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Wada H, Suzuki M, Matsuda M, Ajiro Y, Shinozaki T, Sakagami S, Yonezawa K, Shimizu M, Funada J, Takenaka T, Morita Y, Nakamura T, Fujimoto K, Matsubara H, Kato T, Unoki T, Takagi D, Wada K, Wada M, Iguchi M, Masunaga N, Ishii M, Yamakage H, Kusakabe T, Yasoda A, Shimatsu A, Kotani K, Satoh-Asahara N, Abe M, Akao M, Hasegawa K. Distinct Characteristics of VEGF-D and VEGF-C to Predict Mortality in Patients With Suspected or Known Coronary Artery Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e015761. [PMID: 32319336 PMCID: PMC7428571 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.015761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background VEGF‐D (vascular endothelial growth factor D) and VEGF‐C are secreted glycoproteins that can induce lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis. They exhibit structural homology but have differential receptor binding and regulatory mechanisms. We recently demonstrated that the serum VEGF‐C level is inversely and independently associated with all‐cause mortality in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease. We investigated whether VEGF‐D had distinct relationships with mortality and cardiovascular events in those patients. Methods and Results We performed a multicenter, prospective cohort study of 2418 patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease undergoing elective coronary angiography. The serum level of VEGF‐D was measured. The primary outcome was all‐cause death. The secondary outcomes were cardiovascular death and major adverse cardiovascular events defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke. During the 3‐year follow‐up, 254 patients died from any cause, 88 died from cardiovascular disease, and 165 developed major adverse cardiovascular events. After adjustment for possible clinical confounders, cardiovascular biomarkers (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, cardiac troponin‐I, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein), and VEGF‐C, the VEGF‐D level was significantly associated with all‐cause death and cardiovascular death but not with major adverse cardiovascular events.. Moreover, the addition of VEGF‐D, either alone or in combination with VEGF‐C, to the model with possible clinical confounders and cardiovascular biomarkers significantly improved the prediction of all‐cause death but not that of cardiovascular death or major adverse cardiovascular events. Consistent results were observed within patients over 75 years old. Conclusions In patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease undergoing elective coronary angiography, an elevated VEGF‐D value seems to independently predict all‐cause mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromichi Wada
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Masahiro Suzuki
- Department of Clinical Research National Hospital Organization Saitama Hospital Wako Japan
| | - Morihiro Matsuda
- Institute for Clinical Research National Hospital Organization Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center Kure Japan
| | - Yoichi Ajiro
- Division of Clinical Research National Hospital Organization Yokohama Medical Center Yokohama Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Shinozaki
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Sendai Medical Center Sendai Japan
| | - Satoru Sakagami
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine National Hospital Organization Kanazawa Medical Center Kanazawa Japan
| | - Kazuya Yonezawa
- Division of Clinical Research National Hospital Organization Hakodate National Hospital Hakodate Japan
| | - Masatoshi Shimizu
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kobe Medical Center Kobe Japan
| | - Junichi Funada
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Ehime Medical Center Toon Japan
| | - Takashi Takenaka
- Division of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Hokkaido Medical Center Sapporo Japan
| | - Yukiko Morita
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital Sagamihara Japan
| | - Toshihiro Nakamura
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kyushu Medical Center Fukuoka Japan
| | - Kazuteru Fujimoto
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Medical Center Kumamoto Japan
| | - Hiromi Matsubara
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center Okayama Japan
| | - Toru Kato
- Department of Clinical Research National Hospital Organization Tochigi Medical Center Utsunomiya Japan
| | - Takashi Unoki
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Intensive Care Unit Saiseikai Kumamoto Hospital Kumamoto Japan
| | - Daisuke Takagi
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Department of Acute Care and General Medicine Saiseikai Kumamoto Hospital Kumamoto Japan
| | - Kyohma Wada
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Miyaka Wada
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Moritake Iguchi
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Nobutoyo Masunaga
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Mitsuru Ishii
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Hajime Yamakage
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Hypertension Clinical Research Institute National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Toru Kusakabe
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Hypertension Clinical Research Institute National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Akihiro Yasoda
- Clinical Research Institute National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Akira Shimatsu
- Clinical Research Institute National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Kotani
- Division of Community and Family Medicine Jichi Medical University Shimotsuke Japan
| | - Noriko Satoh-Asahara
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Hypertension Clinical Research Institute National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Mitsuru Abe
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Masaharu Akao
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Koji Hasegawa
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
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Seyed Jafari SM, Wiedmer C, Cazzaniga S, Frangež Ž, Shafighi M, Beltraminelli H, Weber B, Simon HU, Hunger RE. Correlation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor subtypes and their receptors with melanoma progression: A next-generation Tissue Microarray (ngTMA) automated analysis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207019. [PMID: 30408085 PMCID: PMC6224082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Finding new markers to assess prognosis of melanoma without the necessity to perform a surgical interventions is an important goal in melanoma research. The current study aimed to assess the correlation of clinical course and prognosis of primary and metastatic melanoma with expression of VEGF family and their receptors. METHODS A ngTMA block was made from the randomly selected paraffin tissue blocks of the patients with melanocytic nevi, primary and metastatic melanoma. Then sections cut from ngTMA-block were immunohistochemically stained with proper antibodies. Expression of these proteins was investigated using automated image analysis and compared among the study groups. RESULTS We analyzed the tissue of 238 patients with following diagnoses: 101 (42.4%) with a diagnosis of nevus, 86 (36.1%) Malignant melanoma and 51 (21.4%) metastasis. Median follow-up time for the malignant lesions was 5.71 years. Among the tested antigen, VEGF-C (p = 0.016), VEGF-R2 (p<0.001) and VEGF-R3 (p = 0.002) were significantly higher expressed in the metastatic tissues. When these scores were assessed in multiple regression models, the only independent factor linked to patient's diagnosis was VEGF-R2 (p<0.001). In addition, groups of highly correlated variables (VEGF-C and VEGF-R3, VEGF-A and VEGF-R1) were found to form separate sub-clusters. On the other side, high values of VEGF-C were associated with both overall and disease-free survival with a statically significant HR of 2.76 (95% CI: 1.27, 5.98; p = 0.01) and 2.82 (95%CI: 1.62, 4.91; p<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that VEGF-C and VEGF-R2 might represent new prognostic marker in MM. However, further prospective studies are warranted to test their real efficacy as a prognostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Morteza Seyed Jafari
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Christina Wiedmer
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simone Cazzaniga
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Centro Studi GISED, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Živa Frangež
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maziar Shafighi
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Helmut Beltraminelli
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benedikt Weber
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Uwe Simon
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robert E. Hunger
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Okuda KS, Lee HM, Velaithan V, Ng MF, Patel V. Utilizing Zebrafish to Identify Anti-(Lymph)Angiogenic Compounds for Cancer Treatment: Promise and Future Challenges. Microcirculation 2018; 23:389-405. [PMID: 27177346 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis which predominantly occurs through blood and lymphatic vessels, is the leading cause of death in cancer patients. Consequently, several anti-angiogenic agents have been approved as therapeutic agents for human cancers such as metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Also, anti-lymphangiogenic drugs such as monoclonal antibodies VGX-100 and IMC-3C5 have undergone phase I clinical trials for advanced and metastatic solid tumors. Although anti-tumor-associated angiogenesis has proven to be a promising therapeutic strategy for human cancers, this approach is fraught with toxicities and development of drug resistance. This emphasizes the need for alternative anti-(lymph)angiogenic drugs. The use of zebrafish has become accepted as an established model for high-throughput screening, vascular biology, and cancer research. Importantly, various zebrafish transgenic lines have now been generated that can readily discriminate different vascular compartments. This now enables detailed in vivo studies that are relevant to both human physiological and tumor (lymph)angiogenesis to be conducted in zebrafish. This review highlights recent advancements in the zebrafish anti-vascular screening platform and showcases promising new anti-(lymph)angiogenic compounds that have been derived from this model. In addition, this review discusses the promises and challenges of the zebrafish model in the context of anti-(lymph)angiogenic compound discovery for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide S Okuda
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hui Mei Lee
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vithya Velaithan
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mei Fong Ng
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vyomesh Patel
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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4
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Emerging Roles for VEGF-D in Human Disease. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8010001. [PMID: 29300337 PMCID: PMC5871970 DOI: 10.3390/biom8010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels and lymphatic vessels are located in many tissues and organs throughout the body, and play important roles in a wide variety of prevalent diseases in humans. Vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) is a secreted protein that can promote the remodeling of blood vessels and lymphatics in development and disease. Recent fundamental and translational studies have provided insight into the molecular mechanisms by which VEGF-D exerts its effects in human disease. Hence this protein is now of interest as a therapeutic and/or diagnostic target, or as a potential therapeutic agent, in a diversity of indications in cardiovascular medicine, cancer and the devastating pulmonary condition lymphangioleiomyomatosis. This has led to clinical trial programs to assess the effect of targeting VEGF-D signaling pathways, or delivering VEGF-D, in angina, cancer and ocular indications. This review summarizes our understanding of VEGF-D signaling in human disease, which is largely based on animal disease models and clinicopathological studies, and provides information about the outcomes of recent clinical trials testing agonists or antagonists of VEGF-D signaling.
