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Giarratana AO, Prendergast CM, Salvatore MM, Capaccione KM. TGF-β signaling: critical nexus of fibrogenesis and cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:594. [PMID: 38926762 PMCID: PMC11201862 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05411-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway is a vital regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix production. It functions through canonical SMAD-mediated processes and noncanonical pathways involving MAPK cascades, PI3K/AKT, Rho-like GTPases, and NF-κB signaling. This intricate signaling system is finely tuned by interactions between canonical and noncanonical pathways and plays key roles in both physiologic and pathologic conditions including tissue homeostasis, fibrosis, and cancer progression. TGF-β signaling is known to have paradoxical actions. Under normal physiologic conditions, TGF-β signaling promotes cell quiescence and apoptosis, acting as a tumor suppressor. In contrast, in pathological states such as inflammation and cancer, it triggers processes that facilitate cancer progression and tissue remodeling, thus promoting tumor development and fibrosis. Here, we detail the role that TGF-β plays in cancer and fibrosis and highlight the potential for future theranostics targeting this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna O Giarratana
- Northwell Health - Peconic Bay Medical Center, 1 Heroes Way, Riverhead, NY, 11901, USA.
| | | | - Mary M Salvatore
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 11032, USA
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2
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Innuan P, Sirikul C, Anukul N, Rolin G, Dechsupa N, Kantapan J. Identifying transcriptomic profiles of iron-quercetin complex treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers and diabetic patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9441. [PMID: 38658734 PMCID: PMC11043337 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60197-1] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Peripheral blood is an alternative source of stem/progenitor cells for regenerative medicine owing to its ease of retrieval and blood bank storage. Previous in vitro studies indicated that the conditioned medium derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) treated with the iron-quercetin complex (IronQ) contains potent angiogenesis and wound-healing properties. This study aims to unveil the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing the effects of IronQ on the transcriptome profiles of human PBMCs from healthy volunteers and those with diabetes mellitus (DM) using RNA sequencing analysis. Our findings revealed 3741 and 2204 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when treating healthy and DM PBMCs with IronQ, respectively. Functional enrichment analyses underscored the biological processes shared by the DEGs in both conditions, including inflammatory responses, cell migration, cellular stress responses, and angiogenesis. A comprehensive exploration of these molecular alterations exposed a network of 20 hub genes essential in response to stimuli, cell migration, immune processes, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The activation of these pathways enabled PBMCs to potentiate angiogenesis and tissue repair. Corroborating this, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and cell phenotyping confirmed the upregulation of candidate genes associated with anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenesis, and tissue repair processes in IronQ-treated PBMCs. In summary, combining IronQ and PBMCs brings about substantial shifts in gene expression profiles and activates pathways that are crucial for tissue repair and immune response, which is promising for the enhancement of the therapeutic potential of PBMCs, especially in diabetic wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phattarawadee Innuan
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Research Unit, Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Chonticha Sirikul
- Division of Transfusion Science, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Nampeung Anukul
- Division of Transfusion Science, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Gwenaël Rolin
- INSERM CIC-1431, CHU Besançon, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - Nathupakorn Dechsupa
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Research Unit, Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Jiraporn Kantapan
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Research Unit, Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
- Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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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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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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Hu Z, Cao X, Chen L, Su Y, Ji J, Yuan S, Fransisca S, Mugisha A, Zou W, Xie P, Liu Q. Monitoring intraocular proangiogenic and profibrotic cytokines within 7 days after adjunctive anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100:e726-e736. [PMID: 34260829 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To monitor the intraocular proangiogenic and profibrotic cytokine profiles within 7 days after intravitreous injection of conbercept (IVC) for patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). METHODS This prospective, randomized controlled, consecutive, comparative study included 157 eyes with PDR. Participant eyes underwent sham IVC or IVC and subsequent vitrectomy at days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 postinjection. The intraocular cytokines profiles were measured using beaded assay methods. RESULTS After IVC, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A level in PDR vitreous decreased rapidly by approximately 10 times at day 2 (p = 0.00001) and kept at a low level at days 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (p < 0.001, each compared with IVC-sham group). Similar tendency of the change in VEGF-A was observed in aqueous humour. The level of placenta growth factor (PIGF) in aqueous humour decreased 2 days after IVC whereas returned to baseline level after 5 days. The vitreous profibrotic cytokines, tissue growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3 and connective tissue growth factor did not increase after IVC in each group. CONCLUSION We observed a remarkable and rapid decrease in intraocular VEGF-A, temporal decrease in PIGF from day 2 to day 4, increase in VEGF-C and VEGF-D from day 2 onwards, but no profibrotic switch in PDR eyes after IVC. The findings might suggest that ideal vitrectomy timing might be around 3 days after IVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhong Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Xin Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology The Municipal Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University Eye Institute of Xuzhou Xuzhou China
| | - Yun Su
- Department of Ophthalmology The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Eye Hospital Department of Ophthalmology The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Jiangdong Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Songtao Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Silvia Fransisca
- Department of Ophthalmology The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Aime Mugisha
- Department of Ophthalmology The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Wenjun Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
- Department of Ophthalmology The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Wuxi China
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Qinghuai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
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Jia H, Harikumar P, Atkinson E, Rigsby P, Wadhwa M. The First WHO International Standard for Harmonizing the Biological Activity of Bevacizumab. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1610. [PMID: 34827607 PMCID: PMC8615914 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several Bevacizumab products are approved for clinical use, with many others in late-stage clinical development worldwide. To aid the harmonization of potency assessment across different Bevacizumab products, the first World Health Organization (WHO) International Standard (IS) for Bevacizumab has been developed. Two preparations of a Bevacizumab candidate and comparator were assessed for their ability to neutralize and bind vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using different bioassays and binding assays in an international collaborative study. Relative potency estimates were similar across different assays for the comparator or the duplicate-coded candidate sample. Variability in relative potency estimates was reduced when the candidate standard was used for calculation compared with various in-house reference standards, enabling harmonization in bioactivity evaluations. The results demonstrated that the candidate standard is suitable to serve as an IS for Bevacizumab, with assigned unitages for VEGF neutralization and VEGF binding activity. This standard coded 18/210 was established by the WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization, which is intended to support the calibration of secondary standards for product development and lifecycle management. The availability of IS 18/210 will help facilitate the global harmonization of potency evaluation to ensure patient access to Bevacizumab products with consistent safety, quality and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Jia
- Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK; (P.H.); (M.W.)
| | - Parvathy Harikumar
- Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK; (P.H.); (M.W.)
| | - Eleanor Atkinson
- Division of Technology Development and Infrastructure, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK; (E.A.); (P.R.)
| | - Peter Rigsby
- Division of Technology Development and Infrastructure, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK; (E.A.); (P.R.)
| | - Meenu Wadhwa
- Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK; (P.H.); (M.W.)
