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Panara V, Varaliová Z, Wilting J, Koltowska K, Jeltsch M. The relationship between the secondary vascular system and the lymphatic vascular system in fish. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024. [PMID: 38940420 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
New technologies have resulted in a better understanding of blood and lymphatic vascular heterogeneity at the cellular and molecular levels. However, we still need to learn more about the heterogeneity of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems among different species at the anatomical and functional levels. Even the deceptively simple question of the functions of fish lymphatic vessels has yet to be conclusively answered. The most common interpretation assumes a similar dual setup of the vasculature in zebrafish and mammals: a cardiovascular circulatory system, and a lymphatic vascular system (LVS), in which the unidirectional flow is derived from surplus interstitial fluid and returned into the cardiovascular system. A competing interpretation questions the identity of the lymphatic vessels in fish as at least some of them receive their flow from arteries via specialised anastomoses, neither requiring an interstitial source for the lymphatic flow nor stipulating unidirectionality. In this alternative view, the 'fish lymphatics' are a specialised subcompartment of the cardiovascular system, called the secondary vascular system (SVS). Many of the contradictions found in the literature appear to stem from the fact that the SVS develops in part or completely from an embryonic LVS by transdifferentiation. Future research needs to establish the extent of embryonic transdifferentiation of lymphatics into SVS blood vessels. Similarly, more insight is needed into the molecular regulation of vascular development in fish. Most fish possess more than the five vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) genes and three VEGF receptor genes that we know from mice or humans, and the relative tolerance of fish to whole-genome and gene duplications could underlie the evolutionary diversification of the vasculature. This review discusses the key elements of the fish lymphatics versus the SVS and attempts to draw a picture coherent with the existing data, including phylogenetic knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Panara
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, Uppsala, 751 85, Sweden
- Beijer Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, Uppsala, 751 85, Sweden
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18 A, Uppsala, 752 36, Sweden
| | - Zuzana Varaliová
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, Uppsala, 751 85, Sweden
- Drug Research Program, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, Helsinki, 00790, Finland
| | - Jörg Wilting
- Institute of Anatomy and Embryology, University Medical School Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 36, Göttingen, 37075, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Koltowska
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, Uppsala, 751 85, Sweden
- Beijer Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, Uppsala, 751 85, Sweden
| | - Michael Jeltsch
- Drug Research Program, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, Helsinki, 00790, Finland
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
- Wihuri Research Institute, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
- Helsinki One Health, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 4, Helsinki, 00014, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, Yliopistonkatu 3, Helsinki, 00100, Finland
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Chen T, Ruan Y, Ji L, Cai J, Tong M, Xue Y, Zhao H, Cai X, Xu J. S100A6 drives lymphatic metastasis of liver cancer via activation of the RAGE/NF-kB/VEGF-D pathway. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216709. [PMID: 38350547 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with lymph node (LN) metastatic liver cancer face an exceedingly grim prognosis. In-depth analysis of LN metastatic patients' characteristics and tumor cells' interactions with human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs), can provide important biological and therapeutic insights. Here we identify at the single-cell level that S100A6 expression differs between primary tumor and their LN metastasis. Of particular significance, we uncovered the disparity in S100A6 expression between tumors and normal tissues is greater in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients, frequently accompanied by LN metastases, than that in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with rare occurrence of LN metastasis. Furthermore, in the infrequent instances of LN metastasis in HCC, heightened S100A6 expression was observed, suggesting a critical role of S100A6 in the process of LN metastasis. Subsequent experiments further uncovered that S100A6 secreted from tumor cells promotes lymphangiogenesis by upregulating the expression and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) in HLECs through the RAGE/NF-kB/VEGF-D pathway while overexpression of S100A6 in tumor cells also augmented their migration and invasion. Taken together, these data reveal the dual effects of S100A6 in promoting LN metastasis in liver cancer, thus highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- TianYi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - YeLing Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Ji
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - JingWei Cai
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Tong
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - YangTao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - XiuJun Cai
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China.
| | - JunJie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China.
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Liu Z, Liu K, Shi S, Chen X, Gu X, Wang W, Mao K, Yibulayi R, Wu W, Zeng L, Zhou W, Lin X, Zhang F, Lou B. Alkali injury-induced pathological lymphangiogenesis in the iris facilitates the infiltration of T cells and ocular inflammation. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e175479. [PMID: 38587075 PMCID: PMC11128208 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.175479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory lymphangiogenesis is intimately linked to immune regulation and tissue homeostasis. However, current evidence has suggested that classic lymphatic vessels are physiologically absent in intraocular structures. Here, we show that neolymphatic vessels were induced in the iris after corneal alkali injury (CAI) in a VEGFR3-dependent manner. Cre-loxP-based lineage tracing revealed that these lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) originate from existing Prox1+ lymphatic vessels. Notably, the ablation of iridial lymphangiogenesis via conditional deletion of VEGFR3 alleviated the ocular inflammatory response and pathological T cell infiltration. Our findings demonstrate that iridial neolymphatics actively participate in pathological immune responses following injury and suggest intraocular lymphangiogenesis as a valuable therapeutic target for the treatment of ocular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shunhua Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weifa Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keli Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rukeye Yibulayi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibin Zhou
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingsheng Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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Zarkada G, Chen X, Zhou X, Lange M, Zeng L, Lv W, Zhang X, Li Y, Zhou W, Liu K, Chen D, Ricard N, Liao JK, Kim YB, Benedito R, Claesson-Welsh L, Alitalo K, Simons M, Ju R, Li X, Eichmann A, Zhang F. Chylomicrons Regulate Lacteal Permeability and Intestinal Lipid Absorption. Circ Res 2023; 133:333-349. [PMID: 37462027 PMCID: PMC10530007 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.322607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphatic vessels are responsible for tissue drainage, and their malfunction is associated with chronic diseases. Lymph uptake occurs via specialized open cell-cell junctions between capillary lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), whereas closed junctions in collecting LECs prevent lymph leakage. LEC junctions are known to dynamically remodel in development and disease, but how lymphatic permeability is regulated remains poorly understood. METHODS We used various genetically engineered mouse models in combination with cellular, biochemical, and molecular biology approaches to elucidate the signaling pathways regulating junction morphology and function in lymphatic capillaries. RESULTS By studying the permeability of intestinal lacteal capillaries to lipoprotein particles known as chylomicrons, we show that ROCK (Rho-associated kinase)-dependent cytoskeletal contractility is a fundamental mechanism of LEC permeability regulation. We show that chylomicron-derived lipids trigger neonatal lacteal junction opening via ROCK-dependent contraction of junction-anchored stress fibers. LEC-specific ROCK deletion abolished junction opening and plasma lipid uptake. Chylomicrons additionally inhibited VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)-A signaling. We show that VEGF-A antagonizes LEC junction opening via VEGFR (VEGF receptor) 2 and VEGFR3-dependent PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)/AKT (protein kinase B) activation of the small GTPase RAC1 (Rac family small GTPase 1), thereby restricting RhoA (Ras homolog family member A)/ROCK-mediated cytoskeleton contraction. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal that antagonistic inputs into ROCK-dependent cytoskeleton contractions regulate the interconversion of lymphatic junctions in the intestine and in other tissues, providing a tunable mechanism to control the lymphatic barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Zarkada
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510-3221, USA
| | - Xun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xuetong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Martin Lange
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510-3221, USA
| | - Lei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wenyu Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yunhua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Weibin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Keli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Dongying Chen
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510-3221, USA
| | - Nicolas Ricard
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510-3221, USA
| | - James K. Liao
- University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Banner University Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Young-Bum Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rui Benedito
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid E28029, Spain
| | - Lena Claesson-Welsh
- Uppsala University, Rudbeck, SciLifeLab and Beijer Laboratories, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Biomedicum, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Simons
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510-3221, USA
| | - Rong Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xuri Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Anne Eichmann
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510-3221, USA
- INSERM U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
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Duan H, Li L, He S. Advances and Prospects in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:3973-3988. [PMID: 37489138 PMCID: PMC10363367 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s413496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant and incurable disease, characterized by its aggressive nature and high fatality rate. The most common type is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which has poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Current treatments for pancreatic cancer mainly encompass surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and combination regimens. However, despite efforts to improve prognosis, and the 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains very low. Therefore, it's urgent to explore novel therapeutic approaches. With the rapid development of therapeutic strategies in recent years, new ideas have been provided for treating pancreatic cancer. This review expositions the advancements in nano drug delivery system, molecular targeted drugs, and photo-thermal treatment combined with nanotechnology for pancreatic cancer. It comprehensively analyzes the prospects of combined drug delivery strategies for treating pancreatic cancer, aiming at a deeper understanding of the existing drugs and therapeutic approaches, promoting the development of new therapeutic drugs, and attempting to enhance the therapeutic effect for patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiyu Duan
