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Zhou Y, Xu M, Shen W, Xu Y, Shao A, Xu P, Yao K, Han H, Ye J. Recent Advances in Nanomedicine for Ocular Fundus Neovascularization Disease Management. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304626. [PMID: 38406994 PMCID: PMC11468720 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304626] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
As an indispensable part of the human sensory system, visual acuity may be impaired and even develop into irreversible blindness due to various ocular pathologies. Among ocular diseases, fundus neovascularization diseases (FNDs) are prominent etiologies of visual impairment worldwide. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs remains the primary therapy but is hurdled by common complications and incomplete potency. To renovate the current therapeutic modalities, nanomedicine emerged as the times required, which is endowed with advanced capabilities, able to fulfill the effective ocular fundus drug delivery and achieve precise drug release control, thus further improving the therapeutic effect. This review provides a comprehensive summary of advances in nanomedicine for FND management from state-of-the-art studies. First, the current therapeutic modalities for FNDs are thoroughly introduced, focusing on the key challenges of ocular fundus drug delivery. Second, nanocarriers are comprehensively reviewed for ocular posterior drug delivery based on the nanostructures: polymer-based nanocarriers, lipid-based nanocarriers, and inorganic nanoparticles. Thirdly, the characteristics of the fundus microenvironment, their pathological changes during FNDs, and corresponding strategies for constructing smart nanocarriers are elaborated. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects of nanomedicine for FND management are thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhou
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Mingyu Xu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Wenyue Shen
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Xu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - An Shao
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Peifang Xu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Haijie Han
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Juan Ye
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
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Verma M, Asakura Y, Wang X, Zhou K, Ünverdi M, Kann AP, Krauss RS, Asakura A. Endothelial cell signature in muscle stem cells validated by VEGFA-FLT1-AKT1 axis promoting survival of muscle stem cell. eLife 2024; 13:e73592. [PMID: 38842166 PMCID: PMC11216748 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73592] [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: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial and skeletal muscle lineages arise from common embryonic progenitors. Despite their shared developmental origin, adult endothelial cells (ECs) and muscle stem cells (MuSCs; satellite cells) have been thought to possess distinct gene signatures and signaling pathways. Here, we shift this paradigm by uncovering how adult MuSC behavior is affected by the expression of a subset of EC transcripts. We used several computational analyses including single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) to show that MuSCs express low levels of canonical EC markers in mice. We demonstrate that MuSC survival is regulated by one such prototypic endothelial signaling pathway (VEGFA-FLT1). Using pharmacological and genetic gain- and loss-of-function studies, we identify the FLT1-AKT1 axis as the key effector underlying VEGFA-mediated regulation of MuSC survival. All together, our data support that the VEGFA-FLT1-AKT1 pathway promotes MuSC survival during muscle regeneration, and highlights how the minor expression of select transcripts is sufficient for affecting cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayank Verma
- Department of Pediatrics & Neurology, Division of Pediatric Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
- Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
| | - Yoko Asakura
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
- Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
| | - Xuerui Wang
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
- Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
| | - Kasey Zhou
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
- Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
| | - Mahmut Ünverdi
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
- Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
| | - Allison P Kann
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciencesf, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Robert S Krauss
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciencesf, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Atsushi Asakura
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
- Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisUnited States
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3
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Yetisgin AA, Durak S, Kutlu O, Cetinel S. Hyaluronan-Sphingosine Polymersomes for Treatment of Ocular Neovascularization: Synthesis and Evaluation. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300531. [PMID: 38318988 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Ocular neovascularization is a hallmark of several sight-threatening diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Currently, available treatments are limited and often associated with side effects. Therefore, a novel approach to ocular neovascularization treatment through utilization of polymersomes from self-assembled sphingosine-grafted hyaluronic acid (HA-Sph) amphiphilic polymers is presented. The polymersomes are generated in spherical morphologies and sizes between 97.95 - 161.9 nm with homogenous size distributions. Experiments reveal that HA-Sph polymersomes, with concentrations ≥150 µg mL-1, significantly inhibit the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), while concurrently promoting the proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells. The polymersomes demonstrate gradual disintegration in vitro, leading to sustained release of sphingosine, which prolongs the inhibition of HUVEC proliferation (from 87.5% at 24 h to 35.2% viability at 96 h). The efficacy of polymersomes in inhibiting angiogenesis is confirmed through tube formation assay, revealing a substantial reduction in tube length compared to the control group. The findings also validate the ocular penetration capability of polymersomes through ex vivo whole porcine eye ocular penetration study, indicating their suitability for topical administration. Potentially, HA-Sph polymersomes can be harnessed to develop intricate drug delivery systems that protect the retina and effectively treat ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abuzer Alp Yetisgin
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Sabanci University, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Materials Science and Nano-Engineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey
| | - Saliha Durak
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Sabanci University, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Kutlu
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Sabanci University, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey
| | - Sibel Cetinel
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Sabanci University, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey
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Wang J, Yan YL, Yu XY, Pan JY, Liu XL, Hong LL, Wang B. Meroterpenoids from Marine Sponge Hyrtios sp. and Their Anticancer Activity against Human Colorectal Cancer Cells. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:183. [PMID: 38667800 PMCID: PMC11051118 DOI: 10.3390/md22040183] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Two new meroterpenoids, hyrtamide A (1) and hyrfarnediol A (2), along with two known ones, 3-farnesyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester (3) and dictyoceratin C (4), were isolated from a South China Sea sponge Hyrtios sp. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS data. Compounds 2-4 exhibited weak cytotoxicity against human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116), showing IC50 values of 41.6, 45.0, and 37.3 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 3 and 4 significantly suppressed the invasion of HCT-116 cells while also downregulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) and vimentin proteins, which are key markers associated with angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our findings suggest that compounds 3 and 4 may exert their anti-invasive effects on tumor cells by inhibiting the expression of VEGFR-1 and impeding the process of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Biomedical Products, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.-L.Y.); (X.-Y.Y.); (J.-Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Yue-Lu Yan
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Biomedical Products, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.-L.Y.); (X.-Y.Y.); (J.-Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Xin-Yi Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Biomedical Products, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.-L.Y.); (X.-Y.Y.); (J.-Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Jia-Yan Pan
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Biomedical Products, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.-L.Y.); (X.-Y.Y.); (J.-Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Xin-Lian Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Biomedical Products, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.-L.Y.); (X.-Y.Y.); (J.-Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Li-Li Hong
- Research Center for Marine Drugs, Department of Pharmacy, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Biomedical Products, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.-L.Y.); (X.-Y.Y.); (J.-Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
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5
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Ceci C, Lacal PM, Barbaccia ML, Mercuri NB, Graziani G, Ledonne A. The VEGFs/VEGFRs system in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: Pathophysiological roles and therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107101. [PMID: 38336311 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their cognate receptors (VEGFRs), besides their well-known involvement in physiological angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis and in diseases associated to pathological vessel formation, play multifaceted functions in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to shaping brain development, by controlling cerebral vasculogenesis and regulating neurogenesis as well as astrocyte differentiation, the VEGFs/VEGFRs axis exerts essential functions in the adult brain both in physiological and pathological contexts. In this article, after describing the physiological VEGFs/VEGFRs functions in the CNS, we focus on the VEGFs/VEGFRs involvement in neurodegenerative diseases by reviewing the current literature on the rather complex VEGFs/VEGFRs contribution to the pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. Thereafter, based on the outcome of VEGFs/VEGFRs targeting in animal models of AD and PD, we discuss the factual relevance of pharmacological VEGFs/VEGFRs modulation as a novel and potential disease-modifying approach for these neurodegenerative pathologies. Specific VEGFRs targeting, aimed at selective VEGFR-1 inhibition, while preserving VEGFR-2 signal transduction, appears as a promising strategy to hit the molecular mechanisms underlying AD pathology. Moreover, therapeutic VEGFs-based approaches can be proposed for PD treatment, with the aim of fine-tuning their brain levels to amplify neurotrophic/neuroprotective effects while limiting an excessive impact on vascular permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ceci
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Luisa Barbaccia
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Neurology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Rome, Italy; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ada Ledonne
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Rome, Italy; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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6
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Zhan Q, Liu B, Situ X, Luo Y, Fu T, Wang Y, Xie Z, Ren L, Zhu Y, He W, Ke Z. New insights into the correlations between circulating tumor cells and target organ metastasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:465. [PMID: 38129401 PMCID: PMC10739776 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01725-9] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ-specific metastasis is the primary cause of cancer patient death. The distant metastasis of tumor cells to specific organs depends on both the intrinsic characteristics of the tumor cells and extrinsic factors in their microenvironment. During an intermediate stage of metastasis, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are released into the bloodstream from primary and metastatic tumors. CTCs harboring aggressive or metastatic features can extravasate to remote sites for continuous colonizing growth, leading to further lesions. In the past decade, numerous studies demonstrated that CTCs exhibited huge clinical value including predicting distant metastasis, assessing prognosis and monitoring treatment response et al. Furthermore, increasingly numerous experiments are dedicated to identifying the key molecules on or inside CTCs and exploring how they mediate CTC-related organ-specific metastasis. Based on the above molecules, more and more inhibitors are being developed to target CTCs and being utilized to completely clean CTCs, which should provide promising prospects to administer advanced tumor. Recently, the application of various nanomaterials and microfluidic technologies in CTCs enrichment technology has assisted to improve our deep insights into the phenotypic characteristics and biological functions of CTCs as a potential therapy target, which may pave the way for us to make practical clinical strategies. In the present review, we mainly focus on the role of CTCs being involved in targeted organ metastasis, especially the latest molecular mechanism research and clinical intervention strategies related to CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinru Zhan
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Bixia Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Situ
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yuting Luo
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Tongze Fu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yanxia Wang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Zhongpeng Xie
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Ren
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
| | - Weiling He
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- School of Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, 361000, Xiamen, Fujian, P.R. China.