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Kakarala KK, Jamil K. Identification of novel allosteric binding sites and multi-targeted allosteric inhibitors of receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases using a computational approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:6889-6909. [PMID: 33682622 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1891140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
EGFR1, VEGFR2, Bcr-Abl and Src kinases are key drug targets in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, CML, ALL, colorectal cancer, etc. The available drugs targeting these kinases have limited therapeutic efficacy due to novel mutations resulting in drug resistance and toxicity, as they target ATP binding site. Allosteric drugs have shown promising results in overcoming drug resistance, but the discovery of allosteric drugs is challenging. The allosteric binding pockets are difficult to predict, as they are generally associated with high energy conformations and regulate protein function in yet unknown mechanisms. In addition, the discovery of drugs using conventional methods takes long time and goes through several challenges, putting the lives of many cancer patients at risk. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to apply the most successful, drug repurposing approach in combination with computational methods to identify kinase inhibitors targeting novel allosteric sites on protein structure and assess their potential multi-kinase binding affinity. Multiple crystal structures belonging to EGFR1, VEGFR2, Bcr-Abl and Src tyrosine kinases were selected, including mutated, inhibitor bound and allosteric conformations to identify potential leads, close to physiological conditions. Interestingly the potential inhibitors identified were peptides. The drugs identified in this study could be used in therapy as a single multi-kinase inhibitor or in a combination of single kinase inhibitors after experimental validation. In addition, we have also identified new hot spots that are likely to be druggable allosteric sites for drug discovery of kinase-specific drugs in the future.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kaiser Jamil
- Bhagwan Mahavir Medical Research Center, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Rossi C, Lees M, Mehta V, Heikura T, Martin J, Zachary I, Spencer R, Peebles DM, Shaw R, Karhinen M, Yla-Herttuala S, David AL. Comparison of Efficiency and Function of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Adenovirus Vectors in Endothelial Cells for Gene Therapy of Placental Insufficiency. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:1190-1202. [PMID: 32988220 PMCID: PMC7698978 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 1:500 pregnancies, is untreatable and causes serious neonatal morbidity and death. Reduced uterine blood flow (UBF) and lack of bioavailable VEGF due to placental insufficiency is a major cause. Transduction of uterine arteries in normal or FGR sheep and guinea pigs using an adenovirus (Ad) encoding VEGF isoforms A (Ad.VEGF-A165) and a FLAG-tagged pre-processed short form D (DΔNΔC, Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC-FLAG) increases endothelial nitric oxide expression, enhances relaxation and reduces constriction of the uterine arteries and their branches. UBF and angiogenesis are increased long term, improving fetal growth in utero. For clinical trial development we compared Ad.VEGF vector transduction efficiency and function in endothelial cells (ECs) derived from different species. We aimed to compare the transduction efficiency and function of the pre-clinical study Ad. constructs (Ad.VEGF-A165, Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC-FLAG) with the intended clinical trial construct (Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC) where the FLAG tag is removed. We infected ECs from human umbilical vein, pregnant sheep uterine artery, pregnant guinea pig aorta and non-pregnant rabbit aorta, with increasing multiplicity of infection (MOI) for 24 or 48 hours of three Ad.VEGF vectors, compared to control Ad. containing the LacZ gene (Ad.LacZ). VEGF supernatant expression was analysed by ELISA. Functional assessment used tube formation assay and Erk-Akt phosphorylation by ELISA. VEGF expression was higher after Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC-FLAG and Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC transduction compared to Ad.VEGF-A165 in all EC types (*p < 0.001). Tube formation was higher in ECs transduced with Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC in all species compared to other constructs (***p < 0.001, *p < 0.05 with rabbit aortic ECs). Phospho-Erk and phospho-Akt assays displayed no differences between the three vector constructs, whose effect was, as in other experiments, higher than Ad.LacZ (***p < 0.001). In conclusion, we observed high transduction efficiency and functional effects of Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC vector with comparability in major pathway activation to constructs used in pre-clinical studies, supporting its use in a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Rossi
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine; University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Lees
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine; University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vedanta Mehta
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine; University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tommi Heikura
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - John Martin
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine; University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Zachary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine; University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Seppo Yla-Herttuala
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anna L. David
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health
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Anosmin-1 activates vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and its related signaling pathway for olfactory bulb angiogenesis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:188. [PMID: 31932617 PMCID: PMC6957483 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57040-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anosmin-1 is a secreted glycoprotein encoded by the ANOS1 gene, and its loss of function causes Kallmann syndrome (KS), which is characterized by anosmia and hypogonadism due to olfactory bulb (OB) dysfunction. However, the physiological function of anosmin-1 remains to be elucidated. In KS, disordered angiogenesis is observed in OB, resulting in its hypoplasia. In this study, we examined the involvement of anosmin-1 in angiogenic processes. Anosmin-1 was detected on the vessel-like structure in OB of chick embryos, and promoted the outgrowth of vascular sprouts as shown by assays of OB tissue culture. Cell migration, proliferation, and tube formation of endothelial cells were induced by treatment with anosmin-1 as well as vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), and further enhanced by treatment with both of them. We newly identified that anosmin-1 activated VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) by binding directly to it, and its downstream signaling molecules, phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) and protein kinase C (PKC). These results suggest that anosmin-1 plays a key role in the angiogenesis of developing OB through the VEGFR2–PLCγ1–PKC axis by enhancing the VEGF function.
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Song L, Li Z, Guo Z, Zhu J, Bi S, Luo Y, Yu R, Huang W. Cordyceps militaris fraction inhibits angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Pharmacogn Mag 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/pm.pm_347_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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11
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Martins PR, Machado CMT, Coxir SA, de Oliveira AJ, Moreira TB, Campos LS, Alcântara R, de Paula SOC, de Oliveira Salles PG, Gollob KJ, Magalhães WCS. Cervical cancer patients that respond to chemoradiation therapy display an intense tumor infiltrating immune profile before treatment. Exp Mol Pathol 2019; 111:104314. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2019.104314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Thirunavukkarasu M, Selvaraju V, Joshi M, Coca-Soliz V, Tapias L, Saad I, Fournier C, Husain A, Campbell J, Yee SP, Sanchez JA, Palesty JA, McFadden DW, Maulik N. Disruption of VEGF Mediated Flk-1 Signaling Leads to a Gradual Loss of Vessel Health and Cardiac Function During Myocardial Infarction: Potential Therapy With Pellino-1. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 7:e007601. [PMID: 30371196 PMCID: PMC6222946 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.007601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background The present study demonstrates that the ubiquitin E3 ligase, Pellino‐1 (Peli1), is an important angiogenic molecule under the control of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2/Flk‐1. We have previously reported increased survivability of ischemic skin flap tissue by adenovirus carrying Peli1 (Ad‐Peli1) gene therapy in Flk‐1+/− mice. Methods and Results Two separate experimental groups of mice were subjected to myocardial infarction (MI) followed by the immediate intramyocardial injection of adenovirus carrying LacZ (Ad‐LacZ) (1×109 pfu) or Ad‐Peli1 (1×109 pfu). Heart tissues were collected for analyses. Compared with wild‐type (WTMI) mice, analysis revealed decreased expressions of Peli1, phosphorylated (p‐)Flk‐1, p‐Akt, p‐eNOS, p‐MK2, p‐IκBα, and NF‐κB and decreased vessel densities in Flk‐1+/− mice subjected to MI (Flk‐1+/−MI). Mice (CD1) treated with Ad‐Peli1 after the induction of MI showed increased β‐catenin translocation to the nucleus, connexin 43 expression, and phosphorylation of Akt, eNOS, MK2, and IκBα, that was followed by increased vessel densities compared with the Ad‐LacZ–treated group. Echocardiography conducted 30 days after surgery showed decreased function in the Flk1+/−MI group compared with WTMI, which was restored by Ad‐Peli1 gene therapy. In addition, therapy with Ad‐Peli1 stimulated angiogenic and arteriogenic responses in both CD1 and Flk‐1+/− mice following MI. Ad‐Peli1 treatment attenuated cardiac fibrosis in Flk‐1+/−MI mice. Similar positive results were observed in CD1 mice subjected to MI after Ad‐Peli1 therapy. Conclusion Our results show for the first time that Peli1 plays a unique role in salvaging impaired collateral blood vessel formation, diminishes fibrosis, and improves myocardial function, thereby offering clinical potential for therapies in humans to mend a damaged heart following MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Thirunavukkarasu
- 1 Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT.,2 Department of Surgery University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT
| | - Vaithinathan Selvaraju
- 1 Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT.,2 Department of Surgery University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT
| | - Mandip Joshi
- 1 Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT.,3 Stanley J. Dudrick Department of Surgery Saint Mary's Hospital Waterbury CT
| | - Vladimir Coca-Soliz
- 1 Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT.,3 Stanley J. Dudrick Department of Surgery Saint Mary's Hospital Waterbury CT
| | - Leonidas Tapias
- 1 Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT.,3 Stanley J. Dudrick Department of Surgery Saint Mary's Hospital Waterbury CT
| | - IbnalWalid Saad
- 1 Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT.,3 Stanley J. Dudrick Department of Surgery Saint Mary's Hospital Waterbury CT
| | - Craig Fournier
- 1 Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT.,2 Department of Surgery University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT
| | - Aaftab Husain
- 1 Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT.,2 Department of Surgery University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT
| | - Jacob Campbell
- 1 Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT.,2 Department of Surgery University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT
| | - Siu-Pok Yee
- 4 Center for Mouse Genome Modification University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT
| | - Juan A Sanchez
- 3 Stanley J. Dudrick Department of Surgery Saint Mary's Hospital Waterbury CT
| | - J Alexander Palesty
- 3 Stanley J. Dudrick Department of Surgery Saint Mary's Hospital Waterbury CT
| | - David W McFadden
- 2 Department of Surgery University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT
| | - Nilanjana Maulik
- 1 Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT.,2 Department of Surgery University of Connecticut Health Farmington CT
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Bates DO, Beazley-Long N, Benest AV, Ye X, Ved N, Hulse RP, Barratt S, Machado MJ, Donaldson LF, Harper SJ, Peiris-Pages M, Tortonese DJ, Oltean S, Foster RR. Physiological Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors as Homeostatic Regulators. Compr Physiol 2018; 8:955-979. [PMID: 29978898 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c170015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of proteins are key regulators of physiological systems. Originally linked with endothelial function, they have since become understood to be principal regulators of multiple tissues, both through their actions on vascular cells, but also through direct actions on other tissue types, including epithelial cells, neurons, and the immune system. The complexity of the five members of the gene family in terms of their different splice isoforms, differential translation, and specific localizations have enabled tissues to use these potent signaling molecules to control how they function to maintain their environment. This homeostatic function of VEGFs has been less intensely studied than their involvement in disease processes, development, and reproduction, but they still play a substantial and significant role in healthy control of blood volume and pressure, interstitial volume and drainage, renal and lung function, immunity, and signal processing in the peripheral and central nervous system. The widespread expression of VEGFs in healthy adult tissues, and the disturbances seen when VEGF signaling is inhibited support this view of the proteins as endogenous regulators of normal physiological function. This review summarizes the evidence and recent breakthroughs in understanding of the physiology that is regulated by VEGF, with emphasis on the role they play in maintaining homeostasis. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:955-979, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O Bates
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrew V Benest
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Xi Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nikita Ved
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard P Hulse
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Shaney Barratt
- Academic Respiratory Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Maria J Machado
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy F Donaldson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Steven J Harper
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Peiris-Pages
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Domingo J Tortonese
- Centre for Comparative and Clinical Anatomy, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Oltean
- Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca R Foster
- Bristol Renal, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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The urokinase plasminogen activator system components are regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor D in bovine oviduct. ZYGOTE 2018; 26:242-249. [PMID: 29880066 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199418000151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThe mammalian oviduct plays a pivotal role in the success of early reproductive events. The urokinase plasminogen activator system (uPAS) is present in the bovine oviduct and is involved in extracellular matrix remodelling through plasmin generation. This system can be regulated by several members of the vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and their receptors. In this study, the VEGF-D effect on the regulation of uPAS was evaluated. First, RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were used to evidence the expression of VEGF-D and its receptors in oviductal epithelial cells (BOEC). VEGF-D, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3 transcripts were found in ex vivo and in vitro BOEC, while only VEGFR2 mRNA was present after in vitro conditions. VEGF-D showed a regulatory effect on uPAS gene expression in a dose-dependent manner, inducing an increase in the expression of both uPA and its receptor (uPAR) at 24 h post-induction and decreases in the expression of its inhibitor (PAI-1). In addition, the regulation of cell migration induced by VEGF-D and uPA in BOEC monolayer cultures was analyzed. The wound areas of monolayer cultures incubated with VEGF-D 10 ng/ml or uPA 10 nM were modified and significant differences were found at 24 h for both stimulations. These results indicated that uPAS and VEGF-D systems can modify the arrangement of the bovine oviductal epithelium and contribute to the correct maintenance of the oviductal microenvironment.