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5
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Paquet-Fifield S, Roufail S, Zhang YF, Sofian T, Byrne DJ, Coughlin PB, Fox SB, Stacker SA, Achen MG. The fibrinolysis inhibitor α 2-antiplasmin restricts lymphatic remodelling and metastasis in a mouse model of cancer. Growth Factors 2017; 35:61-75. [PMID: 28697634 DOI: 10.1080/08977194.2017.1349765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Remodelling of lymphatic vessels in tumours facilitates metastasis to lymph nodes. The growth factors VEGF-C and VEGF-D are well known inducers of lymphatic remodelling and metastasis in cancer. They are initially produced as full-length proteins requiring proteolytic processing in order to bind VEGF receptors with high affinity and thereby promote lymphatic remodelling. The fibrinolytic protease plasmin promotes processing of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in vitro, but its role in processing them in cancer was unknown. Here we explore plasmin's role in proteolytically activating VEGF-D in vivo, and promoting lymphatic remodelling and metastasis in cancer, by co-expressing the plasmin inhibitor α2-antiplasmin with VEGF-D in a mouse tumour model. We show that α2-antiplasmin restricts activation of VEGF-D, enlargement of intra-tumoural lymphatics and occurrence of lymph node metastasis. Our findings indicate that the fibrinolytic system influences lymphatic remodelling in tumours which is consistent with previous clinicopathological observations correlating fibrinolytic components with cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Paquet-Fifield
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Sally Roufail
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
| | - You-Fang Zhang
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Trifina Sofian
- b Australian Centre for Blood Diseases , Monash University , Prahran, Melbourne , Australia
| | - David J Byrne
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
- c Department of Pathology , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Paul B Coughlin
- b Australian Centre for Blood Diseases , Monash University , Prahran, Melbourne , Australia
- d Eastern Health , Box Hill , Australia
| | - Stephen B Fox
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
- c Department of Pathology , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
- e Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology , University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
| | - Steven A Stacker
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
- e Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology , University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
| | - Marc G Achen
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
- e Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology , University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
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6
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Honkanen HK, Izzi V, Petäistö T, Holopainen T, Harjunen V, Pihlajaniemi T, Alitalo K, Heljasvaara R. Elevated VEGF-D Modulates Tumor Inflammation and Reduces the Growth of Carcinogen-Induced Skin Tumors. Neoplasia 2017; 18:436-46. [PMID: 27435926 PMCID: PMC4954931 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D) promotes the lymph node metastasis of cancer by inducing the growth of lymphatic vasculature, but its specific roles in tumorigenesis have not been elucidated. We monitored the effects of VEGF-D in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) by subjecting transgenic mice overexpressing VEGF-D in the skin (K14-mVEGF-D) and VEGF-D knockout mice to a chemical skin carcinogenesis protocol involving 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treatments. In K14-mVEGF-D mice, tumor lymphangiogenesis was significantly increased and the frequency of lymph node metastasis was elevated in comparison with controls. Most notably, the papillomas regressed more often in K14-mVEGF-D mice than in littermate controls, resulting in a delay in tumor incidence and a remarkable reduction in the total tumor number. Skin tumor growth and metastasis were not obviously affected in the absence of VEGF-D; however, the knockout mice showed a trend for reduced lymphangiogenesis in skin tumors and in the untreated skin. Interestingly, K14-mVEGF-D mice showed an altered immune response in skin tumors. This consisted of the reduced accumulation of macrophages, mast cells, and CD4+ T-cells and an increase of cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells. Cytokine profiling by flow cytometry and quantitative real time PCR revealed that elevated VEGF-D expression results in an attenuated Th2 response and promotes M1/Th1 and Th17 polarization in the early stage of skin carcinogenesis, leading to an anti-tumoral immune environment and the regression of primary tumors. Our data suggest that VEGF-D may be beneficial in early-stage tumors since it suppresses the pro-tumorigenic inflammation, while at later stages VEGF-D-induced tumor lymphatics provide a route for metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne-Kaisa Honkanen
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, FIN-90014, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Valerio Izzi
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, FIN-90014, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tiina Petäistö
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, FIN-90014, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tanja Holopainen
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vanessa Harjunen
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, FIN-90014, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taina Pihlajaniemi
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, FIN-90014, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ritva Heljasvaara
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, FIN-90014, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
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7
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Davydova N, Harris NC, Roufail S, Paquet-Fifield S, Ishaq M, Streltsov VA, Williams SP, Karnezis T, Stacker SA, Achen MG. Differential Receptor Binding and Regulatory Mechanisms for the Lymphangiogenic Growth Factors Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-C and -D. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:27265-27278. [PMID: 27852824 PMCID: PMC5207153 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.736801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
VEGF-C and VEGF-D are secreted glycoproteins that induce angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in cancer, thereby promoting tumor growth and spread. They exhibit structural homology and activate VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3, receptors on endothelial cells that signal for growth of blood vessels and lymphatics. VEGF-C and VEGF-D were thought to exhibit similar bioactivities, yet recent studies indicated distinct signaling mechanisms (e.g. tumor-derived VEGF-C promoted expression of the prostaglandin biosynthetic enzyme COX-2 in lymphatics, a response thought to facilitate metastasis via the lymphatic vasculature, whereas VEGF-D did not). Here we explore the basis of the distinct bioactivities of VEGF-D using a neutralizing antibody, peptide mapping, and mutagenesis to demonstrate that the N-terminal α-helix of mature VEGF-D (Phe93–Arg108) is critical for binding VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. Importantly, the N-terminal part of this α-helix, from Phe93 to Thr98, is required for binding VEGFR-3 but not VEGFR-2. Surprisingly, the corresponding part of the α-helix in mature VEGF-C did not influence binding to either VEGFR-2 or VEGFR-3, indicating distinct determinants of receptor binding by these growth factors. A variant of mature VEGF-D harboring a mutation in the N-terminal α-helix, D103A, exhibited enhanced potency for activating VEGFR-3, was able to promote increased COX-2 mRNA levels in lymphatic endothelial cells, and had enhanced capacity to induce lymphatic sprouting in vivo. This mutant may be useful for developing protein-based therapeutics to drive lymphangiogenesis in clinical settings, such as lymphedema. Our studies shed light on the VEGF-D structure/function relationship and provide a basis for understanding functional differences compared with VEGF-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Davydova
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Nicole C Harris
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Sally Roufail
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Sophie Paquet-Fifield
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Musarat Ishaq
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Victor A Streltsov
- the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, and
| | - Steven P Williams
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Tara Karnezis
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
| | - Steven A Stacker
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000.,the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Marc G Achen
- From the Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, .,the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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8
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Sato T, Paquet-Fifield S, Harris NC, Roufail S, Turner DJ, Yuan Y, Zhang YF, Fox SB, Hibbs ML, Wilkinson-Berka JL, Williams RA, Stacker SA, Sly PD, Achen MG. VEGF-D promotes pulmonary oedema in hyperoxic acute lung injury. J Pathol 2016; 239:152-61. [PMID: 26924464 PMCID: PMC5071654 DOI: 10.1002/path.4708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Leakage of fluid from blood vessels, leading to oedema, is a key feature of many diseases including hyperoxic acute lung injury (HALI), which can occur when patients are ventilated with high concentrations of oxygen (hyperoxia). The molecular mechanisms driving vascular leak and oedema in HALI are poorly understood. VEGF‐D is a protein that promotes blood vessel leak and oedema when overexpressed in tissues, but the role of endogenous VEGF‐D in pathological oedema was unknown. To address these issues, we exposed Vegfd‐deficient mice to hyperoxia. The resulting pulmonary oedema in Vegfd‐deficient mice was substantially reduced compared to wild‐type, as was the protein content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, consistent with reduced vascular leak. Vegf‐d and its receptor Vegfr‐3 were more highly expressed in lungs of hyperoxic, versus normoxic, wild‐type mice, indicating that components of the Vegf‐d signalling pathway are up‐regulated in hyperoxia. Importantly, VEGF‐D and its receptors were co‐localized on blood vessels in clinical samples of human lungs exposed to hyperoxia; hence, VEGF‐D may act directly on blood vessels to promote fluid leak. Our studies show that Vegf‐d promotes oedema in response to hyperoxia in mice and support the hypothesis that VEGF‐D signalling promotes vascular leak in human HALI. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teruhiko Sato