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Oncology, Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiming He
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
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Donnan MD, Deb DK, David V, Quaggin SE. VEGF-C overexpression in kidney progenitor cells is a model of renal lymphangiectasia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.03.538868. [PMID: 37205366 PMCID: PMC10187188 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.538868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Lymphangiogenesis is believed to be a protective response in the setting of multiple forms of kidney injury and mitigates the progression of interstitial fibrosis. To augment this protective response, promoting kidney lymphangiogenesis is being investigated as a potential treatment to slow the progression of kidney disease.As injury related lymphangiogenesis is driven by signaling from the receptor VEGFR-3 in response to the cognate growth factor VEGF-C released by tubular epithelial cells, this signaling pathway is a candidate for future kidney therapeutics. However, the consequences to kidney development and function to targeting this signaling pathway remains poorly defined. Methods We generated a new mouse model expressing Vegf-C under regulation of the nephron progenitor Six2Cre driver strain (Six2Vegf-C). Mice underwent a detailed phenotypic evaluation. Whole kidneys were processed for histology and micro computed tomography 3-dimensional imaging. Results Six2Vegf-C mice had reduced body weight and kidney function compared to littermate controls. Six2Vegf-C kidneys demonstrated large peripelvic fluid filled lesions with distortion of the pelvicalcyceal system which progressed in severity with age. 3D imaging showed a 3-fold increase in total cortical vascular density. Histology confirmed a substantial increase in LYVE1+/PDPN+/VEGFR3+ lymphatic capillaries extending alongside EMCN+ peritubular capillaries. There was no change in EMCN+ peritubular capillary density. Conclusions Kidney lymphangiogenesis was robustly induced in the Six2Vegf-C mice. There were no changes in peritubular blood capillary density despite these endothelial cells also expressing VEGFR-3. The model resulted in a severe cystic kidney phenotype that resembled a human condition termed renal lymphangiectasia. This study defines the vascular consequences of augmenting VEGF-C signaling during kidney development and provides new insight into a mimicker of human cystic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Donnan
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Dilip K Deb
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Valentin David
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Susan E Quaggin
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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Li Z, Antila S, Nurmi H, Chilov D, Korhonen EA, Fang S, Karaman S, Engelhardt B, Alitalo K. Blockade of VEGFR3 signaling leads to functional impairment of dural lymphatic vessels without affecting autoimmune neuroinflammation. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eabq0375. [PMID: 37058549 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abq0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The recent discovery of lymphatic vessels (LVs) in the dura mater, the outermost layer of meninges around the central nervous system (CNS), has opened a possibility for the development of alternative therapeutics for CNS disorders. The vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C)/VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR3) signaling pathway is essential for the development and maintenance of dural LVs. However, its significance in mediating dural lymphatic function in CNS autoimmunity is unclear. We show that inhibition of the VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling pathway using a monoclonal VEGFR3-blocking antibody, a soluble VEGF-C/D trap, or deletion of the Vegfr3 gene in adult lymphatic endothelium causes notable regression and functional impairment of dural LVs but has no effect on the development of CNS autoimmunity in mice. During autoimmune neuroinflammation, the dura mater was only minimally affected, and neuroinflammation-induced helper T (TH) cell recruitment, activation, and polarization were significantly less pronounced in the dura mater than in the CNS. In support of this notion, during autoimmune neuroinflammation, blood vascular endothelial cells in the cranial and spinal dura expressed lower levels of cell adhesion molecules and chemokines, and antigen-presenting cells (i.e., macrophages and dendritic cells) had lower expression of chemokines, MHC class II-associated molecules, and costimulatory molecules than their counterparts in the brain and spinal cord, respectively. The significantly weaker TH cell responses in the dura mater may explain why dural LVs do not contribute directly to CNS autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Li
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Salli Antila
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Nurmi
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dmitri Chilov
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emilia A Korhonen
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shentong Fang
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sinem Karaman
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Kari Alitalo
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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8
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Keske N, Özay B, Tükel EY, Menteş M, Yandım C. In silico drug screen reveals potential competitive MTHFR inhibitors for clinical repurposing. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:11818-11831. [PMID: 36597898 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2163697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is a pivotal enzyme involved in one-carbon metabolism, which is critical for the proliferation of cancer cells. In line with this, published literature showed that MTHFR knockdown caused impaired growth of multiple types of cancer cells. Moreover, higher MTHFR expression levels were linked to shorter overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, and low-grade glioma, bringing the need to design MTHFR inhibitors as a possible treatment option. No competitive inhibitors of MTHFR have been reported as of today. This study aimed to identify potential competitive MTHFR inhibitor candidates using an in silico drug screen. A total of 30470 molecules containing biogenic compounds, FDA-approved drugs, and those in clinical trials were screened against the catalytic pocket of MTHFR in the presence and absence of cofactors. Binding energy and ADMET analysis revealed that Vilanterol (β2-adrenergic agonist), Selexipag (prostacyclin receptor agonist), and Ramipril Diketopiperazine (ACE inhibitor) are potential competitive inhibitors of MTHFR. Molecular dynamics analyses and MM-PBSA calculations with these compounds particularly revealed the amino acids between 285-290 for ligand binding and highlighted Vilanterol as the strongest candidate for MTHFR inhibition. Our results could guide the development of novel MTHFR inhibitor compounds, which could be inspired by the drugs brought into the spotlight here. More importantly, these potential candidates could be quhickly tested as a repurposing strategy in pre-clinical and clinical studies of the cancers mentioned above.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazlıgül Keske
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, İzmir University of Economics, Balçova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Başak Özay
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, İzmir University of Economics, Balçova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Yağmur Tükel
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, İzmir University of Economics, Balçova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Muratcan Menteş
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, İzmir University of Economics, Balçova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cihangir Yandım
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, İzmir University of Economics, Balçova, İzmir, Turkey
- İzmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Dokuz Eylül University Health Campus, İnciraltı, İzmir, Turkey
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Donnan MD, Deb DK, Onay T, Scott RP, Ni E, Zhou Y, Quaggin SE. Formation of the glomerular microvasculature is regulated by VEGFR-3. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2023; 324:F91-F105. [PMID: 36395385 PMCID: PMC9836230 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00066.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microvascular dysfunction is a key driver of kidney disease. Pathophysiological changes in the kidney vasculature are regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs), supporting them as potential therapeutic targets. The tyrosine kinase receptor VEGFR-3, encoded by FLT4 and activated by the ligands VEGF-C and VEGF-D, is best known for its role in lymphangiogenesis. Therapeutically targeting VEGFR-3 to modulate lymphangiogenesis has been proposed as a strategy to treat kidney disease. However, outside the lymphatics, VEGFR-3 is also expressed in blood vascular endothelial cells in several tissues including the kidney. Here, we show that Vegfr-3 is expressed in fenestrated microvascular beds within the developing and adult mouse kidney, which include the glomerular capillary loops. We found that expression levels of VEGFR-3 are dynamic during glomerular capillary loop development, with the highest expression observed during endothelial cell migration into the S-shaped glomerular body. We developed a conditional knockout mouse model for Vegfr-3 and found that loss of Vegfr-3 resulted in a striking glomerular phenotype characterized by aneurysmal dilation of capillary loops, absence of mesangial structure, abnormal interendothelial cell junctions, and poor attachment between glomerular endothelial cells and the basement membrane. In addition, we demonstrated that expression of the VEGFR-3 ligand VEGF-C by podocytes and mesangial cells is dispensable for glomerular development. Instead, VEGFR-3 in glomerular endothelial cells attenuates VEGFR-2 phosphorylation. Together, the results of our study support a VEGF-C-independent functional role for VEGFR-3 in the kidney microvasculature outside of lymphatic vessels, which has implications for clinical therapies that target this receptor.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Targeting VEGFR-3 in kidney lymphatics has been proposed as a method to treat kidney disease. However, expression of VEGFR-3 is not lymphatic-specific. We demonstrated developmental expression of VEGFR-3 in glomerular endothelial cells, with loss of Vegfr-3 leading to malformation of glomerular capillary loops. Furthermore, we showed that VEGFR-3 attenuates VEGFR-2 activity in glomerular endothelial cells independent of paracrine VEGF-C signaling. Together, these data provide valuable information for therapeutic development targeting these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Donnan
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Dilip K Deb
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tuncer Onay
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rizaldy P Scott
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Eric Ni
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Greensburg, Pennsylvania
| | - Yalu Zhou
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Susan E Quaggin