| | - Zunfu Ke
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
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Kang MJ, Roh KH, Lee JS, Lee JH, Park S, Lim DW. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 Targeting Fusion Polypeptides with Stimuli-Responsiveness for Anti-angiogenesis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37384534 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Genetically engineered fusion polypeptides have been investigated to introduce unique bio-functionality and improve some therapeutic activity for anti-angiogenesis. We report herein that stimuli-responsive, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) targeting fusion polypeptides composed of a VEGFR1 (fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt1)) antagonist, an anti-Flt1 peptide, and a thermally responsive elastin-based polypeptide (EBP) were rationally designed at the genetic level, biosynthesized, and purified by inverse transition cycling to develop potential anti-angiogenic fusion polypeptides to treat neovascular diseases. A series of hydrophilic EBPs with different block lengths were fused with an anti-Flt1 peptide, forming anti-Flt1-EBPs, and the effect of EBP block length on their physicochemical properties was examined. While the anti-Flt1 peptide decreased phase-transition temperatures of anti-Flt1-EBPs, compared with EBP blocks, anti-Flt1-EBPs were soluble under physiological conditions. The anti-Flt1-EBPs dose dependently inhibited the binding of VEGFR1 against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as well as tube-like network formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells under VEGF-triggered angiogenesis in vitro because of the specific binding between anti-Flt1-EBPs and VEGFR1. Furthermore, the anti-Flt1-EBPs suppressed laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in a wet age-related macular degeneration mouse model in vivo. Our results indicate that anti-Flt1-EBPs as VEGFR1-targeting fusion polypeptides have great potential for efficacious anti-angiogenesis to treat retinal-, corneal-, and choroidal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jeong Kang
- Department of Bionano Engineering and Department of Bionanotechnology, Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Kug-Hwan Roh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Sang Lee
- Department of Bionano Engineering and Department of Bionanotechnology, Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hee Lee
- Department of Bionano Engineering and Department of Bionanotechnology, Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - SaeGwang Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Woo Lim
- Department of Bionano Engineering and Department of Bionanotechnology, Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
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Screening assays for tyrosine kinase inhibitors:A review. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 223:115166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.115166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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9
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Chen J, Liu J, Xu B, Cao Y, Liang X, Wu F, Shen X, Ma X, Liu J. Ethoxy-erianin phosphate and afatinib synergistically inhibit liver tumor growth and angiogenesis via regulating VEGF and EGFR signaling pathways. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 438:115911. [PMID: 35143806 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.115911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on solid tumors is limited by drug resistance and side effects. Currently, the combination therapy comprises of TKIs and angiogenesis inhibitors have been corroborated as an effective approach in cancer therapy. Ethoxy-erianin phosphate (EBTP) is an anti-angiogenic compound with low toxicity obtained by structural modification of the natural product erianin. Here, we aimed to evaluate whether EBTP can cooperate with TKIs to inhibit the proliferation and angiogenesis of tumor cells and reduce toxic effects. First, CCK-8 results showed that EBTP can effectively inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cell line HepG2. We combined EBTP with four TKIs (Bosutinib, Apatinib, Afatinib and Erlotinib) to treat HepG2 cells and CompuSyn software analysis suggested that EBTP/Afatinib(Afa)shows the best synergistic inhibitory effect. Meanwhile, EBTP/Afa can significantly suppress the proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis of HepG2 and HUVECs. ELISA results revealed that EBTP/Afa inhibits the secretion of VEGF in HepG2. EBTP/Afa down-regulates the expression of VEGF, p-VEGFR1, p-VEGFR2 and p-EGFR in both HepG2 and HUVECs. Further, the supernatant of HepG2 cells treated with EBTP/Afa blocks the intracellular downstream signal transduction shared by VEGF and EGFR in HUVECs. Finally, EBTP/Afa significantly inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo. To conclude, EBTP/Afa targets VEGF and EGFR signaling pathways in liver cancer cells and tumor vasculature, thereby inhibiting the proliferation, motion and angiogenesis of liver cancer cells. Overall, this study provides a new combined strategy for the clinical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Baixue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiou Cao
- Department of Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, China; Key Laboratory of Whole-period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer (SMHC), Minhang Hospital & AHS, Fudan University, China
| | - Xin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanhong Wu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Green Fluoropharmaceutical Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Xiaodong Shen
- Department of Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, China; Key Laboratory of Whole-period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer (SMHC), Minhang Hospital & AHS, Fudan University, China.
| | - Xiaoying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Moret F, Conte C, Esposito D, Dal Poggetto G, Avitabile C, Ungaro F, Tiso N, Romanelli A, Laurienzo P, Reddi E, Quaglia F. Biodegradable nanoparticles combining cancer cell targeting and anti-angiogenic activity for synergistic chemotherapy in epithelial cancer. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2022; 12:2488-2500. [PMID: 34973132 PMCID: PMC9458690 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-01090-6] [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] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A biodegradable engineered nanoplatform combining anti-angiogenic activity and targeting of cancer cells to improve the anticancer activity of docetaxel (DTX) is here proposed. Indeed, we have developed biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone), exposing on the surface both folate motifs (Fol) for recognition in cells overexpressing Folate receptor-α (FRα) and the anti-angiogenic hexapeptide aFLT1. NPs showed a size around 100 nm, the exposure of 60% of Fol moieties on the surface, and the ability to entrap DTX and sustain its release with time. NPs were stable in simulated biological fluids and slightly interacted with Fetal Bovine serum, especially in the formulation decorated with Fol and aFLT1. The presence of Fol on NPs did not impair the anti-angiogenic activity of aFLT1, as assessed by in vitro tube formation assay in HUVEC endothelial cells. In both 2D and 3D KB cell cultures in vitro, the cytotoxicity of DTX loaded in NPs was not significantly affected by Fol/aFLT1 double decoration compared to free DTX. Remarkably, NPs distributed differently in 3D multicellular spheroids of FRα-positive KB cancer cells depending on the type of ligand displayed on the surface. In particular, NPs unmodified on the surface were randomly distributed in the spheroid, whereas the presence of Fol promoted the accumulation in the outer rims of the spheroid. Finally, NPs with Fol and aFLT1 gave a uniform distribution throughout the spheroid structure. When tested in zebrafish embryos xenografted with KB cells, NPs displaying Fol/aFLT1 reduced DTX systemic toxicity and inhibited the growth of the tumor mass and associated vasculature synergistically. Overall, nanotechnology offers excellent ground for combining therapeutic concepts in cancer, paving the way to novel multifunctional nanopharmaceuticals decorated with bioactive elements that can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Moret
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, 35121, Italy
| | - Claudia Conte
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Diletta Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Ungaro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, 35121, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romanelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Paola Laurienzo
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, CNR, Pozzuoli, 80078, Italy
| | - Elena Reddi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, 35121, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Quaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, 80131, Italy. .,Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, CNR, Pozzuoli, 80078, Italy.
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11
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Li Q, Zhou R, Sun Y, Xiao D, Liu M, Zhao D, Peng S, Chen Y, Lin Y. Synthesis and Antitumor Application of Antiangiogenetic Gold Nanoclusters. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:11708-11720. [PMID: 33656845 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c01164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Conventional antiangiogenetic inhibitors suffered from poor delivery problems that result in unsatisfactory antitumor treatment efficacy. Although the liposomes or nanomaterial-based delivery systems can improve the therapeutic efficacy of antiangiogenic molecules, the assembly process is far too complex. Herein, a nanomaterial or a new nanodrug that could work without the help of a carrier and could be easily synthesized is needed. Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) are a kind of ideal nanostructures that could spontaneously enter into the cell and could be synthesized by a relatively easy one-pot method. Here, changing the traditional ligand glutathione (GSH) into an anti-Flt1 peptide (AF) has enriched the newly synthesized AF@AuNCs with targeted antiangiogenic properties. Based on the specific binding between AF and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1), the interaction between VEGFR1 and its ligands could be blocked. Furthermore, the expression of VEGFR2 could be downregulated. Compared with pure AF peptide- and GSH-participated AuNCs (GSH@AuNCs), AF@AuNCs were more effective in inhibiting both tube formation and migration of the endothelial cells in vitro. Furthermore, the in vivo chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) experiment and antitumor experiment were conducted to further verify the enhanced antiangiogenesis and tumor inhibition effect of AF@AuNCs. Our findings provide promising evidence of a carrier-free nanodrug for tumors and other vascular hyperproliferative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qirong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- West China School of Stomatology, Oral Pathology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ronghui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dexuan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mengting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shuanglin Peng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- West China School of Stomatology, Oral Pathology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yunfeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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12
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Hou H, Wang J, Wang J, Tang W, Shaikh AS, Li Y, Fu J, Lu L, Wang F, Sun F, Tan H. A Review of Bioactive Peptides: Chemical Modification, Structural Characterization and Therapeutic Applications. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 16:1687-1718. [PMID: 33485398 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2020.3001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the development and applications of protein drugs have attracted extensive attention from researchers. However, the shortcomings of protein drugs also limit their further development. Therefore, bioactive peptides isolated or simulated from protein polymers have broad application prospects in food, medicine, biotechnology, and other industries. Such peptides have a molecular weight distribution between 180 and 1000 Da. As a small molecule substance, bioactive peptide is usually degraded by various enzymes in the organism and have a short half-life. At the same time, such substances have poor stability and are difficult to produce and store. Therefore, these active peptides may be modified through phosphorylation, glycosylation, and acylation. Compared with other protein drugs, the modified active peptides are more easily absorbed by the body, have longer half-life, stronger targeting, and fewer side effects in addition to higher bioavailability. In the light of their functions, bioactive peptide can be divided into antimicrobial, anti-tumour, anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, and anti-hypertensive peptides. This article mainly focuses on the introduction of several promising biologically active peptides functioning as antimicrobial, anti-tumour, antiangiogenic, and antioxidant peptides from the three aspects modification, structural characteristics and mechanism of action.
