1
|
Hargadon KM, Goodloe TB, Lloyd ND. Oncogenic functions of the FOXC2 transcription factor: a hallmarks of cancer perspective. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:833-852. [PMID: 35701636 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10045-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is a fundamental determinant of molecular and cellular function, and epigenetic reprogramming in the context of cancer has emerged as one of the key enabling characteristics associated with acquisition of the core hallmarks of this disease. As such, there has been renewed interest in studying the role of transcription factors as epigenetic regulators of gene expression in cancer. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge surrounding the oncogenic functions of FOXC2, a transcription factor that frequently becomes dysregulated in a variety of cancer types. In addition to highlighting the clinical impact of aberrant FOXC2 activity in cancer, we discuss mechanisms by which this transcription factor becomes dysregulated in both tumor and tumor-associated cells, placing particular emphasis on the ways in which FOXC2 promotes key hallmarks of cancer progression. Finally, we bring attention to important issues related to the oncogenic dysregulation of FOXC2 that must be addressed going forward in order to improve our understanding of FOXC2-mediated cancer progression and to guide prognostic and therapeutic applications of this knowledge in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian M Hargadon
- Hargadon Laboratory, Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA, 23943, USA.
| | - Travis B Goodloe
- Hargadon Laboratory, Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA, 23943, USA
| | - Nathaniel D Lloyd
- Hargadon Laboratory, Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA, 23943, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu Y, Cheng L, Yuan L, Yi Q, Xiao L, Chen H. Progress on Brain and Ocular Lymphatic System. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:6413553. [PMID: 36425338 PMCID: PMC9681545 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6413553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, 2 major discoveries have modified the traditional understanding of the brain. First, meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLV) were found in the dural sinus, which may absorb and drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Second, the glymphatic system was discovered, composed of para-arterial CSF influx channel, paravenous interstitial fluid (ISF) efflux channel, and the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in astrocytes connecting the 2 channels. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the lymphatic system of the brain plays a vital role within the circulation of CSF and, therefore, in the removal of metabolites. Therefore, it is involved in the incidence and development of some central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The optic nerve and retina are the extension of the CNS in the orbit. Whether they have a lymphatic system and how they clear the metabolites of the optic nerve and retina are still unclear. Recent studies have found that the ocular lymphatic system has a crucial impact on bounding eye diseases, like disorders of the optic nerve and retina. Therefore, here we review the recent research progress concerning the structure and function of MLV and glymphatic system. We also discuss the biomarkers for identification of lymphatic vessels, the composition of ocular lymphatic systems, and the possible association with diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Eye School of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Ophthalmopathy Prevention & Cure and Visual Function Protection, China
| | - Lu Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Yuan
- Eye School of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Ophthalmopathy Prevention & Cure and Visual Function Protection, China
| | - Qianya Yi
- Eye School of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Ophthalmopathy Prevention & Cure and Visual Function Protection, China
| | - Liuyi Xiao
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Eye School of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Recouvreux MS, Miao J, Gozo MC, Wu J, Walts AE, Karlan BY, Orsulic S. FOXC2 Promotes Vasculogenic Mimicry in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4851. [PMID: 36230774 PMCID: PMC9564305 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXC2 is a forkhead family transcription factor that plays a critical role in specifying mesenchymal cell fate during embryogenesis. FOXC2 expression is associated with increased metastasis and poor survival in various solid malignancies. Using in vitro and in vivo assays in mouse ovarian cancer cell lines, we confirmed the previously reported mechanisms by which FOXC2 could promote cancer growth, metastasis, and drug resistance, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stem cell-like differentiation, and resistance to anoikis. In addition, we showed that FOXC2 expression is associated with vasculogenic mimicry in mouse and human ovarian cancers. FOXC2 overexpression increased the ability of human ovarian cancer cells to form vascular-like structures in vitro, while inhibition of FOXC2 had the opposite effect. Thus, we present a novel mechanism by which FOXC2 might contribute to cancer aggressiveness and poor patient survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sol Recouvreux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jiangyong Miao
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Maricel C. Gozo
- Women’s Cancer Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jingni Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ann E. Walts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Beth Y. Karlan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sandra Orsulic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jiang L, Ren W, Xie C, Duan S, Dai C, Wei Y, Luo D, Wang T, Gong B, Liu X, Yang Z, Ye Z, Chen H, Shi Y. Genetic landscape of FOXC2 mutations in lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome: Different mechanism of pathogenicity for mutations in different domains. Exp Eye Res 2022; 222:109136. [PMID: 35716761 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Lymphedema-dissociated syndrome (LDS), of which the pathogenesis is not fully understood, afflicts many patients. In this study, we investigated the effect of FOXC2 gene loss-of-function on the development of LDS disease.Two Han Chinese families with LDS were recruited in this study, pathogenic mutations were identified by Sanger sequencing. Reverse-transcription PCR, subcellular localization, dual fluorescein enzymes, and other in vitro experiments were used to study the functional effects of eight FOXC2 mutations. Two pathogenic FOXC2 duplication mutations (c.930_936dup and c.931-937dup) were identified in the two families. Both mutations caused uneven distribution in the nucleus and a chromatin contraction phenotype, weakening the DNA binding activity and transcription activity. We then performed functional analysis on six additional mutations in different domains of FOXC2 that were reported to cause LDS. We found mutations located in the forkhead domain and central region dramatically reduced the transactivation ability, while mutations in activation domain-2 enhanced this ability. All 8 mutations down-regulated the transcription of ANGPT2 and affected the activity of the ERK-RAS pathway, which may cause abnormal formation of lymphatic vessels. Our findings also showed that all 8 mutations decreased the ability of interaction between FOXC2 and the Wnt4 promoter, suggesting mutations in FOXC2 may also affect the Wnt4-Frizzled-RYK signaling pathway, leading the abnormal differentiation of the meibomian glands into hair follicle cells during the embryonic period and causing distichiasis. This study expanded and revealed the potential pathogenesis mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingxi Jiang
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Weiming Ren
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunbao Xie
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Suyang Duan
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chao Dai
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yao Wei
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongyan Luo
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Gong
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenglin Yang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zimeng Ye
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Shi
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martin-Almedina S, Mortimer PS, Ostergaard P. Development and physiological functions of the lymphatic system: insights from human genetic studies of primary lymphedema. Physiol Rev 2021; 101:1809-1871. [PMID: 33507128 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00006.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary lymphedema is a long-term (chronic) condition characterized by tissue lymph retention and swelling that can affect any part of the body, although it usually develops in the arms or legs. Due to the relevant contribution of the lymphatic system to human physiology, while this review mainly focuses on the clinical and physiological aspects related to the regulation of fluid homeostasis and edema, clinicians need to know that the impact of lymphatic dysfunction with a genetic origin can be wide ranging. Lymphatic dysfunction can affect immune function so leading to infection; it can influence cancer development and spread, and it can determine fat transport so impacting on nutrition and obesity. Genetic studies and the development of imaging techniques for the assessment of lymphatic function have enabled the recognition of primary lymphedema as a heterogenic condition in terms of genetic causes and disease mechanisms. In this review, the known biological functions of several genes crucial to the development and function of the lymphatic system are used as a basis for understanding normal lymphatic biology. The disease conditions originating from mutations in these genes are discussed together with a detailed clinical description of the phenotype and the up-to-date knowledge in terms of disease mechanisms acquired from in vitro and in vivo research models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Martin-Almedina
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter S Mortimer
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Dermatology and Lymphovascular Medicine, St. George's Universities NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pia Ostergaard