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Chicago, Illinois
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10
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Pillay V, Shukla L, Herle P, Maciburko S, Bandara N, Reid I, Morgan S, Yuan Y, Luu J, Cowley KJ, Ramm S, Simpson KJ, Achen MG, Stacker SA, Shayan R, Karnezis T. Radiation therapy attenuates lymphatic vessel repair by reducing VEGFR-3 signalling. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1152314. [PMID: 37188266 PMCID: PMC10176020 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1152314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Surgery and radiotherapy are key cancer treatments and the leading causes of damage to the lymphatics, a vascular network critical to fluid homeostasis and immunity. The clinical manifestation of this damage constitutes a devastating side-effect of cancer treatment, known as lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is a chronic condition evolving from the accumulation of interstitial fluid due to impaired drainage via the lymphatics and is recognised to contribute significant morbidity to patients who survive their cancer. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying the damage inflicted on lymphatic vessels, and particularly the lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) that constitute them, by these treatment modalities, remain poorly understood. Methods: We used a combination of cell based assays, biochemistry and animal models of lymphatic injury to examine the molecular mechanisms behind LEC injury and the subsequent effects on lymphatic vessels, particularly the role of the VEGF-C/VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 lymphangiogenic signalling pathway, in lymphatic injury underpinning the development of lymphoedema. Results: We demonstrate that radiotherapy selectively impairs key LEC functions needed for new lymphatic vessel growth (lymphangiogenesis). This effect is mediated by attenuation of VEGFR-3 signalling and downstream signalling cascades. VEGFR-3 protein levels were downregulated in LEC that were exposed to radiation, and LEC were therefore selectively less responsive to VEGF-C and VEGF-D. These findings were validated in our animal models of radiation and surgical injury. Discussion: Our data provide mechanistic insight into injury sustained by LEC and lymphatics during surgical and radiotherapy cancer treatments and underscore the need for alternative non-VEGF-C/VEGFR-3-based therapies to treat lymphoedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinochani Pillay
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Lipi Shukla
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, ACU, AORTEC; Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Prad Herle
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon Maciburko
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Nadeeka Bandara
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Isabella Reid
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven Morgan
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Yinan Yuan
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennii Luu
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Karla J. Cowley
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Susanne Ramm
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kaylene J. Simpson
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Marc G. Achen
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven A. Stacker
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ramin Shayan
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tara Karnezis
- O’Brien Institute Department, St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Tara Karnezis,
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11
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Lou B, Wu W, Zeng L, Zhou W, Zhang X, Zhou X, Liu Z, Liu K, Gu X, Chen X, Wang Y, Chen Y, Gao X, Zhang F. Alleviating experimental allergic eye disease by inhibiting pro-lymphangiogenic VEGFR3 signal. Ocul Surf 2022; 26:1-12. [PMID: 35931408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ocular allergy leads to acute and chronic inflammation that may deteriorate the conjunctiva and other ocular tissue. The conjunctiva is covered with abundant lymphatic vessels but how the conjunctival lymphatic system patriciates in the development of allergic eye disease (AED) remains to be elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS By using ovalbumin (OVA)+pertussis toxin (PTX) as a sensitizer followed by daily OVA challenges, we induced optimized AED manifestations in mice. We show that conjunctival lymphatics underwent significant expansion after 28 days of chronic OVA challenge, and this process can be prevented by inducible genetic ablation of lymphatic Vegfr3. Through transcriptomic profile analysis in combination with histopathological examinations, we found that pro-lymphangiogenic VEGFR3 signal promoted allergy-induced activation of T helper 2 (Th2) type immune responses, including antigen presentation, and Th2 cells, B cells and mast cell-related pathways in the conjunctiva, thereby critically contributing to the immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and AED manifestations. As a result, ocular allergy can be alleviated by genetic inhibition of lymphatic Vegfr3. Interestingly, pro-lymphangiogenic VEGFR3 signal did not appear to affect the obstruction of meibomian glands (MGs) or the activation of Th17 type and neutrophil pathways that are associated with AED. CONCLUSIONS These data reveal the key role of pro-lymphangiogenic VEGFR3 signaling in the development of AED and provide experimental evidence that VEGFR3 inhibition may be useful in treating ocular allergy in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingsheng Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Wanwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Lei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Weibin Zhou
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xuetong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Keli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yeqi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Yangxin Chen
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xinbo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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12
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Cherng JH, Lin CAJ, Liu CC, Yeh JZ, Fan GY, Tsai HD, Chung CF, Hsu SD. Hemostasis and Anti-Inflammatory Abilities of AuNPs-Coated Chitosan Dressing for Burn Wounds. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071089. [PMID: 35887586 PMCID: PMC9321560 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Burn injuries are a common hazard in the military, as fire is likely to be weaponized. Thus, it is important to find an effective substance to accelerate burn wound healing. This study used chitosan and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as wound dressings and investigated their effectiveness in femoral artery hemorrhage swine and rat burn models. Chitosan dressing has significant hemostatic properties compared with gauze. Histological results showed that burn wounds treated with chitosan or AuNP-coated chitosan dressings exhibited more cells and a continuous structure of the epidermis and dermis than those of the control and untreated lesion groups. Furthermore, both chitosan dressings have been shown to positively regulate the expression of genes- and cytokines/chemokines-related to the wound healing process; AuNP-coated chitosan significantly lessened severe sepsis and inflammation, balanced the activities of pro-fibrotic and anti-fibrotic ligands for tissue homeostasis, regulated angiogenesis, and inhibited apoptosis activity, thereby being beneficial for the burn microenvironment. Hence, chitosan alone or in combination with AuNPs represents a prospective therapeutic substance as a burn dressing which might be helpful for burn wound care. This study provides a novel hemostasis dressing for modern warfare that is simple to use by most medical and paramedical personnel handling for burn treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juin-Hong Cherng
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan;
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-An J. Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomedical Engineering in Cancer, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Che Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan;
| | - Jue-Zong Yeh
- Department of Pharmacy, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan;
| | - Gang-Yi Fan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan;
- Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell and Tissue Regeneration, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (H.-D.T.); (C.-F.C.)
| | - Hsin-Da Tsai
- Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell and Tissue Regeneration, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (H.-D.T.); (C.-F.C.)
| | - Chun-Fang Chung
- Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell and Tissue Regeneration, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (H.-D.T.); (C.-F.C.)
| | - Sheng-Der Hsu
- Division of Traumatology, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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13
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Kolarzyk AM, Wong G, Lee E. Lymphatic Tissue and Organ Engineering for In Vitro Modeling and In Vivo Regeneration. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2022; 12:a041169. [PMID: 35288402 PMCID: PMC9435571 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic system has an important role in maintaining fluid homeostasis and transporting immune cells and biomolecules, such as dietary fat, metabolic products, and antigens in different organs and tissues. Therefore, impaired lymphatic vessel function and/or lymphatic vessel deficiency can lead to numerous human diseases. The discovery of lymphatic endothelial markers and prolymphangiogenic growth factors, along with a growing number of in vitro and in vivo models and technologies has expedited research in lymphatic tissue and organ engineering, advancing therapeutic strategies. In this article, we describe lymphatic tissue and organ engineering in two- and three-dimensional culture systems and recently developed microfluidics and organ-on-a-chip systems in vitro. Next, we discuss advances in lymphatic tissue and organ engineering in vivo, focusing on biomaterial and scaffold engineering and their applications for lymphatic vessels and lymphoid organ regeneration. Last, we provide expert perspective and prospects in the field of lymphatic tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Kolarzyk
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Biomedical and Biological Sciences PhD Program, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Gigi Wong
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Biological Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Esak Lee
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Biomedical and Biological Sciences PhD Program, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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14
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Brown S, Dayan JH, Coriddi M, Campbell A, Kuonqui K, Shin J, Park HJ, Mehrara BJ, Kataru RP. Pharmacological Treatment of Secondary Lymphedema. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:828513. [PMID: 35145417 PMCID: PMC8822213 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.828513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphedema is a chronic disease that results in swelling and decreased function due to abnormal lymphatic fluid clearance and chronic inflammation. In Western countries, lymphedema most commonly develops following an iatrogenic injury to the lymphatic system during cancer treatment. It is estimated that as many as 10 million patients suffer from lymphedema in the United States alone. Current treatments for lymphedema are palliative in nature, relying on compression garments and physical therapy to decrease interstitial fluid accumulation in the affected extremity. However, recent discoveries have increased the hopes of therapeutic interventions that may promote lymphatic regeneration and function. The purpose of this review is to summarize current experimental pharmacological strategies in the treatment of lymphedema.