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13
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Luo K, Zhang L, Liao Y, Zhou H, Yang H, Luo M, Qing C. Effects and mechanisms of Eps8 on the biological behaviour of malignant tumours (Review). Oncol Rep 2021; 45:824-834. [PMID: 33432368 PMCID: PMC7859916 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 (Eps8) was initially identified as the substrate for the kinase activity of EGFR, improving the responsiveness of EGF, which is involved in cell mitosis, differentiation and other physiological functions. Numerous studies over the last decade have demonstrated that Eps8 is overexpressed in most ubiquitous malignant tumours and subsequently binds with its receptor to activate multiple signalling pathways. Eps8 not only participates in the regulation of malignant phenotypes, such as tumour proliferation, invasion, metastasis and drug resistance, but is also related to the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients. Therefore, Eps8 is a potential tumour diagnosis and prognostic biomarker and even a therapeutic target. This review aimed to describe the structural characteristics, role and related molecular mechanism of Eps8 in malignant tumours. In addition, the prospect of Eps8 as a target for cancer therapy is examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Yunnan Tumor Hospital and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University; Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Liao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Hongying Yang
- Department of Gynecology, Yunnan Tumor Hospital and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University; Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Min Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Chen Qing
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
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14
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Vaquié A, Sauvain A, Duman M, Nocera G, Egger B, Meyenhofer F, Falquet L, Bartesaghi L, Chrast R, Lamy CM, Bang S, Lee SR, Jeon NL, Ruff S, Jacob C. Injured Axons Instruct Schwann Cells to Build Constricting Actin Spheres to Accelerate Axonal Disintegration. Cell Rep 2020; 27:3152-3166.e7. [PMID: 31189102 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
After a peripheral nerve lesion, distal ends of injured axons disintegrate into small fragments that are subsequently cleared by Schwann cells and later by macrophages. Axonal debris clearing is an early step of the repair process that facilitates regeneration. We show here that Schwann cells promote distal cut axon disintegration for timely clearing. By combining cell-based and in vivo models of nerve lesion with mouse genetics, we show that this mechanism is induced by distal cut axons, which signal to Schwann cells through PlGF mediating the activation and upregulation of VEGFR1 in Schwann cells. In turn, VEGFR1 activates Pak1, leading to the formation of constricting actomyosin spheres along unfragmented distal cut axons to mediate their disintegration. Interestingly, oligodendrocytes can acquire a similar behavior as Schwann cells by enforced expression of VEGFR1. These results thus identify controllable molecular cues of a neuron-glia crosstalk essential for timely clearing of damaged axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Vaquié
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Alizée Sauvain
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Mert Duman
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland; Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gianluigi Nocera
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland; Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Boris Egger
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland; Bioimage Light Microscopy Facility, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Felix Meyenhofer
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland; Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland; Bioimage Light Microscopy Facility, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Falquet
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland; Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland; Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of Fribourg and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Luca Bartesaghi
- Departments of Neuroscience and Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roman Chrast
- Departments of Neuroscience and Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Seokyoung Bang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung-Ryeol Lee
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sophie Ruff
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Claire Jacob
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland; Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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15
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Guan S, Zhang Q, Bao J, Hu R, Czech T, Tang J. Recognition Sites for Cancer-targeting Drug Delivery Systems. Curr Drug Metab 2020; 20:815-834. [PMID: 31580248 DOI: 10.2174/1389200220666191003161114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Target-homing drug delivery systems are now gaining significant attention for use as novel therapeutic approaches in antitumor targeting for cancer therapy. Numerous targeted drug delivery systems have been designed to improve the targeting effects because these systems can display a range of favorable properties, thus, providing suitable characteristics for clinical applicability of anticancer drugs, such as increasing the solubility, and improving the drug distribution at target sites. The majority of these targeting systems are designed with respect to differences between cancerous and normal tissues, for instance, the low pH of tumor tissues or overexpressed receptors on tumor cell membranes. Due to the growing number of targeting possibilities, it is important to know the tumor-specific recognition strategies for designing novel, targeted, drug delivery systems. Herein, we identify and summarize literature pertaining to various recognition sites for optimizing the design of targeted drug delivery systems to augment current chemotherapeutic approaches. OBJECTIVE This review focuses on the identification of the recognition sites for developing targeted drug delivery systems for use in cancer therapeutics. METHODS We have reviewed and compiled cancer-specific recognition sites and their abnormal characteristics within tumor tissues (low pH, high glutathione, targetable receptors, etc.), tumor cells (receptor overexpression or tumor cell membrane changes) and tumor cell organelles (nuclear and endoplasmic reticular dysregulation) utilizing existing scientific literature. Moreover, we have highlighted the design of some targeted drug delivery systems that can be used as homing tools for these recognition sites. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Targeted drug delivery systems are a promising therapeutic approach for tumor chemotherapy. Additional research focused on finding novel recognition sites, and subsequent development of targeting moieties for use with drug delivery systems will aid in the evaluation and clinical application of new and improved chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Guan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jianwei Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Rongfeng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui "115" Xin'an Medicine Research & Development Innovation Team, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Tori Czech
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, United States
| | - Jihui Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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16
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Ceci C, Atzori MG, Lacal PM, Graziani G. Role of VEGFs/VEGFR-1 Signaling and its Inhibition in Modulating Tumor Invasion: Experimental Evidence in Different Metastatic Cancer Models. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1388. [PMID: 32085654 PMCID: PMC7073125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members, VEGF-A, placenta growth factor (PlGF), and to a lesser extent VEGF-B, play an essential role in tumor-associated angiogenesis, tissue infiltration, and metastasis formation. Although VEGF-A can activate both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 membrane receptors, PlGF and VEGF-B exclusively interact with VEGFR-1. Differently from VEGFR-2, which is involved both in physiological and pathological angiogenesis, in the adult VEGFR-1 is required only for pathological angiogenesis. Besides this role in tumor endothelium, ligand-mediated stimulation of VEGFR-1 expressed in tumor cells may directly induce cell chemotaxis and extracellular matrix invasion. Furthermore, VEGFR-1 activation in myeloid progenitors and tumor-associated macrophages favors cancer immune escape through the release of immunosuppressive cytokines. These properties have prompted a number of preclinical and clinical studies to analyze VEGFR-1 involvement in the metastatic process. The aim of the present review is to highlight the contribution of VEGFs/VEGFR-1 signaling in the progression of different tumor types and to provide an overview of the therapeutic approaches targeting VEGFR-1 currently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ceci
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.A.)
| | - Maria Grazia Atzori
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.A.)
| | - Pedro Miguel Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, “Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico”, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy;
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.A.)
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17
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Pan X, Xu J, Jia X. Research Progress Evaluating the Function and Mechanism of Anti-Tumor Peptides. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:397-409. [PMID: 32021452 PMCID: PMC6970611 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s232708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors cause a high mortality rate worldwide, and they severely threaten human health and negatively affect the economy. Despite the advancements in tumor-related molecular genetics and effective new processes in anti-tumor drug development, the anti-tumor drugs currently used in clinical practice are inadequate due to their poor efficacy or severe side effects. Therefore, developing new safe and efficient drugs is a top priority for curing cancer. The peptide has become a suitable agent due to its exact molecular weight between whole protein and small molecule, and it has high targeting ability, high penetrability, low immunogenicity, and is convenient to synthesize and easy to modify. Because of these advantages, peptides have excellent prospect for application as anti-tumor agents. This article reviews the recent research progress evaluating anti-tumor peptides and their anti-tumor mechanisms, and may act as a reference for the future development and clinical application of anti-tumor peptides. ![]()
Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: https://youtu.be/snZy3e6sVio
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxing Pan
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Jia
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
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18