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Nicole C Harris
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Roufail
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Debra J Turner
- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Yinan Yuan
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - You-Fang Zhang
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen B Fox
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret L Hibbs
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Richard A Williams
- Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven A Stacker
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter D Sly
- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Marc G Achen
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Lund AW, Medler TR, Leachman SA, Coussens LM. Lymphatic Vessels, Inflammation, and Immunity in Skin Cancer. Cancer Discov 2015; 6:22-35. [PMID: 26552413 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-15-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Skin is a highly ordered immune organ that coordinates rapid responses to external insult while maintaining self-tolerance. In healthy tissue, lymphatic vessels drain fluid and coordinate local immune responses; however, environmental factors induce lymphatic vessel dysfunction, leading to lymph stasis and perturbed regional immunity. These same environmental factors drive the formation of local malignancies, which are also influenced by local inflammation. Herein, we discuss clinical and experimental evidence supporting the tenet that lymphatic vessels participate in regulation of cutaneous inflammation and immunity, and are important contributors to malignancy and potential biomarkers and targets for immunotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE The tumor microenvironment and tumor-associated inflammation are now appreciated not only for their role in cancer progression but also for their response to therapy. The lymphatic vasculature is a less-appreciated component of this microenvironment that coordinates local inflammation and immunity and thereby critically shapes local responses. A mechanistic understanding of the complexities of lymphatic vessel function in the unique context of skin provides a model to understand how regional immune dysfunction drives cutaneous malignancies, and as such lymphatic vessels represent a biomarker of cutaneous immunity that may provide insight into cancer prognosis and effective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda W Lund
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon. Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon. Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon. Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
| | - Terry R Medler
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Sancy A Leachman
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon. Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Lisa M Coussens
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon. Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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10
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Morfoisse F, Renaud E, Hantelys F, Prats AC, Garmy-Susini B. Role of hypoxia and vascular endothelial growth factors in lymphangiogenesis. Mol Cell Oncol 2015; 2:e1024821. [PMID: 27308508 PMCID: PMC4905355 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2015.1024821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a major condition for the induction of angiogenesis during tumor development but its role in lymphangiogenesis remains unclear. Blood and lymphatic vasculatures are stimulated by growth factors from the vascular endothelial family: the VEGFs. In this review, we investigate the role of hypoxia in the molecular regulation of synthesis of lymphangiogenic growth factors VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D. Gene expression can be regulated at transcriptional and translational levels by hypoxia. Despite strong regulation of DNA transcription induced by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), the majority of cellular stresses such as hypoxia lead to inhibition of cap-dependent translation of the mRNA, resulting in downregulation of protein synthesis. Here, we describe how translation initiation of VEGF mRNAs is induced by hypoxia through an internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-dependent mechanism. Considering the implication of the lymphatic vasculature in metastatic dissemination, it seems crucial to understand the hypoxia-induced molecular regulation of lymphangiogenic growth factors to obtain new insights for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edith Renaud
- TRADGENE, UPS (EA4554) , F-31432 , Toulouse, France
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11
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Shang L, Zhao J, Wang W, Xiao W, Li J, Li X, Song W, Liu J, Wen F, Yue C. [Inhibitory effect of endostar on lymphangiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer and its effect on circulating tumor cells]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2015; 17:722-9. [PMID: 25342038 PMCID: PMC6000404 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2014.10.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
背景与目的 血管内皮抑素可以抑制肿瘤新生血管的生成,但对肿瘤微淋巴管的形成与发展是否存在抑制效应引起我们关注。本研究旨在探讨重组人血管内皮抑素(recombinant human endostatin injection)对非小细胞肺癌组织中血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF)-C、VEGF-D和VEGF受体(VEGFR)-3表达及对外周血循环肿瘤细胞数目的影响。 方法 荷瘤裸鼠随机分为空白对照组、顺铂组、不同浓度重组人血管内皮抑素组及重组人血管内皮抑素+顺铂组,连续给药2周。1周后检测肿瘤组织中VEGF-C、VEGF-D、VEGFR-3的表达水平和微淋巴管密度。免疫荧光染色诊断和计数循环肿瘤细胞。 结果 重组人血管内皮抑素组与重组人血管内皮抑素联合顺铂组的表达阳性率、微淋巴管密度均明显低于空白对照组与顺铂组(P < 0.05);较高浓度的重组人血管内皮抑素联合顺铂组与重组人血管内皮抑素组表达阳性率和微淋巴管密度低于相应较低重组人血管内皮抑素浓度的组别(P < 0.05)。各组微淋巴管密度与VEGF-C、VEGF-D、VEGFR-3表达阳性率存在正相关。重组人血管内皮抑素联合顺铂各组的循环肿瘤细胞数目明显低于单独使用顺铂或重组人血管内皮抑素(P < 0.05)。 结论 重组人血管内皮抑素可以抑制肿瘤新生淋巴管生成,减少循环肿瘤细胞,作用大小与浓度有关。与顺铂联合使用能够更有效的减少循环肿瘤细胞。
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Shang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, PLA Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, PLA Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, PLA Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Wang Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, PLA Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, PLA Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xuechang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, PLA Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Weian Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, PLA Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Junqiang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, PLA Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Feng Wen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, PLA Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Caiying Yue
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, PLA Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
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12
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Lewin J, Khamly KK, Young RJ, Mitchell C, Hicks RJ, Toner GC, Ngan SYK, Chander S, Powell GJ, Herschtal A, Te Marvelde L, Desai J, Choong PFM, Stacker SA, Achen MG, Ferris N, Fox S, Slavin J, Thomas DM. A phase Ib/II translational study of sunitinib with neoadjuvant radiotherapy in soft-tissue sarcoma. Br J Cancer 2014; 111:2254-61. [PMID: 25321190 PMCID: PMC4264446 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2014.537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Preoperative radiotherapy (RT) is commonly used to treat localised soft-tissue sarcomas (STS). Hypoxia is an important determinant of radioresistance. Whether antiangiogenic therapy can ‘normalise' tumour vasculature, thereby improving oxygenation, remains unknown. Methods: Two cohorts were prospectively enrolled. Cohort A evaluated the implications of hypoxia in STS, using the hypoxic tracer 18F-azomycin arabinoside (FAZA-PET). In cohort B, sunitinib was added to preoperative RT in a dose-finding phase 1b/2 design. Results: In cohort A, 13 out of 23 tumours were hypoxic (FAZA-PET), correlating with metabolic activity (r2=0.85; P<0.001). Two-year progression-free (PFS) and overall (OS) survival were 61% (95% CI: 0.44–0.84) and 87% (95% CI: 0.74–1.00), respectively. Hypoxia was associated with radioresistance (P=0.012), higher local recurrence (Hazard ratio (HR): 10.2; P=0.02), PFS (HR: 8.4; P=0.02), and OS (HR: 41.4; P<0.04). In Cohort B, seven patients received sunitinib at dose level (DL): 0 (50 mg per day for 2 weeks before RT; 25 mg per day during RT) and two patients received DL: −1 (37.5 mg per day for entire period). Dose-limiting toxicities were observed in 4 out of 7 patients at DL 0 and 2 out of 2 patients at DL −1, resulting in premature study closure. Although there was no difference in PFS or OS, patients receiving sunitinib had higher local failure (HR: 8.1; P=0.004). Conclusion: In STS, hypoxia is associated with adverse outcomes. The combination of sunitinib with preoperative RT resulted in unacceptable toxicities, and higher local relapse rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lewin
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K K Khamly
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R J Young
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - C Mitchell
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R J Hicks
- 1] Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia [2] The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Campus, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - G C Toner
- 1] Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia [2] The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Campus, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Y K Ngan
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Chander
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - G J Powell
- 1] Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia [2] Department of Orthopaedics, St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia [3] Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Herschtal
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - L Te Marvelde
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Desai
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - P F M Choong
- 1] Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia [2] Department of Orthopaedics, St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia [3] Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - S A Stacker
- 1] Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia [2] Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M G Achen
- 1] Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia [2] Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - N Ferris
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Fox
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Slavin