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xia S, Yu W, Menden H, Younger ST, Sampath V. FOXC2 Autoregulates Its Expression in the Pulmonary Endothelium After Endotoxin Stimulation in a Histone Acetylation-Dependent Manner. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:657662. [PMID: 34017833 PMCID: PMC8129010 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.657662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune response of pulmonary endothelial cells (EC) to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces Forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2) activation through Toll Like Receptor 4 (TLR4). The mechanisms by which FOXC2 expression is regulated in lung EC under LPS stimulation remain unclear. We postulated that FOXC2 regulates its own expression in sepsis, and its transcriptional autoregulation directs lymphatic EC cell-fate decision. Bioinformatic analysis identified potential FOXC2 binding sites in the FOXC2 promoter. In human lung EC, we verified using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase assays that FOXC2 bound to its own promoter and stimulated its expression after LPS stimulation. Chemical inhibition of histone acetylation by garcinol repressed LPS-induced histone acetylation in the FOXC2 promoter region, and disrupted LPS-mediated FOXC2 binding and transcriptional activation. CRISPR/dCas9/gRNA directed against FOXC2-binding-element (FBE) suppressed LPS-stimulated FOXC2 binding and autoregulation by blocking FBEs in the FOXC2 promoter, and repressed expression of lymphatic EC markers. In a neonatal mouse model of sterile sepsis, LPS-induced FOXC2 binding to FBE and FOXC2 expression in lung EC was attenuated with garcinol treatment. These data reveal a new mechanism of LPS-induced histone acetylation-dependent FOXC2 autoregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Xia
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Heather Menden
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Scott T Younger
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Venkatesh Sampath
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Imbalance between Expression of FOXC2 and Its lncRNA in Lymphedema-Distichiasis Caused by Frameshift Mutations. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050650. [PMID: 33925370 PMCID: PMC8146868 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead-box C2 (FOXC2) is a transcription factor involved in lymphatic system development. FOXC2 mutations cause Lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome (LD). Recently, a natural antisense was identified, called lncRNA FOXC2-AS1, which increases FOXC2 mRNA stability. No studies have evaluated FOXC2 and FOXC2-AS1 blood expression in LD and healthy subjects. Here, we show that FOXC2 and FOXC-AS1 expression levels were similar in both controls and patients, and a significantly higher amount of both RNAs was observed in females. A positive correlation between FOXC2 and FOXC2-AS1 expression was found in both controls and patients, excluding those with frameshift mutations. In these patients, the FOXC2-AS1/FOXC2 ratio was about 1:1, while it was higher in controls and patients carrying other types of mutations. The overexpression or silencing of FOXC2-AS1 determined a significant increase or reduction in FOXC2 wild-type and frameshift mutant proteins, respectively. Moreover, confocal and bioinformatic analysis revealed that these variations caused the formation of nuclear proteins aggregates also involving DNA. In conclusion, patients with frameshift mutations presented lower values of the FOXC2-AS1/FOXC2 ratio, due to a decrease in FOXC2-AS1 expression. The imbalance between FOXC2 mRNA and its lncRNA could represent a molecular mechanism to reduce the amount of FOXC2 misfolded proteins, protecting cells from damage.
Collapse
|
8
|
González-Loyola A, Petrova TV. Development and aging of the lymphatic vascular system. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 169:63-78. [PMID: 33316347 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature has a pivotal role in regulating body fluid homeostasis, immune surveillance and dietary fat absorption. The increasing number of in vitro and in vivo studies in the last decades has shed light on the processes of lymphatic vascular development and function. Here, we will discuss the current progress in lymphatic vascular biology such as the mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis, lymphatic vascular maturation and maintenance and the emerging mechanisms of lymphatic vascular aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra González-Loyola
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Tatiana V Petrova
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Paulson D, Harms R, Ward C, Latterell M, Pazour GJ, Fink DM. Loss of Primary Cilia Protein IFT20 Dysregulates Lymphatic Vessel Patterning in Development and Inflammation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:672625. [PMID: 34055805 PMCID: PMC8160126 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.672625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microenvironmental signals produced during development or inflammation stimulate lymphatic endothelial cells to undergo lymphangiogenesis, in which they sprout, proliferate, and migrate to expand the vascular network. Many cell types detect changes in extracellular conditions via primary cilia, microtubule-based cellular protrusions that house specialized membrane receptors and signaling complexes. Primary cilia are critical for receipt of extracellular cues from both ligand-receptor pathways and physical forces such as fluid shear stress. Here, we report the presence of primary cilia on immortalized mouse and primary adult human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells in vitro and on both luminal and abluminal domains of mouse corneal, skin, and mesenteric lymphatic vessels in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of disrupting primary cilia on lymphatic vessel patterning during development and inflammation. Intraflagellar transport protein 20 (IFT20) is part of the transport machinery required for ciliary assembly and function. To disrupt primary ciliary signaling, we generated global and lymphatic endothelium-specific IFT20 knockout mouse models and used immunofluorescence microscopy to quantify changes in lymphatic vessel patterning at E16.5 and in adult suture-mediated corneal lymphangiogenesis. Loss of IFT20 during development resulted in edema, increased and more variable lymphatic vessel caliber and branching, as well as red blood cell-filled lymphatics. We used a corneal suture model to determine ciliation status of lymphatic vessels during acute, recurrent, and tumor-associated inflammatory reactions and wound healing. Primary cilia were present on corneal lymphatics during all of the mechanistically distinct lymphatic patterning events of the model and assembled on lymphatic endothelial cells residing at the limbus, stalk, and vessel tip. Lymphatic-specific deletion of IFT20 cell-autonomously exacerbated acute corneal lymphangiogenesis resulting in increased lymphatic vessel density and branching. These data are the first functional studies of primary cilia on lymphatic endothelial cells and reveal a new dimension in regulation of lymphatic vascular biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delayna Paulson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
- BioSNTR, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
| | - Rebecca Harms
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
- BioSNTR, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
| | - Cody Ward
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
- BioSNTR, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
| | - Mackenzie Latterell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
- BioSNTR, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
| | - Gregory J. Pazour
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Darci M. Fink
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
- BioSNTR, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
- *Correspondence: Darci M. Fink,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tavian D, Missaglia S, Michelini S, Maltese PE, Manara E, Mordente A, Bertelli M. FOXC2 Disease Mutations Identified in Lymphedema Distichiasis Patients Impair Transcriptional Activity and Cell Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145112. [PMID: 32698337 PMCID: PMC7404146 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXC2 is a member of the human forkhead-box gene family and encodes a regulatory transcription factor. Mutations in FOXC2 have been associated with lymphedema distichiasis (LD), an autosomal dominant disorder that primarily affects the limbs. Most patients also show extra eyelashes, a condition known as distichiasis. We previously reported genetic and clinical findings in six unrelated families with LD. Half the patients showed missense mutations, two carried frameshift mutations and a stop mutation was identified in a last patient. Here we analyzed the subcellular localization and transactivation activity of the mutant proteins, showing that all but one (p.Y109*) localized to the nucleus. A significant reduction of transactivation activity was observed in four mutants (p.L80F, p.H199Pfs*264, p.I213Tfs*18, p.Y109*) compared with wild type FOXC2 protein, while only a partial loss of function was associated with p.V228M. The mutant p.I213V showed a very slight increase of transactivation activity. Finally, immunofluorescence analysis revealed that some mutants were sequestered into nuclear aggregates and caused a reduction of cell viability. This study offers new insights into the effect of FOXC2 mutations on protein function and shows the involvement of aberrant aggregation of FOXC2 proteins in cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Tavian
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CRIBENS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20145 Milan, Italy;
- Psychology Department, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-72348731
| | - Sara Missaglia
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CRIBENS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20145 Milan, Italy;
- Psychology Department, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Sandro Michelini
- Department of Vascular Rehabilitation, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, 00148 Rome, Italy;
| | - Paolo Enrico Maltese
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, International Association of Medical Genetics, MAGI’s Lab s.r.l., 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (P.E.M.); (M.B.)