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Tarallo V, Iaccarino E, Cicatiello V, Sanna R, Ruvo M, De Falco S. Oral Delivery of a Tetrameric Tripeptide Inhibitor of VEGFR1 Suppresses Pathological Choroid Neovascularization. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020410. [PMID: 31936463 PMCID: PMC7014271 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the primary cause of blindness in advanced countries. Repeated intravitreal delivery of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents has represented an important advancement for the therapy of wet AMD with significative results in terms of blindness prevention and partial vision restore. Nonetheless, some patients are not responsive or do not attain significant visual improvement, intravitreal injection may cause serious complications and important side effects have been reported for the prolonged block of VEGF-A. In order to evaluate new anti-angiogenic strategies, we focused our attention on VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1) developing a specific VEGFR-1 antagonist, a tetrameric tripeptide named inhibitor of VEGFR 1 (iVR1). We have evaluated its anti-angiogenic activity in the preclinical model of AMD, the laser-induced choroid neovascularization (CNV). iVR1 is able to potently inhibit CNV when delivered by intravitreal injection. Surprisingly, it is able to significantly reduce CNV also when delivered by gavage. Our data show that the specific block of VEGFR1 in vivo represents a valid alternative to the block of VEGF-A and that the inhibition of the pathological neovascularization at ocular level is also possible by systemic delivery of compounds not targeting VEGF-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Tarallo
- Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica ‘Adriano Buzzati-Traverso’—CNR, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Cicatiello
- Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica ‘Adriano Buzzati-Traverso’—CNR, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Menotti Ruvo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini—CNR, 80134 Napoli, Italy
- ANBITION s.r.l., Department of R&D, 80128 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sandro De Falco
- Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica ‘Adriano Buzzati-Traverso’—CNR, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- ANBITION s.r.l., Department of R&D, 80128 Napoli, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-081-6132-354
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19
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Verma M, Shimizu-Motohashi Y, Asakura Y, Ennen JP, Bosco J, Zhou Z, Fong GH, Josiah S, Keefe D, Asakura A. Inhibition of FLT1 ameliorates muscular dystrophy phenotype by increased vasculature in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008468. [PMID: 31877123 PMCID: PMC6932757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive genetic disease in which the dystrophin coding for a membrane stabilizing protein is mutated. Recently, the vasculature has also shown to be perturbed in DMD and DMD model mdx mice. Recent DMD transcriptomics revealed the defects were correlated to a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. To reveal the relationship between DMD and VEGF signaling, mdx mice were crossed with constitutive (CAGCreERTM:Flt1LoxP/LoxP) and endothelial cell-specific conditional gene knockout mice (Cdh5CreERT2:Flt1LoxP/LoxP) for Flt1 (VEGFR1) which is a decoy receptor for VEGF. Here, we showed that while constitutive deletion of Flt1 is detrimental to the skeletal muscle function, endothelial cell-specific Flt1 deletion resulted in increased vascular density, increased satellite cell number and improvement in the DMD-associated phenotype in the mdx mice. These decreases in pathology, including improved muscle histology and function, were recapitulated in mdx mice given anti-FLT1 peptides or monoclonal antibodies, which blocked VEGF-FLT1 binding. The histological and functional improvement of dystrophic muscle by FLT1 blockade provides a novel pharmacological strategy for the potential treatment of DMD. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating muscle disease affecting one in 5,000 newborn males, in which the gene encoding the dystrophin protein is mutated. It is a progressive muscle degenerative disease with death by either respiratory insufficiency or cardiac failure in their 20s. Recently, the vasculature has also shown to be perturbed in DMD and DMD model mdx mice with the defects correlated to a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. To reveal the relationship between DMD and VEGF signaling, mdx mice were crossed with mice carrying mutated a decoy receptor gene (Flt1) for VEGF. Here, we showed that Flt1 deletion resulted in increased vascular density and improvement in the DMD-associated skeletal muscle phenotype in the mdx mice. These decreases in pathology, including improved muscle histology and function, were recapitulated in mdx mice given anti-FLT1 peptides or monoclonal antibodies, which blocked VEGF-FLT1 binding. The histological and functional improvement of dystrophic muscle by FLT1 blockade provides a novel pharmacological strategy for the potential treatment of DMD.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Gene Knockout Techniques
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/physiopathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/drug therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/physiopathology
- Organ Specificity
- Peptides/administration & dosage
- Peptides/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayank Verma
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Paul & Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Yuko Shimizu-Motohashi
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Paul & Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Yoko Asakura
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Paul & Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - James P. Ennen
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Paul & Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Bosco
- Shire Human Genetic Therapies, Inc., a member of the Takeda group of companies, Lexington, MA, United States of America
| | - Zhiwei Zhou
- Shire Human Genetic Therapies, Inc., a member of the Takeda group of companies, Lexington, MA, United States of America
| | - Guo-Hua Fong
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - Serene Josiah
- Shire Human Genetic Therapies, Inc., a member of the Takeda group of companies, Lexington, MA, United States of America
| | - Dennis Keefe
- Shire Human Genetic Therapies, Inc., a member of the Takeda group of companies, Lexington, MA, United States of America
| | - Atsushi Asakura
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Paul & Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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VEGFR-1 Regulates EGF-R to Promote Proliferation in Colon Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225608. [PMID: 31717527 PMCID: PMC6888064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways in tumor growth is well established. EGF induces VEGF production in cancer cells, and the paracrine VEGF activates vascular endothelial cells to promote tumor angiogenesis and thus supports tumor cell growth in an angiogenesis-dependent manner. In this study, we found angiogenesis-independent novel crosstalk between the VEGF and the EGF pathways in the regulation of colon cancer cell proliferation. Stimulation of colon cancer cells with VEGF-A and placental growth factor (PlGF) activated VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) and increased proliferation activity in an autocrine EGF/EGF receptor (EGF-R)-dependent manner. Mechanistically, VEGFR-1 interacted with and stabilized EGF-R, leading to increased EGF-R protein levels and prolonged its expression on cell surface plasma membrane. In contrast, VEGFR-1 blockade by a neutralizing antibody and an antagonistic peptide of VEGFR-1 suppressed the complex formation of VEGFR-1 and EGF-R and decreased EGF-R expression via a lysosome-dependent pathway, resulting in the suppression of proliferation activity. Our results indicated that VEGFR-1 regulated EGF-R expression to promote proliferation activity in a cell-autonomous-dependent manner.
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Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis of VEGF-A in Rat Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:5496197. [PMID: 31583245 PMCID: PMC6754870 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5496197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and Aims Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) bind VEGF-A with high affinity. This study sought to determine the relative contributions of these two receptors to receptor-mediated endocytosis of VEGF-A and to clarify their endocytic itineraries in rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). Methods Isolated LSECs and radiolabeled VEGF-A were used to examine surface binding and receptor-mediated endocytosis. Quantitative real time RT-PCR (Q-RT-PCR) and Western blotting were applied to demonstrate receptor expression. Results Q-RT-PCR analysis showed that VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 mRNA were expressed in LSECs. Ligand saturation analysis at 4°C indicated two different classes of [125I]-VEGFA binding sites on LSECs with apparent dissociation constants of 8 and 210 pM. At 37°C, LSECs efficiently took up and degraded [125I]-VEGF-A for at least 2 hours. Uptake of [125I]-VEGF-A by LSECs was blocked by dynasore that inhibits dynamin-dependent internalization, whereas inhibition of cysteine proteases by leupeptin inhibited degradation without affecting the uptake of [125I]-VEGF-A, suggesting that it is degraded following transport to lysosomes. Incubation of LSECs in the continued presence of a saturating concentration of unlabeled VEGF-A at 37°C was associated with a loss of as much as 75% of the total VEGFR2 within 30 min as shown by Western blot analysis, whereas there was no appreciable decrease in protein levels for VEGFR1 after 120 min incubation, suggesting that VEGF-A stimulation downregulates VEGFR2, but not VEGFR1, in LSECs. This possibility was supported by the observation that a hexapeptide that specifically blocks VEGF-A binding to VEGFR1 caused a marked reduction in the uptake of [125I]-VEGF-A, whereas a control peptide had no effect. Finally, live cell imaging studies using a fluorescently labeled anti-VEGFR2 antibody showed that VEGFR2 was transported via early and late endosomes to reach endolysosomes where degradation of the VEGFR2 takes place. Conclusion Our studies suggest that, subsequent to VEGF-A binding and internalization, the unoccupied VEGFR1 may recycle to the cell surface allowing its reutilization, whereas the majority of the internalized VEGFR2 is targeted for degradation.
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Yu X, Liang C, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Chen H. Inhibitory short peptides targeting EPS8/ABI1/SOS1 tri-complex suppress invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:878. [PMID: 31488087 PMCID: PMC6727365 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-6087-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to develop inhibitory short peptides that can prevent protein interactions of SOS1/EPS8/ABI1 tri-complex, a key component essential for ovarian cancer metastasis. Methods Plasmids containing various regions of HA-tagged ABI1 were co-transfected into ovarian cancer cells with Flag-tagged SOS1 or Myc-tagged EPS8. Co-immunoprecipitation and GST-pulldown assay were used to identify the regions of ABI1 responsible for SOS1 and EPS8 binding. Inhibitory short peptides of these binding regions were synthesized and modified with HIV-TAT sequence. The blocking effects of the peptides on ABI1-SOS1 or ABI1-EPS8 interactions in vitro and in vivo were determined by GST-pulldown assay. The capability of these short peptides in inhibiting invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer cell was tested by Matrigel invasion assay and peritoneal metastatic colonization assay. Results The formation of endogenous SOS1/EPS8/ABI1 tri-complex was detected in the event of LPA-induced ovarian cancer cell invasion. In the tri-complex, ABI1 acted as a scaffold protein holding together SOS1 and EPS8. The SH3 and poly-proline+PxxDY regions of ABI1 were responsible for SOS1 and EPS8 binding, respectively. Inhibitory short peptides p + p-8 (ppppppppvdyedee) and SH3–3 (ekvvaiydytkdkddelsfmegaii) could block ABI1-SOS1 and ABI1-EPS8 interaction in vitro. TAT-p + p-8 peptide could disrupt ABI1-EPS8 interaction and suppress the invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells in vivo. Conclusions TAT-p + p-8 peptide could efficiently disrupt the ABI1-EPS8 interaction, tri-complex formation, and block the invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechen Yu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Chuan Liang
- Department of Cardiothoracic vascular surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Yuanzhen Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Huijun Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China.