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Desforges M, Rogue A, Pearson N, Rossi C, Olearo E, Forster R, Lees M, Sebire NJ, Greenwood SL, Sibley CP, David AL, Brownbill P. In Vitro Human Placental Studies to Support Adenovirus-Mediated VEGF-D ΔNΔC Maternal Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Severe Early-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2018; 29:10-23. [PMID: 29228803 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2017.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 1 in 500 pregnancies, is untreatable, and causes serious neonatal morbidity and death. Reduced uterine blood flow (UBF) is one cause. Transduction of uterine arteries in normal and FGR animal models using an adenovirus (Ad) encoding VEGF isoforms increases UBF and improves fetal growth in utero. Understanding potential adverse consequences of this therapy before first-in-woman clinical application is essential. The aims of this study were to determine whether Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC (1) transfers across the human placental barrier and (2) affects human placental morphology, permeability and primary indicators of placental function, and trophoblast integrity. Villous explants from normal term human placentas were treated with Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC (5 × 107-10 virus particles [vp]/mL), or virus formulation buffer (FB). Villous structural integrity (hematoxylin and eosin staining) and tissue accessibility (LacZ immunostaining) were determined. Markers of endocrine function (human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG] secretion) and cell death (lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] release) were assayed. Lobules from normal and FGR pregnancies underwent ex vivo dual perfusion with exposure to 5 × 1010 vp/mL Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC or FB. Perfusion resistance, para-cellular permeability, hCG, alkaline phosphatase, and LDH release were measured. Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC transfer across the placental barrier was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in DNA extracted from fetal-side venous perfusate, and by immunohistochemistry in fixed tissue. Villous explant structural integrity and hCG secretion was maintained at all Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC doses. Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC perfusion revealed no effect on placental permeability, fetoplacental vascular resistance, hCG secretion, or alkaline phosphatase release, but there was a minor elevation in maternal-side LDH release. Viral vector tissue access in both explant and perfused models was minimal, and the vector was rarely detected in the fetal venous perfusate and at low titer. Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC did not markedly affect human placental integrity and function in vitro. There was limited tissue access and transfer of vector across the placental barrier. Except for a minor elevation in LDH release, these test data did not reveal any toxic effects of Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC on the human placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Desforges
- 1 Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester , Manchester, United Kingdom .,2 St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nick Pearson
- 4 Pharmaceutical Sciences, pRED, F Hoffmann-La Roche , Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Rossi
- 5 Magnus Growth , London, United Kingdom .,6 Institute for Women's Health, University College London (UCL) , London, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Olearo
- 6 Institute for Women's Health, University College London (UCL) , London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mark Lees
- 5 Magnus Growth , London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil J Sebire
- 7 Institute of Child Health, University College London (UCL) , London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- 1 Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester , Manchester, United Kingdom .,2 St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Colin P Sibley
- 1 Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester , Manchester, United Kingdom .,2 St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L David
- 6 Institute for Women's Health, University College London (UCL) , London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Brownbill
- 1 Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester , Manchester, United Kingdom .,2 St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Jia H, Thelwell C, Dilger P, Bird C, Daniels S, Wadhwa M. Endothelial cell functions impaired by interferon in vitro: Insights into the molecular mechanism of thrombotic microangiopathy associated with interferon therapy. Thromb Res 2018; 163:105-116. [PMID: 29407621 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2018.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interferon (IFN)-α and IFN-β approved for treatment of chronic hepatitis C viral infection and multiple sclerosis respectively have been linked to thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) affecting renal function. Since the molecular mechanisms underlying this severe complication remain largely unclear, we aimed to investigate whether IFN affects directly in vitro endothelial cell functions associated with angiogenesis and blood haemostasis, as well as endothelial cell-derived vasodilators of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin. METHODS Proliferation and survival of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were measured by BrdU incorporation and alamarBlue assays. Angiogenesis was evaluated in co-cultures of HUVECs and human dermal fibroblasts. Fibrinolysis molecules were measured with ELISA. NO and prostacyclin were measured using a fluorescent NO-specific probe and a competitive enzyme immunoassay, respectively. RESULTS HUVEC proliferation was dose-dependently inhibited by IFN-β1a and IFN-β1b, but not by IFN-α2a and IFN-α2b. Consistently, IFN-β1a and IFN-β1b also reduced survival of HUVECs, but this again was not observed with IFN-α. However, both IFN subtypes inhibited VEGF-induced development of capillary-like structures, but the effect of IFN-α was less potent than IFN-β. In addition, both IFN subtypes upregulated interferon inducible protein 10 production from treated co-cultures while suppressing angiogenesis. Furthermore, intracellular NO generation was reduced by IFN-α2a and IFN-β1a, whereas prostacyclin release from HUVECs was not affected by IFN. Importantly, both IFN-β1a- and IFN-β1b-treated HUVECs showed a marked reduction in urokinase-type plasminogen activator release and a much greater secretion of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 than tissue-type plasminogen activator compared with untreated cells, suggesting decreased fibrinolytic activity. IFN-α, however was less effective in modulating the fibrinolysis system. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate the detrimental effects of IFN on endothelial cell functions mediated with angiogenesis and fibrinolysis, which could potentially cause the loss of physiological endothelium thromboresistance and facilitate the development of vascular complications in a clinical setting. Mechanistically, our findings have implications for understanding how IFN therapy can foster the development of TMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Jia
- Section of Cytokines and Growth Factors, Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, United Kingdom.
