1
|
Herrera JL, Komatsu M. Akt3 activation by R-Ras in an endothelial cell enforces quiescence and barrier stability of neighboring endothelial cells via Jagged1. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113837. [PMID: 38402584 PMCID: PMC11056028 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Communication between adjacent endothelial cells is important for the homeostasis of blood vessels. We show that quiescent endothelial cells use Jagged1 to instruct neighboring endothelial cells to assume a quiescent phenotype and secure the endothelial barrier. This phenotype enforcement by neighboring cells is operated by R-Ras through activation of Akt3, which results in upregulation of a Notch ligand Jagged1 and consequential upregulation of Notch target genes, such as UNC5B, and VE-cadherin accumulation in the neighboring cells. These signaling events lead to the stable interaction between neighboring endothelial cells to continue to fortify juxtacrine signaling via Jagged1-Notch. This mode of intercellular signaling provides a positive feedback regulation of endothelial cell-cell interactions and cellular quiescence required for the stabilization of the endothelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Herrera
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, and Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Masanobu Komatsu
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, and Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bian F, Lan YW, Zhao S, Deng Z, Shukla S, Acharya A, Donovan J, Le T, Milewski D, Bacchetta M, Hozain AE, Tipograf Y, Chen YW, Xu Y, Shi D, Kalinichenko VV, Kalin TV. Lung endothelial cells regulate pulmonary fibrosis through FOXF1/R-Ras signaling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2560. [PMID: 37137915 PMCID: PMC10156846 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38177-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis results from dysregulated lung repair and involves multiple cell types. The role of endothelial cells (EC) in lung fibrosis is poorly understood. Using single cell RNA-sequencing we identified endothelial transcription factors involved in lung fibrogenesis, including FOXF1, SMAD6, ETV6 and LEF1. Focusing on FOXF1, we found that FOXF1 is decreased in EC within human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and mouse bleomycin-injured lungs. Endothelial-specific Foxf1 inhibition in mice increased collagen depositions, promoted lung inflammation, and impaired R-Ras signaling. In vitro, FOXF1-deficient EC increased proliferation, invasion and activation of human lung fibroblasts, and stimulated macrophage migration by secreting IL-6, TNFα, CCL2 and CXCL1. FOXF1 inhibited TNFα and CCL2 through direct transcriptional activation of Rras gene promoter. Transgenic overexpression or endothelial-specific nanoparticle delivery of Foxf1 cDNA decreased pulmonary fibrosis in bleomycin-injured mice. Nanoparticle delivery of FOXF1 cDNA can be considered for future therapies in IPF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Bian
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, the Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ying-Wei Lan
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, the Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Shuyang Zhao
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, the Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Zicheng Deng
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, the Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Center for Lung Regenerative Medicine, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- The Materials Science and Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Samriddhi Shukla
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, the Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Anusha Acharya
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, the Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Johnny Donovan
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, the Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tien Le
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, the Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - David Milewski
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, the Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Matthew Bacchetta
- Departments of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ahmed Emad Hozain
- Department of Surgery, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Yuliya Tipograf
- Department of Surgery, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Ya-Wen Chen
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Department of Otolaryngology, Institute for Airway Sciences, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yan Xu
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, the Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Donglu Shi
- The Materials Science and Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Vladimir V Kalinichenko
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, the Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Center for Lung Regenerative Medicine, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tanya V Kalin