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Conte C, Moret F, Esposito D, Dal Poggetto G, Avitabile C, Ungaro F, Romanelli A, Laurienzo P, Reddi E, Quaglia F. Biodegradable nanoparticles exposing a short anti-FLT1 peptide as antiangiogenic platform to complement docetaxel anticancer activity. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2019; 102:876-886. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Zeriouh M, Sabashnikov A, Tenbrock A, Neef K, Merkle J, Eghbalzadeh K, Weber C, Liakopoulos OJ, Deppe AC, Stamm C, Cowan DB, Wahlers T, Choi YH. Dysregulation of proangiogeneic factors in pressure-overload left-ventricular hypertrophy results in inadequate capillary growth. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis 2019; 13:1753944719841795. [PMID: 31088231 PMCID: PMC6535753 DOI: 10.1177/1753944719841795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pressure-overload left-ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an increasingly prevalent pathological condition of the myocardial muscle and an independent risk factor for a variety of cardiac diseases. We investigated changes in expression levels of proangiogeneic genes in a small animal model of LVH. Methods: Myocardial hypertrophy was induced by transaortic constriction (TAC) in C57BL/6 mice and compared with sham-operated controls. The myocardial expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptors (KDR and FLT-1), stromal-cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1) and the transcription factors hypoxia-inducible factor-1 and 2 (HIF1 and HIF2) were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction over the course of 25 weeks. Histological sections were stained for caveolin-1 to visualize endothelial cells and determine the capillary density. The left-ventricular morphology and function were assessed weekly by electrocardiogram-gated magnetic resonance imaging. Results: The heart weight of TAC animals increased significantly from week 4 to 25 (p = 0.005) compared with sham-treated animals. At 1 day after TAC, the expression of VEGF and SDF1 also increased, but was downregulated again after 1 week. The expression of HIF2 was significantly downregulated after 1 week and remained at a lower level in the subsequent weeks. The expression level of FLT-1 was also significantly decreased 1 week after TAC. HIF-1 and KDR showed similar changes compared with sham-operated animals. However, the expression levels of HIF1 after 4 and 8 weeks were significantly decreased compared with day 1. KDR changes were significantly decreased after 1, 2, 4, 8 and 25 weeks compared with week 3. After 4 weeks post-TAC, the size of the capillary vessels increased (p = 0.005) while the capillary density itself decreased (TAC: 2143 ± 293 /mm2versus sham: 2531 ± 321 /mm2; p = 0.021). Starting from week 4, the left-ventricular ejection fraction decreased compared with controls (p = 0.049). Conclusions: The decrease in capillary density in the hypertrophic myocardium appears to be linked to the dysregulation in the expression of proangiogeneic factors. The results suggest that overcoming this dysregulation may lead to reconstitution of capillary density in the hypertrophic heart, and thus be beneficial for cardiac function and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Zeriouh
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anton Sabashnikov
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Arne Tenbrock
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Klaus Neef
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Merkle
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kaveh Eghbalzadeh
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carolyn Weber
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Christof Stamm
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
| | - Douglas B Cowan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thorsten Wahlers
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yeong-Hoon Choi
- Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Farzaneh Behelgardi M, Zahri S, Mashayekhi F, Mansouri K, Asghari SM. A peptide mimicking the binding sites of VEGF-A and VEGF-B inhibits VEGFR-1/-2 driven angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17924. [PMID: 30560942 PMCID: PMC6298961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36394-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Interfering with interactions of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) with their receptors (VEGFRs) effectively inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth. We designed an antagonist peptide of VEGF-A and VEGF-B reproducing two discontinuous receptor binding regions of VEGF-B (loop 1 and loop3) covalently linked together by a receptor binding region of VEGF-A (loop3). The designed peptide (referred to as VGB4) was able to bind to both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 on the Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) surface and inhibited VEGF-A driven proliferation, migration and tube formation in HUVECs through suppression of ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation. The whole-animal fluorescence imaging demonstrated that fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-VGB4 accumulated in the mammary carcinoma tumors (MCTs). Administration of VGB4 led to the regression of 4T1 murine MCT growth through decreased expression of p-VEGFR1 and p-VEGFR2 and abrogation of ERK1/2 and AKT activation followed by considerable decrease of tumor cell proliferation (Ki67 expression) and angiogenesis (CD31 and CD34 expression), induction of apoptosis (increased p53 expression, TUNEL staining and decreased Bcl2 expression), and suppression of metastasis (increased E-cadherin and decreased N-cadherin, NF-κB and MMP-9 expression). These findings indicate that VGB4 may be applicable for antiangiogenic and antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saber Zahri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
| | - Farhad Mashayekhi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Kamran Mansouri
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - S Mohsen Asghari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
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Sadremomtaz A, Mansouri K, Alemzadeh G, Safa M, Rastaghi AE, Asghari SM. Dual blockade of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 by a novel peptide abrogates VEGF-driven angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis through PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:2688-2700. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Anti‐Flt1 peptide and cyanine‐conjugated gold nanoparticles for the concurrent antiangiogenic and endothelial cell proton treatment. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2018; 107:1272-1283. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Kim MH, Kim SG, Kim DW. Tc-99m and Fluorescence-Labeled Anti-Flt1 Peptide as a Multimodal Tumor Imaging Agent Targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Receptor 1. Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2018; 52:359-367. [PMID: 30344784 DOI: 10.1007/s13139-018-0535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We developed a Tc-99m and fluorescence-labeled peptide, Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-GNQWFI, to target tumor cells, and evaluated the diagnostic performance as a dual-modality imaging agent for tumor in a murine model. Methods TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-GNQWFI was synthesized using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. Radiolabeling of TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-GNQWFI with Tc-99m was done using ligand exchange via tartrate. Binding affinity and in vitro cellular uptake studies were performed. Gamma camera imaging, biodistribution, and ex vivo imaging studies were performed in murine models with U87MG tumors. Tumor tissue slides were prepared and analyzed with immunohistochemistry using confocal microscopy. Results After radiolabeling procedures with Tc-99m, Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-GNQWFI complexes were prepared in high yield (> 95%). The K d of Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-GNQWFI determined by saturation binding was 29.5 ± 4.5 nM. Confocal microscopy images of U87MG cells incubated with TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-GNQWFI showed strong fluorescence in the cytoplasm. Gamma camera imaging revealed substantial uptake of Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-GNQWFI in tumors. Tumor uptake was effectively blocked by the co-injection of an excess concentration of GNQWFI. Specific uptake of Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-GNQWFI was assessed by biodistribution, ex vivo imaging, and immunohistochemistry stain studies. Conclusions In vivo and in vitro studies revealed substantial and specific uptake of Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-GNQWFI in tumor cells. Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-GNQWFI could be a good candidate dual-modality imaging agent for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myoung Hyoun Kim
- 1Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, 344-2 Shinyong-Dong, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do 570-711 Republic of Korea
| | - Seul-Gi Kim
- 2Research Unit of Molecular Imaging Agent (RUMIA), Wonkwang University School of Medicine, 344-2 Shinyong-Dong, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do 570-711 Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Weung Kim
- 1Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, 344-2 Shinyong-Dong, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do 570-711 Republic of Korea.,2Research Unit of Molecular Imaging Agent (RUMIA), Wonkwang University School of Medicine, 344-2 Shinyong-Dong, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do 570-711 Republic of Korea
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Tudisco L, Orlandi A, Tarallo V, De Falco S. Hypoxia activates placental growth factor expression in lymphatic endothelial cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:32873-32883. [PMID: 28427198 PMCID: PMC5464835 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF), a proangiogenic member of vascular endothelial growth family, is active during pathological conditions like cancer, metastasis formation and hind limb ischemia and in wound healing. Endothelial cells express PlGF and hypoxia positively modulates in vitro its expression. To verify whether hypoxia modulates PlGF expression in different cellular contexts and in vivo, we first analyzed five human and five mouse cancer cell lines showing that in eight of them hypoxia positively modulates PlGF. Next, we analyzed xenograft colorectal cancer tumors showing that human cancer cells were able to express PlGF in hypoxic area of the tumor. Surprisingly, we did not visualize mouse PlGF in CD31 positive tumor vessels, but in low CD31 positive vessels, a characteristic of lymphatic vessels. We found that hypoxia effectively activates PlGF expression in lymphatic endothelial cells as well as in LYVE1 positive tumor vessels. We also investigated two additional mouse angiogenic models, hind limb ischemia and wound healing, and we confirmed that lymphatic vessels of both ischemic muscles and skin express PlGF. These results show for the first time that hypoxia activates PlGF expression in lymphatic endothelial cells, which have to be considered an additional source for PlGF production in pathological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tudisco
- Angiogenesis LAB, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Augusto Orlandi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Anatomic Pathology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Tarallo
- Angiogenesis LAB, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro De Falco
- Angiogenesis LAB, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
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Trapiella-Alfonso L, Broussy S, Liu WQ, Vidal M, Lecarpentier E, Tsatsaris V, Gagey-Eilstein N. Colorimetric immunoassays for the screening and specificity evaluation of molecules disturbing VEGFs/VEGFRs interactions. Anal Biochem 2018; 544:114-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2017.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Tomida C, Yamagishi N, Nagano H, Uchida T, Ohno A, Hirasaka K, Nikawa T, Teshima-Kondo S. VEGF pathway-targeting drugs induce evasive adaptation by activation of neuropilin-1/cMet in colon cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2018. [PMID: 29532881 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic therapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGF-R) are important treatments for a number of human malignancies, including colorectal cancers. However, there is increasing evidence that VEGF/VEGF-R inhibitors promote the adaptive and evasive resistance of tumor cells to the therapies. The mechanism by which the cancer cells become resistant remains unclear. One potential mechanism is that VEGF/VEGF-R blockers directly act on tumor cells independently of anti-angiogenic effects. In this study, the direct effects of an anti-VEGF antibody (bevacizumab) and a VEGF-R tyrosine kinase inhibitor (sunitinib) on the evasive adaptation of colon cancer cells were compared. HCT116 and RKO human colon cancer cell lines were chronically exposed (3 months) to bevacizumab or sunitinib in vitro to establish bevacizumab- and sunitinib-adapted cells, respectively. Transwell migration and invasion assays, western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, co-immunoprecipitation analysis, cell survival assays and ELISAs were conducted to analyze the adapted cells. Compared with the control vehicle-treated cells, the two cell models exhibited increased migration and invasion activities to different degrees and through different mechanisms. The bevacizumab-adapted cells, but not in the sunitinib-adapted cells, exhibited redundantly increased expression levels of VEGF/VEGF-R family members, including VEGF-A, placental growth factor, VEGF-C, VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R3. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R3 were increased in the bevacizumab-adapted cells compared with the control cells. Thus, the inhibition of VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R3 decreased the evasive activities of the cells, suggesting that they remained dependent on redundant VEGF/VEGF-R signaling. By contrast, the sunitinib-adapted cells exhibited increased neuropilin-1 (NRP1) expression levels compared with the control cells. In the sunitinib-adapted cells, NRP1 interacted with phosphorylated cMet, and the cMet activation was dependent on NRP1. Thus, NRP1 or cMet blockade suppressed the evasive activation of the sunitinib-adapted cells. These results suggest that the sunitinib-adapted cells switched from a VEGF-R-dependent pathway to an alternative NRP1/cMet-dependent one. The findings of the present study indicate that VEGF/VEGF-R inhibitors directly act on colon cancer cells and activate their evasive adaptation via different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Tomida
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Naoko Yamagishi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Hikaru Nagano
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Osaka Prefecture University Graduate School, Habikino, Osaka 583-8555, Japan
| | - Takayuki Uchida
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Ayako Ohno
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Katsuya Hirasaka
- Graduate School of Fisheries Science and Environmental Studies, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nikawa
- Department of Physiological Nutrition, Institute of Medical Nutrition, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Shigetada Teshima-Kondo
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Osaka Prefecture University Graduate School, Habikino, Osaka 583-8555, Japan
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Bruzzoni-Giovanelli H, Alezra V, Wolff N, Dong CZ, Tuffery P, Rebollo A. Interfering peptides targeting protein-protein interactions: the next generation of drugs? Drug Discov Today 2017; 23:272-285. [PMID: 29097277 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are well recognized as promising therapeutic targets. Consequently, interfering peptides (IPs) - natural or synthetic peptides capable of interfering with PPIs - are receiving increasing attention. Given their physicochemical characteristics, IPs seem better suited than small molecules to interfere with the large surfaces implicated in PPIs. Progress on peptide administration, stability, biodelivery and safety are also encouraging the interest in peptide drug development. The concept of IPs has been validated for several PPIs, generating great expectations for their therapeutic potential. Here, we describe approaches and methods useful for IPs identification and in silico, physicochemical and biological-based strategies for their design and optimization. Selected promising in-vivo-validated examples are described and advantages, limitations and potential of IPs as therapeutic tools are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heriberto Bruzzoni-Giovanelli
- Université Paris 7 Denis Diderot, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; UMRS 1160 Inserm, Paris, France; Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1427 Inserm/AP-HP Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - Valerie Alezra
- Université Paris-Sud, Laboratoire de Méthodologie, Synthèse et Molécules Thérapeutiques, ICMMO, UMR 8182, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté des Sciences d'Orsay, France
| | - Nicolas Wolff
- Unité de Résonance Magnétique Nucléaire des Biomolécules, CNRS, UMR 3528, Institut Pasteur, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Chang-Zhi Dong
- Université Paris 7 Denis Diderot, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; ITODYS, UMR 7086 CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Tuffery
- Université Paris 7 Denis Diderot, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Inserm UMR-S 973, RPBS, Paris, France
| | - Angelita Rebollo
- CIMI Paris, UPMC, Inserm U1135, Hôpital Pitié Salpétrière, Paris, France.