| | - Craig Thelwell
- Section of Haemostasis, Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Dilger
- Section of Cytokines and Growth Factors, Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Bird
- Section of Cytokines and Growth Factors, Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Daniels
- Section of Haemostasis, Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, United Kingdom
| | - Meenu Wadhwa
- Section of Cytokines and Growth Factors, Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, United Kingdom
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17
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Zand-Vakili M, Golkar-Narenji A, Mozdziak PE, Eimani H. An in vitro study on oocyte and follicles of transplanted ovaries treated with vascular endothelial growth factor. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2017; 18:167-173. [PMID: 29278228 PMCID: PMC5776154 DOI: 10.4274/jtgga.2017.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Retrieval of high quality follicles and oocytes from transplanted ovaries is essential for higher fertility preservation efficiency. The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was evaluated on the survival rate of preantral follicles following ovarian transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Prepubertal female mice were divided to 6 groups including: control (C), transplanted with no VEGF treatment (T) and transplanted with different dosages of VEGF [0.5 µg/mL (TV1), 1 µg/mL (TV2), 2 µg/mL (TV3), and 4 µg/mL (TV4)]. Twenty-one days later, the left ovaries were removed and transplanted on gluteal muscle. Each dose was injected directly into transplanted ovary. Twenty-one days after transplantation, the ovaries were taken, and follicles and cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were released using 26-gauge needles with a stereo microscope. The number of healthy COCs, matured oocytes, and in vitro developed embryos after fertilization in vitro were evaluated to determine the best dose of VEGF. Follicle number and follicular growth was evaluated relative to the dose of VEGF provided. Transplantation and VEGF treatment with the best dose was performed as mentioned above and in vitro follicle growth in transplanted ovaries was compared with opposite ovaries (OPP). RESULTS COC retrieval was significantly lower in the transplanted groups compared with the control group (p<0.05). The percentage of metaphase II oocytes was significantly lower in the group treated with 4 µg/mL VEGF compared with the controls (p<0.01). In the TV2 (1 µg/mL) and TV3 (2 µg/mL) groups, the percentages of morula and blastocysts were significantly improved compared with the T group (p<0.01). In the OPP group, the number of follicles was significantly higher compared with the transplanted groups (p<0.01). CONCLUSION The improving effect of VEGF on in vitro maturation and in vitro development outcome indicates that VEGF administration may increase transplantation efficiency for fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Zand-Vakili
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Golkar-Narenji
- Department of Genetic, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paul E Mozdziak
- Graduate Physiology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Hussein Eimani
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomy, Baqiatallah University of Faculty of Medicine, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Miao C, Cao J, Wang Y, Liu B, Wang Z. Effects of VEGF and VEGFR polymorphisms on the outcome of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:68854-68862. [PMID: 28978162 PMCID: PMC5620302 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To summarize and clarify the association between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) polymorphisms and the outcome in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with sunitinib. A total of 8 studies including 900 patients were analyzed in this systematic review after screening the database of PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the strength of the association. VEGFR1 rs9582036 AA/AC carriers and rs9554320 CC/AC carriers had more favorable overall survival (OS) in patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib (n = 3), but not in progression-free survival (PFS). In addition, VEGFA rs2010963 was associated with poorer PFS of mRCC (n = 1). VEGFA rs699947 was significant in predicting PFS by univariate analysis, but showed no statistical significance in OS (n = 1). VEGFR2 rs1870377 was verified to be associated with sunitinib OS (n = 1). Furthermore, patients with VEGFR3 rs307826 and rs307821 had shorter PFS and OS during sunitinib therapy (n = 2, respectively). Our results suggested that VEGF and VEGFR polymorphisms were associated with outcomes in sunitinib treated mRCC patients, especially VEGFR1 polymorphisms. However, considering the limited study numbers, its clinical application in sunitinib treated mRCC still needs further confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenkui Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingyi Cao
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bianjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zengjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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19
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Yoon KA, Kim MK, Eom HS, Lee H, Park WS, Sohn JY, Kim MJ, Kong SY. Adverse prognostic impact of vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Leuk Lymphoma 2017; 58:2677-2682. [DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2017.1300893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyong-Ah Yoon
- Center for Breast Cancer, Center for Diagnostic Oncology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Center for Diagnostic Oncology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kyeong Kim
- Department of System Cancer Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Center for Diagnostic Oncology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Seok Eom
- Hematology-Oncology Clinic, Center for Specific Organs Cancer, Center for Diagnostic Oncology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyewon Lee
- Hematology-Oncology Clinic, Center for Specific Organs Cancer, Center for Diagnostic Oncology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Weon Seo Park
- Department of Pathology, Center for Diagnostic Oncology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Sohn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Center for Diagnostic Oncology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Jin Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Young Kong
- Department of System Cancer Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Center for Diagnostic Oncology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Hematology-Oncology Clinic, Center for Specific Organs Cancer, Center for Diagnostic Oncology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Center for Diagnostic Oncology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
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20
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Hu Z, Dong N, Lu D, Jiang X, Xu J, Wu Z, Zheng D, Wechsler DS. A positive feedback loop between ROS and Mxi1-0 promotes hypoxia-induced VEGF expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cell Signal 2017; 31:79-86. [PMID: 28065785 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
VEGF expression induced by hypoxia plays a critical role in promoting tumor angiogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism that modulates VEGF expression under hypoxia is still poorly understood. In this study, we found that VEGF induction in hypoxic HepG2 cells is ROS-dependent. ROS mediates hypoxia-induced VEGF by upregulation of Mxi1-0. Furthermore, PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α signaling pathway is involved in ROS-mediated Mxi1-0 and VEGF expression in hypoxic HepG2 cells. Finally, Mxi1-0 could in turn regulate ROS generation in hypoxic HepG2 cells, creating a positive feedback loop. Taken together, this study demonstrate a positive regulatory feedback loop in which ROS mediates hypoxia-induced Mxi1-0 via activation of PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway, events that in turn elevate ROS generation and promote hypoxia-induced VEGF expression. These findings could provide a rationale for designing new therapies based on inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Hu
- Clinical Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210003, China
| | - Na Dong
- The Second Clinical School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China; Children's Health Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210003, China
| | - Dian Lu
- The Second Clinical School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Xiuqin Jiang
- Clinical Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210003, China
| | - Jinjin Xu
- Clinical Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210003, China
| | - Zhiwei Wu
- Center for Public Health Research, Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Datong Zheng
- Clinical Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210003, China; The Second Clinical School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China; Children's Health Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210003, China.
| | - Daniel S Wechsler
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
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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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Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a fundamental role in angiogenesis and endothelial cell biology, and has been the subject of intense study as a result. VEGF acts via a diverse and complex range of signaling pathways, with new targets constantly being discovered. This review attempts to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding VEGF cell signaling in endothelial and cardiovascular biology, with a particular emphasis on its role in angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Evans
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine, University College London, Rayne Building, 5 University Street, London, WC1E 6JF, UK,
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Fluid shear promotes chondrosarcoma cell invasion by activating matrix metalloproteinase 12 via IGF-2 and VEGF signaling pathways. Oncogene 2014; 34:4558-69. [PMID: 25435370 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Interstitial fluid flow in and around the tumor tissue is a physiologically relevant mechanical signal that regulates intracellular signaling pathways throughout the tumor. Yet, the effects of interstitial flow and associated fluid shear stress on the tumor cell function have been largely overlooked. Using in vitro bioengineering models in conjunction with molecular cell biology tools, we found that fluid shear (2 dyn/cm(2)) markedly upregulates matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12) expression and its activity in human chondrosarcoma cells. MMP-12 expression is induced in human chondrocytes during malignant transformation. However, the signaling pathway regulating MMP-12 expression and its potential role in human chondrosarcoma cell invasion and metastasis have yet to be delineated. We discovered that fluid shear stress induces the synthesis of insulin growth factor-2 (IGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) B and D, which in turn transactivate MMP-12 via PI3-K, p38 and JNK signaling pathways. IGF-2-, VEGF-B- or VEGF-D-stimulated chondrosarcoma cells display markedly higher migratory and invasive potentials in vitro, which are blocked by inhibiting MMP-12, PI3-K, p38 or JNK activity. Moreover, recombinant human MMP-12 or MMP-12 overexpression can potentiate chondrosarcoma cell invasion in vitro and the lung colonization in vivo. By reconstructing and delineating the signaling pathway regulating MMP-12 activation, potential therapeutic strategies that interfere with chondrosarcoma cell invasion may be identified.