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15
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Karaman S, Paavonsalo S, Heinolainen K, Lackman MH, Ranta A, Hemanthakumar KA, Kubota Y, Alitalo K. Interplay of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in organ-specific vessel maintenance. J Exp Med 2022; 219:212969. [PMID: 35050301 PMCID: PMC8785977 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20210565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGFRs) are quintessential for the development and maintenance of blood and lymphatic vessels. However, genetic interactions between the VEGFRs are poorly understood. VEGFR2 is the dominant receptor that is required for the growth and survival of the endothelium, whereas deletion of VEGFR1 or VEGFR3 was reported to induce vasculature overgrowth. Here we show that vascular regression induced by VEGFR2 deletion in postnatal and adult mice is aggravated by additional deletion of VEGFR1 or VEGFR3 in the intestine, kidney, and pancreas, but not in the liver or kidney glomeruli. In the adult mice, hepatic and intestinal vessels regressed within a few days after gene deletion, whereas vessels in skin and retina remained stable for at least four weeks. Our results show changes in endothelial transcriptomes and organ-specific vessel maintenance mechanisms that are dependent on VEGFR signaling pathways and reveal previously unknown functions of VEGFR1 and VEGFR3 in endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinem Karaman
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Paavonsalo
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Krista Heinolainen
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Madeleine H. Lackman
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Amanda Ranta
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Yoshiaki Kubota
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Lei D, Zhang X, Rouf MA, Mahendra Y, Wen L, Li Y, Zhang X, Li L, Wang L, Zhang T, Wang G, Wang Y. Noncanonical protease-activated receptor 1 regulates lymphatic differentiation in zebrafish. iScience 2021; 24:103386. [PMID: 34816109 PMCID: PMC8593614 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of lymphatic progenitors is a crucial step in lymphangiogenesis. However, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we found that noncanonical protease-activated receptor 1 (par1) regulates the differentiation of lymphatic progenitors in zebrafish embryos. Loss of par1 function impaired lymphatic differentiation by downregulating prox1a expression in parachordal lymphangioblasts and caused compromised thoracic duct formation in zebrafish. Meanwhile, the G protein gnai2a, a par1 downstream effector, was selectively required for lymphatic development in zebrafish, and its mutation mimicked the lymphatic phenotype observed in par1 mutants. Interestingly, mmp13, but not thrombin, was required for lymphatic development in zebrafish. Furthermore, analyses of genetic interactions confirmed that mmp13b serves as a par1 upstream protease to regulate lymphatic development in zebrafish embryos. Mechanistically, par1 promotes flt4 expression and phospho-Erk1/2 activity in the posterior cardinal vein. Taken together, our findings highlight a function of par1 in the regulation of lymphatic differentiation in zebrafish embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoxi Lei
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing 400021, China
| | - Xiuru Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Muhammad Abdul Rouf
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yoga Mahendra
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Lin Wen
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Li Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Luming Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yeqi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
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17
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Abstract
Cardiac lymphatics have emerged as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases to limit myocardial edema and inflammation, notably after myocardial infarction (MI). While most experimental therapeutic approaches have focused on vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) delivery, it remains uncertain to what degree the beneficial cardiac effects are related to lymphatic expansion in the heart. In this issue of the JCI, Keller, Lim, et al. reexamined the acute functional impact of endogenous cardiac lymphangiogenesis in the infarct zone after MI in mice. Their data, obtained by elegant comparisons of several complementary genetic mouse models, indicate that infarct expansion and left ventricular dilation and function after MI are unaffected by infarct lymphangiogenesis. This Commentary places the results into the context of previous findings. We believe these data will help further advance the research field of cardiac lymphatics to guide better clinical translation and benefit patients with ischemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebba Bråkenhielm
- Normandy University, UniRouen, Inserm (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale) UMR1096 (EnVI Laboratory), FHU CARNAVAL, Rouen, France
| | - Yuguo Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine of Shandong University, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yihai Cao
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Donnan MD, Kenig-Kozlovsky Y, Quaggin SE. The lymphatics in kidney health and disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2021; 17:655-675. [PMID: 34158633 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-021-00438-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian vascular system consists of two networks: the blood vascular system and the lymphatic vascular system. Throughout the body, the lymphatic system contributes to homeostatic mechanisms by draining extravasated interstitial fluid and facilitating the trafficking and activation of immune cells. In the kidney, lymphatic vessels exist mainly in the kidney cortex. In the medulla, the ascending vasa recta represent a hybrid lymphatic-like vessel that performs lymphatic-like roles in interstitial fluid reabsorption. Although the lymphatic network is mainly derived from the venous system, evidence supports the existence of lymphatic beds that are of non-venous origin. Following their development and maturation, lymphatic vessel density remains relatively stable; however, these vessels undergo dynamic functional changes to meet tissue demands. Additionally, new lymphatic growth, or lymphangiogenesis, can be induced by pathological conditions such as tissue injury, interstitial fluid overload, hyperglycaemia and inflammation. Lymphangiogenesis is also associated with conditions such as polycystic kidney disease, hypertension, ultrafiltration failure and transplant rejection. Although lymphangiogenesis has protective functions in clearing accumulated fluid and immune cells, the kidney lymphatics may also propagate an inflammatory feedback loop, exacerbating inflammation and fibrosis. Greater understanding of lymphatic biology, including the developmental origin and function of the lymphatics and their response to pathogenic stimuli, may aid the development of new therapeutic agents that target the lymphatic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Donnan
- Feinberg Cardiovascular & Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Susan E Quaggin
- Feinberg Cardiovascular & Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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19
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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.
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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
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20
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Redder E, Kirschnick N, Bobe S, Hägerling R, Hansmeier NR, Kiefer F. Vegfr3-tdTomato, a reporter mouse for microscopic visualization of lymphatic vessel by multiple modalities. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249256. [PMID: 34543279 PMCID: PMC8452004 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels are indispensable for tissue fluid homeostasis, transport of solutes and dietary lipids and immune cell trafficking. In contrast to blood vessels, which are easily visible by their erythrocyte cargo, lymphatic vessels are not readily detected in the tissue context. Their invisibility interferes with the analysis of the three-dimensional lymph vessel structure in large tissue volumes and hampers dynamic intravital studies on lymphatic function and pathofunction. An approach to overcome these limitations are mouse models, which express transgenic fluorescent proteins under the control of tissue-specific promotor elements. We introduce here the BAC-transgenic mouse reporter strain Vegfr3-tdTomato that expresses a membrane-tagged version of tdTomato under control of Flt4 regulatory elements. Vegfr3-tdTomato mice inherited the reporter in a mendelian fashion and showed selective and stable fluorescence in the lymphatic vessels of multiple organs tested, including lung, kidney, heart, diaphragm, intestine, mesentery, liver and dermis. In this model, tdTomato expression was sufficient for direct visualisation of lymphatic vessels by epifluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, lymph vessels were readily visualized using a number of microscopic modalities including confocal laser scanning, light sheet fluorescence and two-photon microscopy. Due to the early onset of VEGFR-3 expression in venous embryonic vessels and the short maturation time of tdTomato, this reporter offers an interesting alternative to Prox1-promoter driven lymphatic reporter mice for instance to study the developmental differentiation of venous to lymphatic endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Redder
- European Institute of Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Nils Kirschnick
- European Institute of Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bobe
- European Institute of Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - René Hägerling
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Friedemann Kiefer
- European Institute of Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
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21
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Monaghan RM, Page DJ, Ostergaard P, Keavney BD. The physiological and pathological functions of VEGFR3 in cardiac and lymphatic development and related diseases. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:1877-1890. [PMID: 33067626 PMCID: PMC8262640 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) are part of the evolutionarily conserved VEGF signalling pathways that regulate the development and maintenance of the body's cardiovascular and lymphovascular systems. VEGFR3, encoded by the FLT4 gene, has an indispensable and well-characterized function in development and establishment of the lymphatic system. Autosomal dominant VEGFR3 mutations, that prevent the receptor functioning as a homodimer, cause one of the major forms of hereditary primary lymphoedema; Milroy disease. Recently, we and others have shown that FLT4 variants, distinct to those observed in Milroy disease cases, predispose individuals to Tetralogy of Fallot, the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease, demonstrating a novel function for VEGFR3 in early cardiac development. Here, we examine the familiar and emerging roles of VEGFR3 in the development of both lymphovascular and cardiovascular systems, respectively, compare how distinct genetic variants in FLT4 lead to two disparate human conditions, and highlight the research still required to fully understand this multifaceted receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Monaghan
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Donna J Page
- School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Pia Ostergaard
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Bernard D Keavney
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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22
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Wang CA, Tsai SJ. Regulation of lymphangiogenesis by extracellular vesicles in cancer metastasis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:2048-2056. [PMID: 34139872 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211021022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is not only one of the hallmarks of cancer but, unfortunately, it also is the most accurate biomarker for poor prognosis. Cancer cells metastasize through two different but eventually merged routes, the vasculature and lymphatic systems. The processes of cancer metastasis through blood vessel have been extensively studied and are well documented in the literature. In contrast, metastasis through the lymphatic system is less studied. Most people believe that cancer cells metastasize through lymphatic vessel are passive because the lymphatic system is thought to be a sewage draining system that collects whatever appears in the tissue fluid. It was recently found that cancer cells disseminated from lymphatic vessels are protected from being destroyed by our body's defense system. Furthermore, some cancer cells or cancer-associated immune cells secrete lymphangiogenic factors to recruit lymphatic vessel infiltration to the tumor region, a process known as lymphangiogenesis. To ensure the efficiency of lymphangiogenesis, the lymphangiogenic mediators are carried or packed by nanometer-sized particles named extracellular vesicles. Extracellular vesicles are lipid bilayer particles released from eventually every single cell, including bacterium, with diameters ranging from 30 nm (exosome) to several micrometers (apoptotic body). Components carried by extracellular vesicles include but are not limited to DNA, RNA, protein, fatty acid, and other metabolites. Recent studies suggest that cancer cells not only secrete more extracellular vesicles but also upload critical mediators required for lymphatic metastasis onto extracellular vesicles. This review will summarize recent advances in cancer lymphatic metastasis and how cancer cells regulate this process via extracellular vesicle-dependent lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-An Wang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701
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23
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The BMP Pathway in Blood Vessel and Lymphatic Vessel Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126364. [PMID: 34198654 PMCID: PMC8232321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were originally identified as the active components in bone extracts that can induce ectopic bone formation. In recent decades, their key role has broadly expanded beyond bone physiology and pathology. Nowadays, the BMP pathway is considered an important player in vascular signaling. Indeed, mutations in genes encoding different components of the BMP pathway cause various severe vascular diseases. Their signaling contributes to the morphological, functional and molecular heterogeneity among endothelial cells in different vessel types such as arteries, veins, lymphatic vessels and capillaries within different organs. The BMP pathway is a remarkably fine-tuned pathway. As a result, its signaling output in the vessel wall critically depends on the cellular context, which includes flow hemodynamics, interplay with other vascular signaling cascades and the interaction of endothelial cells with peri-endothelial cells and the surrounding matrix. In this review, the emerging role of BMP signaling in lymphatic vessel biology will be highlighted within the framework of BMP signaling in the circulatory vasculature.