| | | | - Alvaro Mordente
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio ed Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Facoltà di Scienze della Formazione, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Bertelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, International Association of Medical Genetics, MAGI’s Lab s.r.l., 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (P.E.M.); (M.B.)
- MAGI EUREGIO, 39100 Bolzano, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Azad T, Ghahremani M, Yang X. The Role of YAP and TAZ in Angiogenesis and Vascular Mimicry. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050407. [PMID: 31052445 PMCID: PMC6562567 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, is a physiological process that begins in utero and continues throughout life in both good health and disease. Understanding the underlying mechanism in angiogenesis could uncover a new therapeutic approach in pathological angiogenesis. Since its discovery, the Hippo signaling pathway has emerged as a key player in controlling organ size and tissue homeostasis. Recently, new studies have discovered that Hippo and two of its main effectors, Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its paralog transcription activator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ), play critical roles during angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which YAP/TAZ regulate endothelial cell shape, behavior, and function in angiogenesis. We further discuss how YAP/TAZ function as part of developmental and pathological angiogenesis. Finally, we review the role of YAP/TAZ in tumor vascular mimicry and propose directions for future work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taha Azad
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Mina Ghahremani
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sarkar PL, Lee W, Williams ED, Lubik AA, Stylianou N, Shokoohmand A, Lehman ML, Hollier BG, Gunter JH, Nelson CC. Insulin Enhances Migration and Invasion in Prostate Cancer Cells by Up-Regulation of FOXC2. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:481. [PMID: 31379747 PMCID: PMC6652804 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard treatment for advanced prostate cancer (PCa), yet many patients relapse with lethal metastatic disease. With this loss of androgens, increased cell plasticity has been observed as an adaptive response to ADT. This includes gain of invasive and migratory capabilities, which may contribute to PCa metastasis. Hyperinsulinemia, which develops as a side-effect of ADT, has been associated with increased tumor aggressiveness and faster treatment failure. We investigated the direct effects of insulin in PCa cells that may contribute to this progression. We measured cell migration and invasion induced by insulin using wound healing and transwell assays in a range of PCa cell lines of variable androgen dependency (LNCaP, 22RV1, DuCaP, and DU145 cell lines). To determine the molecular events driving insulin-induced invasion we used transcriptomics, quantitative real time-PCR, and immunoblotting in three PCa cell lines. Insulin increased invasiveness of PCa cells, upregulating Forkhead Box Protein C2 (FOXC2), and activating key PCa cell plasticity mechanisms including gene changes consistent with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and a neuroendocrine phenotype. Additionally, analysis of publicly available clinical PCa tumor data showed metastatic prostate tumors demonstrate a positive correlation between insulin receptor expression and the EMT transcription factor FOXC2. The insulin receptor is not suitable to target clinically however, our data shows that actions of insulin in PCa cells may be suppressed by inhibiting downstream signaling molecules, PI3K and ERK1/2. This study identifies for the first time, a mechanism for insulin-driven cancer cell motility and supports the concept that targeting insulin signaling at the level of the PCa tumor may extend the therapeutic efficacy of ADT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe L. Sarkar
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Wendy Lee
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth D. Williams
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Amy A. Lubik
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nataly Stylianou
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ali Shokoohmand
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Melanie L. Lehman
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brett G. Hollier
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jennifer H. Gunter
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Jennifer H. Gunter
| | - Colleen C. Nelson
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Castorena-Gonzalez JA, Zawieja SD, Li M, Srinivasan RS, Simon AM, de Wit C, de la Torre R, Martinez-Lemus LA, Hennig GW, Davis MJ. Mechanisms of Connexin-Related Lymphedema. Circ Res 2018; 123:964-985. [PMID: 30355030 PMCID: PMC6771293 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.117.312576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Mutations in GJC2 and GJA1, encoding Cxs (connexins) 47 and 43, respectively, are linked to lymphedema, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Because efficient lymph transport relies on the coordinated contractions of lymphatic muscle cells (LMCs) and their electrical coupling through Cxs, Cx-related lymphedema is proposed to result from dyssynchronous contractions of lymphatic vessels. OBJECTIVE To determine which Cx isoforms in LMCs and lymphatic endothelial cells are required for the entrainment of lymphatic contraction waves and efficient lymph transport. METHODS AND RESULTS We developed novel methods to quantify the spatiotemporal entrainment of lymphatic contraction waves and used optogenetic techniques to analyze calcium signaling within and between the LMC and the lymphatic endothelial cell layers. Genetic deletion of the major lymphatic endothelial cell Cxs (Cx43, Cx47, or Cx37) revealed that none were necessary for the synchronization of the global calcium events that triggered propagating contraction waves. We identified Cx45 in human and mouse LMCs as the critical Cx mediating the conduction of pacemaking signals and entrained contractions. Smooth muscle-specific Cx45 deficiency resulted in 10- to 18-fold reduction in conduction speed, partial-to-severe loss of contractile coordination, and impaired lymph pump function ex vivo and in vivo. Cx45 deficiency resulted in profound inhibition of lymph transport in vivo, but only under an imposed gravitational load. CONCLUSIONS Our results (1) identify Cx45 as the Cx isoform mediating the entrainment of the contraction waves in LMCs; (2) show that major endothelial Cxs are dispensable for the entrainment of contractions; (3) reveal a lack of coupling between lymphatic endothelial cells and LMCs, in contrast to arterioles; (4) point to lymphatic valve defects, rather than contraction dyssynchrony, as the mechanism underlying GJC2- or GJA1-related lymphedema; and (5) show that a gravitational load exacerbates lymphatic contractile defects in the intact mouse hindlimb, which is likely critical for the development of lymphedema in the adult mouse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott D. Zawieja