- The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Campus, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - D M Thomas
- 1] Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia [2] The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Campus, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia [3] The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 370 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
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13
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Morfoisse F, Renaud E, Hantelys F, Prats AC, Garmy-Susini B. Role of hypoxia and vascular endothelial growth factors in lymphangiogenesis. Mol Cell Oncol 2014; 1:e29907. [PMID: 27308316 PMCID: PMC4905169 DOI: 10.4161/mco.29907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is known to be a major factor in the induction of angiogenesis during tumor development but its role in lymphangiogenesis remains unclear. Blood and lymphatic vasculatures are stimulated by the vascular endothelial family of growth factors – the VEGFs. In this review, we investigate the role of hypoxia in the molecular regulation of synthesis of the lymphangiogenic growth factors VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D. Gene expression can be regulated by hypoxia at either transcriptional or translational levels. In contrast to strong induction of DNA transcription by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), the majority of cellular stresses such as hypoxia lead to inhibition of cap-dependent translation of mRNA and downregulation of protein synthesis. Here, we describe how initiation of translation of VEGF mRNA is induced by hypoxia through an internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-dependent mechanism. Considering the implications of the lymphatic vasculature for metastatic dissemination, it is crucial to understand the molecular regulation of lymphangiogenic growth factors by hypoxia to obtain new insights into cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Morfoisse
- Université de Toulouse; UPS; Toulouse, France; UPS; TRADGENE; EA4554; Toulouse, France
| | - Edith Renaud
- Université de Toulouse; UPS; Toulouse, France; UPS; TRADGENE; EA4554; Toulouse, France
| | - Fransky Hantelys
- Université de Toulouse; UPS; Toulouse, France; UPS; TRADGENE; EA4554; Toulouse, France
| | - Anne-Catherine Prats
- Université de Toulouse; UPS; Toulouse, France; UPS; TRADGENE; EA4554; Toulouse, France
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14
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Xiao J, Gao H, Jin Y, Zhao Z, Guo J, Liu Z, Zhao Z. The abnormal expressions of tristetraprolin and the VEGF family in uraemic rats with peritoneal dialysis. Mol Cell Biochem 2014; 392:229-38. [PMID: 24696420 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-014-2033-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The effect of peritoneal dialysis (PD) with high-glucose dialysis fluid on the VEGF family, tristetraprolin (TTP), angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis was investigated. Forty male SD rats were randomised into five groups: normal group, sham operation group, uraemia group, PD 2-week group and PD4-week group. After 4 weeks of PD, microvessel density (MVD) and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) were measured. The expressions of both the VEGF family and TTP were detected. Compared with the normal group, the mRNA expression levels of the VEGF family were significantly increased in the uraemia group (P < 0.05), and also in the PD 2-week group and PD4-week group (P < 0.05) compared with uraemia group. The mRNAs of VEGF-A and VEGF-C in 4-week PD group likewise were significantly increased compared with the 2-week PD group. However, the mRNA expression of TTP was significantly decreased in the uraemia group compared with the normal group (P < 0.05), and also in the PD group compared with the uraemia group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal group, the protein expressions of TTP were significantly decreased in the uraemia group (P < 0.05), and also in the PD group compared with the uraemia group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal group, the MVD and LVD counts were gradually increased in the PD group, which was associated with PD time. In addition, the expression of TTP gradually decreased over PD time. High-glucose PD fluid and uraemic circumstance resulted in the abnormal expression of TTP and the VEGF family in a PD time-dependent manner; this may lead to UFF through angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Eastern Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
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15
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Stacker SA, Williams SP, Karnezis T, Shayan R, Fox SB, Achen MG. Lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vessel remodelling in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2014; 14:159-72. [PMID: 24561443 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 564] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The generation of new lymphatic vessels through lymphangiogenesis and the remodelling of existing lymphatics are thought to be important steps in cancer metastasis. The past decade has been exciting in terms of research into the molecular and cellular biology of lymphatic vessels in cancer, and it has been shown that the molecular control of tumour lymphangiogenesis has similarities to that of tumour angiogenesis. Nevertheless, there are significant mechanistic differences between these biological processes. We are now developing a greater understanding of the specific roles of distinct lymphatic vessel subtypes in cancer, and this provides opportunities to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that aim to restrict the progression of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Stacker
- 1] Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia. [2] Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia. [3] Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - Steven P Williams
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - Tara Karnezis
- 1] Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia. [2] Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ramin Shayan
- 1] Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia. [2] Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia. [3] Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia. [4] O'Brien Institute, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia
| | - Stephen B Fox
- 1] Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia. [2] Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - Marc G Achen
- 1] Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia. [2] Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia. [3] Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
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16
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Le C, Karnezis T, Achen MG, Stacker S, Sloan E. Lymphovascular and neural regulation of metastasis: shared tumour signalling pathways and novel therapeutic approaches. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol 2013; 27:409-25. [PMID: 24267548 PMCID: PMC4007214 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpa.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The progression of cancer is supported by a wide variety of non-neoplastic cell types which make up the tumour stroma, including immune cells, endothelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and nerve fibres. These host cells contribute molecular signals that enhance primary tumour growth and provide physical avenues for metastatic dissemination. This article provides an overview of the role of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerve fibres in the tumour microenvironment and highlights the interconnected molecular signalling pathways that control their development and activation in cancer. Further, this article highlights the known pharmacological agents which target these pathways and discusses the potential therapeutic uses of drugs that target angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and stress-response pathways in the different stages of cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- C.P. Le
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - T. Karnezis
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - M. G. Achen
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - S.A. Stacker
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - E.K. Sloan
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Cancer Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
- Cousins Center for PNI, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA AIDS Institute and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, USA
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17
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-d Modulates Caliber and Function of Initial Lymphatics in the Dermis. J Invest Dermatol 2013; 133:2074-84. [DOI: 10.1038/jid.2013.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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18
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Signaling for lymphangiogenesis via VEGFR-3 is required for the early events of metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2013; 30:819-32. [PMID: 23591595 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-013-9581-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis to regional lymph nodes is an important and early event in many tumors. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), VEGF-D and their receptor VEGFR-3, play a role in tumor spread via the lymphatics, although the timing of their involvement is not understood. In contrast, VEGFR-2, activated by VEGF-A, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, is a mediator of angiogenesis and drives primary tumor growth. We demonstrate the critical role for VEGFR-3, but not VEGFR-2, in the early events of metastasis. In a tumor model exhibiting both VEGF-D-dependent angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, an antibody to VEGFR-2 (DC101) was capable of inhibiting angiogenesis (79 % reduction in PECAM + blood vessels) and growth (93 % reduction in tumor volume). However, unlike an anti-VEGFR-3 Mab (mF4-31C1), DC101 was not capable of eliminating either tumor lymphangiogenesis or lymphogenous metastasis (60 % reduction of lymph node metastasis by DC101 vs 95 % by mF4-31C1). Early excision of the primary tumors demonstrated that VEGF-D-mediated tumor spread precedes angiogenesis-induced growth. Small but highly metastatic primary human breast cancers had significantly higher lymphatic vessel density (23.1 vessels/mm(2)) than size-matched (11.7) or larger non-metastatic tumors (12.4) thus supporting the importance of lymphatic vessels, as opposed to angiogenesis-mediated primary tumor growth, for nodal metastasis. These results suggest that lymphangiogenesis via VEGF-D is more critical than angiogenesis for nodal metastasis.