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Mehta V, Abi-Nader KN, Shangaris P, Shaw SWS, Filippi E, Benjamin E, Boyd M, Peebles DM, Martin J, Zachary I, David AL. Local over-expression of VEGF-DΔNΔC in the uterine arteries of pregnant sheep results in long-term changes in uterine artery contractility and angiogenesis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100021. [PMID: 24977408 PMCID: PMC4076190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The normal development of the uteroplacental circulation in pregnancy depends on angiogenic and vasodilatory factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Reduced uterine artery blood flow (UABF) is a common cause of fetal growth restriction; abnormalities in angiogenic factors are implicated. Previously we showed that adenovirus (Ad)-mediated VEGF-A165 expression in the pregnant sheep uterine artery (UtA) increased nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, altered vascular reactivity and increased UABF. VEGF-D is a VEGF family member that promotes angiogenesis and vasodilatation but, in contrast to VEGF-A, does not increase vascular permeability. Here we examined the effect of Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC vector encoding a fully processed form of VEGF-D, on the uteroplacental circulation. Methods UtA transit-time flow probes and carotid artery catheters were implanted in mid-gestation pregnant sheep (n = 5) to measure baseline UABF and maternal haemodynamics respectively. 7–14 days later, after injection of Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC vector (5×1011 particles) into one UtA and an Ad vector encoding β-galactosidase (Ad.LacZ) contralaterally, UABF was measured daily until scheduled post-mortem examination at term. UtAs were assessed for vascular reactivity, NOS expression and endothelial cell proliferation; NOS expression was studied in ex vivo transduced UtA endothelial cells (UAECs). Results At 4 weeks post-injection, Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC treated UtAs showed significantly lesser vasoconstriction (Emax144.0 v/s 184.2, p = 0.002). There was a tendency to higher UABF in Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC compared to Ad.LacZ transduced UtAs (50.58% v/s 26.94%, p = 0.152). There was no significant effect on maternal haemodynamics. An increased number of proliferating endothelial cells and adventitial blood vessels were observed in immunohistochemistry. Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC expression in cultured UAECs upregulated eNOS and iNOS expression. Conclusions Local over-expression of VEGF-DΔNΔC in the UtAs of pregnant mid-gestation sheep reduced vasoconstriction, promoted endothelial cell proliferation and showed a trend towards increased UABF. Studies in cultured UAECs indicate that VEGF-DΔNΔC may act in part through upregulation of eNOS and iNOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedanta Mehta
- Institute for Women's Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine, Rayne Building, UCL, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | | | - Elisa Filippi
- Institute for Women's Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michael Boyd
- BSU, Royal Veterinary College, Camden, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - John Martin
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine, Rayne Building, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Zachary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine, Rayne Building, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L. David
- Institute for Women's Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
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25
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Cui Y, Osorio JC, Risquez C, Wang H, Shi Y, Gochuico BR, Morse D, Rosas IO, El-Chemaly S. Transforming growth factor-β1 downregulates vascular endothelial growth factor-D expression in human lung fibroblasts via the Jun NH2-terminal kinase signaling pathway. Mol Med 2014; 20:120-34. [PMID: 24515257 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2013.00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-D, a member of the VEGF family, induces both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis by activating VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and VEGFR-3 on the surface of endothelial cells. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 has been shown to stimulate VEGF-A expression in human lung fibroblast via the Smad3 signaling pathway and to induce VEGF-C in human proximal tubular epithelial cells. However, the effects of TGF-β1 on VEGF-D regulation are unknown. To investigate the regulation of VEGF-D, human lung fibroblasts were studied under pro-fibrotic conditions in vitro and in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) lung tissue. We demonstrate that TGF-β1 downregulates VEGF-D expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner in human lung fibroblasts. This TGF-β1 effect can be abolished by inhibitors of TGF-β type I receptor kinase and Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), but not by Smad3 knockdown. In addition, VEGF-D knockdown in human lung fibroblasts induces G1/S transition and promotes cell proliferation. Importantly, VEGF-D protein expression is decreased in lung homogenates from IPF patients compared with control lung. In IPF lung sections, fibroblastic foci show very weak VEGF-D immunoreactivity, whereas VEGF-D is abundantly expressed within alveolar interstitial cells in control lung. Taken together, our data identify a novel mechanism for downstream signal transduction induced by TGF-β1 in lung fibroblasts, through which they may mediate tissue remodeling in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Cui
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Juan C Osorio
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Cristobal Risquez
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hao Wang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ying Shi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bernadette R Gochuico
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Danielle Morse
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ivan O Rosas
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Souheil El-Chemaly
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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26
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Friis T, Engel AM, Bendiksen CD, Larsen LS, Houen G. Influence of levamisole and other angiogenesis inhibitors on angiogenesis and endothelial cell morphology in vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2013; 5:762-85. [PMID: 24202320 PMCID: PMC3795364 DOI: 10.3390/cancers5030762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing vessels is required for many physiological processes and for growth of solid tumors. Initiated by hypoxia, angiogenesis involves binding of angiogenic factors to endothelial cell (EC) receptors and activation of cellular signaling, differentiation, migration, proliferation, interconnection and canalization of ECs, remodeling of the extracellular matrix and stabilization of newly formed vessels. Experimentally, these processes can be studied by several in vitro and in vivo assays focusing on different steps in the process. In vitro, ECs form networks of capillary-like tubes when propagated for three days in coculture with fibroblasts. The tube formation is dependent on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and omission of VEGF from the culture medium results in the formation of clusters of undifferentiated ECs. Addition of angiogenesis inhibitors to the coculture system disrupts endothelial network formation and influences EC morphology in two distinct ways. Treatment with antibodies to VEGF, soluble VEGF receptor, the VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor SU5614, protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor (PTPI) IV or levamisole results in the formation of EC clusters of variable size. This cluster morphology is a result of inhibited EC differentiation and levamisole can be inferred to influence and block VEGF signaling. Treatment with platelet factor 4, thrombospondin, rapamycin, suramin, TNP-470, salubrinal, PTPI I, PTPI II, clodronate, NSC87877 or non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) results in the formation of short cords of ECs, which suggests that these inhibitors have an influence on later steps in the angiogenic process, such as EC proliferation and migration. A humanized antibody to VEGF is one of a few angiogenesis inhibitors used clinically for treatment of cancer. Levamisole is approved for clinical treatment of cancer and is interesting with respect to anti-angiogenic activity in vivo since it inhibits ECs in vitro with a morphology resembling that obtained with antibodies to VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Friis
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Immunology and Genetics, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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27
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Katsura Y, Wada H, Murakami M, Akita H, Hama N, Kawamoto K, Kobayashi S, Marubashi S, Eguchi H, Tanemura M, Umeshita K, Doki Y, Mori M, Nagano H. PTK787/ZK222584 combined with interferon alpha and 5-fluorouracil synergistically inhibits VEGF signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2013; 20 Suppl 3:S517-26. [PMID: 23508585 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-013-2948-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombus remains poor. We previously reported the beneficial effects of interferon alpha (IFN) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combination therapy for these patients. We showed that the mechanism of therapy was regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Here, we combined IFN/5-FU therapy with the VEGF receptor-selective inhibitor PTK787/ZK222584 (PTK/ZK) and examined the antitumor effects and the mechanism of action. METHODS We studied two HCC cell lines, PLC/PRF/5 and HuH7, and a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line, HUVEC. We studied the effects of IFN/5-FU with or without PTK/ZK in growth inhibition assays, immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS In a HuH7 xenograft model, the combination of PTK/ZK and IFN/5-FU significantly inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, decreased microvessel density, reduced the number of tumor cells that expressed VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), and repressed the phosphorylation of Akt in vivo. In HCC cells and HUVECs in vitro, IFN/5-FU plus PTK/ZK repressed the expression of VEGFR-2 and repressed the phosphorylation of VEGFR, Akt, Erk, and p38MAPK. CONCLUSIONS VEGF signaling inhibition enhanced the antitumor effects of IFN/5-FU therapy on HCC cells and endothelial cells via Erk, Akt, and p38MAPK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiteru Katsura
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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28
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VEGF and VEGFR polymorphisms affect clinical outcome in advanced renal cell carcinoma patients receiving first-line sunitinib. Br J Cancer 2012; 108:1126-32. [PMID: 23511629 PMCID: PMC3619056 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Currently, sunitinib represents one of the therapeutic strongholds for renal cell carcinoma, but the criteria for treatment selection are lacking. We assessed the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor (VEGFR) polymorphisms in the prediction of the clinical outcome in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients. Methods: A total of 84 tumour samples from mRCC patients receiving first-line sunitinib were tested for VEGF and VEGFR single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The SNP results were correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Median PFS was 8.22 months, although whereas median OS was 32.13 months. The VEGF A rs833061 resulted significant in PFS (17 vs 4 months; P<0.0001) and OS (38 vs 10 months; P<0.0001). The VEGF A rs699947 was significant for PFS (18 vs 4 months; P=0.0001) and OS (37 vs 16 months; P<0.0001). The VEGF A rs2010963 was significant in PFS (18 vs 8 vs 2 months; P=0.0001) and OS (31 vs 36 vs 9 months; P=0.0045). The VEGR3 rs6877011 was significant in PFS (12 vs 4 months; P=0.0075) and OS (36 vs 17 months; P=0.0001). At multivariate analysis, rs833061, rs2010963 and rs68877011 were significant in PFS, and rs833061 and rs68877011 were independent factors in OS. Conclusions: In our analysis, patients with TT polymorphism of rs833061, CC polymorphism of rs699947, CC polymorphism of rs2010963 and CG polymorphism of rs6877011 seem to have a worse PFS and OS when receiving first-line sunitinib.
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29
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Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) is a secreted glycoprotein that promotes growth of blood vessels (angiogenesis) and lymphatic vessels (lymphangiogenesis), and can induce remodeling of large lymphatics. VEGF-D enhances solid tumor growth and metastatic spread in animal models of cancer, and in some human cancers VEGF-D correlates with metastatic spread, poor patient outcome, and, potentially, with resistance to anti-angiogenic drugs. Hence, VEGF-D signaling is a potential target for novel anti-cancer therapeutics designed to enhance anti-angiogenic approaches and to restrict metastasis. In the cardiovascular system, delivery of VEGF-D in animal models enhanced angiogenesis and tissue perfusion, findings which have led to a range of clinical trials testing this protein for therapeutic angiogenesis in cardiovascular diseases. Despite these experimental and clinical developments, our knowledge of the signaling mechanisms driven by VEGF-D is still evolving--here we explore the biology of VEGF-D, its signaling mechanisms, and the clinical relevance of this growth factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc G Achen
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 1 Saint Andrews Place, Locked Bag 1, A'Beckett Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia.