- Dept. of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology and University of Missouri School of Medicine
| | - Min Li
- Dept. of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology and University of Missouri School of Medicine
| | - R. Sathish Srinivasan
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City OK
| | | | - Cor de Wit
- Institute of Physiology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck Germany
| | | | - Luis A. Martinez-Lemus
- Dept. of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology and University of Missouri School of Medicine
| | | | - Michael J. Davis
- Dept. of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology and University of Missouri School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Castaneda M, Chen L, Pradhan L, Li S, Zein R, Lee Y, Lim HS, Nam HJ, Lee J. A Forkhead Box Protein C2 Inhibitor: Targeting Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Metastasis. Chembiochem 2018; 19:1359-1364. [PMID: 29577543 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been suggested as a new target for therapeutic intervention of metastatic cancer. Forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2) is known to be necessary for initiating and maintaining EMT, and therefore bestows on cancer cells metastatic and cancer stem cell (CSC)-like phenotypes, allowing cells to acquire higher motility, invasiveness, self-renewal, and therapy resistance. Here, we describe the first inhibitor of FOXC2, MC-1-F2. MC-1-F2 was able to induce cadherin switching and reverse EMT through the degradation of FOXC2 and blocking of its nuclear localization. In addition, MC-1-F2 was very effective in inhibiting cancer cell migration and invasion. As the first small-molecule inhibitor of FOXC2 and the first compound targeting EMT-associated transcription factor, MC-1-F2 will pave the way for a new anticancer therapeutic agent targeting metastatic cancer and help to elucidate the network of EMT signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Castaneda
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, Dallas, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Luxi Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, Dallas, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Lagnajeet Pradhan
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, Dallas, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Shichang Li
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, Dallas, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Ruba Zein
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, Dallas, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Yeongju Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Division of Advanced Material Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Suk Lim
- Department of Chemistry and Division of Advanced Material Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Joo Nam
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, Dallas, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Jiyong Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, Dallas, TX, 75080, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Trost A, Runge C, Bruckner D, Kaser-Eichberger A, Bogner B, Strohmaier C, Reitsamer HA, Schroedl F. Lymphatic markers in the human optic nerve. Exp Eye Res 2018; 173:113-120. [PMID: 29746818 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tissues of the central nervous system (CNS), including the optic nerve (ON), are considered a-lymphatic. However, lymphatic structures have been described in the dura mater of human ON sheaths. Since it is known that lymphatic markers are also expressed by single non-lymphatic cells, these results need confirmation according to the consensus statement for the use of lymphatic markers in ophthalmologic research. The aim of this study was to screen for the presence of lymphatic structures in the adult human ON using a combination of four lymphatic markers. Cross and longitudinal cryo-sections of human optic nerve tissue (n = 12, male and female, postmortem time = 15.8 ± 5.5 h, age = 66.5 ± 13.8 years), were obtained from cornea donors of the Salzburg eye bank, and analyzed using immunofluorescence with the following markers: FOXC2, CCL21, LYVE-1 and podoplanin (PDPN; lymphatic markers), Iba1 (microglia), CD68 (macrophages), CD31 (endothelial cell, EC), NF200 (neurofilament), as well as GFAP (astrocytes). Human skin sections served as positive controls and confocal microscopy in single optical section mode was used for documentation. In human skin, lymphatic structures were detected, showing a co-localization of LYVE-1/PDPN/FOXC2 and CCL21/LYVE-1. In the human ON however, single LYVE-1+ cells were detected, but were not co-localized with any other lymphatic marker tested. Instead, LYVE-1+ cells displayed immunopositivity for Iba1 and CD68, being more pronounced in the periphery of the ON than in the central region. However, Iba1+/LYVE-1- cells outnumbered Iba1+/LYVE-1+ cells. PDPN, revealed faint labeling in human ON tissue despite strong immunoreactivity in rat ON controls, showing co-localization with GFAP in the periphery. In addition, pronounced autofluorescent dots were detected in the ON, showing inter-individual differences in numbers. In the adult human ON no lymphatic structures were detected, although distinct lymphatic structures were identified in human skin tissue by co-localization of four lymphatic markers. However, single LYVE-1+ cells, also positive for Iba1 and CD68 were present, indicating LYVE-1+ macrophages. Inter-individual differences in the number of LYVE-1+ as well as Iba1+ cells were obvious within the ONs, most likely resulting from diverse medical histories of the donors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Trost
- Dept Ophthalmology/Optometry, Research Program Experimental Ophthalmology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria.