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Short peptides interfering with signaling pathways as new therapeutic tools for cancer treatment. Future Med Chem 2017; 9:199-221. [PMID: 28111982 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2016-0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Short peptides have many advantages, such as low molecular weight, selectivity for a specific target, organelles or cells with minimal toxicity. We describe properties of short peptides, which interfere with communication networks in tumor cells and within microenvironment of malignant gliomas, the most common brain tumors. We focus on ligand/receptor axes and intracellular signaling pathways critical for gliomagenesis that could be targeted with interfering peptides. We review structures and efficacy of organelle-specific and cell-penetrating peptides and describe diverse chemical modifications increasing proteolytic stability and protecting synthetic peptides against degradation. We report results of application of short peptides in glioma therapy clinical trials, their rises and falls. The most advanced examples of therapeutics such as short interfering peptides combined with cell-penetrating peptides that show good effectiveness in disease models are presented. It is foreseen that identification of peptides with better clinical properties may improve their success rates in clinical trials.
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Powerful anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activity of a new anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 peptide in colorectal cancer models. Oncotarget 2016; 6:10563-76. [PMID: 25868854 PMCID: PMC4496375 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess the therapeutic outcome of selective block of VEGFR1, we have evaluated the activity of a new specific antagonist of VEGFR1, named iVR1 (inhibitor of VEGFR1), in syngenic and xenograft colorectal cancer models, in an artificial model of metastatization, and in laser-induced choroid neovascularization. iVR1 inhibited tumor growth and neoangiogenesis in both models of colorectal cancer, with an extent similar to that of bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody anti-VEGF-A. It potently inhibited VEGFR1 phosphorylation in vivo, determining a strong inhibition of the recruitment of monocyte-macrophages and of mural cells as confirmed, in vitro, by the ability to inhibit macrophages migration. iVR1 was able to synergize with irinotecan determining a shrinkage of tumors that became undetectable after three weeks of combined treatment. Such treatment induced a significant prolongation of survival similar to that observed with bevacizumab and irinotecan combination. iVR1 also fully prevented lung invasion by HCT-116 cells injected in mouse tail vein. Also, iVR1 impressively inhibited choroid neovascularization after a single intravitreal injection. Collectively, data showed the strong potential of iVR1 peptide as a new anti-tumor and anti-metastatic agent and demonstrate the high flexibility of VEGFR1 antagonists as therapeutic anti-angiogenic agents in different pathological contexts.
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Xu WW, Li B, Lam AKY, Tsao SW, Law SYK, Chan KW, Yuan QJ, Cheung ALM. Targeting VEGFR1- and VEGFR2-expressing non-tumor cells is essential for esophageal cancer therapy. Oncotarget 2015; 6:1790-805. [PMID: 25595897 PMCID: PMC4359332 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing appreciation of tumor heterogeneity and the tumor-host interaction has stimulated interest in developing novel therapies that target both tumor cells and tumor microenvironment. Bone marrow derived cells (BMDCs) constitute important components of the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we aim to investigate the significance of VEGFR1- and VEGFR2-expressing non-tumor cells, including BMDCs, in esophageal cancer (EC) progression and in VEGFR1/VEGFR2-targeted therapies. Here we report that VEGFR1 or VEGFR2 blockade can significantly attenuate VEGF-induced Src and Erk signaling, as well as the proliferation and migration of VEGFR1⁺ and VEGFR2⁺ bone marrow cells and their pro-invasive effect on cancer cells. Importantly, our in vivo data show for the first time that systemic blockade of VEGFR1⁺ or VEGFR2⁺ non-tumor cells with neutralizing antibodies is sufficient to significantly suppress esophageal tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis in mice. Moreover, our tissue microarray study of human EC clinical specimens showed the clinicopathological significance of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 in EC, which suggest that anti-VEGFR1/VEGFR2 therapies may be particularly beneficial for patients with aggressive EC. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the important contributions of VEGFR1⁺ and VEGFR2⁺ non-tumor cells in esophageal cancer progression, and substantiates the validity of these receptors as therapeutic targets for this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wen Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.,The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.,The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), China.,Centre for Cancer Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alfred K Y Lam
- Department of Pathology, Griffith Medical School and Griffith Health Institute, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Sai Wah Tsao
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Centre for Cancer Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Simon Y K Law
- Centre for Cancer Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kwok Wah Chan
- The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), China.,Centre for Cancer Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qiu Ju Yuan
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Annie L M Cheung
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.,The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), China.,Centre for Cancer Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Kim JY, Hwang J, Lee SH, Lee HJ, Jelinek J, Jeong H, Lim JS, Kim JM, Song KS, Kim BH, Lee S, Kim J. Decreased efficacy of drugs targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway by the epigenetic silencing of FLT1 in renal cancer cells. Clin Epigenetics 2015; 7:99. [PMID: 26380584 PMCID: PMC4572656 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-015-0134-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-VEGF receptor (VEGFR) signaling pathway is involved in cancer-related biological functions and is a therapeutic target in cancer. However, the influence of epigenetic regulation of VEGF-VEGFR signaling-related genes remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the effects of FLT1 and KDR promoter hypermethylation combined with drugs targeting VEGF-VEGFR signaling on cancer-related phenotypes in renal cancer cells (RCCs) and examined changes in FLT1 and KDR promoter hypermethylation in tissues from patients with renal cancer. RESULTS In vitro experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of beavacizumab (an anti-VEGF antibody), an anti-FLT1 peptide, an anti-KDR antibody, and the VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sunitinib and axitinib in 13 RCC lines with different levels of FLT1 and/or KDR promoter methylation and in 2 FLT1 or KDR in vitro knockdown models. The synergistic effects of sunitinib and axitinib treatment were also evaluated in four RCC lines having different levels of FLT1 and/or KDR methylation. In our in vitro experiments, bevacizumab and an anti-KDR antibody did not affect the proliferation of RCCs having FLT1 and/or KDR hypermethylation. In contrast, in RCCs with FLT1 hypermethylation, proliferation inhibition was counteracted by treatment with an anti-FLT1 peptide and both VEGF-TKIs (sunitinib and axitinib). Demethylation with sunitinib or axitinib synergistically increased proliferation inhibition in the RCCs exhibiting FLT1 hypermethylation. Using in vitro FLT1 or KDR knockdown models, decreased proliferation inhibition following anti-FLT1 peptide, sunitinib, and axitinib treatment was observed only in FLT1-knockdown cells. In patients with renal cancer who received sunitinib, FLT1 promoter methylation was higher in renal cancer tissues from eight nonresponders (stable or progressive disease assessed by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) than in cancer tissues from five responders (complete response or partial response). CONCLUSIONS The present data showed that hypermethylated FLT1 was important for the efficacy of anti-VEGF/VEGFR drugs targeting FLT1 or intracellular VEGFR signaling. FLT1 hypermethylation causing alterations of FLT1 function could serve as a useful biomarker for predicting changes in FLT1 status in RCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Yeon Kim
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory and Department of Neurology, Hospital and School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Junha Hwang
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory and Department of Neurology, Hospital and School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seo Hyun Lee
- Department of Information and Statistics, College of Natural Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cancer Research Institute, Hospital and School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jaroslav Jelinek
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Hyeseon Jeong
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory and Department of Neurology, Hospital and School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jae Sung Lim
- Department of Urology, Hospital and School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jin Man Kim
- Department of Pathology, Hospital and School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kyu Sang Song
- Department of Pathology, Hospital and School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Byung Hoon Kim
- Department of Urology, Hospital and School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sukhoon Lee
- Department of Information and Statistics, College of Natural Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jei Kim
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory and Department of Neurology, Hospital and School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea ; Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, 282 Moonhwa-ro, Joong-gu Daejeon, 301-721, South Korea
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38
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Wang X, Kim HY, Wahlberg B, Edwards WB. Selection and characterization of high affinity VEGFR1 antibodies from a novel human binary code scFv phage library. Biochem Biophys Rep 2015; 3:169-174. [PMID: 26457328 PMCID: PMC4594834 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
VEGFR1 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that has been implicated in cancer pathogenesis. It is upregulated in angiogenic endothelial cells and expressed on human tumor cells as well. VEGFR1 positive hematopoietic progenitor cells home to sites of distant metastases prior to the arrival of the tumor cells thus establishing a pre-metastatic niche. To discover high affinity human antibodies selective for VEGFR1 molecular imaging or for molecularly targeted therapy, a novel phage display scFv library was assembled and characterized. The library was constructed from the humanized 4D5 framework that was mostly comprised tyrosine and serine residues in four complimentarity determining regions (CDRs). The library produced diverse and functional antibodies against a panel of proteins, some of which are of biomedical interest including, CD44, VEGFA, and VEGFR1. After panning, these antibodies had affinity strong enough for molecular imaging or targeted drug delivery without the need for affinity maturation. One of the anti-VEGFR1 scFvs recognized its cognate receptor and was selective for the VEGFR1. VEGFR1 contributes to the pathogenesis cancer. To obtain VEGFR1 specific antibodies, a phage displayed scFv library was constructed. Four complimentarity determining regions were principally comprised of tyrosine and serine. High affinity antibody fragments were isolated and characterized. This is the first human antibody fragment specific for VEGFR1 from a phage displayed library.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Wang
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
| | - Hye-Yeong Kim
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine and Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520