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24
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Jafree DJ, Long DA, Scambler PJ, Ruhrberg C. Mechanisms and cell lineages in lymphatic vascular development. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:271-288. [PMID: 33825109 PMCID: PMC8205918 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09784-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels have critical roles in both health and disease and their study is a rapidly evolving area of vascular biology. The consensus on how the first lymphatic vessels arise in the developing embryo has recently shifted. Originally, they were thought to solely derive by sprouting from veins. Since then, several studies have uncovered novel cellular mechanisms and a diversity of contributing cell lineages in the formation of organ lymphatic vasculature. Here, we review the key mechanisms and cell lineages contributing to lymphatic development, discuss the advantages and limitations of experimental techniques used for their study and highlight remaining knowledge gaps that require urgent attention. Emerging technologies should accelerate our understanding of how lymphatic vessels develop normally and how they contribute to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniyal J Jafree
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - David A Long
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Peter J Scambler
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Christiana Ruhrberg
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
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25
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Llorián-Salvador M, Barabas P, Byrne EM, Lechner J, Augustine J, Curtis TM, Chen M, Xu H. VEGF-B Is an Autocrine Gliotrophic Factor for Müller Cells under Pathologic Conditions. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:35. [PMID: 32945843 PMCID: PMC7509798 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.11.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Müller glia are important in retinal health and disease and are a major source of retinal VEGF-A. Of the different VEGF family members, the role of VEGF-A in retinal health and disease has been studied extensively. The potential contribution of other VEGF family members to retinal pathophysiology, however, remains poorly defined. This study aimed to understand the role of VEGF-B in Müller cell pathophysiology. Methods The expression of different VEGFs and their receptors in human MIO-M1 and mouse QMMuC-1 Müller cell lines and primary murine Müller cells was examined by RT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot. The effect of recombinant VEGF-B or VEGF-B neutralization on Müller cell viability and survival under normal, hypoxic, and oxidative (4-hydroxynonenal [4-HNE]) conditions was evaluated by Alamar Blue, Yo-Pro uptake, and immunocytochemistry. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, aquaporin-4, inward rectifying K+ channel subtype 4.1, glutamine synthetase, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 under different treatment conditions was examined by RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and Western blot. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 channel activity was assessed using a Fura-2–based calcium assay. Results VEGF-B was expressed in Müller cells at the highest levels compared with other members of the VEGF family. VEGF-B neutralization did not affect Müller cell viability or functionality under normal conditions, but enhanced hypoxia– or 4-HNE–induced Müller cell death and decreased inward rectifying K+ channel subtype 4.1 and aquaporin-4 expression. Recombinant VEGF-B restored Müller cell glutamine synthetase expression under hypoxic conditions and protected Müller cells from 4-HNE–induced damage by normalizing transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 channel expression and activity. Conclusions Autocrine production of VEGF-B protects Müller cells under pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Llorián-Salvador
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL. Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Barabas
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL. Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Eimear M Byrne
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL. Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Lechner
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL. Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Josy Augustine
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL. Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy M Curtis
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL. Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mei Chen
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL. Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Heping Xu
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL. Belfast, United Kingdom
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26
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Lin Q, Zhang Y, Bai J, Liu J, Li H. VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis protects against pressure-overload induced cardiac dysfunction through regulation of lymphangiogenesis. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e374. [PMID: 33783987 PMCID: PMC7989711 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged pressure overload triggers cardiac hypertrophy and frequently leads to heart failure (HF). Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and its receptor VEGFR-3 are components of the central pathway for lymphatic vessel growth (also known as lymphangiogenesis), which has crucial functions in the maintenance of tissue fluid balance and myocardial function after ischemic injury. However, the roles of this pathway in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction during pressure overload remain largely unknown. Eight- to 10-week-old male wild-type (WT) mice, VEGFR-3 knockdown (VEGFR-3f/- ) mice, and their WT littermates (VEGFR-3f/f ) were subjected to pressure overload induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) for 1-6 weeks. We found that cardiac lymphangiogenesis and the protein expression of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were upregulated in the early stage of cardiac hypertrophy but were markedly reduced in failing hearts. Moreover, TAC for 6 weeks significantly reduced cardiac lymphangiogenesis by inhibiting activation of VEGFR-3-mediated signals (AKT/ERK1/2, calcineurin A/NFATc1/FOXc2, and CX43), leading to increased cardiac edema, hypertrophy, fibrosis, apoptosis, inflammation, and dysfunction. These effects were further aggravated in VEGFR-3f/- mice and were dose-dependently attenuated by delivery of recombinant VEGF-C156S in WT mice. VEGF-C156s administration also reversed pre-established cardiac dysfunction induced by sustained pressure overload. Thus, these results demonstrate, for the first time, that activation of the VEGF-C-VEGFR-3 axis exerts a protective effect during the transition from cardiac hypertrophy to HF and highlight selective stimulation of cardiac lymphangiogenesis as a potential new therapeutic approach for hypertrophic heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu‐Yue Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiovascular DiseasesFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Yun‐Long Zhang
- Department of Emergency MedicineBeijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chaoyang HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jie Bai
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiovascular DiseasesFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Jin‐Qiu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiovascular DiseasesFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Hui‐Hua Li
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiovascular DiseasesFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
- Department of Emergency MedicineBeijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chaoyang HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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27
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Zhu J, Luo Y, Zhao Y, Kong Y, Zheng H, Li Y, Gao B, Ai L, Huang H, Huang J, Li Z, Chen C. circEHBP1 promotes lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis of bladder cancer via miR-130a-3p/TGFβR1/VEGF-D signaling. Mol Ther 2021; 29:1838-1852. [PMID: 33545359 PMCID: PMC8116613 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic metastasis constitutes a leading cause of recurrence and mortality in bladder cancer. Accumulating evidence indicates that lymphangiogenesis is indispensable to trigger lymphatic metastasis. However, the specific mechanism is poorly understood. In the present study, we revealed a pathway involved in lymphatic metastasis of bladder cancer, in which a circular RNA (circRNA) facilitated lymphangiogenesis in a vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C)-independent manner. Novel circRNA circEHBP1 was markedly upregulated in bladder cancer and correlated positively with lymphatic metastasis and poor prognosis of patients with bladder cancer. circEHBP1 upregulated transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1) expression through physically binding to miR-130a-3p and antagonizing the suppression effect of miR-130a-3p on the 3′ UTR region of TGFBR1. Subsequently, circEHBP1-mediated TGFβR1 overexpression activated the TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling pathway, thereby promoting the secretion of VEGF-D and driving lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in bladder cancer. Importantly, administration of VEGF-D neutralizing antibodies remarkably blocked circEHBP1-induced lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in vivo. Our findings highlighted that the circEHBP1/miR-130a-3p/TGFβR1/VEGF-D axis contributes to lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis of bladder cancer independent of VEGF-C, which might lead to the development of circEHBP1 as a potential biomarker and promising therapeutic target for lymphatic metastasis in bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yuming Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yao Kong
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Hanhao Zheng
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yuting Li
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Bowen Gao
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Le Ai
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
| | - Zhihua Li
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
| | - Changhao Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
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28
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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.
