037 PMCID: PMC4745692 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The angiogenic proteins vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and prokineticin1 (PROK1) proteins are considered important in colorectal cancer, the relationship between their simultaneous expression and prognosis was investigated in the present study. VEGF and PROK1 expression in 620 primary human colorectal cancer lesions was confirmed via immunohistochemical staining with anti-VEGF and anti-PROK1 antibodies, and the correlation between the expression of these 2 proteins and recurrence/prognosis were investigated. VEGF protein was expressed in 329 (53.1%) and PROK1 protein was expressed in 223 (36.0%). PROK1 and VEGF were simultaneously expressed in 116 (18.7%) of the 620 cases. The correlation coefficient between VEGF expression and PROK1 expression was r = 0.11, and therefore correlation was not observed. Clinical pathology revealed that substantially lymphnode matastasis, hematogenous metastasis, or TMN advanced-stageIV was significantly more prevalent in cases that expressed both VEGF and PROK1 than in the cases negative for both proteins or those positive for only 1 of the proteins. Also the cases positive for both proteins exhibited the worst recurrence and prognosis. In the Cox proportional hazards model, VEGF and PROK1 expression was an independent prognostic factor. The prognosis was poorer in colorectal cancers that expressed both PROK1 and VEGF relative to the cases that expressed only 1 protein, and the expression of both proteins was found to be an independent prognostic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Goi
- First Department of Surgery, University of Fukui, 9101193, Japan
| | | | - Yasuo Hirono
- First Department of Surgery, University of Fukui, 9101193, Japan
| | - Akio Yamaguchi
- First Department of Surgery, University of Fukui, 9101193, Japan
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Morfoisse F, Tatin F, Hantelys F, Adoue A, Helfer AC, Cassant-Sourdy S, Pujol F, Gomez-Brouchet A, Ligat L, Lopez F, Pyronnet S, Courty J, Guillermet-Guibert J, Marzi S, Schneider RJ, Prats AC, Garmy-Susini BH. Nucleolin Promotes Heat Shock-Associated Translation of VEGF-D to Promote Tumor Lymphangiogenesis. Cancer Res 2016; 76:4394-405. [PMID: 27280395 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-3140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF-D promotes metastasis by inducing lymphangiogenesis and dilatation of the lymphatic vasculature, facilitating tumor cell extravasion. Here we report a novel level of control for VEGF-D expression at the level of protein translation. In human tumor cells, VEGF-D colocalized with eIF4GI and 4E-BP1, which can program increased initiation at IRES motifs on mRNA by the translational initiation complex. In murine tumors, the steady-state level of VEGF-D protein was increased despite the overexpression and dephosphorylation of 4E-BP1, which downregulates protein synthesis, suggesting the presence of an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) in the 5' UTR of VEGF-D mRNA. We found that nucleolin, a nucleolar protein involved in ribosomal maturation, bound directly to the 5'UTR of VEGF-D mRNA, thereby improving its translation following heat shock stress via IRES activation. Nucleolin blockade by RNAi-mediated silencing or pharmacologic inhibition reduced VEGF-D translation along with a subsequent constriction of lymphatic vessels in tumors. Our results identify nucleolin as a key regulator of VEGF-D expression, deepening understanding of lymphangiogenesis control during tumor formation. Cancer Res; 76(15); 4394-405. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Morfoisse
- UMR 1048-1I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Tatin
- UMR 1048-1I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Fransky Hantelys
- UMR 1048-1I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Aurelien Adoue
- UMR 1048-1I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | - Françoise Pujol
- UMR 1048-1I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Anne Gomez-Brouchet
- UMR 5089-IPBS, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France. Department of Pathology, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Laetitia Ligat
- Pôle Technologique du CRCT - INSERM-UMR1037, Toulouse, France
| | - Frederic Lopez
- Pôle Technologique du CRCT - INSERM-UMR1037, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Jose Courty
- Laboratoire CRRET Laboratory, Université Paris EST Créteil, Créteil, France
| | | | - Stefano Marzi
- IBMC-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Bui HM, Enis D, Robciuc MR, Nurmi HJ, Cohen J, Chen M, Yang Y, Dhillon V, Johnson K, Zhang H, Kirkpatrick R, Traxler E, Anisimov A, Alitalo K, Kahn ML. Proteolytic activation defines distinct lymphangiogenic mechanisms for VEGFC and VEGFD. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:2167-80. [PMID: 27159393 DOI: 10.1172/jci83967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is supported by 2 homologous VEGFR3 ligands, VEGFC and VEGFD. VEGFC is required for lymphatic development, while VEGFD is not. VEGFC and VEGFD are proteolytically cleaved after cell secretion in vitro, and recent studies have implicated the protease a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 3 (ADAMTS3) and the secreted factor collagen and calcium binding EGF domains 1 (CCBE1) in this process. It is not well understood how ligand proteolysis is controlled at the molecular level or how this process regulates lymphangiogenesis, because these complex molecular interactions have been difficult to follow ex vivo and test in vivo. Here, we have developed and used biochemical and cellular tools to demonstrate that an ADAMTS3-CCBE1 complex can form independently of VEGFR3 and is required to convert VEGFC, but not VEGFD, into an active ligand. Consistent with these ex vivo findings, mouse genetic studies revealed that ADAMTS3 is required for lymphatic development in a manner that is identical to the requirement of VEGFC and CCBE1 for lymphatic development. Moreover, CCBE1 was required for in vivo lymphangiogenesis stimulated by VEGFC but not VEGFD. Together, these studies reveal that lymphangiogenesis is regulated by two distinct proteolytic mechanisms of ligand activation: one in which VEGFC activation by ADAMTS3 and CCBE1 spatially and temporally patterns developing lymphatics, and one in which VEGFD activation by a distinct proteolytic mechanism may be stimulated during inflammatory lymphatic growth.
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