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30
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Maiolo D, Mitola S, Leali D, Oliviero G, Ravelli C, Bugatti A, Depero LE, Presta M, Bergese P. Role of nanomechanics in canonical and noncanonical pro-angiogenic ligand/VEGF receptor-2 activation. J Am Chem Soc 2012; 134:14573-9. [PMID: 22860754 DOI: 10.1021/ja305816p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) is an endothelial cell receptor that plays a pivotal role in physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis and is a therapeutic target for angiogenesis-dependent diseases, including cancer. By leveraging on a dedicated nanomechanical biosensor, we investigated the nanoscale mechanical phenomena intertwined with VEGFR2 surface recognition by its prototypic ligand VEGF-A and its noncanonical ligand gremlin. We found that the two ligands bind the immobilized extracellular domain of VEGFR2 (sVEGFR2) with comparable binding affinity. Nevertheless, they interact with sVEGFR2 with different binding kinetics and drive different in-plane piconewton intermolecular forces, suggesting that the binding of VEGF-A or gremlin induces different conformational changes in sVEGFR2. These behaviors can be effectively described in terms of a different "nanomechanical affinity" of the two ligands for sVEGFR2, about 16-fold higher for VEGF-A with respect to gremlin. Such nanomechanical differences affect the biological activity driven by the two angiogenic factors in endothelial cells, as evidenced by a more rapid VEGFR2 clustering and a more potent mitogenic response triggered by VEGF-A in respect to gremlin. Together, these data point to surface intermolecular interactions on cell membrane between activated receptors as a key modulator of the intracellular signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Maiolo
- Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory and INSTM, School of Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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31
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Coso S, Zeng Y, Opeskin K, Williams ED. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 directly interacts with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase to regulate lymphangiogenesis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39558. [PMID: 22745786 PMCID: PMC3382126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dysfunctional lymphatic vessel formation has been implicated in a number of pathological conditions including cancer metastasis, lymphedema, and impaired wound healing. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family is a major regulator of lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) function and lymphangiogenesis. Indeed, dissemination of malignant cells into the regional lymph nodes, a common occurrence in many cancers, is stimulated by VEGF family members. This effect is generally considered to be mediated via VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. However, the role of specific receptors and their downstream signaling pathways is not well understood. Methods and Results Here we delineate the VEGF-C/VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-3 signaling pathway in LECs and show that VEGF-C induces activation of PI3K/Akt and MEK/Erk. Furthermore, activation of PI3K/Akt by VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 resulted in phosphorylation of P70S6K, eNOS, PLCγ1, and Erk1/2. Importantly, a direct interaction between PI3K and VEGFR-3 in LECs was demonstrated both in vitro and in clinical cancer specimens. This interaction was strongly associated with the presence of lymph node metastases in primary small cell carcinoma of the lung in clinical specimens. Blocking PI3K activity abolished VEGF-C-stimulated LEC tube formation and migration. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that specific VEGFR-3 signaling pathways are activated in LECs by VEGF-C. The importance of PI3K in VEGF-C/VEGFR-3-mediated lymphangiogenesis provides a potential therapeutic target for the inhibition of lymphatic metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Coso
- Centre for Cancer Research, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yiping Zeng
- Centre for Cancer Research, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kenneth Opeskin
- Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth D. Williams
- Centre for Cancer Research, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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32
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A novel vasculo-angiogenic effect of cilostazol mediated by cross-talk between multiple signalling pathways including the ERK/p38 MAPK signalling transduction cascade. Clin Sci (Lond) 2012; 123:147-59. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20110432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cilostazol is an anti-platelet agent with vasodilatory activity that acts by increasing intracellular concentrations of cAMP. Recent reports have suggested that cilostazol may promote angiogenesis. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of cilostazol in promoting angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in a hindlimb ischaemia model and have also examined its potential mechanism of action in vitro and in vivo. We found that cilostazol treatment significantly increased colony formation by human early EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells) through a mechanism involving the activation of cAMP/PKA (protein kinase A), PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/Akt/eNOS (endothelial NO synthase) and ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase)/p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signalling pathways. Cilostazol also enhanced proliferation, chemotaxis, NO production and vascular tube formation in HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) through activation of multiple signalling pathways downstream of PI3K/Akt/eNOS. Cilostazol up-regulated VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)-A165 expression and secretion of VEGF-A in HUVECs through activation of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. In a mouse hindlimb ischaemia model, recovery of blood flow ratio (ipsilateral/contralateral) 14 days after surgery was significantly improved in cilostazol-treated mice (10 mg/kg of body weight) compared with vehicle-treated controls (0.63±0.07 and 0.43±0.05 respectively, P<0.05). Circulating CD34+ cells were also increased in cilostazol-treated mice (3614±670 compared with 2151±608 cells/ml, P<0.05). Expression of VEGF and phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS and ERK/p38 MAPK in ischaemic muscles were significantly enhanced by cilostazol. Our data suggest that cilostazol produces a vasculo-angiogenic effect by up-regulating a broad signalling network that includes the ERK/p38 MAPK, VEGF-A165, PI3K/Akt/eNOS and cAMP/PKA pathways.
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33
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Cho SW, Yang F, Son SM, Park HJ, Green JJ, Bogatyrev S, Mei Y, Park S, Langer R, Anderson DG. Therapeutic angiogenesis using genetically engineered human endothelial cells. J Control Release 2012; 160:515-24. [PMID: 22450331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapy holds promise as a method for the treatment of ischemic disease. However, one significant challenge to the efficacy of cell therapy is poor cell survival in vivo. Here we describe a non-viral, gene therapy approach to improve the survival and engraftment of cells transplanted into ischemic tissue. We have developed biodegradable poly(β-amino esters) (PBAE) nanoparticles as vehicles to genetically modify human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF transfection using these nanoparticles significantly enhanced VEGF expression in HUVECs, compared with a commercially-available transfection reagent. Transfection resulted in the upregulation of survival factors, and improved viability under simulated ischemic conditions. In a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia, VEGF nanoparticle transfection promoted engraftment of HUVECs into mouse vasculature as well as survival of transplanted HUVECs in ischemic tissues, leading to improved angiogenesis and ischemic limb salvage. This study demonstrates that biodegradable polymer nanoparticles may provide a safe and effective method for genetic engineering of endothelial cells to enhance therapeutic angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Woo Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea
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Interleukin-1 Beta Increases Activity of Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells: Involvement of PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway. Inflammation 2012; 35:1242-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-012-9434-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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35
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Hsiao STF, Asgari A, Lokmic Z, Sinclair R, Dusting GJ, Lim SY, Dilley RJ. Comparative analysis of paracrine factor expression in human adult mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow, adipose, and dermal tissue. Stem Cells Dev 2012; 21:2189-203. [PMID: 22188562 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2011.0674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) support the engineering of functional tissue constructs by secreting angiogenic and cytoprotective factors, which act in a paracrine fashion to influence cell survival and vascularization. MSCs have been isolated from many different tissue sources, but little is known about how paracrine factor secretion varies between different MSC populations. We evaluated paracrine factor expression patterns in MSCs isolated from adipose tissue (ASCs), bone marrow (BMSCs), and dermal tissues [dermal sheath cells (DSCs) and dermal papilla cells (DPCs)]. Specifically, mRNA expression analysis identified insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) to be expressed at higher levels in ASCs compared with other MSC populations whereas VEGF-A, angiogenin, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and nerve growth factor (NGF) were expressed at comparable levels among the MSC populations examined. Analysis of conditioned media (CM) protein confirmed the comparable level of angiogenin and VEGF-A secretion in all MSC populations and showed that DSCs and DPCs produced significantly higher concentrations of leptin. Functional assays examining in vitro angiogenic paracrine activity showed that incubation of endothelial cells in ASC(CM) resulted in increased tubulogenic efficiency compared with that observed in DPC(CM). Using neutralizing antibodies we concluded that VEGF-A and VEGF-D were 2 of the major growth factors secreted by ASCs that supported endothelial tubulogenesis. The variation in paracrine factors of different MSC populations contributes to different levels of angiogenic activity and ASCs maybe preferred over other MSC populations for augmenting therapeutic approaches dependent upon angiogenesis.
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Vuorio T, Jauhiainen S, Ylä-Herttuala S. Pro- and anti-angiogenic therapy and atherosclerosis with special emphasis on vascular endothelial growth factors. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 12:79-92. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2012.641011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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38
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Jauhiainen S, Häkkinen SK, Toivanen PI, Heinonen SE, Jyrkkänen HK, Kansanen E, Leinonen H, Levonen AL, Ylä-Herttuala S. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-D Stimulates VEGF-A, Stanniocalcin-1, and Neuropilin-2 and Has Potent Angiogenic Effects. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2011; 31:1617-24. [DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.111.225961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective—
The mature form of human vascular endothelial growth factor-D (hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
) is an efficient angiogenic factor, but its full mechanism of action has remained unclear. We studied the effects of hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
in endothelial cells using gene array, signaling, cell culture, and in vivo gene transfer techniques.