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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,
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29
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Dimova I, Rizov M, Giragosyan S, Koprinarova M, Tzoneva D, Belemezova K, Hristova-Savova M, Milachich T, Djonov V, Shterev A. Molecular pathogenesis of spontaneous abortions - Whole genome copy number analysis and expression of angiogenic factors. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 59:99-104. [PMID: 32039809 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2019.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study two major molecular alterations in spontaneous abortions (SA) with unexplained etiology - fetal genomic anomalies and the endometrial expression of main angiogenic factors VEGFA/VEGFR2 and chemokines SDF-1/CXCR4. MATERIALS AND METHODS Whole genome copy number analysis by arrayCGH or Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was applied for detection of fetal genomic imbalances. The abortive decidua of SA without fetal aneuploidies was further investigated for expression levels of the abovementioned factors using real time PCR analysis. A total of 30 abortive materials were collected from spontaneous abortions after exclusion of known predisposing factors. RESULTS In 21 of 30 spontaneous abortions (70%), genomic anomalies were discovered by whole genome copy number analysis. Numerical anomalies were detected in 90% of aberrant cases, and in 10% - structural aberrations were revealed. An increased expression for essential factors of angiogenesis was identified in spontaneous abortions' tissues - 3.44 times for VEGFA and 10.29 times for VEGFR2. We found an average of 14 times increase in the expression levels of SDF-1 and 3.21 times for its receptor CXCR4. CONCLUSION We could suggest the occurrence of increased angiogenesis in SA without fetal aneuploidies, compared to the control tissues, which could lead to increased oxidative stress and fetal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivanka Dimova
- Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University Sofia, Zdrave Str.2, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria; Genetics Department, SAGBAL "Dr Shterev", Hristo Blagoev Str. 25, 1330 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Momchil Rizov
- Genetics Department, SAGBAL "Dr Shterev", Hristo Blagoev Str. 25, 1330 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Silva Giragosyan
- Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University Sofia, Zdrave Str.2, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Miglena Koprinarova
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dochka Tzoneva
- UMBAL "Aleksandrovska", Medical University Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Kalina Belemezova
- Genetics Department, SAGBAL "Dr Shterev", Hristo Blagoev Str. 25, 1330 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Tanya Milachich
- Genetics Department, SAGBAL "Dr Shterev", Hristo Blagoev Str. 25, 1330 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Valentin Djonov
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, CH-3000, Berne-9, Switzerland
| | - Atanas Shterev
- Genetics Department, SAGBAL "Dr Shterev", Hristo Blagoev Str. 25, 1330 Sofia, Bulgaria
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30
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Zhao L, Chen H, Lu L, Wang L, Zhang X, Guo X. New insights into the role of co-receptor neuropilins in tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and targeted therapy strategies. J Drug Target 2020; 29:155-167. [PMID: 32838575 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2020.1815210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Local tumour sites lead to pathological angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis due to malignant conditions such as hypoxia. Although VEGF and VEGFR are considered to be the main anti-tumour treatment targets, the problems of limited efficacy and observable side effects of some drugs relevant to this target still remain to be solved. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new therapeutic targets for angiogenesis or lymphangiogenesis. The neuropilin family is a class of single transmembrane glycoprotein receptors, including neuropilin1 (NRP1) and neuropilin2 (NRP2), which could act as co-receptors of VEGFA-165 and VEGFC and play a key role in promoting tumour proliferation, invasion and metastasis. In this review, we introduced the schematic diagram to visually reveal the function of NRP1 and NRP2 in enhancing the binding affinity of VEGFR2 to VEGFA-165 and VEGFR3 to VEGFC, respectively. We also discussed the signalling pathways that depend on the co-receptors NRP1 and NRP2 and some existing targeted therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies, targeted peptides, microRNAs and small molecule inhibitors. It will contribute a vital foundation for the future research and development of new drugs targeting NRPs. HIGHLIGHTS NRP1 acts as a co-receptor with VEGFR2 and the pro-angiogenic factor VEGFA-165 to up-regulate tumour angiogenesis by promoting endothelial cells proliferation, survival, migration, invasion and by preventing of apoptosis. NRP2 acts as a co-receptor with VEGFR3 and the pro-lymphogenic factor VEGFC to facilitate tumour metastasis by promoting lymphangiogenesis. Although NRP1 and NRP2 do not have enzymatic signalling activity, the affinity of VEGFR2 for VEGFA-165 and VEGFR3 for VEGFC can increase in a co-receptor manner, as detailed in the schematic. The exclusive roles of NRP1 and NRP2 in signalling pathways are specifically described to emphasise the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in co-receptors. Various studies have shown that the co-receptors NRP1 and NRP2 can be directly or indirectly targeted by different methods to prevent tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Therapeutic strategies targeting NRPs look promising soon as evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongyuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong University Affiliated Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuli Guo
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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31
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Munir H, Mazzaglia C, Shields JD. Stromal regulation of tumor-associated lymphatics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 161-162:75-89. [PMID: 32783989 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances have identified a growing array of roles played by lymphatics in the tumor microenvironment, from providing a route of metastasis to immune modulation. The tumor microenvironment represents an exceptionally complex, dynamic niche comprised of a diverse mixture of cancer cells and normal host cells termed the stroma. This review discusses our current understanding of stromal elements and how they regulate lymphatic growth and functional properties in the tumor context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafsa Munir
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Box 197 Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ
| | - Corrado Mazzaglia
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Box 197 Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ
| | - Jacqueline D Shields
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Box 197 Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ.
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32
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Wang CA, Chang IH, Hou PC, Tai YJ, Li WN, Hsu PL, Wu SR, Chiu WT, Li CF, Shan YS, Tsai SJ. DUSP2 regulates extracellular vesicle-VEGF-C secretion and pancreatic cancer early dissemination. J Extracell Vesicles 2020; 9:1746529. [PMID: 32341770 PMCID: PMC7170376 DOI: 10.1080/20013078.2020.1746529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early dissemination is a unique characteristic and a detrimental process of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); however, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we investigate the role of dual-specificity phosphatase-2 (DUSP2)-vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) axis in mediating PDAC lymphangiogenesis and lymphovascular invasion. Expression of DUSP2 is greatly suppressed in PDAC, which results in increased aberrant expression of extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated VEGF-C secretion. EV-VEGF-C exerts paracrine effects on lymphatic endothelial cells and autocrine effects on cancer cells, resulting in the lymphovascular invasion of cancer cells. Tissue-specific knockout of Dusp2 in mouse pancreas recapitulates PDAC phenotype and lymphovascular invasion. Mechanistically, loss-of-DUSP2 enhances proprotein convertase activity and vesicle trafficking to promote the release of the mature form of EV-VEGF-C. Collectively, these findings represent a conceptual advance in understanding pancreatic cancer lymphovascular invasion and suggest that loss-of-DUSP2-mediated VEGF-C processing may play important roles in early dissemination of pancreatic cancer. Abbreviations: DUSP2: dual-specificity phosphatase-2; VEGF-C: vascular endothelial growth factor-C; EV: extracellular vesicles; PDAC: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; KD: knockdown
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-An Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - I-Heng Chang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chi Hou
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jing Tai
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ning Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ling Hsu
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Rung Wu
- Institute of Oral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tai Chiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Feng Li
- Department of Pathology, Chi-Mei Foundational Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Shen Shan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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33
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Targeting angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in kidney disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2020; 16:289-303. [PMID: 32144398 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-020-0260-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The kidney is permeated by a highly complex vascular system with glomerular and peritubular capillary networks that are essential for maintaining the normal functions of glomerular and tubular epithelial cells. The integrity of the renal vascular network depends on a balance of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors, and disruption of this balance has been identified in various kidney diseases. Decreased levels of the predominant proangiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), can result in glomerular microangiopathy and contribute to the onset of preeclampsia, whereas upregulation of VEGFA has roles in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Other factors that regulate angiogenesis, such as angiopoietin 1 and vasohibin 1, have been shown to be protective in animal models of DKD and renal fibrosis. The renal lymphatic system is important for fluid homeostasis in the kidney, as well as the transport of immune cells and antigens. Experimental studies suggest that the lymphangiogenic factor VEGFC might have protective effects in PKD, DKD and renal fibrosis. Understanding the physiological and pathological roles of factors that regulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in the kidney has led to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for kidney diseases.
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34
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TMEM100 is a key factor for specification of lymphatic endothelial progenitors. Angiogenesis 2020; 23:339-355. [PMID: 32112176 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-020-09713-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TMEM100 is identified as a downstream gene of bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) signaling via activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1), which is known to participate in lymphangiogenesis as well as angiogenesis. TMEM100 has been shown to be important for blood vessel formation and maintenance, but its role in the development of lymphatic vasculature remains unknown. The objective is to investigate the role of TMEM100 in development of the lymphatic system. METHODS AND RESULTS Global Tmem100 gene deletion was induced by tamoxifen on 10.5 days post-coitus. Tmem100-inducible knockout (iKO) embryos in embryonic days (E)14.5-16.5 exhibited edema and blood-filled enlarged lymphatics with misconnections between veins and lymphatic vessels. For a reciprocal approach, we have generated a novel mouse line in which TMEM100 overexpression (OE) can be induced in endothelial cells by intercrossing with Tie2-Cre driver. TMEM100-OE embryos at E12.5-14.5 exhibited edema with small size and number of lymphatic vessels, the exact opposite phenotypes of Tmem100-iKOs. In Tmem100-iKO embryos, the number of progenitors of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in the cardinal vein was increased, while it was decreased in TMEM100-OE embryos. The activity of NOTCH signaling, which limits the number of progenitors of LECs in the cardinal vein, was decreased in Tmem100-iKO embryos, whereas it was increased in TMEM100-OE embryos. CONCLUSION TMEM100 plays an important role in the specification of LECs in the cardinal veins, at least in part, by regulating the NOTCH signaling.
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35
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Eckert N, Permanyer M, Yu K, Werth K, Förster R. Chemokines and other mediators in the development and functional organization of lymph nodes. Immunol Rev 2020; 289:62-83. [PMID: 30977201 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Secondary lymphoid organs like lymph nodes (LNs) are the main inductive sites for adaptive immune responses. Lymphocytes are constantly entering LNs, scanning the environment for their cognate antigen and get replenished by incoming cells after a certain period of time. As only a minor percentage of lymphocytes recognizes cognate antigen, this mechanism of permanent recirculation ensures fast and effective immune responses when necessary. Thus, homing, positioning, and activation as well as egress require precise regulation within LNs. In this review we discuss the mediators, including chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, and others that are involved in the formation of the LN anlage and subsequent functional organization of LNs. We highlight very recent findings in the fields of LN development, steady-state migration in LNs, and the intranodal processes during an adaptive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Eckert
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marc Permanyer
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kai Yu
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kathrin Werth
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reinhold Förster
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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36
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Lymphatic vessels in human adipose tissue. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 379:511-520. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03108-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDespite being considered present in most vascularised tissues, lymphatic vessels have not been properly shown in human adipose tissue (AT). Our goal in this study is to investigate an unanswered question in AT biology, regarding lymphatic network presence in tissue parenchyma. Using human subcutaneous (S-) and visceral (V-) AT samples with whole mount staining for lymphatic specific markers and three-dimensional imaging, we showed lymphatic capillaries and larger lymphatic vessels in the human VAT. Conversely, in the human SAT, microcirculatory lymphatic vascular structures were rarely detected and no initial lymphatics were found.