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, the Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Weber SM, Carroll SL. The Role of R-Ras Proteins in Normal and Pathologic Migration and Morphologic Change. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:1499-1510. [PMID: 34111428 PMCID: PMC8420862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The contributions that the R-Ras subfamily [R-Ras, R-Ras2/teratocarcinoma 21 (TC21), and M-Ras] of small GTP-binding proteins make to normal and aberrant cellular functions have historically been poorly understood. However, this has begun to change with the realization that all three R-Ras subfamily members are occasionally mutated in Noonan syndrome (NS), a RASopathy characterized by the development of hematopoietic neoplasms and abnormalities affecting the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Consistent with the abnormalities seen in NS, a host of new studies have implicated R-Ras proteins in physiological and pathologic changes in cellular morphology, adhesion, and migration in the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. These changes include regulating the migration and homing of mature and immature immune cells, vascular stabilization, clotting, and axonal and dendritic outgrowth during nervous system development. Dysregulated R-Ras signaling has also been linked to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, intellectual disabilities, and human cancers. This review discusses the structure and regulation of R-Ras proteins and our current understanding of the signaling pathways that they regulate. It explores the phenotype of NS patients and their implications for the R-Ras subfamily functions. Next, it covers recent discoveries regarding physiological and pathologic R-Ras functions in key organ systems. Finally, it discusses how R-Ras signaling is dysregulated in cancers and mechanisms by which this may promote neoplasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Weber
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Steven L Carroll
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mirzaei S, Gholami MH, Zabolian A, Saleki H, Farahani MV, Hamzehlou S, Far FB, Sharifzadeh SO, Samarghandian S, Khan H, Aref AR, Ashrafizadeh M, Zarrabi A, Sethi G. Caffeic acid and its derivatives as potential modulators of oncogenic molecular pathways: New hope in the fight against cancer. Pharmacol Res 2021; 171:105759. [PMID: 34245864 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As a phenolic acid compound, caffeic acid (CA) can be isolated from different sources such as tea, wine and coffee. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is naturally occurring derivative of CA isolated from propolis. This medicinal plant is well-known due to its significant therapeutic impact including its effectiveness as hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anti-diabetic agent. Among them, anti-tumor activity of CA has attracted much attention, and this potential has been confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. CA can induce apoptosis in cancer cells via enhancing ROS levels and impairing mitochondrial function. Molecular pathways such as PI3K/Akt and AMPK with role in cancer progression, are affected by CA and its derivatives in cancer therapy. CA is advantageous in reducing aggressive behavior of tumors via suppressing metastasis by inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition mechanism. Noteworthy, CA and CAPE can promote response of cancer cells to chemotherapy, and sensitize them to chemotherapy-mediated cell death. In order to improve capacity of CA and CAPE in cancer suppression, it has been co-administered with other anti-tumor compounds such as gallic acid and p-coumaric acid. Due to its poor bioavailability, nanocarriers have been developed for enhancing its ability in cancer suppression. These issues have been discussed in the present review with a focus on molecular pathways to pave the way for rapid translation of CA for clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Saleki
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Fatemeh Bakhtiari Far
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Omid Sharifzadeh
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Vice President at Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey; Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Cancer Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Herrera JL, Komatsu M. R-Ras Deficiency in Pericytes Causes Frequent Microphthalmia and Perturbs Retinal Vascular Development. J Vasc Res 2021; 58:252-266. [PMID: 33873190 PMCID: PMC8263468 DOI: 10.1159/000514555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The retinal vasculature is heavily invested by pericytes. Small GTPase R-Ras is highly expressed in endothelial cells and pericytes, suggesting importance of this Ras homolog for the regulation of the blood vessel wall. We investigated the specific contribution of pericyte-expressed R-Ras to the development of the retinal vasculature. METHODS The effect of R-Ras deficiency in pericytes was analyzed in pericyte-targeted conditional Rras knockout mice at birth and during the capillary plexus formation in the neonatal retina. RESULTS The offspring of these mice frequently exhibited unilateral microphthalmia. Analyses of the developing retinal vasculature in the eyes without microphthalmia revealed excessive endothelial cell proliferation, sprouting, and branching of the capillary plexus in these animals. These vessels were structurally defective with diminished pericyte coverage and basement membrane formation. Furthermore, these vessels showed reduced VE-cadherin staining and significantly elevated plasma leakage indicating the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier. This defect was associated with considerable macrophage infiltration in the retina. CONCLUSIONS The normal retinal vascular development is dependent on R-Ras expression in pericytes, and the absence of it leads to unattenuated angiogenesis and significantly weakens the blood-retinal barrier. Our findings underscore the importance of R-Ras for pericyte function during the normal eye development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Herrera