| | - C Runge
- Dept Ophthalmology/Optometry, Research Program Experimental Ophthalmology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - D Bruckner
- Dept Ophthalmology/Optometry, Research Program Experimental Ophthalmology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - A Kaser-Eichberger
- Dept Ophthalmology/Optometry, Research Program Experimental Ophthalmology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - B Bogner
- Dept Ophthalmology/Optometry, Research Program Experimental Ophthalmology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - C Strohmaier
- Dept Ophthalmology/Optometry, Research Program Experimental Ophthalmology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - H A Reitsamer
- Dept Ophthalmology/Optometry, Research Program Experimental Ophthalmology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria; Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Austria
| | - F Schroedl
- Dept Ophthalmology/Optometry, Research Program Experimental Ophthalmology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria; Department of Anatomy, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xia S, Menden HL, Korfhagen TR, Kume T, Sampath V. Endothelial immune activation programmes cell-fate decisions and angiogenesis by inducing angiogenesis regulator DLL4 through TLR4-ERK-FOXC2 signalling. J Physiol 2018; 596:1397-1417. [PMID: 29380370 DOI: 10.1113/jp275453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The mechanisms by which bacteria alter endothelial cell phenotypes and programme inflammatory angiogenesis remain unclear. In lung endothelial cells, we demonstrate that toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling induces activation of forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2), a transcriptional factor implicated in lymphangiogenesis and endothelial specification, in an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent manner. TLR4-ERK-FOXC2 signalling regulates expression of the Notch ligand DLL4 and signals inflammatory angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. Our work reveals a novel link between endothelial immune signalling (TLR pathway) and a vascular transcription factor, FOXC2, that regulates embryonic vascular development. This mechanism is likely to be relevant to pathological angiogenesis complicating inflammatory diseases in humans. ABSTRACT Endothelial cells (ECs) mediate a specific and robust immune response to bacteria in sepsis through the activation of toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling. The mechanisms by which bacterial ligands released during sepsis programme EC specification and altered angiogenesis remain unclear. We postulated that the forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2) transcriptional factor directs EC cell-fate decisions and angiogenesis during TLR signalling. In human lung ECs, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced ERK phosphorylation, FOXC2, and delta-like 4 (DLL4, the master regulator of sprouting angiogenesis expression) in a TLR4-dependent manner. LPS-mediated ERK phosphorylation resulted in FOXC2-ERK protein ligation, ERK-dependent FOXC2 serine and threonine phosphorylation, and subsequent activation of DLL4 gene expression. Chemical inhibition of ERK or ERK-2 dominant negative transfection disrupted LPS-mediated FOXC2 phosphorylation and transcriptional activation of FOXC2. FOXC2-siRNA or ERK-inhibition attenuated LPS-induced DLL4 expression and angiogenic sprouting in vitro. In vivo, intraperitoneal LPS induced ERK and FOXC2 phosphorylation, FOXC2 binding to DLL4 promoter, and FOXC2/DLL4 expression in the lung. ERK-inhibition suppressed LPS-induced FOXC2 phosphorylation, FOXC2-DLL4 promoter binding, and induction of FOXC2 and DLL4 in mouse lung ECs. LPS induced aberrant retinal angiogenesis and DLL4 expression in neonatal mice, which was attenuated with ERK inhibition. FOXC2+/- mice treated with LPS showed a mitigated increase in FOXC2 and DLL4 compared to FOXC2+/+ mice. These data reveal a new mechanism (TLR4-ERK-FOXC2-DLL4) by which sepsis-induced EC TLR signalling programmes EC specification and altered angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Xia
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Heather L Menden
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Thomas R Korfhagen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tsutomu Kume
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Venkatesh Sampath
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
FOXC2 disease-mutations identified in lymphedema-distichiasis patients cause both loss and gain of protein function. Oncotarget 2018; 7:54228-54239. [PMID: 27276711 PMCID: PMC5342337 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dominant mutations in the FOXC2 gene cause a form of lymphedema primarily of the limbs that usually develops at or after puberty. In 90-95% of patients, lymphedema is accompanied by distichiasis. FOXC2 is a member of the forkhead/winged-helix family of transcription factors and plays essential roles in different developmental pathways and physiological processes. We previously described six unrelated families with primary lymphedema-distichiasis in which patients showed different FOXC2 mutations located outside of the forkhead domain. Of those, four were missense mutations, one a frameshift mutation, and the last a stop mutation. To assess their pathogenic potential, we have now examined the subcellular localization and the transactivation activity of the mutated FOXC2 proteins. All six FOXC2 mutant proteins were able to localize into the nucleus; however, the frameshift truncated protein appeared to be sequestered into nuclear aggregates. A reduction in the ability to activate FOXC1/FOXC2 response elements was detected in 50% of mutations, while the remaining ones caused an increase of protein transactivation activity. Our data reveal that either a complete loss or a significant gain of FOXC2 function can cause a perturbation of lymphatic vessel formation leading to lymphedema.
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang T, Zheng L, Wang Q, Hu YW. Emerging roles and mechanisms of FOXC2 in cancer. Clin Chim Acta 2018; 479:84-93. [PMID: 29341903 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2018.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2), a transcription factor of the forkhead/winged-helix family, is required for embryonic and prenatal development. FOXC2 acts as a crucial modulator during both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis via multiple angiogenic and lymphangiogenic pathways, respectively. Although recent studies have shed light on the emerging role of FOXC2 in cancer, very little is known about the precise underlying mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current understanding of FOXC2 and provide potential mechanistic explanations of the relationship between FOXC2 and cancer, as well as discuss the prospect for future research in the promising prognostic value of FOXC2 in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Yan-Wei Hu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dieterich LC, Ducoli L, Shin JW, Detmar M. Distinct transcriptional responses of lymphatic endothelial cells to VEGFR-3 and VEGFR-2 stimulation. Sci Data 2017; 4:170106. [PMID: 28850122 PMCID: PMC5574372 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2017.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors play crucial roles in the formation of blood and lymphatic vessels during embryogenesis, and also under pathologic conditions in the adult. Despite intensive efforts over the last decades to elucidate the precise functions of VEGFs, transcriptional responses to VEGF receptor stimulation are still not fully characterized. To investigate the specific transcriptional effects of VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 activation, we performed a correlation analysis of previously published CAGE sequencing and microarray data of human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) stimulated with distinct VEGFs acting through either VEGFR-2 or VEGFR-3. We identified that specific activation of VEGFR-3 by VEGF-C156S results in the downregulation of many genes involved in immune regulation and inflammation, suggesting that VEGFR-3 stimulation has direct anti-inflammatory effects. Comparing CAGE and microarray data sets, we furthermore identified a small number of genes that showed a receptor-dependent response in LECs, demonstrating that these receptors, despite activating very similar signaling pathways, fulfill overlapping but not identical functions within the same cell type (LECs).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lothar C. Dieterich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luca Ducoli
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jay W. Shin
- RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Division of Genomic Technologies, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nimir M, Abdelrahim M, Abdelrahim M, Abdalla M, Ahmed WE, Abdullah M, Hamid MMA. In silico analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human FOXC2 gene. F1000Res 2017; 6:243. [PMID: 29511529 PMCID: PMC5814747 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.10937.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Lymphedema is abnormal accumulation of interstitial fluid, due to inefficient uptake and reduced flow, leading to swelling and disability, mostly in the extremities. Hereditary lymphedema usually occurs as an autosomal dominant trait with allelic heterogeneity. Methods: We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FOXC2 gene using dbSNP, analyzed their effect on the resulting protein using VEP and Biomart, modelled the resulting protein using Project HOPE, identified gene - gene interactions using GeneMANIA and predicted miRNAs affected and the resulting effects of SNPs in the 5' and 3' regions using PolymiRTS. Results: We identified 448 SNPs - 429 were nsSNPs and 44 SNPs were in the 5' and 3' UTRs. In total, 2 SNPs have deleterious effects on the resulting protein, and a 3D model confirmed those effects. The gene - gene interaction network showed the involvement of FOXC2 protein in the development of the lymphatic system. hsa-miR-6886-5p, hsa-miRS-6886-5p , hsa-miR-6720-3p, which were affected by the SNPs rs201118690, rs6413505, rs201914560, respectively, were the most important miRNAs affected, due to their high conservation score. Conclusions: rs121909106 and rs121909107 were predicted to have the most harmful effects, while hsa-miR-6886-5p, hsa-miR-6886-5p and hsa-miR-6720-3p were predicted to be the most important miRNAs affected. Computational biology tools have advantages and disadvantages, and the results they provide are predictions that require confirmation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nimir