| | - Brendon Wahlberg
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
| | - W Barry Edwards
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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Wang W, Chen T, Li H, Chen Y, Wu Z, Feng T, Zhang X, Zhong Q, Zhong Q, Li G, Guo L, Zhou L, Zhou J. Screening a novel FGF3 antagonist peptide with anti-tumor effects on breast cancer from a phage display library. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:7051-8. [PMID: 26323695 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has suggested that fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGF3) is expressed in breast cancer and correlates with the stage and grade of the disease. In the present study, a specific FGF3‑binding peptide (VLWLKNR, termed FP16) was isolated from a phage display heptapeptide library with FGF3. The peptide FP16 contained four identical (WLKN) amino acids and demonstrated high homology to the peptides of the 188‑194 (TMRWLKN) site of the high‑affinity FGF3 receptor fibroblast growth factor receptor 2. Functional analyses indicated that FP16 mediated significant inhibition of FGF3‑induced cell proliferation, arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase by increasing proliferation‑associated protein 2G4, suppressing cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and inhibited the FGF3‑induced activation of extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1/2 and Akt kinase. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the peptide FP16, acting as an FGF3 antagonist, is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Disease Control, Foshan Fourth People's Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Provincial Reference Laboratory and Disease Control, Center for Tuberculosis Control of Guangdong, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Haicheng Li
- Department of Provincial Reference Laboratory and Disease Control, Center for Tuberculosis Control of Guangdong, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Yuhui Chen
- Department of Provincial Reference Laboratory and Disease Control, Center for Tuberculosis Control of Guangdong, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Zhilong Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Disease Control, Foshan Fourth People's Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
| | - Tongming Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Disease Control, Foshan Fourth People's Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
| | - Xilin Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Disease Control, Foshan Fourth People's Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
| | - Qiu Zhong
- Department of Provincial Reference Laboratory and Disease Control, Center for Tuberculosis Control of Guangdong, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Qianhong Zhong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Disease Control, Foshan Fourth People's Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
| | - Guozhou Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chronic Disease Control and Prevention Station of Dongguan, Dongguan, Guangdong 523008, P.R. China
| | - Lina Guo
- Department of Nutrition, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Provincial Reference Laboratory and Disease Control, Center for Tuberculosis Control of Guangdong, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Disease Control, Foshan Fourth People's Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P.R. China
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Beack S, Choi JS, Lee JH, Kim H, Kim KH, Joo CK, Hahn SK. Two-photon microscopy of a Flt1 peptide-hyaluronate conjugate. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2015; 10:2315-24. [PMID: 26228271 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.15.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Two-photon microscopy was performed to visualize ocular distribution of Flt1 peptide-hyaluronate (HA) conjugate micelles for eye drop treatment of corneal neovascularization. MATERIALS & METHODS Flt1 peptide-HA conjugate micelles were topically administered to the eye for two-photon microscopy and antiangiogenic effect assessment after silver nitrate cauterization. RESULTS In vivo two-photon microscopy revealed that Flt1 peptide-HA conjugate micelles were absorbed and remained on the corneal epithelia with an increased residence time, facilitating the corneal delivery of carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) as a model drug. Furthermore, repeated eye drops of Flt1 peptide-HA conjugate micelles showed comparable therapeutic effect to the subconjunctival injection on the corneal neovascularization. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION We confirmed the feasibility of Flt1 peptide-HA conjugate micelles for eye drop treatment of corneal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songeun Beack
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Jun-Sub Choi
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Seoul St., Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 137-701, Korea
| | - Jun Ho Lee
- Division of Biosciences & Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Hyemin Kim
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Ki Hean Kim
- Division of Biosciences & Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Choun-Ki Joo
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Seoul St., Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 137-701, Korea
| | - Sei Kwang Hahn
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang 790-784, Korea
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Selvaraj D, Gangadharan V, Michalski CW, Kurejova M, Stösser S, Srivastava K, Schweizerhof M, Waltenberger J, Ferrara N, Heppenstall P, Shibuya M, Augustin HG, Kuner R. A Functional Role for VEGFR1 Expressed in Peripheral Sensory Neurons in Cancer Pain. Cancer Cell 2015; 27:780-96. [PMID: 26058077 PMCID: PMC4469373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2015.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cancer pain is a debilitating disorder and a primary determinant of the poor quality of life. Here, we report a non-vascular role for ligands of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) family in cancer pain. Tumor-derived VEGF-A, PLGF-2, and VEGF-B augment pain sensitivity through selective activation of VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1) expressed in sensory neurons in human cancer and mouse models. Sensory-neuron-specific genetic deletion/silencing or local or systemic blockade of VEGFR1 prevented tumor-induced nerve remodeling and attenuated cancer pain in diverse mouse models in vivo. These findings identify a therapeutic potential for VEGFR1-modifying drugs in cancer pain and suggest a palliative effect for VEGF/VEGFR1-targeting anti-angiogenic tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepitha Selvaraj
- Pharmacology Institute, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vijayan Gangadharan
- Pharmacology Institute, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph W Michalski
- Department of Surgery, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina Kurejova
- Pharmacology Institute, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Stösser
- Pharmacology Institute, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kshitij Srivastava
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Schweizerhof
- Pharmacology Institute, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Waltenberger
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003-CiM), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Napoleone Ferrara
- University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Paul Heppenstall
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, Otto Meyerhof Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Masabumi Shibuya
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Tokyo Dental and Medical University, 1-5-45 Yushima Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Hellmut G Augustin
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Vascular Biology and Tumor Angiogenesis, Medical Faculty Mannheim (CBTM), Heidelberg University, Ludolph-Krehl-Straße 14, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rohini Kuner
- Pharmacology Institute, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, Otto Meyerhof Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Kim KS, Hong SW, Kim H, Cho M, Kim S, Hur W, Yun SH, Yoon SK, Hahn SK. Hyaluronate–Flt1 peptide conjugate/epirubicin micelles for theranostic application to liver cancers. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra07464a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We successfully developed hyaluronate–Flt1 peptide conjugate/epirubicin micelles for theranostic applications to the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Su Kim
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
- Cambridge
- USA
| | - Sung Woo Hong
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis
- The Catholic University of Korea
- Seoul 137-701
- Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemin Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
- Pohang
- Republic of Korea
| | - Minsoo Cho
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
- Pohang
- Republic of Korea
| | - Seonghoon Kim
- Graduate School of Nanoscience and Technology
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
- Daejeon 305-338
- Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis
- The Catholic University of Korea
- Seoul 137-701
- Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Hyun Yun
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
- Cambridge
- USA
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis
- The Catholic University of Korea
- Seoul 137-701
- Republic of Korea
| | - Sei Kwang Hahn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
- Pohang
- Republic of Korea
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Kim S, Kim D, Lee Y, Jeon H, Lee BH, Jon S. Conversion of Low-Affinity Peptides to High-Affinity Peptide Binders by Using a β-Hairpin Scaffold-Assisted Approach. Chembiochem 2014; 16:43-6. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201402450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Wu X, Huang H, Wang C, Lin S, Huang Y, Wang Y, Liang G, Yan Q, Xiao J, Wu J, Yang Y, Li X. Identification of a novel peptide that blocks basic fibroblast growth factor-mediated cell proliferation. Oncotarget 2014; 4:1819-28. [PMID: 24142482 PMCID: PMC3858566 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has been implicated in tumor growth via interactions with its receptors (FGFRs) on the cell surface and therefore, bFGF/FGFRs are considered essential targets for cancer therapy. Herein, a consensus heptapeptide (LSPPRYP) was identified for the first time from a phage display heptapeptide library after three sequential rounds of biopanning against FGFR-expressing cells with competitive displacement of phage by bFGF, followed by subtraction of non-specific binding by FGFR-deficient cells. Phage bearing LSPPRYP showed high levels of binding to Balb/c 3T3 cells expressing high-affinity bFGF-binding FGFR (bFGFR), but not to the cells that do not express bFGFR (Cos-7), or express a very low affinity bFGFR (HaCat). The selected-phage-derived peptide synthesized by solid phase method using a rapid and practical Fmoc strategy was found to specifically compete with bFGF for binding to its receptors, inhibit bFGF-stimulated cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest, and block bFGF-induced activation of Erk1 and Erk2 kinase in B16-F10 melanoma cells. Importantly, treatment of melanoma-bearing mice with the synthetic peptide significantly suppressed tumor growth. The results demonstrate a strong anticancer activity of the isolated bFGFR-binding peptide (and its future derivatives), which may have great potential for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, PR China
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45