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, and Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Masanobu Komatsu
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, and Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sawada J, Perrot CY, Chen L, Fournier-Goss AE, Oyer J, Copik A, Komatsu M. High Endothelial Venules Accelerate Naive T Cell Recruitment by Tumor Necrosis Factor-Mediated R-Ras Upregulation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 191:396-414. [PMID: 33159887 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Recruitment of naive T cells to lymph nodes is essential for the development of adaptive immunity. Upon pathogen infection, lymph nodes promptly increase the influx of naive T cells from the circulation in order to screen and prime the T cells. The precise contribution of the lymph node vasculature to the regulation of this process remains unclear. Here we show a role for the Ras GTPase, R-Ras, in the functional adaptation of high endothelial venules to increase naive T cell trafficking to the lymph nodes. R-Ras is transiently up-regulated in the endothelium of high endothelial venules by the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) within 24 hours of pathogen inoculation. TNF induces R-Ras upregulation in endothelial cells via JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase but not NF-κB. Studies of T cell trafficking found that the loss of function of endothelial R-Ras impairs the rapid acceleration of naive T cell recruitment to the lymph nodes upon inflammation. This defect diminished the ability of naive OT-1 T cells to develop antitumor activity against ovalbumin-expressing melanoma. Proteomic analyses suggest that endothelial R-Ras facilitates TNF-dependent transendothelial migration (diapedesis) of naive T cells by modulating molecular assembly the at T cell-endothelial cell interface. These findings give new mechanistic insights into the functional adaptation of high endothelial venules to accelerate naive T cell recruitment to the lymph nodes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junko Sawada
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute and Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, St. Petersburg, Florida
| | - Carole Y Perrot
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute and Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, St. Petersburg, Florida
| | - Linyuan Chen
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute and Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, St. Petersburg, Florida
| | - Ashley E Fournier-Goss
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute and Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, St. Petersburg, Florida
| | - Jeremiah Oyer
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, St. Petersburg, Florida; Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando Florida
| | - Alicja Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando Florida
| | - Masanobu Komatsu
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute and Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida; Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla California.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Desjarlais M, Dussault S, Rivera JC, Chemtob S, Rivard A. MicroRNA Expression Profiling of Bone Marrow-Derived Proangiogenic Cells (PACs) in a Mouse Model of Hindlimb Ischemia: Modulation by Classical Cardiovascular Risk Factors. Front Genet 2020; 11:947. [PMID: 32973881 PMCID: PMC7472865 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Classical cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) are associated with impaired angiogenic activities of bone marrow–derived proangiogenic cells (PACs) related to peripheral artery diseases (PADs) and ischemia-induced neovascularization. MicroRNAs (miRs) are key regulators of gene expression, and they are involved in the modulation of PAC function and PAC paracrine activity. However, the effects of CRFs on the modulation of miR expression in PACs are unknown. Aims and Methods We used a model of hindlimb ischemia and next-generation sequencing to perform a complete profiling of miRs in PACs isolated from the bone marrow of mice subjected to three models of CRFs: aging, smoking (SMK) and hypercholesterolemia (HC). Results Approximately 570 miRs were detected in PACs in the different CRF models. When excluding miRs with a very low expression level (<100 RPM), 40 to 61 miRs were found to be significantly modulated by aging, SMK, or HC. In each CRF condition, we identified downregulated proangiogenic miRs and upregulated antiangiogenic miRs that could contribute to explain PAC dysfunction. Interestingly, several