- Soba Center for Audit and Research, Soba University Hospital, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | - Mohanad Abdelrahim
- Department of Human Anatomy, Ahfad University for Women, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | - Mohamed Abdelrahim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | - Mahil Abdalla
- Soba Center for Audit and Research, Soba University Hospital, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | - Wala eldin Ahmed
- Soba Center for Audit and Research, Soba University Hospital, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | - Muhanned Abdullah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nimir M, Abdelrahim M, Abdelrahim M, Abdalla M, Ahmed WE, Abdullah M, Hamid MMA. In silico analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human FOXC2 gene. F1000Res 2017; 6:243. [PMID: 29511529 PMCID: PMC5814747 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.10937.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of interstitial fluid, due to inefficient uptake and reduced flow, leading to swelling and disability, mostly in the extremities. Hereditary lymphedema usually occurs as an autosomal dominant trait with allelic heterogeneity. Methods: We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FOXC2 gene using dbSNP, analyzed their effect on the resulting protein using VEP and Biomart, modelled the resulting protein using Project HOPE, identified gene - gene interactions using GeneMANIA and predicted miRNAs affected and the resulting effects of SNPs in the 5' and 3' regions using PolymiRTS. Results: We identified 473 SNPs - 429 were nsSNPs and 44 SNPs were in the 5' and 3' UTRs. In total, 2 SNPs - rs121909106 and rs121909107 - have deleterious effects on the resulting protein, and a 3D model confirmed those effects. The gene - gene interaction network showed the involvement of FOXC2 protein in the development of the lymphatic system. hsa-miR-6886-5p, hsa-miRS-6886-5p, hsa-miR-6720-3p, which were affected by the SNPs rs201118690, rs6413505, rs201914560, respectively, were the most important miRNAs affected, due to their high conservation score. Conclusions: rs121909106 and rs121909107 were predicted to have the most harmful effects, while hsa-miR-6886-5p, hsa-miR-6886-5p and hsa-miR-6720-3p were predicted to be the most important miRNAs affected. Computational biology tools have advantages and disadvantages, and the results they provide are predictions that require confirmation using methods such as functional studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nimir
- Soba Center for Audit and Research, Soba University Hospital, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | - Mohanad Abdelrahim
- Department of Human Anatomy, Ahfad University for Women, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | - Mohamed Abdelrahim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | - Mahil Abdalla
- Soba Center for Audit and Research, Soba University Hospital, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | - Wala eldin Ahmed
- Soba Center for Audit and Research, Soba University Hospital, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | - Muhanned Abdullah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sabine A, Saygili Demir C, Petrova TV. Endothelial Cell Responses to Biomechanical Forces in Lymphatic Vessels. Antioxid Redox Signal 2016; 25:451-65. [PMID: 27099026 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2016.6685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Lymphatic vessels are important components of the cardiovascular and immune systems. They contribute both to the maintenance of normal homeostasis and to many pathological conditions, such as cancer and inflammation. The lymphatic vasculature is subjected to a variety of biomechanical forces, including fluid shear stress and vessel circumferential stretch. RECENT ADVANCES This review will discuss recent advances in our understanding of biomechanical forces in lymphatic vessels and their role in mammalian lymphatic vascular development and function. CRITICAL ISSUES We will highlight the importance of fluid shear stress generated by lymph flow in organizing the lymphatic vascular network. We will also describe how mutations in mechanosensitive genes lead to lymphatic vascular dysfunction. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Better understanding of how biomechanical and biochemical stimuli are perceived and interpreted by lymphatic endothelial cells is important for targeting regulation of lymphatic function in health and disease. Important remaining critical issues and future directions in the field will be discussed in this review. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 25, 451-465.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Sabine
- 1 Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne Branch & Department of Fundamental Oncology, CHUV and University of Lausanne , Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Cansaran Saygili Demir
- 1 Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne Branch & Department of Fundamental Oncology, CHUV and University of Lausanne , Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Tatiana V Petrova
- 1 Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne Branch & Department of Fundamental Oncology, CHUV and University of Lausanne , Epalinges, Switzerland .,2 Division of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology , CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland .,3 Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research , EPFL, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fatima A, Wang Y, Uchida Y, Norden P, Liu T, Culver A, Dietz WH, Culver F, Millay M, Mukouyama YS, Kume T. Foxc1 and Foxc2 deletion causes abnormal lymphangiogenesis and correlates with ERK hyperactivation. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:2437-51. [PMID: 27214551 PMCID: PMC4922698 DOI: 10.1172/jci80465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature is essential for maintaining interstitial fluid homeostasis, and dysfunctional lymphangiogenesis contributes to various pathological processes, including inflammatory disease and tumor metastasis. Mutations in FOXC2 are dominantly associated with late-onset lymphedema; however, the precise role of FOXC2 and a closely related factor, FOXC1, in the lymphatic system remains largely unknown. Here we identified a molecular cascade by which FOXC1 and FOXC2 regulate ERK signaling in lymphatic vessel growth. In mice, lymphatic endothelial cell-specific (LEC-specific) deletion of Foxc1, Foxc2, or both resulted in increased LEC proliferation, enlarged lymphatic vessels, and abnormal lymphatic vessel morphogenesis. Compared with LECs from control animals, LECs from mice lacking both Foxc1 and Foxc2 exhibited aberrant expression of Ras regulators, and embryos with LEC-specific deletion of Foxc1 and Foxc2, alone or in combination, exhibited ERK hyperactivation. Pharmacological ERK inhibition in utero abolished the abnormally enlarged lymphatic vessels in FOXC-deficient embryos. Together, these results identify FOXC1 and FOXC2 as essential regulators of lymphangiogenesis and indicate a new potential mechanistic basis for lymphatic-associated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anees Fatima
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yutaka Uchida
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Neuro-Vascular Biology, Genetics and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Pieter Norden
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ting Liu
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Austin Culver
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - William H. Dietz
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ford Culver
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Meredith Millay
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yoh-suke Mukouyama
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Neuro-Vascular Biology, Genetics and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tsutomu Kume
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
The mammalian circulatory system comprises both the cardiovascular system and the lymphatic system. In contrast to the blood vascular circulation, the lymphatic system forms a unidirectional transit pathway from the extracellular space to the venous system. It actively regulates tissue fluid homeostasis, absorption of gastrointestinal lipids, and trafficking of antigen-presenting cells and lymphocytes to lymphoid organs and on to the systemic circulation. The cardinal manifestation of lymphatic malfunction is lymphedema. Recent research has implicated the lymphatic system in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases including obesity and metabolic disease, dyslipidemia, inflammation, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and myocardial infarction. Here, we review the most recent advances in the field of lymphatic vascular biology, with a focus on cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksanteri Aspelund
- From the Wihuri Research Institute (A.A., M.R.R., S.K., K.A.) and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.A., M.R.R., K.A.); and Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (T.M.)
| | - Marius R Robciuc
- From the Wihuri Research Institute (A.A., M.R.R., S.K., K.A.) and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.A., M.R.R., K.A.); and Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (T.M.)
| | - Sinem Karaman
- From the Wihuri Research Institute (A.A., M.R.R., S.K., K.A.) and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.A., M.R.R., K.A.); and Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (T.M.)
| | - Taija Makinen
- From the Wihuri Research Institute (A.A., M.R.R., S.K., K.A.) and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.A., M.R.R., K.A.); and Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (T.M.)
| | - Kari Alitalo
- From the Wihuri Research Institute (A.A., M.R.R., S.K., K.A.) and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.A., M.R.R., K.A.); and Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (T.M.).