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19
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Stacker SA, Achen MG. The VEGF signaling pathway in cancer: the road ahead. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2013; 32:297-302. [PMID: 23419196 PMCID: PMC3845619 DOI: 10.5732/cjc.012.10319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of soluble protein growth factors consists of key mediators of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in the context of tumor biology. The members of the family, VEGF-A (also known as VEGF), VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and placenta growth factor (PIGF), play important roles in vascular biology in both normal physiology and pathology. The generation of a humanized neutralizing antibody to VEGF-A (bevacizumab, also known as Avastin) and the demonstration of its benefit in numerous human cancers have confirmed the merit of an anti-angiogenesis approach to cancer treatment and have validated the VEGF-A signaling pathway as a therapeutic target. Other members of the VEGF family are now being targeted, and their relevance to human cancer and the development of resistance to anti-VEGF-A treatment are being evaluated in the clinic. Here, we discuss the potential of targeting VEGF family members in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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20
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Harris NC, Davydova N, Roufail S, Paquet-Fifield S, Paavonen K, Karnezis T, Zhang YF, Sato T, Rothacker J, Nice EC, Stacker SA, Achen MG. The propeptides of VEGF-D determine heparin binding, receptor heterodimerization, and effects on tumor biology. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:8176-8186. [PMID: 23404505 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.439299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
VEGF-D is an angiogenic and lymphangiogenic glycoprotein that can be proteolytically processed generating various forms differing in subunit composition due to the presence or absence of N- and C-terminal propeptides. These propeptides flank the central VEGF homology domain, that contains the binding sites for VEGF receptors (VEGFRs), but their biological functions were unclear. Characterization of propeptide function will be important to clarify which forms of VEGF-D are biologically active and therefore clinically relevant. Here we use VEGF-D mutants deficient in either propeptide, and in the capacity to process the remaining propeptide, to monitor the functions of these domains. We report for the first time that VEGF-D binds heparin, and that the C-terminal propeptide significantly enhances this interaction (removal of this propeptide from full-length VEGF-D completely prevents heparin binding). We also show that removal of either the N- or C-terminal propeptide is required for VEGF-D to drive formation of VEGFR-2/VEGFR-3 heterodimers which have recently been shown to positively regulate angiogenic sprouting. The mature form of VEGF-D, lacking both propeptides, can also promote formation of these receptor heterodimers. In a mouse tumor model, removal of only the C-terminal propeptide from full-length VEGF-D was sufficient to enhance angiogenesis and tumor growth. In contrast, removal of both propeptides is required for high rates of lymph node metastasis. The findings reported here show that the propeptides profoundly influence molecular interactions of VEGF-D with VEGF receptors, co-receptors, and heparin, and its effects on tumor biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C Harris
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - Natalia Davydova
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - Sally Roufail
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - Sophie Paquet-Fifield
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - Karri Paavonen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - Tara Karnezis
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - You-Fang Zhang
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - Teruhiko Sato
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - Julie Rothacker
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - Steven A Stacker
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - Marc G Achen
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
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21
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Cheng D, Liang B, Li Y. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-C) as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in patients with ovarian cancer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55309. [PMID: 23383322 PMCID: PMC3562180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
VEGF-C is regarded as one of the most efficient factors in regulating lymphangiogenesis. The aim of this study was to better understand the role of VEGF-C in the progression of ovarian cancer and to assess its diagnostic and prognostic significance. A total of 109 patients with ovarian cancer, 76 patients with benign ovarian diseases, and 50 healthy controls were recruited in this study. Serum levels of VEGF-C were determined by ELISA method. The results showed that serum levels of VEGF-C were significantly higher in the patients with ovarian cancer than those with benign ovarian diseases and healthy controls (P<0.01). Serum level of VEGF-C was correlated with FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis, tumor resectability, and survival of the patients (P<0.05). The areas of receiver operating curves of VEGF-C were higher than those of CA125 in different screening groups. Analysis using the Kaplan-meier method indicated that patients with high VEGF-C had significantly shorter overall survival time than those with low VEGF-C (P<0.0001). In a multivariate analysis along with clinical prognostic parameters, serum VEGF-C was identified as an independent adverse prognostic variable for overall survival. These results indicated that serum VEGF-C may be a clinically useful indicator for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation in ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daye Cheng
- Department of Transfusion, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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22
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Tumor location and nature of lymphatic vessels are key determinants of cancer metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2012; 30:345-56. [PMID: 23124573 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-012-9541-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis to lymph nodes is a key indicator of patient survival, and is enhanced by the neo-lymphatics induced by tumor-secreted VEGF-C or VEGF-D, acting via VEGFR-3 signalling. These targets constitute important avenues for anti-metastatic treatment. Despite this new understanding, clinical observations linking metastasis with tumor depth or location suggest that lymphangiogenic growth factors are not the sole determinants of metastasis. Here we explored the influence of tumor proximity to lymphatics capable of responding to growth factors on nodal metastasis in a murine VEGF-D over-expression tumor model. We found that primary tumor location profoundly influenced VEGF-D-mediated lymph node metastasis: 89 % of tumors associated with the flank skin metastasised, in contrast with only 19 % of tumors located more deeply on the body wall (p < 0.01). Lymphatics in metastatic tumors arose from small lymphatics, and displayed distinct molecular and morphological profiles compared with those found in normal lymphatics. Smaller lymphatic subtypes were more abundant in skin (2.5-fold, p < 0.01) than in body wall, providing a richer source of lymphatics for VEGF-D(+) skin tumors, a phenomenon also confirmed in human samples. This study shows that the proximity of a VEGF-D(+) primary tumor to small lymphatics is an important determinant of metastasis. These observations may explain why tumor location relative to the lymphatic network is prognostically important for some human cancers.
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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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24
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Karnezis T, Shayan R, Fox S, Achen MG, Stacker SA. The connection between lymphangiogenic signalling and prostaglandin biology: a missing link in the metastatic pathway. Oncotarget 2012; 3:893-906. [PMID: 23097685 PMCID: PMC3478465 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Substantial evidence supports important independent roles for lymphangiogenic growth factor signaling and prostaglandins in the metastatic spread of cancer. The significance of the lymphangiogenic growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D, is well established in animal models of metastasis, and a strong correlation exits between an increase in expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D, and metastatic spread in various solid human cancers. Similarly, key enzymes that control the production of prostaglandins, cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2, prototypic targets of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)), are frequently over-expressed or de-regulated in the progression of cancer. Recent data have suggested an intersection of lymphangiogenic growth factor signaling and the prostaglandin pathways in the control of metastatic spread via the lymphatic vasculature. Furthermore, this correlates with current clinical data showing that some NSAIDs enhance the survival of cancer patients through reducing metastasis. Here, we discuss the potential biochemical and cellular basis for such anti-cancer effects of NSAIDs through the prostaglandin and VEGF signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Karnezis
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Locked Bag 1, A'Beckett Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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25
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Shayan R, Karnezis T, Murali R, Wilmott JS, Ashton MW, Taylor GI, Thompson JF, Hersey P, Achen MG, Scolyer RA, Stacker SA. Lymphatic vessel density in primary melanomas predicts sentinel lymph node status and risk of metastasis. Histopathology 2012; 61:702-10. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2012.04310.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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26
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Preparation of human vascular endothelial growth factor-D for structural and preclinical therapeutic studies. Protein Expr Purif 2012; 82:232-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2012.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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27
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Karnezis T, Shayan R, Caesar C, Roufail S, Harris NC, Ardipradja K, Zhang YF, Williams SP, Farnsworth RH, Chai MG, Rupasinghe TWT, Tull DL, Baldwin ME, Sloan EK, Fox SB, Achen MG, Stacker SA. VEGF-D promotes tumor metastasis by regulating prostaglandins produced by the collecting lymphatic endothelium. Cancer Cell 2012; 21:181-95. [PMID: 22340592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2011.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Revised: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lymphatic metastasis is facilitated by lymphangiogenic growth factors VEGF-C and VEGF-D that are secreted by some primary tumors. We identified regulation of PGDH, the key enzyme in prostaglandin catabolism, in endothelial cells of collecting lymphatics, as a key molecular change during VEGF-D-driven tumor spread. The VEGF-D-dependent regulation of the prostaglandin pathway was supported by the finding that collecting lymphatic vessel dilation and subsequent metastasis were affected by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), known inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis. Our data suggest a control point for cancer metastasis within the collecting lymphatic endothelium, which links VEGF-D/VEGFR-2/VEGFR-3 and the prostaglandin pathways. Collecting lymphatics therefore play an active and important role in metastasis and may provide a therapeutic target to restrict tumor spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Karnezis
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
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28
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Wu EH, Yan M. Lymphangiogenesis in cancers: A therapy target. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2011; 19:2555-2561. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v19.i24.2555] [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
Tumor metastasis is a major cause of death among cancer patients. The lymphatic vasculature is an important route for the metastatic spread of cancer. Recent research has indicated that vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), VEGF-D and VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) are closely related to tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis, tumor metastasis and prognosis. Numerous studies demonstrate that the VEGF-C/VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 signaling axis plays a leading role in the regulation of tumor lymphangiogenesis and is related to tumor metastasis and prognosis. It has been confirmed that inhibition of the VEGF-C/VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 signaling axis can exert anti-lymphangiogenic effect and thereby prevent tumor metastasis in animal models. In this paper we review the molecular biology of lymphangiogenesis, its relationship with cancer metastasis, and the clinical implications of inhibition of lymphangiogenesis.