miRs were similarly downregulated (e.g., miR-542-3p, miR-29) or upregulated (e.g., miR-501, miR-92a) in all CRF conditions. In silico approaches including Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and cluster dendogram analyses identified predictive effects of these miRs on pathways having key roles in the modulation of angiogenesis and PAC function, including vascular endothelial growth factor signaling, extracellular matrix remodeling, PI3K/AKT/MAPK signaling, transforming growth factor beta (TGFb) pathway, p53, and cell cycle progression. Conclusion This study describes for the first time the effects of CRFs on the modulation of miR profile in PACs related to PAD and ischemia-induced neovascularization. We found that several angiogenesis-modulating miRs are similarly altered in different CRF conditions. Our findings constitute a solid framework for the identification of miRs that could be targeted in PACs in order to improve their angiogenic function and for the future development of novel therapies to improve neovascularization and reduce tissue damage in patients with severe PAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michel Desjarlais
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Dussault
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - José Carlos Rivera
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and Pharmacology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvain Chemtob
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and Pharmacology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alain Rivard
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Perrot CY, Herrera JL, Fournier-Goss AE, Komatsu M. Prostaglandin E2 breaks down pericyte-endothelial cell interaction via EP1 and EP4-dependent downregulation of pericyte N-cadherin, connexin-43, and R-Ras. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11186. [PMID: 32636414 PMCID: PMC7341885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68019-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A close association between pericytes and endothelial cells (ECs) is crucial to the stability and function of capillary blood vessels and microvessels. The loss or dysfunction of pericytes results in significant disruption of these blood vessels as observed in pathological conditions, including cancer, diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a lipid mediator of inflammation, and its tissue concentration is elevated in cancer and neurological disorders. Here, we show that the exposure to PGE2 switches pericytes to a fast-migrating, loosely adhered phenotype that fails to intimately interact with ECs. N-cadherin and connexin-43 in adherens junction and gap junction between pericytes and ECs are downregulated by EP-4 and EP-1-dependent mechanisms, leading to breakdown of the pericyte–EC interaction. Furthermore, R-Ras, a small GTPase important for vascular normalization and vessel stability, is transcriptionally repressed by PGE2 in an EP4-dependent manner. Mouse dermal capillary vessels lose pericyte coverage substantially upon PGE2 injection into the skin. Our results suggest that EP-mediated direct disruption of pericytes by PGE2 is a key process for vascular destabilization. Restoring pericyte–EC interaction using inhibitors of PGE2 signaling may offer a therapeutic strategy in cancer and neurological disorders, in which pericyte dysfunction contributes to the disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole Y Perrot
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute and Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Jose L Herrera
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute and Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ashley E Fournier-Goss
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute and Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Masanobu Komatsu
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute and Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA. .,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gürpınar T, Kosova F, Kurt FO, Cambaz SU, Yücel AT, Umur N, Tuğlu MI. Effect of geldanamycin on the expression of the matrix molecules and angiogenetic factors in a gastric cancer cell line. Biotech Histochem 2020; 96:111-116. [DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2020.1772507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- T. Gürpınar
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - F. Kosova
- Department of Biology, School of Vocational Health Service, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - F. O. Kurt
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - S. U. Cambaz
- Department of Midwifery, Health Science Faculty, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - A. T. Yücel
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Vocational Health Service, ManisaCelal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - N. Umur