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Liebl J. Cdk5 and Foxc2--a new relationship in the lymphatic vasculature. Oncotarget 2016; 6:21799-801. [PMID: 26327394 PMCID: PMC4673126 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vessel dysfunction is associated with various pathologic conditions, including immunologic disorders, lymphedema, as well as tumor dissemination. Yet, the knowledge about the regulation of lymphatic vessel development is still limited. Our study elucidates cyclin dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) as an essential player in the development of lymphatic vessels. Deletion of Cdk5 in the mouse endothelium results in severe lymphedema formation and embryonic lethality. On the mechanistic level, we show that Cdk5 phosphorylates the forkhead transcription factor Foxc2 which regulates Foxc2-dependent transcription. In summary, our study elucidates the Cdk5-Foxc2 interaction as a critical regulator of lymphatic vessel development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Liebl
- Ludwig Maximilians-University Munich, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pietilä M, Vijay GV, Soundararajan R, Yu X, Symmans WF, Sphyris N, Mani SA. FOXC2 regulates the G2/M transition of stem cell-rich breast cancer cells and sensitizes them to PLK1 inhibition. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23070. [PMID: 27064522 PMCID: PMC4827390 DOI: 10.1038/srep23070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells with stem cell properties (CSCs) underpin the chemotherapy resistance and high therapeutic failure of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs). Even though CSCs are known to proliferate more slowly, they are sensitive to inhibitors of G2/M kinases such as polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). Understanding the cell cycle regulatory mechanisms of CSCs will help target these cells more efficiently. Herein, we identify a novel role for the transcription factor FOXC2, which is mostly expressed in CSCs, in the regulation of cell cycle of CSC-enriched breast cancer cells. We demonstrate that FOXC2 expression is regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner, with FOXC2 protein levels accumulating in G2, and rapidly decreasing during mitosis. Knockdown of FOXC2 in CSC-enriched TNBC cells delays mitotic entry without significantly affecting the overall proliferation rate of these cells. Moreover, PLK1 activity is important for FOXC2 protein stability, since PLK1 inhibition reduces FOXC2 protein levels. Indeed, FOXC2 expressing CSC-enriched TNBC cells are sensitive to PLK1 inhibition. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a novel role for FOXC2 as a regulator of the G2/M transition and elucidate the reason for the observed sensitivity of CSC-enriched breast cancer cells to PLK1 inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mika Pietilä
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Geraldine V. Vijay
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rama Soundararajan
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xian Yu
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William F. Symmans
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nathalie Sphyris
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sendurai A. Mani
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX, USA
- Metastasis Research Centre, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Datta N, Lindfors S, Miura N, Saleem MA, Lehtonen S. Overexpression of transcription factor FOXC2 in cultured human podocytes upregulates injury markers and increases motility. Exp Cell Res 2015; 340:32-42. [PMID: 26524507 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and diabetes-related kidney diseases associate with renal failure and cardiovascular morbidity, and represent a major health issue worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to their development remain poorly understood. We observed increased expression of transcription factor FoxC2 in the podocytes of obese Zucker rats that are insulin resistant and albuminuric. We also found that depletion of adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone whose secretion is decreased in obesity, upregulated FOXC2 in differentiated human podocytes in vitro. Overexpression of FOXC2 in cultured human podocytes led to increased nuclear expression of FOXC2 associated with a change of cellular morphology. This was accompanied by upregulation of vimentin, a key mesenchymal marker, and active beta-catenin, associated with podocyte injury. We also observed re-organization of the actin cytoskeleton, disrupted localization of the tight junction protein ZO-1, and increased motility of podocytes overexpressing FOXC2. These data indicate that the expression of FOXC2 in podocytes needs to be tightly regulated, and that its overexpression induces a chain of cellular events leading to podocyte dysfunction. These changes may lead to podocyte detachment and depletion ultimately contributing to albuminuria. We also suggest a novel molecular mechanism linking obesity-induced decrease in adiponectin to podocyte dysfunction via upregulation of FOXC2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neeta Datta
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sonja Lindfors
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Naoyuki Miura
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Moin A Saleem
- Academic and Children's Renal Unit, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Bristol BS1, United Kingdom
| | - Sanna Lehtonen
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sabine A, Bovay E, Demir CS, Kimura W, Jaquet M, Agalarov Y, Zangger N, Scallan JP, Graber W, Gulpinar E, Kwak BR, Mäkinen T, Martinez-Corral I, Ortega S, Delorenzi M, Kiefer F, Davis MJ, Djonov V, Miura N, Petrova TV. FOXC2 and fluid shear stress stabilize postnatal lymphatic vasculature. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:3861-77. [PMID: 26389677 DOI: 10.1172/jci80454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical forces, such as fluid shear stress, govern multiple aspects of endothelial cell biology. In blood vessels, disturbed flow is associated with vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, and promotes endothelial cell proliferation and apoptosis. Here, we identified an important role for disturbed flow in lymphatic vessels, in which it cooperates with the transcription factor FOXC2 to ensure lifelong stability of the lymphatic vasculature. In cultured lymphatic endothelial cells, FOXC2 inactivation conferred abnormal shear stress sensing, promoting junction disassembly and entry into the cell cycle. Loss of FOXC2-dependent quiescence was mediated by the Hippo pathway transcriptional coactivator TAZ and, ultimately, led to cell death. In murine models, inducible deletion of Foxc2 within the lymphatic vasculature led to cell-cell junction defects, regression of valves, and focal vascular lumen collapse, which triggered generalized lymphatic vascular dysfunction and lethality. Together, our work describes a fundamental mechanism by which FOXC2 and oscillatory shear stress maintain lymphatic endothelial cell quiescence through intercellular junction and cytoskeleton stabilization and provides an essential link between biomechanical forces and endothelial cell identity that is necessary for postnatal vessel homeostasis. As FOXC2 is mutated in lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome, our data also underscore the role of impaired mechanotransduction in the pathology of this hereditary human disease.