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Chaitanya GV, Franks SE, Cromer W, Wells SR, Bienkowska M, Jennings MH, Ruddell A, Ando T, Wang Y, Gu Y, Sapp M, Mathis JM, Jordan PA, Minagar A, Alexander JS. Differential cytokine responses in human and mouse lymphatic endothelial cells to cytokines in vitro. Lymphat Res Biol 2011; 8:155-64. [PMID: 20863268 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2010.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory cytokines dysregulate microvascular function, yet how cytokines affect lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) are unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined effects of TNF-α, IL-1 beta, and IFN-gamma on LEC proliferation, endothelial cell adhesion molecule (ECAM) expression, capillary formation, and barrier changes in murine (SV-LEC) and human LECs (HMEC-1a). RESULTS All cytokines induced ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MAdCAM-1, and E-selectin in SV-LECs; TNF-α, IL-1 beta; and IFN-gamma induced ECAMs (but not MAdCAM-1) in HMEC-1a. IL-1 beta increased, while IFN-gamma and TNF-α reduced SV-LEC proliferation. While TNF-α induced, IFN-gamma decreased, and IL-1 beta did not show any effect on HMEC-1a proliferation. TNF-α, IL-1 beta, and IFN-gamma each reduced capillary formation in SV-LEC and in HMEC-1a. TNF-α and IL-1 beta reduced barrier in SV-LEC and HMEC-1a; IFN-gamma did not affect SV-LEC barrier, but enhanced HMEC-1a barrier. Inflammatory cytokines alter LEC growth, activation and barrier function in vitro and may disturb lymphatic clearance increasing tissue edema in vivo. CONCLUSION Therapies that maintain or restore lymphatic function (including cytokines blockade), may represent important strategies for limiting inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G V Chaitanya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932, USA
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30
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Cheong H, Kang H, Kim HK, Bae JY, Song DE, Cho MS, Sung SH, Han WS, Koo H. Microvessel and Lymphatic Vessel Density and VEGFR-3 Expression of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Comparative Analysis of Clinicopathological Characteristics. KOREAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.4132/koreanjpathol.2010.44.3.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Harin Cheong
- Department of Pathology, Ewha Medical Research Institute, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hanna Kang
- Department of Pathology, Ewha Medical Research Institute, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyung Kyung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Ewha Medical Research Institute, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Yoon Bae
- Department of Pathology, Ewha Medical Research Institute, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Eun Song
- Department of Pathology, Ewha Medical Research Institute, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Sun Cho
- Department of Pathology, Ewha Medical Research Institute, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Hee Sung
- Department of Pathology, Ewha Medical Research Institute, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woon Sup Han
- Department of Pathology, Ewha Medical Research Institute, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heasoo Koo
- Department of Pathology, Ewha Medical Research Institute, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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31
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Bolenz C, Fernández MI, Tilki D, Herrmann E, Heinzelbecker J, Ergün S, Ströbel P, Reich O, Michel MS, Trojan L. The role of lymphangiogenesis in lymphatic tumour spread of urological cancers. BJU Int 2009; 104:592-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2009.08704.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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32
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Stacker SA, Achen MG. From Anti-Angiogenesis to Anti-Lymphangiogenesis: Emerging Trends in Cancer Therapy. Lymphat Res Biol 2008; 6:165-72. [DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2008.1015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Steven A. Stacker
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marc G. Achen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia
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33
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The role of VEGF-C staining in predicting regional metastasis in melanoma. Virchows Arch 2008; 453:257-65. [PMID: 18679715 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-008-0641-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2008] [Revised: 06/10/2008] [Accepted: 07/05/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sentinel lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor in primary melanoma. The number of melanoma-associated lymphatic vessels has been associated with sentinel lymph node status and survival. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) is found to promote tumour-associated lymphatic vessel growth. In many human neoplasms, VEGF-C expression in neoplastic cells or tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) has been linked to lymphatic dissemination of tumour cells. Recent studies have suggested a correlation between VEGF-C expression in primary melanoma and the presence of lymph node metastasis. We performed VEGF-C immunohistochemical staining on melanoma tissues of 113 patients with known sentinel lymph node status. We showed that both high VEGF-C expression in melanoma cells and TAMs are positively associated with the presence of a positive sentinel lymph node. No correlation with Breslow thickness, Clark invasion level or ulceration could be detected. VEGF-C expression in melanoma cells was predictive of a shorter overall and disease-free survival, without being an independent predictor of survival. Our results confirm that VEGF-C expression in primary cutaneous melanoma plays a role in the lymphatic spread of the tumour.
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34
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Donnem T, Al-Shibli K, Al-Saad S, Delghandi MP, Busund LT, Bremnes RM. VEGF-A and VEGFR-3 correlate with nodal status in operable non-small cell lung cancer: inverse correlation between expression in tumor and stromal cells. Lung Cancer 2008; 63:277-83. [PMID: 18599153 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2008.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2008] [Revised: 04/25/2008] [Accepted: 05/22/2008] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymph node metastasis is an essential determinant for stage and clinical management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and receptors (VEGFRs) are fundamental molecules in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. We aimed to explore the correlations between nodal metastasis and the expression of VEGFs and VEGFRs in tumor cells and in tumor-related stroma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Tumor tissue samples from 335 resected patients with stage I-IIIA NSCLC were obtained and tissue microarrays were constructed from duplicate cores of tumor cells and surrounding stromal tissue from each resected specimen. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D and VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. RESULTS There were 232 N0 and 103 N+ patients (76 N1, 27 N2). In multivariate analyses, low stromal VEGF-A expression (P=0.018) is associated with N+ status. In tumor cells, strong correlations exist between high VEGF-A expression (P=0.032) and N+ status, and high VEGFR-3 expression (P<0.001) and N2-status. CONCLUSION The converse impact by stromal VEGF-A versus tumor cell VEGF-A expression on nodal metastasis may allude the importance of the tumor-stroma interaction when trying to understand lymphatic metastasis in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Donnem
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromso, Tromso, Norway.
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35
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Banziger-Tobler NE, Halin C, Kajiya K, Detmar M. Growth hormone promotes lymphangiogenesis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2008; 173:586-97. [PMID: 18583315 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2008.080060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The lymphatic system plays an important role in inflammation and cancer progression, although the molecular mechanisms involved are poorly understood. As determined using comparative transcriptional profiling studies of cultured lymphatic endothelial cells versus blood vascular endothelial cells, growth hormone receptor was expressed at much higher levels in lymphatic endothelial cells than in blood vascular endothelial cells. These findings were confirmed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses. Growth hormone induced in vitro proliferation, sprouting, tube formation, and migration of lymphatic endothelial cells, and the mitogenic effect was independent of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 or -3 activation. Growth hormone also inhibited serum starvation-induced lymphatic endothelial cell apoptosis. No major alterations of lymphatic vessels were detected in the normal skin of bovine growth hormone-transgenic mice. However, transgenic delivery of growth hormone accelerated lymphatic vessel ingrowth into the granulation tissue of full-thickness skin wounds, and intradermal delivery of growth hormone resulted in enlargement and enhanced proliferation of cutaneous lymphatic vessels in wild-type mice. These results identify growth hormone as a novel lymphangiogenic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Erika Banziger-Tobler
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 10, HCI H303, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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36
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Tsirlis TD, Papastratis G, Masselou K, Tsigris C, Papachristodoulou A, Kostakis A, Nikiteas NI. Circulating lymphangiogenic growth factors in gastrointestinal solid tumors, could they be of any clinical significance? World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14:2691-701. [PMID: 18461654 PMCID: PMC2709051 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.2691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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
Metastasis is the principal cause of cancer mortality, with the lymphatic system being the first route of tumor dissemination. The glycoproteins VEGF-C and VEGF-D are members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, whose role has been recently recognized as lymphatic system regulators during embryogenesis and in pathological processes such as inflammation, lymphatic system disorders and malignant tumor metastasis. They are ligands for the VEGFR-3 receptor on the membrane of the lymphatic endothelial cell, resulting in dilatation of existing lymphatic vessels as well as in vegetation of new ones (lymphangiogenesis). Their determination is feasible in the circulating blood by immunoabsorption and in the tissue specimen by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Experimental and clinicopathological studies have linked the VEGF-C, VEGF-D/VEGFR3 axis to lymphatic spread as well as to the clinical outcome in several human solid tumors. The majority of these data are derived from surgical specimens and malignant cell series, rendering their clinical application questionable, due to subjectivity factors and post-treatment quantification. In an effort to overcome these drawbacks, an alternative method of immunodetection of the circulating levels of these molecules has been used in studies on gastric, esophageal and colorectal cancer. Their results denote that quantification of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in blood samples could serve as lymph node metastasis predictive biomarkers and contribute to preoperative staging of gastrointestinal malignancies.