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37
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Vegfc/d-dependent regulation of the lymphatic vasculature during cardiac regeneration is influenced by injury context. NPJ Regen Med 2019; 4:18. [PMID: 31452940 PMCID: PMC6706389 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-019-0079-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature mediates essential physiological functions including fluid homeostasis, lipid and hormone transport, and immune cell trafficking. Recent studies have suggested that promoting lymphangiogenesis enhances cardiac repair following injury, but it is unknown whether lymphangiogenesis is required for cardiac regeneration. Here, we describe the anatomical distribution, regulation, and function of the cardiac lymphatic network in a highly regenerative zebrafish model system using transgenic reporter lines and loss-of-function approaches. We show that zebrafish lacking functional vegfc and vegfd signaling are devoid of a cardiac lymphatic network and display cardiac hypertrophy in the absence of injury, suggesting a role for these vessels in cardiac tissue homeostasis. Using two different cardiac injury models, we report a robust lymphangiogenic response following cryoinjury, but not following apical resection injury. Although the majority of mutants lacking functional vegfc and vegfd signaling were able to mount a full regenerative response even in the complete absence of a cardiac lymphatic vasculature, cardiac regeneration was severely impaired in a subset of mutants, which was associated with heightened pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling. These findings reveal a context-dependent requirement for the lymphatic vasculature during cardiac growth and regeneration.
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38
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Meningeal lymphatic vessels at the skull base drain cerebrospinal fluid. Nature 2019; 572:62-66. [PMID: 31341278 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1419-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 389] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent work has shown that meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), mainly in the dorsal part of the skull, are involved in the clearance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but the precise route of CSF drainage is still unknown. Here we reveal the importance of mLVs in the basal part of the skull for this process by visualizing their distinct anatomical location and characterizing their specialized morphological features, which facilitate the uptake and drainage of CSF. Unlike dorsal mLVs, basal mLVs have lymphatic valves and capillaries located adjacent to the subarachnoid space in mice. We also show that basal mLVs are hotspots for the clearance of CSF macromolecules and that both mLV integrity and CSF drainage are impaired with ageing. Our findings should increase the understanding of how mLVs contribute to the neuropathophysiological processes that are associated with ageing.
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39
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Morfoisse F, Noel A. Lymphatic and blood systems: Identical or fraternal twins? Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 114:105562. [PMID: 31278994 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2019.105562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Blood and lymphatic systems work in close collaboration to ensure their respective physiological functions. The lymphatic vessel network is being extensively studied, but has been overlooked as compared to the blood vasculature mainly due to the problematic discrimination of lymphatic vessels from the blood ones. This issue has been fortunately resolved in the past decade leading to the emergence of a huge amount of data in lymphatic biology revealing many shared features with the blood vasculature. However, this likeliness between the two vascular systems may lead to a simplistic view of lymphatics and a direct transcription of what is known for the blood system to the lymphatic one, thereby neglecting the lymphatic specificities. In this context, this review aims to clarify the main differences between the two vascular systems focusing on recently discovered lymphatic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Morfoisse
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Agnès Noel
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA (GIGA-Cancer), Liege University, B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
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40
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Baker E, Whiteoak N, Hall L, France J, Wilson D, Bhaskar P. Mammaglobin-A, VEGFR3, and Ki67 in Human Breast Cancer Pathology and Five Year Survival. BREAST CANCER-BASIC AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2019; 13:1178223419858957. [PMID: 31263371 PMCID: PMC6595648 DOI: 10.1177/1178223419858957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background/Methods: This study determines the co-expression of mammaglobin-A, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR3) and Ki67 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tissue samples from 80 patients undergoing breast surgery (cancer or benign disease). The tissue expression was compared with the tumour histopathology and Kaplan Meier 5-year survival analysis was performed. Results: Positive breast tissue expression was observed in 53% samples for mammaglobin, 41% Ki67 and 65% VEGFR3 with a significant positive correlation between Ki67 and VEGFR3 co-expression. Ki67 and VEGFR3 expression correlated with the breast tumour grade and Ki67 expression also correlated with oestrogen receptor (ER) status. At 5 years post-operatively, 6/80 patients had died and 3 patients were alive but had cancer recurrence. High Ki67 expression significantly correlated with poor survival (disease-free and overall). Conclusions: In this study, VEGFR3 and Ki67 expression but not mammaglobin-A correlated with breast tumour pathology. Positive Ki67 expression was also associated with a poor 5-year survival outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Baker
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton on Tees, UK
- Elizabeth Baker, Department of Surgery, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton on Tees TS19 8PE, UK.
| | - Naomi Whiteoak
- Department of Histopathology, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton on Tees, UK
| | - Louise Hall
- Department of Histopathology, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton on Tees, UK
| | - James France
- Department of Histopathology, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton on Tees, UK
| | - Deborah Wilson
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton on Tees, UK
| | - Pudupalayam Bhaskar
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton on Tees, UK
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41
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Increased Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-D Following Brain Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071594. [PMID: 30935023 PMCID: PMC6479775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) A and B occur during blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and angiogenesis following brain injury. In this study, the temporal and spatial expression of VEGF-D and VEGF receptors-2 and -3 (VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3, respectively) was determined at the mRNA and protein level in the rat cortical cold-injury model over a period of 0.5 to 6 days post-injury. In order to relate endothelial VEGF-D protein expression with BBB breakdown, dual labeling immunofluorescence was performed using antibodies to VEGF-D and to fibronectin, a marker of BBB breakdown. In control rats, VEGF-D signal was only observed in scattered perivascular macrophages in the cerebral cortex. The upregulation of VEGF-D mRNA expression was observed in the injury site between days 0.5 to 4, coinciding with the period of BBB breakdown and angiogenesis. At the protein level, intracerebral vessels with BBB breakdown to fibronectin in the lesion on days 0.5 to 4 failed to show endothelial VEGF-D. Between days 0.5 to 6, an increased VEGF-D immunoreactivity was noted in the endothelium of pial vessels overlying the lesion site, in neutrophils, macrophages, and free endothelial cells within the lesion. The upregulation of VEGFR-2 and -3 mRNA and protein expression was observed early post-injury on day 0.5. Although there was concurrent expression of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and VEGF-D post-injury, differences in their spatial expression during BBB breakdown and angiogenesis suggest that they have specific and separate roles in these processes.
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42
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Suh SH, Choe K, Hong SP, Jeong SH, Mäkinen T, Kim KS, Alitalo K, Surh CD, Koh GY, Song JH. Gut microbiota regulates lacteal integrity by inducing VEGF-C in intestinal villus macrophages. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:embr.201846927. [PMID: 30783017 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201846927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A lacteal is a blunt-ended, long, tube-like lymphatic vessel located in the center of each intestinal villus that provides a unique route for drainage of absorbed lipids from the small intestine. However, key regulators for maintaining lacteal integrity are poorly understood. Here, we explore whether and how the gut microbiota regulates lacteal integrity. Germ depletion by antibiotic treatment triggers lacteal regression during adulthood and delays lacteal maturation during the postnatal period. In accordance with compromised lipid absorption, the button-like junction between lymphatic endothelial cells, which is ultrastructurally open to permit free entry of dietary lipids into lacteals, is significantly reduced in lacteals of germ-depleted mice. Lacteal defects are also found in germ-free mice, but conventionalization of germ-free mice leads to normalization of lacteals. Mechanistically, VEGF-C secreted from villus macrophages upon MyD88-dependent recognition of microbes and their products is a main factor in lacteal integrity. Collectively, we conclude that the gut microbiota is a crucial regulator for lacteal integrity by endowing its unique microenvironment and regulating villus macrophages in small intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Heon Suh
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kibaek Choe
- Graduate School of Nanoscience and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seon Pyo Hong
- Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seung-Hwan Jeong
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Taija Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kwang Soon Kim
- Academy of Immunology and Microbiology, Institute for Basic Science, Pohang, Korea
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Translational Cancer Biology Program and Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Charles D Surh
- Academy of Immunology and Microbiology, Institute for Basic Science, Pohang, Korea
| | - Gou Young Koh
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea .,Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Joo-Hye Song
- Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Korea
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43
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Mechanosensing by β1 integrin induces angiocrine signals for liver growth and survival. Nature 2018; 562:128-132. [PMID: 30258227 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0522-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Angiocrine signals derived from endothelial cells are an important component of intercellular communication and have a key role in organ growth, regeneration and disease1-4. These signals have been identified and studied in multiple organs, including the liver, pancreas, lung, heart, bone, bone marrow, central nervous system, retina and some cancers1-4. Here we use the developing liver as a model organ to study angiocrine signals5,6, and show that the growth rate of the liver correlates both spatially and temporally with blood perfusion to this organ. By manipulating blood flow through the liver vasculature, we demonstrate that vessel perfusion activates β1 integrin and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3). Notably, both β1 integrin and VEGFR3 are strictly required for normal production of hepatocyte growth factor, survival of hepatocytes and liver growth. Ex vivo perfusion of adult mouse liver and in vitro mechanical stretching of human hepatic endothelial cells illustrate that mechanotransduction alone is sufficient to turn on angiocrine signals. When the endothelial cells are mechanically stretched, angiocrine signals trigger in vitro proliferation and survival of primary human hepatocytes. Our findings uncover a signalling pathway in vascular endothelial cells that translates blood perfusion and mechanotransduction into organ growth and maintenance.