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Vocational Health Service, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - M. I. Tuğlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vähätupa M, Järvinen TAH, Uusitalo-Järvinen H. Exploration of Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model to Discover New Therapeutic Drug Targets in Retinopathies. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:873. [PMID: 32595503 PMCID: PMC7300227 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) is a pure hypoxia-driven angiogenesis model and the most widely used model for ischemic retinopathies, such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). OIR model has been used to test new potential anti-angiogenic factors for human diseases. We have recently performed the most comprehensive characterization of OIR by a relatively novel mass spectrometry (MS) technique, sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion mass spectra (SWATH-MS) proteomics and used genetically modified mice strains to identify novel molecular drug targets in angiogenic retinal diseases. We have confirmed the relevance of the identified molecular targets to human diseases by determining their expression pattern in neovascular membranes obtained from PDR and RVO patients. Based on our results, crystallins were the most prominent proteins induced by early hypoxic environment during the OIR, while actomyosin complex and Filamin A-R-Ras axis, that regulates vascular permeability of the angiogenic blood vessels, stood out at the peak of angiogenesis. Our results have revealed potential new therapeutic targets to address hypoxia-induced pathological angiogenesis and the associated vascular permeability in number of retinal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vähätupa
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tero A. H. Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannele Uusitalo-Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ketomäki T, Vähätupa M, May U, Pemmari T, Ruikka E, Hietamo J, Kaipiainen P, Barker H, Parkkila S, Uusitalo-Järvinen H, Järvinen TAH. R-Ras regulates vascular permeability, but not overall healing in skin wounds. Exp Dermatol 2018; 28:202-206. [PMID: 30489650 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wounds close by keratinocytes migrating from the edge of the wound and re-epithelializing the epidermis. It has been proposed that the major stimuli for wound closure are blood-derived growth factors, chemokines and cytokines. The small GTPase R-Ras, a known integrin activator, also regulates vascular permeability during angiogenesis, and blood vessels lacking R-Ras leak plasma proteins constantly. We explored whether the access to blood-derived proteins influences skin wound healing in R-Ras knockout (KO) mice. In skin wounds, R-Ras expression was mostly restricted to the vasculature in the granulation tissue. Angiogenic blood vessels in the R-Ras KO mice were significantly more permeable than in wild-type (WT) controls. Although the distances between epidermal tongues, and the panniculus carnosus muscles, were significantly longer in R-Ras KO than WT controls before the granulation tissue formation took place, there were no differences in the wound closure or re-epithelialization rates or granulation tissue formation. These findings were also corroborated in a special splint excision wound model. Our study shows that although R-Ras does not influence the skin wound healing itself, the blood vessels lacking R-Ras are leaky and thus could facilitate the access of blood-derived proteins to the wound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuomo Ketomäki
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maria Vähätupa
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ulrike May
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Toini Pemmari
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ella Ruikka
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jussi Hietamo
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pirkka Kaipiainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Harlan Barker
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Seppo Parkkila
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab laboratories, Eye Centre & Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannele Uusitalo-Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab laboratories, Eye Centre & Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tero A H Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab laboratories, Eye Centre & Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kang YW, Lee JE, Jung KH, Son MK, Shin SM, Kim SJ, Fang Z, Yan HH, Park JH, Han B, Cheon MJ, Woo MG, Lim JH, Kim YS, Hong SS. KRAS targeting antibody synergizes anti-cancer activity of gemcitabine against pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2018; 438:174-186. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
13
|
Perrot CY, Sawada J, Komatsu M. Prolonged activation of cAMP signaling leads to endothelial barrier disruption via transcriptional repression of RRAS. FASEB J 2018; 32:fj201700818RRR. [PMID: 29775418 PMCID: PMC6181640 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700818rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The increase in cAMP levels in endothelial cells triggers cellular signaling to alter vascular permeability. It is generally considered that cAMP signaling stabilizes the endothelial barrier function and reduces permeability. However, previous studies have only examined the permeability shortly after cAMP elevation and thus have only investigated acute responses. Because cAMP is a key regulator of gene expression, elevated cAMP may have a delayed but profound impact on the endothelial permeability by altering the expression of the genes that are vital for the vessel