Collapse
|
29
|
Sweet DT, Jiménez JM, Chang J, Hess PR, Mericko-Ishizuka P, Fu J, Xia L, Davies PF, Kahn ML. Lymph flow regulates collecting lymphatic vessel maturation in vivo. J Clin Invest 2015. [PMID: 26214523 DOI: 10.1172/jci79386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluid shear forces have established roles in blood vascular development and function, but whether such forces similarly influence the low-flow lymphatic system is unknown. It has been difficult to test the contribution of fluid forces in vivo because mechanical or genetic perturbations that alter flow often have direct effects on vessel growth. Here, we investigated the functional role of flow in lymphatic vessel development using mice deficient for the platelet-specific receptor C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC2) as blood backfills the lymphatic network and blocks lymph flow in these animals. CLEC2-deficient animals exhibited normal growth of the primary mesenteric lymphatic plexus but failed to form valves in these vessels or remodel them into a structured, hierarchical network. Smooth muscle cell coverage (SMC coverage) of CLEC2-deficient lymphatic vessels was both premature and excessive, a phenotype identical to that observed with loss of the lymphatic endothelial transcription factor FOXC2. In vitro evaluation of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) revealed that low, reversing shear stress is sufficient to induce expression of genes required for lymphatic valve development and identified GATA2 as an upstream transcriptional regulator of FOXC2 and the lymphatic valve genetic program. These studies reveal that lymph flow initiates and regulates many of the key steps in collecting lymphatic vessel maturation and development.
Collapse
|
30
|
Cdk5 controls lymphatic vessel development and function by phosphorylation of Foxc2. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7274. [PMID: 26027726 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system maintains tissue fluid balance, and dysfunction of lymphatic vessels and valves causes human lymphedema syndromes. Yet, our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying lymphatic vessel development is still limited. Here, we show that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is an essential regulator of lymphatic vessel development. Endothelial-specific Cdk5 knockdown causes congenital lymphatic dysfunction and lymphedema due to defective lymphatic vessel patterning and valve formation. We identify the transcription factor Foxc2 as a key substrate of Cdk5 in the lymphatic vasculature, mechanistically linking Cdk5 to lymphatic development and valve morphogenesis. Collectively, our findings show that Cdk5-Foxc2 interaction represents a critical regulator of lymphatic vessel development and the transcriptional network underlying lymphatic vascular remodeling.
Collapse
|
31
|
Schlögel MJ, Mendola A, Fastré E, Vasudevan P, Devriendt K, de Ravel TJL, Van Esch H, Casteels I, Arroyo Carrera I, Cristofoli F, Fieggen K, Jones K, Lipson M, Balikova I, Singer A, Soller M, Mercedes Villanueva M, Revencu N, Boon LM, Brouillard P, Vikkula M. No evidence of locus heterogeneity in familial microcephaly with or without chorioretinopathy, lymphedema, or mental retardation syndrome. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2015; 10:52. [PMID: 25934493 PMCID: PMC4464120 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-015-0271-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microcephaly with or without chorioretinopathy, lymphedema, or mental retardation syndrome (MCLMR) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder with variable expressivity. It is characterized by mild-to-severe microcephaly, often associated with intellectual disability, ocular defects and lymphedema. It can be sporadic or inherited. Eighty-seven patients have been described to carry a mutation in KIF11, which encodes a homotetrameric motor kinesin, EG5. METHODS We tested 23 unreported MCLMR index patients for KIF11. We also reviewed the clinical phenotypes of all our patients as well as of those described in previously published studies. RESULTS We identified 14 mutations, 12 of which are novel. We detected mutations in 12 affected individuals, from 6 out of 6 familial cases, and in 8 out of 17 sporadic patients. Phenotypic evaluation of patients (our 26 + 61 earlier published = 87) revealed microcephaly in 91%, eye anomalies in 72%, intellectual disability in 67% and lymphedema in 47% of the patients. Unaffected carriers were rare (4 out of 87: 5%). Family history is not a requisite for diagnosis; 31% (16 out of 52) were de novo cases. CONCLUSIONS All inherited cases, and 50% of sporadic cases of MCLMR are due to germline KIF11 mutations. It is possible that mosaic KIF11 mutations cause the remainder of sporadic cases, which the methods employed here were not designed to detect. On the other hand, some of them might have another mimicking disorder and genetic defect, as microcephaly is highly heterogeneous. In aggregate, KIF11 mutations likely cause the majority, if not all, of MCLMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu J Schlögel
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, bte B1.74.06, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Antonella Mendola
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, bte B1.74.06, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Elodie Fastré
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, bte B1.74.06, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Pradeep Vasudevan
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK.
| | - Koen Devriendt
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Thomy J L de Ravel
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Hilde Van Esch
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Ingele Casteels
- Department of Ophthalmology, St Rafael University Hospitals, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | - Francesca Cristofoli
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Karen Fieggen
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, 7700, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Katheryn Jones
- Medical Genetics, Kaiser Permanente, Sacramento, CA, 95815, USA.
| | - Mark Lipson
- Medical Genetics, Kaiser Permanente, Sacramento, CA, 95815, USA.
| | - Irina Balikova
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queen Fabiola Children's University Hospital (HUDERF), 1020, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Ami Singer
- Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Barzilai Medical Center, 78306, Ashkelon, Israel.
| | - Maria Soller
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Lund University Hospital, 221 85, Lund, Sweden.
| | - María Mercedes Villanueva
- General Hospital of Florencio Varela, Children's Hospital Dr. Pedro Elizalde and Foundation for Neurological Diseases of Childhood (FLENI), C1270AAN, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina.
| | - Nicole Revencu
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, bte B1.74.06, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium. .,Center for Human Genetics, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Laurence M Boon
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, bte B1.74.06, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium. .,Center for Vascular Anomalies, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Pascal Brouillard
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, bte B1.74.06, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Miikka Vikkula
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, bte B1.74.06, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium. .,Center for Vascular Anomalies, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, 1200, Brussels, Belgium. .,Walloon Excellence in Lifesciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO), Université catholique de Louvain, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sabine A, Petrova TV. Interplay of mechanotransduction, FOXC2, connexins, and calcineurin signaling in lymphatic valve formation. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2014; 214:67-80. [PMID: 24276887 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7091-1646-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The directional flow of lymph is maintained by hundreds of intraluminal lymphatic valves. Lymphatic valves are crucial to prevent lymphedema, accumulation of fluid in the tissues, and to ensure immune surveillance; yet, the mechanisms of valve formation are only beginning to be elucidated. In this chapter, we will discuss the main steps of lymphatic valve morphogenesis, the important role of mechanotransduction in this process, and the genetic program regulated by the transcription factor Foxc2, which is indispensable for all steps of valve development. Failure to form mature collecting lymphatic vessels and valves causes the majority of postsurgical lymphedema, e.g., in breast cancer patients. Therefore, this knowledge will be useful for diagnostics and development of better treatments of secondary lymphedema.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Sabine
- Department of Oncology, CHUV-UNIL, Ch. des Boveresses 155, CH-1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Blei F. Update December 2013. Lymphat Res Biol 2013. [DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2013.1142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|