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37
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Jia L, Wang H, Qu S, Miao X, Zhang J. CD147 regulates vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression, tumorigenicity, and chemosensitivity to curcumin in hepatocellular carcinoma. IUBMB Life 2008; 60:57-63. [PMID: 18379992 DOI: 10.1002/iub.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
CD147, also named as extracelluar matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), has been proved to be involved in several aspects of tumor progression. In addition to its ability to induce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, it confers resistance to some chemotherapeutic drugs. To investigate the possible role of CD147 in the mouse hepatocarcinoma cell line Hepa1-6 with no metastatic potential in the lymph nodes, we used RNA interference (RNAi) approach to silence CD147 expression. The results showed that silencing of CD147 in Hepa1-6 cells significantly impeded the expression of VEGF-A at both mRNA and protein levels. The siRNA-treated cells exhibited significantly decreased growth ability when compared with control cells. Colony formation of CD147 deficient cells was dramatically inhibited in soft agar, and tumorigenicity was reduced in nude mice. Furthermore, the downregulation of CD147 expression also sensitized cells to be more sensitive to curcumin. These results suggested that CD147 might be a potential target for therapeutic antitumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jia
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Glycobiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
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38
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Murata N, Takashima Y, Toyoshima K, Yamamoto M, Okada H. Anti-tumor effects of anti-VEGF siRNA encapsulated with PLGA microspheres in mice. J Control Release 2007; 126:246-54. [PMID: 18215787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2007.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2007] [Revised: 10/27/2007] [Accepted: 11/30/2007] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The suppression of gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which regulates tumor angiogenesis in vivo and is an important factor in tumor growth represents a novel approach to cancer treatment. Although small interfering RNA (siRNA) has rapidly become a major tool in gene therapy and is a key inhibitory factor of gene expression, its effect is temporary. The present study investigates the preparation of long-term sustained release poly (dl-lactic/glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres encapsulating anti-VEGF siRNA with a carrier (arginine or branched polyethylenimine) using the w/o/w in-water drying method and their anti-tumor activities. The ratio (%) of encapsulated siRNA increased when arginine or PEI was added to the inner water phase during preparation. The release of siRNA from microspheres in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) was sustained for over one month. The anti-tumor effects of microspheres in vivo were evaluated in mice bearing S-180 tumors. An intra-tumor injection of microspheres with encapsulated siRNA obviously suppressed tumor growth. These results indicate that the microspheres of anti-VEGF siRNA with a transfection agent (carrier) have achieved a higher and sustained suppressive effect on VEGF gene expression and should be a practically useful preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoyuki Murata
- Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi Hachioji Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
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39
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Shayan R, Karnezis T, Tsantikos E, Williams SP, Runting AS, Ashton MW, Achen MG, Hibbs ML, Stacker SA. A system for quantifying the patterning of the lymphatic vasculature. Growth Factors 2007; 25:417-25. [PMID: 18365872 DOI: 10.1080/08977190801932550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature is critical for immunity and interstitial fluid homeostasis, playing important roles in diseases such as lymphedema and metastatic cancer. Animal models have been generated to explore the role of lymphatics and lymphangiogenic growth factors in such diseases, and to study lymphatic development. However, analysis of lymphatic vessels has primary been restricted to counting lymphatics in two-dimensional tissue slices, due to a lack of more sophisticated methodologies. In order to accurately examine lymphatic dysfunction in these models, and analyse the effects of lymphangiogenic growth factors on the lymphatic vasculature, it is essential to quantify the morphology and patterning of the distinct lymphatic vessels types in three-dimensional tissues. Here, we describe a method for performing such analyses, integrating user-operated image-analysis software with an approach that considers important morphological, anatomical and patterning features of the distinct lymphatic vessel subtypes. This efficient, reproducible technique is validated by analysing healthy and pathological tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Shayan
- Melbourne Tumor Biology Branch, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia
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40
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Jia L, Cao J, Wei W, Wang S, Zuo Y, Zhang J. CD147 depletion down-regulates matrix metalloproteinase-11, vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression and the lymphatic metastasis potential of murine hepatocarcinoma Hca-F cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2007; 39:2135-42. [PMID: 17693120 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2007.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2007] [Revised: 05/17/2007] [Accepted: 06/03/2007] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN, CD147), which is a plasma membrane glycoprotein enriched on the surface of many malignant tumors promotes adhesion, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. In addition, tumor-associated CD147 also induces vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) expression. To investigate the possible role of CD147 in the mouse hepatocarcinoma cell line Hca-F with highly metastatic potential in the lymph nodes, we used an RNA interference (RNAi) approach to silence CD147 expression. The results showed that CD147 depletion in Hca-F cells resulted in the significantly decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-11 (MMP-11), VEGF-A at both mRNA and protein levels. The reduced CD147 expression also attenuated the invasive, adhesive, metastatic ability of Hca-F cells to lymph nodes both in vitro and in vivo. Our current findings reveal that the tumor biological marker CD147 functionally mediates MMP-11, VEGF-A expression and tumor lymphatic metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jia
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Glycobiology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Province, China
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41
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Azzali G. Tumor cell transendothelial passage in the absorbing lymphatic vessel of transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 170:334-46. [PMID: 17200205 PMCID: PMC1762681 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2007.060447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The distribution and fine structure of the tumor-associated absorbing lymphatic vessel in the tumor mass of prostate adenocarcinoma and of seminal vesicle metastasis in transgenic mice was studied for the purpose of understanding the modality of tumor cell transendothelial passage from the extravasal matrix into the lymphatic vessel. In the tumor mass, two main cell populations were identified: stromal tumor cells and the invasive phenotype tumor (IPT) cells, having characteristics such as a highly electron-dense matrix rich in small granules lacking a dense core and massed nuclear chromatin, which is positive to immunostaining with anti-SV40 large T antigen antibody. Based on the ultrastructural pictures of different moments of the IPT cell transendothelial passage by ultrathin serial sections of the tumor-associated absorbing lymphatic vessel, the manner of its transendothelial passage through the intraendothelial channel, without involving intercellular contacts, was demonstrated. The presence of IPT cells in the parenchyma of satellite lymph node highlights its significant role in metastatic diffusion. The intraendothelial channel is the reply to the lack of knowledge regarding the intravasation of the tumor cell into the lymphatic circulation. The lymphatic endothelium would organize this channel on the basis of tumor cell-endothelial cell-extravasal matrix molecular interactions, which are as yet unidentified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Azzali
- Lymphatology Laboratory, Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology, and Forensic Medicine, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14 (Ospedale Maggiore), 43100, Parma, Italy.