wall stability. The small guanosine triphosphate hydrolase Ras-related protein (R-Ras) stabilizes VE-cadherin clustering and enhances endothelial barrier function, thereby stabilizing the integrity of blood vessel wall. Here we show that cAMP controls endothelial permeability through RRAS gene regulation. The prolonged cAMP elevation transcriptionally repressed RRAS in endothelial cells via a cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) 3-dependent mechanism and significantly disrupted the adherens junction. These effects resulted in a marked increase of endothelial permeability that was reversed by R-Ras transduction. Furthermore, cAMP elevation in the endothelium by prostaglandin E2 or phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibition caused plasma leakage from intact microvessels in mouse skin. Our study demonstrated that, contrary to the widely accepted notion, cAMP elevation in endothelial cells ultimately increases vascular permeability, and the cAMP-dependent RRAS repression critically contributes to this effect.-Perrot, C. Y., Sawada, J., Komatsu, M. Prolonged activation of cyclic AMP signaling leads to endothelial barrier disruption via transcriptional repression of RRAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole Y. Perrot
- Cancer Center and Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Junko Sawada
- Cancer Center and Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Masanobu Komatsu
- Cancer Center and Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
R-Ras-Akt axis induces endothelial lumenogenesis and regulates the patency of regenerating vasculature. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1720. [PMID: 29170374 PMCID: PMC5700916 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01865-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of endothelial lumen is fundamental to angiogenesis and essential to the oxygenation of hypoxic tissues. The molecular mechanism underlying this important process remains obscure. Here, we show that Akt activation by a Ras homolog, R-Ras, stabilizes the microtubule cytoskeleton in endothelial cells leading to endothelial lumenogenesis. The activation of Akt by the potent angiogenic factor VEGF-A does not strongly stabilize microtubules or sufficiently promote lumen formation, hence demonstrating a distinct role for the R-Ras-Akt axis. We show in mice that this pathway is important for the lumenization of new capillaries and microvessels developing in ischemic muscles to allow sufficient tissue reperfusion after ischemic injury. Our work identifies a role for Akt in lumenogenesis and the significance of the R-Ras-Akt signaling for the patency of regenerating blood vessels. Formation of the vascular lumen initiates the blood flow and it is crucial for tissue homeostasis. Here, Li et. al show that the R-Ras-Akt signaling axis is crucial for reparative angiogenesis in mice because it stabilizes the microtubule cytoskeleton in endothelial cells to promote endothelial lumen formation.
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhao K, Li X, Lin B, Yang D, Zhou Y, Li Z, Guo Q, Lu N. Oroxyloside inhibits angiogenesis through suppressing internalization of VEGFR2/Flk-1 in endothelial cells. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:3454-3464. [PMID: 28926106 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Increasing flavonoids have been reported to possess anti-angiogenic effects. Inhibition of angiogenesis plays a critical role in the treatment of cancer, especially in advanced metastatic cancer. In this study, we assessed the effect of Oroxylin A-7-glucuronide (Oroxyloside), a main metabolite of Oroxylin A, on angiogenesis in human endothelial cell-like EA.hy926 cells. Oroxyloside suppressed the migration and tube formation of EA.hy926 cells. Meanwhile, microvessels sprouting from aortic rings and new blood vessels on the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) were also inhibited. Mechanism studies showed that Oroxyloside reduced the autophosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2/Flk-1) while it up-regulated the expression of R-Ras and VE-cadherin. In consequence, Oroxyloside inhibited the downstream Akt/MAPK/NF-κB pathways and then decreased the nuclear translocation and DNA binding ability of NF-κB. Furthermore, in vivo study showed that Oroxyloside exhibited a potential anti-angiogenic effect in Matrigel plug assay and inhibited growth of xenografted tumors with low systemic toxicity, which could be ascribed to the inhibition of VEGFR2 internalization. Taken together, these results suggested that Oroxyloside could inhibit angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo via suppressing the internalization of VEGFR2 and might serve as a potential antitumor agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaorui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Binyan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Dawei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yuxin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Qinglong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Na Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
A thirty-year quest for a role of R-Ras in cancer: from an oncogene to a multitasking GTPase. Cancer Lett 2017; 403:59-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
17
|