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44
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Nadarajah N, Schulte D, McConnell V, Martin-Almedina S, Karapouliou C, Mortimer PS, Jeffery S, Schulte-Merker S, Gordon K, Mansour S, Ostergaard P. A Novel Splice-Site Mutation in VEGFC Is Associated with Congenital Primary Lymphoedema of Gordon. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082259. [PMID: 30071673 PMCID: PMC6121331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphedema is characterized by chronic swelling of any body part caused by malfunctioning or obstruction in the lymphatic system. Primary lymphedema is often considered genetic in origin. VEGFC, which is a gene encoding the ligand for the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3/FLT4) and important for lymph vessel development during lymphangiogenesis, has been associated with a specific subtype of primary lymphedema. Through Sanger sequencing of a proband with bilateral congenital pedal edema resembling Milroy disease, we identified a novel mutation (NM_005429.2; c.361+5G>A) in VEGFC. The mutation induced skipping of exon 2 of VEGFC resulting in a frameshift and the introduction of a premature stop codon (p.Ala50ValfsTer18). The mutation leads to a loss of the entire VEGF-homology domain and the C-terminus. Expression of this Vegfc variant in the zebrafish floorplate showed that the splice-site variant significantly reduces the biological activity of the protein. Our findings confirm that the splice-site variant, c.361+5G>A, causes the primary lymphedema phenotype in the proband. We examine the mutations and clinical phenotypes of the previously reported cases to review the current knowledge in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noeline Nadarajah
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Dörte Schulte
- Institute of Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
- CiM Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003 CiM), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Vivienne McConnell
- Northern Ireland Regional Genetics Service, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast BT9 7AB, UK.
| | - Silvia Martin-Almedina
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Christina Karapouliou
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Peter S Mortimer
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Steve Jeffery
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Stefan Schulte-Merker
- Institute of Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
- CiM Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003 CiM), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Kristiana Gordon
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Sahar Mansour
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Unit, St George's University Hospitals, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Pia Ostergaard
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
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Abstract
The blood and lymphatic vasculatures are vital to the maintenance of homeostasis. The interaction between two vascular networks throughout the body is precisely controlled to enable oxygen and nutrient delivery, removal of carbon dioxide and metabolic waste, drainage of interstitial fluid, transport of immune cells, and other key activities. Recent years have seen an explosion of information dealing with the development and function of the lymphatic system. The growth of lymphatic vessels, termed lymphangiogenesis, is a high-energy requirement process that involves sprouting, proliferation, migration, and remodeling of lymphatic endothelial cells and capillaries. Although there has been substantial progress in identifying growth factors and their downstream signaling pathways that control lymphangiogenesis, the role of metabolic processes during lymphangiogenesis and their links to growth factor signaling are poorly understood. In this review, we will discuss recent work that has provided new insights into lymphatic metabolism and its role in lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heon-Woo Lee
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pengchun Yu
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael Simons
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Sakima M, Hayashi H, Mamun AA, Sato M. VEGFR-3 signaling is regulated by a G-protein activator, activator of G-protein signaling 8, in lymphatic endothelial cells. Exp Cell Res 2018; 368:13-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Wong BW, Zecchin A, García-Caballero M, Carmeliet P. Emerging Concepts in Organ-Specific Lymphatic Vessels and Metabolic Regulation of Lymphatic Development. Dev Cell 2018; 45:289-301. [PMID: 29738709 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The lymphatic system has been less well characterized than the blood vascular system; however, work in recent years has uncovered novel regulators and non-venous lineages that contribute to lymphatic formation in various organs. Further, the identification of organ-specific lymphatic beds underscores their potential interaction with organ development and function, and highlights the possibility of targeting these organ-specific lymphatics beds in disease. This review focuses on newly described metabolic and epigenetic regulators of lymphangiogenesis and the interplay between lymphatic development and function in a number of major organ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian W Wong
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 - B912, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Annalisa Zecchin
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 - B912, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Melissa García-Caballero
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 - B912, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 - B912, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
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48
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Jha SK, Rauniyar K, Jeltsch M. Key molecules in lymphatic development, function, and identification. Ann Anat 2018; 219:25-34. [PMID: 29842991 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
While both blood and lymphatic vessels transport fluids and thus share many similarities, they also show functional and structural differences, which can be used to differentiate them. Specific visualization of lymphatic vessels has historically been and still is a pivot point in lymphatic research. Many of the proteins that are investigated by molecular biologists in lymphatic research have been defined as marker molecules, i.e. to visualize and distinguish lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) from other cell types, most notably from blood vascular endothelial cells (BECs) and cells of the hematopoietic lineage. Among the factors that drive the developmental differentiation of lymphatic structures from venous endothelium, Prospero homeobox protein 1 (PROX1) is the master transcriptional regulator. PROX1 maintains lymphatic identity also in the adult organism and thus is a universal LEC marker. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) is the major tyrosine kinase receptor that drives LEC proliferation and migration. The major activator for VEGFR-3 is vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C). However, before VEGF-C can signal, it needs to be proteolytically activated by an extracellular protein complex comprised of Collagen and calcium binding EGF domains 1 (CCBE1) protein and the protease A disintegrin and metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 3 (ADAMTS3). This minireview attempts to give an overview of these and a few other central proteins that scientific inquiry has linked specifically to the lymphatic vasculature. It is limited in scope to a brief description of their main functions, properties and developmental roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawan Kumar Jha
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Khushbu Rauniyar
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Jeltsch
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Finland; Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Finland.
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49
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Sáinz-Jaspeado M, Claesson-Welsh L. Cytokines regulating lymphangiogenesis. Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 53:58-63. [PMID: 29680577 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels are established by differentiation of lymphendothelial progenitors during embryogenesis. Lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels from pre-existing ones is rare in the healthy adult but takes place during pathological conditions such as inflammation, tissue repair and tumor growth. Conditions of dysfunctional lymphatics exist after surgical interventions or in certain genetic diseases. A key lymphangiogenic stimulator is vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGFC) acting on VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR3) expressed on lymphendothelial cells. Other cytokines may act directly to regulate lymphangiogenesis positively or negatively, or indirectly by inducing expression of VEGFC. This review describes different known lymphangiogenic cytokines, their mechanism of action and role in lymphangiogenesis in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Sáinz-Jaspeado
- Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Dag Hammarskjöldsv. 20, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lena Claesson-Welsh
- Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Dag Hammarskjöldsv. 20, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
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50
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Zhang Y, Ulvmar MH, Stanczuk L, Martinez-Corral I, Frye M, Alitalo K, Mäkinen T. Heterogeneity in VEGFR3 levels drives lymphatic vessel hyperplasia through cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1296. [PMID: 29615616 PMCID: PMC5882855 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03692-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Incomplete delivery to the target cells is an obstacle for successful gene therapy approaches. Here we show unexpected effects of incomplete targeting, by demonstrating how heterogeneous inhibition of a growth promoting signaling pathway promotes tissue hyperplasia. We studied the function of the lymphangiogenic VEGFR3 receptor during embryonic and post-natal development. Inducible genetic deletion of Vegfr3 in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) leads to selection of non-targeted VEGFR3+ cells at vessel tips, indicating an indispensable cell-autonomous function in migrating tip cells. Although Vegfr3 deletion results in lymphatic hypoplasia in mouse embryos, incomplete deletion during post-natal development instead causes excessive lymphangiogenesis. Analysis of mosaically targeted endothelium shows that VEGFR3− LECs non-cell-autonomously drive abnormal vessel anastomosis and hyperplasia by inducing proliferation of non-targeted VEGFR3+ LECs through cell-contact-dependent reduction of Notch signaling. Heterogeneity in VEGFR3 levels thus drives vessel hyperplasia, which has implications for the understanding of mechanisms of developmental and pathological tissue growth. VEGF-C is a key regulator of lymphatic development. Here, Zhang et al. show that while complete loss of its receptor VEGFR3 results in vessel hypoplasia, mosaic loss of VEGFR3 leads to hyperplasia through induction of cell proliferation in neighboringnon-targeted cells, uncovering cell- and non-cell-autonomous roles for VEGFR3 during lymphatic vessel growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria H Ulvmar
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lukas Stanczuk
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ines Martinez-Corral
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maike Frye
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taija Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
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