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Mylona E, Alexandrou P, Mpakali A, Giannopoulou I, Liapis G, Markaki S, Keramopoulos A, Nakopoulou L. Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF)-C and -D and VEGF receptor 3 in invasive breast carcinoma. Eur J Surg Oncol 2006; 33:294-300. [PMID: 17129704 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2006.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2006] [Accepted: 10/09/2006] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Vascular endothelial growth factors C and D (VEGF-C and VEGF-D) play a major role in lymphangiogenesis and activate VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR-3). Our purpose was to study the clinicopathologic and clinical value of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 in invasive breast carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry was performed in paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from 177 invasive breast carcinomas to detect the proteins VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-3, p53, Ki67, c-erbB-2, topoII alpha and ER/PR. The results were statistically processed. RESULTS VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 were found to be predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm of the malignant cells. VEGF-C occasionally showed a submembranous intensification. VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 were also immunodetected in the nuclei of the malignant cells. Nuclear VEGF-D was positively correlated to p53, Ki67 and topoII alpha proteins' expression (p=0.003, p=0.009 and p=0.017 respectively) and nuclear VEGFR-3 to topoII alpha (p=0.034). Cytoplasmic expression of VEGF-C and its submembranous intensification were found to be independent indicators of patients' overall and disease-free survival, respectively (p=0.003 and p=0.044 respectively). The group with high expression of both cytoplasmic VEGF-C and stromal VEGFR-3 showed poor overall survival (p=0.024) and the group with both submembranous VEGF-C and stromal VEGFR-3 immunostaining showed poor both disease-free and overall survival (p=0.012 and p=0.038 respectively). CONCLUSION VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 seem to exert proliferative activity in invasive breast carcinomas. VEGF-C was found to be an independent indicator of patient's poor prognosis and the simultaneous expression of tumor VEGF-C and stromal VEGFR-3 yielded additional prognostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mylona
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., Goudi, GR-115 27 Athens, Greece
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Abstract
Members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family are crucial regulators of neovascularization and are classified as cystine knot growth factors that specifically bind cellular receptor tyrosine kinases VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 with high but variable affinity and selectivity. The VEGF family has recently been expanded and currently comprises seven members: VEGF-A, VEGF-B, placenta growth factor (PlGF), VEGF-C, VEGF-D, viral VEGF (also known as VEGF-E), and snake venom VEGF (also known as VEGF-F). Although all members are structurally homologous, there is molecular diversity among the subtypes, and several isoforms, such as VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and PlGF, are generated by alternative exon splicing. These splicing isoforms exhibit differing properties, particularly in binding to co-receptor neuropilins and heparin. VEGF family proteins play multiple physiological roles, such as angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, while exogenous members (viral and snake venom VEGFs) display activities that are unique in physiology and function. This review will highlight the molecular and functional diversity of VEGF family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Yamazaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1 Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo, Japan
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44
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Abstract
Recent studies involving animal models of cancer and clinicopathological analyses of human tumours suggest that the growth of lymphatic vessels (lymphangiogenesis) in or nearby tumours is associated with the metastatic spread of cancer. The best validated molecular signalling system for tumour lymphangiogenesis involves the secreted proteins vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and VEGF-D that induce growth of lymphatic vessels via activation of VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) localised on the surface of lymphatic endothelial cells. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting a role for this signalling system in the spread of cancer and potential approaches for blocking this system to prevent tumour metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Achen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Post Office Box 2008 Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria 3050, Australia
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Post Office Box 2008 Royal Melbourne Hospital. E-mails:
| | - G B Mann
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3050, Victoria, Australia
| | - S A Stacker
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Post Office Box 2008 Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria 3050, Australia
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Post Office Box 2008 Royal Melbourne Hospital. E-mails:
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Abstract
The field of lymphatic research has been recently invigorated by the identification of genes and mechanisms that control various aspects of lymphatic development. We are beginning to understand how, starting from a subgroup of embryonic venous endothelial cells, the whole lymphatic system forms in a stepwise manner. The generation of genetically engineered mice with defects in different steps of the lymphangiogenic program has provided models that are increasing our understanding of the lymphatic system in health and disease. This knowledge, in turn, should lead to the development of better diagnostic methods and treatments of lymphatic disorders and tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Oliver
- Department of Genetics and Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA.
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46
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Shibuya M, Claesson-Welsh L. Signal transduction by VEGF receptors in regulation of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Exp Cell Res 2005; 312:549-60. [PMID: 16336962 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2005.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 748] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2005] [Accepted: 11/04/2005] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The VEGF/VPF (vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor) ligands and receptors are crucial regulators of vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and vascular permeability in vertebrates. VEGF-A, the prototype VEGF ligand, binds and activates two tyrosine kinase receptors: VEGFR1 (Flt-1) and VEGFR2 (KDR/Flk-1). VEGFR1, which occurs in transmembrane and soluble forms, negatively regulates vasculogenesis and angiogenesis during early embryogenesis, but it also acts as a positive regulator of angiogenesis and inflammatory responses, playing a role in several human diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. The soluble VEGFR1 is overexpressed in placenta in preeclampsia patients. VEGFR2 has critical functions in physiological and pathological angiogenesis through distinct signal transduction pathways regulating proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. VEGFR3, a receptor for the lymphatic growth factors VEGF-C and VEGF-D, but not for VEGF-A, regulates vascular and lymphatic endothelial cell function during embryogenesis. Loss-of-function variants of VEGFR3 have been identified in lymphedema. Formation of tumor lymphatics may be stimulated by tumor-produced VEGF-C, allowing increased spread of tumor metastases through the lymphatics. Mapping the signaling system of these important receptors may provide the knowledge necessary to suppress specific signaling pathways in major human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masabumi Shibuya
- University of Tokyo, Institute of Medical Science, 4-6-1 Shirokane-dai, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.
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47
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Rüegg C, Hasmim M, Lejeune FJ, Alghisi GC. Antiangiogenic peptides and proteins: from experimental tools to clinical drugs. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2005; 1765:155-77. [PMID: 16263219 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2005.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2005] [Revised: 09/18/2005] [Accepted: 09/20/2005] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The formation of a 'tumor-associated vasculature', a process referred to as tumor angiogenesis, is a stromal reaction essential for tumor progression. Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis suppresses tumor growth in many experimental models, thereby indicating that tumor-associated vasculature may be a relevant target to inhibit tumor progression. Among the antiangiogenic molecules reported to date many are peptides and proteins. They include cytokines, chemokines, antibodies to vascular growth factors and growth factor receptors, soluble receptors, fragments derived from extracellular matrix proteins and small synthetic peptides. The polypeptide tumor necrosis factor (TNF, Beromun) was the first drug registered for the regional treatment of human cancer, whose mechanisms of action involved selective disruption of the tumor vasculature. More recently, bevacizumab (Avastin), an antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, was approved as the first systemic antiangiogenic drug that had a significant impact on the survival of patients with advanced colorectal cancer, in combination with chemotherapy. Several additional peptides and antibodies with antiangiogenic activity are currently tested in clinical trials for their therapeutic efficacy. Thus, peptides, polypeptides and antibodies are emerging as leading molecules among the plethora of compounds with antiangiogenic activity. In this article, we will review some of these molecules and discuss their mechanism of action and their potential therapeutic use as anticancer agents in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curzio Rüegg
- Centre Pluridisciplinaire d'Oncologie, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Epalinges s/Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Religa P, Cao R, Bjorndahl M, Zhou Z, Zhu Z, Cao Y. Presence of bone marrow-derived circulating progenitor endothelial cells in the newly formed lymphatic vessels. Blood 2005; 106:4184-90. [PMID: 16141354 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-01-0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow (BM)-derived circulating endothelial precursor cells (CEPCs) have been reported to incorporate into newly formed blood vessels under physiologic and pathologic conditions. However, it is unknown if CEPCs contribute to lymphangiogenesis. Here we show that in a corneal lymphangiogenesis model of irradiated mice reconstituted with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-positive donor bone marrow cells, CEPCs are present in the newly formed lymphatic vessels. Depletion of bone marrow cells by irradiation remarkably suppressed lymphangiogenesis in corneas implanted with fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). Further, transplantation of isolated EGFP-positive/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3-positive (EGFP+/VEGFR-3+) or EGFP+/VEGFR-2+ cell populations resulted in incorporation of EGFP+ cells into the newly formed lymphatic vessels. EGFP+/CEPCs were also present in peritumoral lymphatic vessels of a fibrosarcoma. These data suggest that BM-derived CEPCs may play a role in "lymphvasculogenesis."
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Religa
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis Research, Microbiology and Tumor Biology Center, Karolinska Institutet, Nobelsväg 16, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Bridenbaugh E. Literature watch. Complete and specific inhibition of adult lymphatic regeneration by a novel VEGFR-3 neutralizing antibody. Lymphat Res Biol 2005; 3:87-8. [PMID: 16000057 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2005.3.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Bridenbaugh
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University System HSC, College Station, TX, USA
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Farnsworth RH, Achen MG, Stacker SA. Lymphatic endothelium: an important interactive surface for malignant cells. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2005; 19:51-60. [PMID: 16286238 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2005.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2004] [Revised: 09/21/2004] [Accepted: 02/22/2005] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells line the vessels which transport fluid and cells throughout the body. Although much attention has been paid to these cells in the context of the blood vascular system, endothelial cells also line lymphatic vessels. Recent progress in identifying growth factors which drive the development of lymphatic vessels and molecular markers specific for lymphatics has expanded our understanding of the role the lymphatic system plays in human pathology. Techniques for purifying populations of lymphatic endothelial cells also allow the in vitro analysis of this unique surface to explore its role in tumour metastasis, immune cell function and fluid transport. This review provides a synopsis of the recent data pertaining to the purification and culture of lymphatic endothelial cells, and the interaction of tumour cells with lymphatic endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rae H Farnsworth
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, P.O. Box 2008, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria 3050, Australia
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