Song Z, Liu F, Zhang J. Targeting NRAS Q61K mutant delays tumor growth and angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:831-844. [PMID: 28469956 PMCID: PMC5411791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells require vascular supply for their growth, and they express proangiogenic growth factors that promote the formation of vascular networks. Many oncogenic mutations that may potentially lead to tumor angiogenesis have been identified. Somatic mutations in the small GTPase NRAS are the most common activating lesions found in human cancer and are generally associated with poor response to standard therapies. However, the mechanisms by which NRAS mutations affect tumor angiogenesis are largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of NRASQ61K oncogene in tumor angiogenesis and analyzed tumors harboring NRASQ61K for potential sensitivity to a kinase inhibitor. Knock-in of the NRASQ61K allele in human normal epithelial cells triggered the angiogenic response in these cells. In cancer cells harboring oncogenic NRAS, a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitor down-regulated the extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway and inhibited the expression of proangiogenic molecules. In tumor xenografts harboring the NRASQ61K, the MEK inhibitor extensively modified tumor growth, causing abrogation of angiogenesis. Overall, our results provide a functional link between oncogenic NRAS and angiogenesis, and imply that tumor vasculature could be indirectly altered by targeting a genetic lesion on which cancer cells are dependent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Song
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Cangzhou Central Hospital of Hebei ProvinceNo.16, Xinhua West Road, Yunhe District, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| | - Fenghai Liu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cangzhou Central Hospital of Hebei ProvinceNo.16, Xinhua West Road, Yunhe District, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Cangzhou Central Hospital of Hebei ProvinceNo.16, Xinhua West Road, Yunhe District, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Mutations in the genes encoding the mechanosensitive cation channels PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 are responsible for multiple hereditary human diseases. Loss-of-function mutations in the human PIEZO1 gene cause autosomal recessive congenital lymphatic dysplasia. Gain-of-function mutations in the human PIEZO1 gene cause the autosomal dominant hemolytic anemia, hereditary xerocytosis (also known as dehydrated stomatocytosis). Loss-of-function mutations in the human PIEZO2 gene cause an autosomal recessive syndrome of muscular atrophy with perinatal respiratory distress, arthrogryposis, and scoliosis. Gain-of-function mutations in the human PIEZO2 gene cause three clinical types of autosomal dominant distal arthrogryposis. This chapter will review the hereditary diseases caused by mutations in the PIEZO genes and will discuss additional physiological systems in which PIEZO channel dysfunction may contribute to human disease pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S L Alper
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Vähätupa M, Prince S, Vataja S, Mertimo T, Kataja M, Kinnunen K, Marjomäki V, Uusitalo H, Komatsu M, Järvinen TAH, Uusitalo-Järvinen H. Lack of R-Ras Leads to Increased Vascular Permeability in Ischemic Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 57:4898-4909. [PMID: 27654416 PMCID: PMC5032915 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-19212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The role of R-Ras in retinal angiogenesis and vascular permeability was evaluated in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model using R-Ras knockout (KO) mice and in human diabetic neovascular membranes. Methods Mice deficient for R-Ras and their wild-type (WT) littermates were subjected to 75% oxygen from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P12 and then returned to room air. At P17 retinal vascularization was examined from whole mounts, and retinal vascular permeability was studied using Miles assay. Real-time RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression of R-Ras in retina during development or in the OIR model. The degree of pericyte coverage and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin expression on WT and R-Ras KO retinal blood vessels was quantified using confocal microscopy. The correlation of R-Ras with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and human serum albumin on human proliferative diabetic retinopathy membranes was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Results In retina, R-Ras expression was mostly restricted to the vasculature. Retinal vessels in the R-Ras KO mice were significantly more permeable than WT controls in the OIR model. A significant reduction in the direct physical contact between pericytes and blood vessel endothelium as well as reduced VE-cadherin immunostaining was found in R-Ras–deficient mice. In human proliferative diabetic retinopathy neovascular membranes, R-Ras expression negatively correlated with increased vascular leakage and expression of VEGFR2, a marker of blood vessel immaturity. Conclusions Our results suggest that R-Ras has a role in controlling retinal vessel maturation and stabilization in ischemic retinopathy and provides a potential target for pharmacologic manipulation to treat diabetic retinopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vähätupa