Methods and Results—
Concomitant with the angiogenic and proliferative responses, hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
enhanced the phosphorylation of VEGF receptor-2, Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Gene arrays, quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot revealed increases in VEGF-A, stanniocalcin-1 (STC1), and neuropilin (NRP) 2 expression by hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
stimulation, whereas induction with hVEGF-A
165
altered the expression of STC1 and NRP1, another coreceptor for VEGFs. The effects of hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
were seen only under high-serum conditions, whereas for hVEGF-A
165
, the strongest response was observed under low-serum conditions. The hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
-induced upregulation of STC1 and NRP2 was also evident in vivo in mouse skeletal muscle treated with hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
by adenoviral gene delivery. The importance of NRP2 in hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
signaling was further studied with NRP2 small interfering RNA and NRP antagonist, which were able to block hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
-induced survival of endothelial cells.
Conclusion—
In this study, the importance of serum and upregulation of NRP2 and STC1 for VEGF-D
ΔNΔC
effects were demonstrated. Better knowledge of VEGF-D
ΔNΔC
signaling and regulation is valuable for the development of efficient and safe VEGF-D
ΔNΔC
-based therapeutic applications for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvi Jauhiainen
- From the Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences (S.J., S.-K.H., P.I.T., S.E.H., H.-K.J., E.K., H.L., A.-L.L., S.Y.-H.) and Department of Medicine (S.Y.-H.), University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland (S.Y.-H.)
| | - Sanna-Kaisa Häkkinen
- From the Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences (S.J., S.-K.H., P.I.T., S.E.H., H.-K.J., E.K., H.L., A.-L.L., S.Y.-H.) and Department of Medicine (S.Y.-H.), University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland (S.Y.-H.)
| | - Pyry I. Toivanen
- From the Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences (S.J., S.-K.H., P.I.T., S.E.H., H.-K.J., E.K., H.L., A.-L.L., S.Y.-H.) and Department of Medicine (S.Y.-H.), University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland (S.Y.-H.)
| | - Suvi E. Heinonen
- From the Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences (S.J., S.-K.H., P.I.T., S.E.H., H.-K.J., E.K., H.L., A.-L.L., S.Y.-H.) and Department of Medicine (S.Y.-H.), University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland (S.Y.-H.)
| | - Henna-Kaisa Jyrkkänen
- From the Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences (S.J., S.-K.H., P.I.T., S.E.H., H.-K.J., E.K., H.L., A.-L.L., S.Y.-H.) and Department of Medicine (S.Y.-H.), University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland (S.Y.-H.)
| | - Emilia Kansanen
- From the Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences (S.J., S.-K.H., P.I.T., S.E.H., H.-K.J., E.K., H.L., A.-L.L., S.Y.-H.) and Department of Medicine (S.Y.-H.), University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland (S.Y.-H.)
| | - Hanna Leinonen
- From the Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences (S.J., S.-K.H., P.I.T., S.E.H., H.-K.J., E.K., H.L., A.-L.L., S.Y.-H.) and Department of Medicine (S.Y.-H.), University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland (S.Y.-H.)
| | - Anna-Liisa Levonen
- From the Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences (S.J., S.-K.H., P.I.T., S.E.H., H.-K.J., E.K., H.L., A.-L.L., S.Y.-H.) and Department of Medicine (S.Y.-H.), University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland (S.Y.-H.)
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- From the Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences (S.J., S.-K.H., P.I.T., S.E.H., H.-K.J., E.K., H.L., A.-L.L., S.Y.-H.) and Department of Medicine (S.Y.-H.), University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland (S.Y.-H.)
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Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway appears to be the dominant pathway involved in tumor angiogenesis, providing a rationale for targeting the VEGF receptors (VEGFR-1, -2, and -3) in the treatment of cancers. In particular, VEGF signaling is thought to be important in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) because of the deregulation of the pathway through nearly uniform loss of the von Hippel Lindau protein. The tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sorafenib, sunitinib, and pazopanib are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of advanced RCC; however, these multitargeted agents inhibit a wide range of kinase targets in addition to the VEGFRs, resulting in a range of adverse effects unrelated to efficient VEGF blockade. This article reviews recent advances in the development of the second-generation VEGFR TKIs, including the more selective VEGFR TKIs tivozanib and axitinib, and focuses on the potential benefits of novel inhibitors with improved potency and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Bhargava
- AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 75 Sidney Street, 4th floor, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Murray O. Robinson
- AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 75 Sidney Street, 4th floor, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
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Pavlakovic H, Becker J, Albuquerque R, Wilting J, Ambati J. Soluble VEGFR-2: an antilymphangiogenic variant of VEGF receptors. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1207 Suppl 1:E7-15. [PMID: 20961309 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05714.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of secreted proteins and their receptors are major regulators of blood vessel development (hemangiogenesis) and lymphatic vessel development (lymphangiogenesis). VEGF acts through a complex system of receptor tyrosine kinases, which can be membrane bound or soluble. New data concerning the receptor system are still emerging, thus contributing to the complexity of the system. Very recently a soluble form of VEGFR-2, termed sVEGFR-2, which is a result of alternative splicing, has been discovered. Earlier, it has been shown that a secreted/soluble form of VEGFR-1, termed sVEGFR-1, is produced by alternative splicing and exerts an antihemangiogenic effect by binding VEGF-A. The newly discovered spliced variant of sVEGFR-2 binds the lymphangiogenic growth factor VEGF-C and thus inhibits VEGF-C-induced activation of VEGFR-3, consequently inhibiting lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation. Its inactivation in murine embryos permits hyperplasia of dermal lymphatics and invasion of lymphatics into the cornea. Tumor lymphangiogenesis seems to influence the metastatic behavior of malignant cells. A correlation has been found between the downregulation of sVEGFR-2 and the malignant progression of neuroblastoma, which is characterized by lymphogenic metastases in progressed stages. Data show that lymphangiogenesis is regulated by both activators and inhibitors, and its balance is crucial in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Pavlakovic
- Center of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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41
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Bahram F, Claesson-Welsh L. VEGF-mediated signal transduction in lymphatic endothelial cells. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2010; 17:253-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2009.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2009] [Revised: 07/18/2009] [Accepted: 10/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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42
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Kawahara A, Stainier DYR. Noncanonical activity of seryl-transfer RNA synthetase and vascular development. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2010; 19:179-82. [PMID: 20211432 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2009.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Seryl-transfer RNA synthetase (Sars) is one of the 20 aminoacyl-transfer RNA synthetases that are enzymes essential for protein synthesis; however, the developmental function of Sars has not been elucidated. In zebrafish, impairment of zygotic Sars function leads to a significant dilatation of the aortic arch vessels and aberrant branching of cranial and intersegmental vessels. This abnormal vascular branching in sars mutants can be suppressed by a form of Sars that lacks canonical function, indicating that a noncanonical activity of Sars regulates vascular development. Inhibition or knockdown of vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf) signaling, which plays pivotal roles in the establishment of the vascular network, suppresses the abnormal vascular branching observed in sars mutants. Here, we discuss the possible functional relationship between Sars function and Vegf signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuo Kawahara
- Department of Structural Analysis, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Osaka, 565-8565, Japan.
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43
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Ren YJ, Yang L, Zhai ZH. Clinical value of inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor in primary hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2010; 18:1582-1587. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v18.i15.1582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known potent angiogenic factor that correlates with tumor invasion and metastasis. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) is a common highly malignant vascular tumor with a very high mortality. Angiogenesis is considered to be important for PHC progression. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been proved to be effective for unresectable PHC. This paper aims to make a literature review of the recent advances in understanding the clinical value of inhibition of VEGF in PHC after interventional therapy.
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Papiewska-Pajak I, Boncela J, Przygodzka P, Cierniewski CS. Autocrine effects of VEGF-D on endothelial cells after transduction with AD-VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC). Exp Cell Res 2010; 316:907-14. [PMID: 20096685 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2010.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2009] [Revised: 11/27/2009] [Accepted: 01/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells in tumor vessels display unusual characteristics in terms of survival and angiogenic properties which result from the increased expression of VEGF-D and its autocrine effect. To evaluate mechanisms by which VEGF-D leads to such abnormal phenotype, we searched for proteins with modified expression in HUVECs enriched in the recombinant mature VEGF-D (VEGFD(DeltaNDeltaC)) delivered by adenovirus. Expression of membrane proteins in endothelial cells was characterized by FACS using anti-human IT-Box-135 antibodies. HUVECs transduced with Ad-VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC) revealed markedly increased expression of proteins involved in adhesion and migration such as (a) integrins (alphaVbeta5, alpha2beta1, alpha5beta1, alphaMbeta2, alphaLbeta2), (b) matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-14), (c) components of fibrinolytic system (PAI-1, u-PAR), and (d) CD45, CD98, CD147. Interestingly, there also were numerous proteins with significantly reduced expression, particularly among surface exposed membrane proteins. Thus, it can be concluded that to induce proangiogenic phenotype and facilitate migration of HUVECs, VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC) not only upregulates expression of proteins known to participate in the cell-matrix interactions but also silences some membrane proteins which could interfere with this process.