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Koyama Y, Hayashi M, Nagae R, Tokuyama S, Konishi T. Endothelin-1 increases the expression of VEGF-R1/Flt-1 receptors in rat cultured astrocytes through ETB receptors. J Neurochem 2014; 130:759-69. [PMID: 24862165 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors in astrocytes are increased in damaged brains. To clarify the regulatory mechanisms of VEGF receptors, the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) were examined in rat cultured astrocytes. Expressions of VEGF-R1 and -R2 receptor mRNA were at similar levels, whereas the mRNA expressions of VEGF-R3 and Tie-2, a receptor for angiopoietins, were lower. Placenta growth factor, a selective agonist of the VEGF-R1 receptor, induced phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Phosphorylations of FAK and ERK 1/2 were also stimulated by VEGF-E, a selective VEGF-R2 agonist. Increased phosphorylations of FAK and ERK1/2 by VEGF165 were reduced by selective antagonists for VEGF-R1 and -R2. Treatment with ET-1 increased VEGF-R1 mRNA and protein levels. The effects of ET-1 on VEGF-R1 mRNA were mimicked by Ala(1,3,11,15) -ET-1, a selective agonist for ETB receptors, and inhibited by BQ788, an ETB antagonist. ET-1 did not affect the mRNA levels of VEGF-R2, -R3, and Tie-2. Pre-treatment with ET-1 potentiated the effects of placenta growth factor on phosphorylations of FAK and ERK1/2. These findings suggest that ET-1 induces up-regulation of VEGF-R1 receptors in astrocytes, and potentiates VEGF signals in damaged nerve tissues. To clarify the regulatory mechanisms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors, the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) were examined in rat cultured astrocytes. Effects of selective VEGF-R1 and R2 agonist showed that these receptors were linked to focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Treatment with ET-1 increased expression of VEGF-R1, which was mediated by ETB receptors. Pre-treatment with ET-1 potentiated the VEGF-R1-mediated activations of FAK and ERK1/2. These findings suggest that ET-1 induces up-regulation of VEGF-R1 receptors in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Koyama
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University, Osaka, Japan
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Hempel C, Hoyer N, Staalsø T, Kurtzhals JA. Effects of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) inhibitor SU5416 on in vitro cultures of Plasmodium falciparum. Malar J 2014; 13:201. [PMID: 24885283 PMCID: PMC4046387 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is taken up by parasitized red blood cells during malaria and stimulates intra-erythrocytic growth of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. The cause and consequence of this uptake is not understood. METHODS Plasmodium falciparum was cultured in vitro. Parasite growth and intracellular VEGF levels were assessed using flow cytometry. Intracellular VEGF was visualized by fluorescence immunocytochemistry. Phosphorylated tyrosine was measured by western blotting. In vivo assessment of intra-erythrocytic VEGF was performed in Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected C57BL/6 mice. RESULTS VEGF accumulated intracellularly in infected red blood cells, particularly in schizonts. In vitro growth of P. falciparum was unchanged when co-cultured with the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab or with an anti-VEGF receptor-1 peptide. In contrast, the VEGF receptor-2 inhibitor, SU5416, dose-dependently inhibited growth. None of the treatments reduced intracellular VEGF levels. Thus, the anti-parasitic effect of SU5416 seemed independent of VEGF uptake. SU5416 reduced phosphorylated tyrosine in parasitized red blood cells. Similarly, the broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein dose-dependently inhibited P. falciparum growth and reduced tyrosine phosphorylation. Neither bevacizumab nor anti-VEGF receptor-1 peptide affected tyrosine kinase activity. Finally, in vivo uptake of VEGF in P. berghei ANKA was demonstrated, analogous to the in vitro uptake in P. falciparum, making it a possible model for the effects of VEGF signalling in vivo during malaria. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of VEGFR-2 signalling reduces intra-erythrocytic growth of P. falciparum, likely due to tyrosine kinase inhibition. Internalisation of VEGF in P. falciparum-infected red blood cells does not rely on VEGF receptors. The function of in vivo uptake of VEGF can be studied in rodent malaria models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nils Hoyer
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Wu D, Gao Y, Qi Y, Chen L, Ma Y, Li Y. Peptide-based cancer therapy: opportunity and challenge. Cancer Lett 2014; 351:13-22. [PMID: 24836189 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Conventional cancer therapies mainly focus on mass cell killing without high specificity and often cause severe side effects and toxicities. Peptides are a novel class of anticancer agents that could specifically target cancer cells with lower toxicity to normal tissues, which will offer new opportunities for cancer prevention and treatment. Anticancer peptides face several therapeutic challenges. In this review, we present the sources and mechanisms of anticancer peptides and further discuss modification strategies to improve the anticancer effects of bioactive peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Wu
- College of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yuanming Qi
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China.
| | - Lixiang Chen
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yuanfang Ma
- College of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Yanzhang Li
- College of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China.
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Van Limbergen EJ, Zabrocki P, Porcu M, Hauben E, Cools J, Nuyts S. FLT1 kinase is a mediator of radioresistance and survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Acta Oncol 2014; 53:637-45. [PMID: 24041258 DOI: 10.3109/0284186x.2013.835493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide, responsible for approximately half a million new cases every year. The treatment of this disease is challenging and characterised by high rates of therapy failure and toxicity, stressing the need for new innovative treatment strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study we performed a shRNAmir-based screen on HNSCC cells with the aim to identify tyrosine kinases that are mediating radiotherapy resistance. RESULTS The receptor tyrosine kinase FLT1 (VEGFR1) was identified as an important driver of cell survival and radioresistance. We show that FLT1 is phosphorylated in HNSCC cells, and document autocrine production of FLT1 ligands VEGFA and VEGFB, leading to receptor activation. Immunohistochemistry on HNSCC patient samples demonstrated FLT1 and VEGFA to be uniformly expressed. Interestingly, FLT1 was selectively overexpressed in tumour tissue as compared to non-cancerous epithelium. Remarkably, we found only membrane permeable FLT1 kinase inhibitors to be effective, which was in agreement with the intracellular localisation of FLT1. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Taken together, we document expression of FLT1 in HNSCC and demonstrate this kinase to modulate radioresistance and cancer cell survival. Given the fact that FLT1 kinase is selectively upregulated in tumour tissue and that its kinase function seems expendable for normal life and development, this kinase holds great promise as a new potential therapeutic target.
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Yang KS, Lim JH, Kim TW, Kim MY, Kim Y, Chung S, Shin SJ, Choi BS, Kim HW, Kim YS, Chang YS, Kim HW, Park CW. Vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor 1 inhibition aggravates diabetic nephropathy through eNOS signaling pathway in db/db mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94540. [PMID: 24759928 PMCID: PMC3997361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The manipulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-receptors (VEGFRs) in diabetic nephropathy is as controversial as issue as ever. It is known to be VEGF-A and VEGFR2 that regulate most of the cellular actions of VEGF in experimental diabetic nephropathy. On the other hand, such factors as VEGF-A, -B and placenta growth factor bind to VEGFR1 with high affinity. Such notion instigated us to investigate on whether selective VEGFR1 inhibition with GNQWFI hexamer aggravates the progression of diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice. While diabetes suppressed VEGFR1, it did increase VEGFR2 expressions in the glomerulus. Db/db mice with VEGFR1 inhibition showed more prominent features with respect to, albuminuria, mesangial matrix expansion, inflammatory cell infiltration and greater numbers of apoptotic cells in the glomerulus, and oxidative stress than that of control db/db mice. All these changes were related to the suppression of diabetes-induced increases in PI3K activity and Akt phosphorylation as well as the aggravation of endothelial dysfunction associated with the inactivation of FoxO3a and eNOS-NOx. In cultured human glomerular endothelial cells (HGECs), high-glucose media with VEGFR1 inhibition induced more apoptotic cells and oxidative stress than did high-glucose media alone, which were associated with the suppression of PI3K-Akt phosphorylation, independently of the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, and inactivation of FoxO3a and eNOS-NOx pathway. In addition, transfection with VEGFR1 siRNA in HGECs also suppressed PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling. In conclusion, the specific blockade of VEGFR1 with GNQWFI caused severe renal injury related to profound suppression of the PI3K-Akt, FoxO3a and eNOS-NOx pathway, giving rise to the oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of glomerular cells in type 2 diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keun Suk Yang
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Hee Lim
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Woo Kim
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Young Kim
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yaeni Kim
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungjin Chung
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok Joon Shin
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Beom Soon Choi
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyung Wook Kim
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Soo Kim
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Sik Chang
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Won Kim
- Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon City, Korea
| | - Cheol Whee Park
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Park SJ, Kim KJ, Kim WU, Cho CS. Interaction of mesenchymal stem cells with fibroblast-like synoviocytes via cadherin-11 promotes angiogenesis by enhanced secretion of placental growth factor. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:3003-10. [PMID: 24574497 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) exist in the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet the role of MSC in RA is elusive. Placental growth factor (PlGF) expression is increased in RA synovial fluids, and blocking of PlGF attenuates progression of arthritis in mice. In this study, we observed that PlGF induced chemotaxis of MSC in a dose-dependent manner, which was blocked by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 peptide. MSC exposed to PlGF elicited increased phosphorylation of Akt and p38 MAPK. PlGF-mediated chemotaxis was inhibited by PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) and p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), but not by ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059). Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) constitutively produced PlGF, but MSC released negligible amounts of PlGF. Of note, when FLS of RA patients and MSC were cocultured, PlGF production by FLS was significantly increased; such an increase was dependent on the number of added MSC. Moreover, coculture conditioned medium promoted chemotaxis of MSC and increased angiogenesis in Matrigel plugs assay, and these were suppressed by preincubation of the medium with anti-PlGF Ab. Transwell experiments revealed that MSC to FLS contact was required for the increase in PlGF production by coculture. Cadherin-11 was expressed both in FLS and MSC, and small interfering RNA knockdown of cadherin-11 in FLS significantly abrogated the enhanced PlGF production under coculture conditions. These data indicate that increased levels of PlGF in RA joints could induce the migration of MSC to the synovium, and interaction of migrated MSC with FLS via cadherin-11 may contribute to angiogenesis and chronic synovitis by enhancing the secretion of PlGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jung Park
- Catholic Research Institutes of Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
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