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland 2Department of Anatomy, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Stuart Prince
- Department of Anatomy, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Suvi Vataja
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Teija Mertimo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marko Kataja
- Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kati Kinnunen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Varpu Marjomäki
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science/Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Hannu Uusitalo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland 3Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Masanobu Komatsu
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, Florida, United States
| | - Tero A H Järvinen
- Department of Anatomy, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland 7Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannele Uusitalo-Järvinen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland 3Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Factors regulating capillary remodeling in a reversible model of inflammatory corneal angiogenesis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32137. [PMID: 27561355 PMCID: PMC4999823 DOI: 10.1038/srep32137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Newly formed microcapillary networks arising in adult organisms by angiogenic and inflammatory stimuli contribute to pathologies such as corneal and retinal blindness, tumor growth, and metastasis. Therapeutic inhibition of pathologic angiogenesis has focused on targeting the VEGF pathway, while comparatively little attention has been given to remodeling of the new microcapillaries into a stabilized, functional, and persistent vascular network. Here, we used a novel reversible model of inflammatory angiogenesis in the rat cornea to investigate endogenous factors rapidly invoked to remodel, normalize and regress microcapillaries as part of the natural response to regain corneal avascularity. Rapid reversal of an inflammatory angiogenic stimulus suppressed granulocytic activity, enhanced recruitment of remodelling macrophages, induced capillary intussusception, and enriched pathways and processes involving immune cells, chemokines, morphogenesis, axonal guidance, and cell motility, adhesion, and cytoskeletal functions. Whole transcriptome gene expression analysis revealed suppression of numerous inflammatory and angiogenic factors and enhancement of endogenous inhibitors. Many of the identified genes function independently of VEGF and represent potentially new targets for molecular control of the critical process of microvascular remodeling and regression in the cornea.
Collapse
|
21
|
Sawada J, Li F, Komatsu M. R-Ras Inhibits VEGF-Induced p38MAPK Activation and HSP27 Phosphorylation in Endothelial Cells. J Vasc Res 2016; 52:347-59. [PMID: 27029009 DOI: 10.1159/000444526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
R-Ras is a Ras family small GTPase that is highly expressed in mature functional blood vessels in normal tissues. It inhibits pathological angiogenesis and promotes vessel maturation and stabilization. Previous studies suggest that R-Ras affects cellular signaling in endothelial cells, pericytes and smooth-muscle cells to regulate vessel formation and remodeling in adult tissues. R-Ras suppresses VEGF-induced endothelial permeability and vessel sprouting while promoting normalization of pathologically developing vessels in mice. It attenuates VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) activation by inhibiting internalization of the receptor upon VEGF ligand binding, leading to significant reduction of VEGFR2 autophosphorylation. Here, we show that R-Ras strongly suppresses the VEGF-dependent activation of stress-activated protein kinase-2/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (SAPK2/p38MAPK) and the phosphorylation of downstream heat-shock protein 27 (HSP27), a regulator of actin cytoskeleton organization, in endothelial cells. The suppression of p38MAPK activation and HSP27 phosphorylation by R-Ras concurred with altered actin cytoskeleton architecture, reduced membrane protrusion and inhibition of endothelial cell migration toward VEGF. Silencing of endogenous R-Ras by RNA interference increased membrane protrusion and cell migration stimulated by VEGF, and these effects were offset by p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580. These results suggest that R-Ras regulates angiogenic activities of endothelial cells in part via inhibition of the p38MAPK-HSP27 axis of VEGF signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junko Sawada
- Cardiovascular Metabolism Program and Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology Program, Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, Fla., USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kosova F, Kurt FO, Olmez E, Tuğlu I, Arı Z. Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on matrix molecules and angiogenetic and anti-angiogenetic factors in gastric cancer cells cultured on different substrates. Biotech Histochem 2015; 91:38-47. [DOI: 10.3109/10520295.2015.1072769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
|