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45
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Neuropilin-1 antagonism in human carcinoma cells inhibits migration and enhances chemosensitivity. Br J Cancer 2010; 102:541-52. [PMID: 20087344 PMCID: PMC2822953 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a non-tyrosine kinase receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) recently implicated in tumour functions. METHODS In this study we used a specific antagonist of VEGF binding to the NRP1 b1 domain, EG3287, to investigate the functional roles of NRP1 in human carcinoma cell lines, non-small-cell lung A549, kidney ACHN, and prostate DU145 cells expressing NRP1, and the underlying mechanisms involved. RESULTS EG3287 potently displaced the specific binding of VEGF to NRP1 in carcinoma cell lines and significantly inhibited the migration of A549 and ACHN cells. Neuropilin-1 downregulation by siRNA also decreased cell migration. EG3287 reduced the adhesion of A549 and ACHN cells to extracellular matrix (ECM), and enhanced the anti-adhesive effects of a beta1-integrin function-blocking antibody. EG3287 increased the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutic agents 5-FU, paclitaxel, or cisplatin on A549 and DU145 cells, through inhibition of integrin-dependent cell interaction with the ECM. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that NRP1 is important for tumour cell migration and adhesion, and that NRP1 antagonism enhances chemosensitivity, at least in part, by interfering with integrin-dependent survival pathways. A major implication of this study is that therapeutic strategies targeting NRP1 in tumour cells may be particularly useful in combination with other drugs for combating tumour survival, growth, and metastatic spread independently of an antiangiogenic effect of blocking NRP1.
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Bhattacharya R, Kwon J, Li X, Wang E, Patra S, Bida JP, Bajzer Z, Claesson-Welsh L, Mukhopadhyay D. Distinct role of PLCbeta3 in VEGF-mediated directional migration and vascular sprouting. J Cell Sci 2009; 122:1025-34. [PMID: 19295129 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.041913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cell proliferation and migration is essential to angiogenesis. Typically, proliferation and chemotaxis of endothelial cells is driven by growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). VEGF activates phospholipases (PLCs) - specifically PLCgamma1 - that are important for tubulogenesis, differentiation and DNA synthesis. However, we show here that VEGF, specifically through VEGFR2, induces phosphorylation of two serine residues on PLCbeta3, and this was confirmed in an ex vivo embryoid body model. Knockdown of PLCbeta3 in HUVEC cells affects IP3 production, actin reorganization, migration and proliferation; whereas migration is inhibited, proliferation is enhanced. Our data suggest that enhanced proliferation is precipitated by an accelerated cell cycle, and decreased migration by an inability to activate CDC42. Given that PLCbeta3 is typically known as an effector of heterotrimeric G-proteins, our data demonstrate a unique crosstalk between the G-protein and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) axes and reveal a novel molecular mechanism of VEGF signaling and, thus, angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Resham Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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47
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Fukui H, Hanaoka R, Kawahara A. Noncanonical activity of seryl-tRNA synthetase is involved in vascular development. Circ Res 2009; 104:1253-9. [PMID: 19423848 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.108.191189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf) plays central roles in the establishment of stereotypic vascular patterning in vertebrates. However, it is not fully understood how the network of blood vessels is established and maintained during vascular development. A zebrafish ko095 mutant presented the disorganized vessels with abnormal branching of the established intersegmental vessels (ISVs) after 60 hours postfertilization. The gene responsible for ko095 encodes seryl-tRNA synthetase (Sars) with a nonsense mutation. The abnormal branching of ISVs in ko095 mutant was suppressed by the introduction of either wild-type Sars or a mutant Sars (T429A) lacking the enzymatic activity that catalyzes aminoacylation of transfer RNA for serine (canonical activity), suggesting that the abnormal branching is attributable to the loss of function of Sars besides its canonical activity. We further found the increased expression of vegfa in ko095 mutant at 72 hours postfertilization, which was also reversed by the introduction of Sars (T429A). Furthermore, the abnormal branching of ISVs in the mutant was suppressed by knockdown of vegfa or vegfr2 (kdra and kdrb). Knockdown of vegfc or vegfr3 rescued the abnormal ISV branching in ko095 mutant. These results suggest that the abnormal ISV branching in ko095 mutant is caused by the activated Vegfa-Vegfr2 signal and requires the Vegfc-Vegfr3 signal, because the latter is needed for general angiogenesis. Hence, we conclude that noncanonical activity of Sars is involved in vascular development presumably by modulating the expression of vegfa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Fukui
- Department of Structural Analysis, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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48
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Toivanen PI, Nieminen T, Viitanen L, Alitalo A, Roschier M, Jauhiainen S, Markkanen JE, Laitinen OH, Airenne TT, Salminen TA, Johnson MS, Airenne KJ, Ylä-Herttuala S. Novel vascular endothelial growth factor D variants with increased biological activity. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:16037-48. [PMID: 19366703 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.001123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family play a pivotal role in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. They are potential therapeutics to induce blood vessel formation in myocardium and skeletal muscle, when normal blood flow is compromised. Most members of the VEGF/platelet derived growth factor protein superfamily exist as covalently bound antiparallel dimers. However, the mature form of VEGF-D (VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC)) is predominantly a non-covalent dimer even though the cysteine residues (Cys-44 and Cys-53) forming the intersubunit disulfide bridges in the other members of the VEGF family are also conserved in VEGF-D. Moreover, VEGF-D bears an additional cysteine residue (Cys-25) at the subunit interface. Guided by our model of VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC), the cysteines at the subunit interface were mutated to study the effect of these residues on the structural and functional properties of VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC). The conserved cysteines Cys-44 and Cys-53 were found to be essential for the function of VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC). More importantly, the substitution of the Cys-25 at the dimer interface by various amino acids improved the activity of the recombinant VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC) and increased the dimer to monomer ratio. Specifically, substitutions to hydrophobic amino acids Ile, Leu, and Val, equivalent to those found in other VEGFs, most favorably affected the activity of the recombinant VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC). The increased activity of these mutants was mainly due to stabilization of the protein. This study enables us to better understand the structural determinants controlling the biological activity of VEGF-D. The novel variants of VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC) described here are potential agents for therapeutic applications, where induction of vascular formation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pyry I Toivanen
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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Rocha SF, Adams RH. Molecular differentiation and specialization of vascular beds. Angiogenesis 2009; 12:139-47. [PMID: 19212819 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-009-9132-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2009] [Accepted: 01/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Transport in the large and complex bodies of vertebrate organisms is mediated by extensive and highly branched tubular networks that are formed by endothelial cells. Blood vessels are responsible for systemic circulation, while the lymphatic vasculature drains extravasated plasma, proteins, particles, and cells from the interstitium. Endothelial cells of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels can be distinguished by the expression of certain molecular markers, which accompany or even contribute to functional and morphological differences. Even within the blood vessel network, some molecules and pathways selectively mark the endothelium of arteries, veins and capillaries and are thought to contribute to the differentiation of these vessels. Moreover, microvessels can acquire organ-specific specialization in response to local tissue-derived signals. This review summarizes molecular markers and pathways that are specifically expressed in the endothelium of certain vascular beds and vessel types. Special attention will be given to known functional roles in the morphogenesis of these vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana F Rocha
- Department Tissue Morphogenesis, Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, University of Münster, 48149 Munster, Germany
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50
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Abstract
Tissue activity of angiogenesis depends on the balance of many stimulating or inhibiting factors. The key signaling system that regulates proliferation and migration of endothelial cells forming the basis of any vessel are vascular endothelium growth factors (VEGF) and their receptors. The VEGF-dependent signaling system is necessary for formation of the embryonic vascular system. Neoangiogenesis during tumor growth is also associated with activation of this signaling system. The biological significance of the effect of such system on the cells depends on the content in tissue of various factors of the VEGF family and their receptors, while in the case of VEGFA it is defined by the ratio of different isoforms of this growth factor. A number of other signaling systems are also involved in regulation of the main steps of vessel formation. The signaling system Dll4/Notch regulates selection of endothelial cells for beginning of angiogenic expansion by endowing particular properties to endothelial cells leading in this process. An important step in vessel stabilization and maturation is vascular wall formation. Signaling system PDGFB/PDGFRbeta as well as angiopoietins Ang1, Ang2, and their receptor Tie2 are involved in recruiting mural cells (pericytes and smooth muscle cells). Identification of key molecules involved in the regulation of angiogenesis may provide new possibilities for development of drugs suitable for inhibition of angiogenesis or its stimulation in various pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Karamysheva
- Institute of Carcinogenesis, Blokhin Cancer Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, 115478, Russia.
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