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Jin P, Zhao LS, Zhang TQ, Di H, Guo W. Establishment of a Mouse Model of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-Induced Plastic Bronchitis. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1132. [PMID: 38930514 PMCID: PMC11205551 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic bronchitis (PB) constitutes a life-threatening pulmonary disorder, predominantly attributed to Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection. The pathogenic mechanisms involved remain largely unexplored, leading to the absence of reliable approaches for early diagnosis and clear treatment. Thus, the present investigation aimed to develop an MP-induced mouse model of PB, thereby enhancing our understanding of this complex condition. In the first stage, healthy BALB/c mice were utilized to investigate the optimal methods for establishing PB. This involved the application of nebulization (15-20 min) and intratracheal administration (6-50 μL) with 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) concentrations ranging from 4.5% to 7.5%. Subsequently, the MP model was induced by administering an MP solution (2 mL/kg/day, 108 CFU/50 μL) via the intranasal route for a duration of five consecutive days. Ultimately, suitable techniques were employed to induce plastic bronchitis in the MP model. Pathological changes in lung tissue were analyzed, and immunohistochemistry was employed to ascertain the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The administration of 4.5% CEES via a 6 µL trachea was the optimal approach to establishing a PB model. This method primarily induced neutrophilic inflammation and fibrinous exudate. The MP-infected group manifested symptoms indicative of respiratory infection, including erect hair, oral and nasal secretions, and a decrease in body weight. Furthermore, the pathological score of the MP+CEES group surpassed that of the groups treated with MP or CEES independently. Notably, the MP+CEES group demonstrated significant activation of the VEGFR-3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, implying a substantial involvement of lymphatic vessel impairment in this pathology. This study successfully established a mouse model of PB induced by MP using a two-step method. Lymphatic vessel impairment is a pivotal element in the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this disease entity. This accomplishment will aid in further research into treatment methods for patients with PB caused by MP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Jin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tianjin University Children’s Hospital (Tianjin Children’s Hospital), Tianjin 300134, China; (P.J.)
- Clinical School of Pediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Lin-Sheng Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tianjin University Children’s Hospital (Tianjin Children’s Hospital), Tianjin 300134, China; (P.J.)
| | - Tong-Qiang Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tianjin University Children’s Hospital (Tianjin Children’s Hospital), Tianjin 300134, China; (P.J.)
| | - Han Di
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tianjin University Children’s Hospital (Tianjin Children’s Hospital), Tianjin 300134, China; (P.J.)
- Clinical School of Pediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tianjin University Children’s Hospital (Tianjin Children’s Hospital), Tianjin 300134, China; (P.J.)
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2
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Budipramana K, Sangande F. Structural and molecular insights from dual inhibitors of EGFR and VEGFR2 as a strategy to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14534. [PMID: 38697951 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (VEGFR2) are known as valid targets for cancer therapy. Overexpression of EGFR induces uncontrolled cell proliferation and VEGF expression triggering angiogenesis via VEGFR2 signaling. On the other hand, VEGF expression independent of EGFR signaling is already known as one of the mechanisms of resistance to anti-EGFR therapy. Therefore, drugs that act as dual inhibitors of EGFR and VEGFR2 can be a solution to the problem of drug resistance and increase the effectiveness of therapy. In this review, we summarize the relationship between EGFR and VEGFR2 signal transduction in promoting cancer growth and how their kinase domain structures can affect the selectivity of an inhibitor as the basis for designing dual inhibitors. In addition, several recent studies on the development of dual EGFR and VEGFR2 inhibitors involving docking simulations were highlighted in this paper to provide some references such as pharmacophore features of inhibitors and key residues for further research, especially in computer-aided drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisyanti Budipramana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Frangky Sangande
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient and Traditional Medicine, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong Science Center, Bogor, Indonesia
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Fu F, Yang X, Li R, Li Y, Zhou H, Cheng K, Huang R, Wang Y, Guo F, Zhang L, Pan M, Han J, Zhen L, Li L, Lei T, Li D, Liao C. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals cellular and molecular landscape of fetal cystic hygroma. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:96. [PMID: 38650036 PMCID: PMC11036587 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01859-x] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molecular mechanism of fetal cystic hygroma (CH) is still unclear, and no study has previously reported the transcriptome changes of single cells in CH. In this study, single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to investigate the characteristics of cell subsets in the lesion tissues of CH patients. METHODS Lymphoid tissue collected from CH patients and control donors for scRNA-seq analysis. Differentially expressed gene enrichment in major cell subpopulations as well as cell-cell communication were analyzed. At the same time, the expression and interactions of important VEGF signaling pathway molecules were analyzed, and potential transcription factors that could bind to KDR (VEGFR2) were predicted. RESULTS The results of scRNA-seq showed that fibroblasts accounted for the largest proportion in the lymphatic lesions of CH patients. There was a significant increase in the proportion of lymphatic endothelial cell subsets between the cases and controls. The VEGF signaling pathway is enriched in lymphatic endothelial cells and participates in the regulation of cell-cell communication between lymphatic endothelial cells and other cells. The key regulatory gene KDR in the VEGF signaling pathway is highly expressed in CH patients and interacts with other differentially expressed EDN1, TAGLN, and CLDN5 Finally, we found that STAT1 could bind to the KDR promoter region, which may play an important role in promoting KDR up-regulation. CONCLUSION Our comprehensive delineation of the cellular composition in tumor tissues of CH patients using single-cell RNA-sequencing identified the enrichment of lymphatic endothelial cells in CH and highlighted the activation of the VEGF signaling pathway in lymphoid endothelial cells as a potential modulator. The molecular and cellular pathogenesis of fetal cystic hygroma (CH) remains largely unknown. This study examined the distribution and gene expression signature of each cell subpopulation and the possible role of VEGF signaling in lymphatic endothelial cells in regulating the progression of CH by single-cell transcriptome sequencing. The enrichment of lymphatic endothelial cells in CH and the activation of the VEGF signaling pathway in lymphatic endothelial cells provide some clues to the pathogenesis of CH from the perspective of cell subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fu
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ru Li
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingsi Li
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ken Cheng
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruibin Huang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - You Wang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Guo
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Han
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Zhen
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lushan Li
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingying Lei
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongzhi Li
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Can Liao
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China.
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Kannan S, Rutkowski JM. VEGFR-3 signaling in macrophages: friend or foe in disease? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1349500. [PMID: 38464522 PMCID: PMC10921555 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1349500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels have been increasingly appreciated in the context of immunology not only as passive conduits for immune and cancer cell transport but also as key in local tissue immunomodulation. Targeting lymphatic vessel growth and potential immune regulation often takes advantage of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) signaling to manipulate lymphatic biology. A receptor tyrosine kinase, VEGFR-3, is highly expressed on lymphatic endothelial cells, and its signaling is key in lymphatic growth, development, and survival and, as a result, often considered to be "lymphatic-specific" in adults. A subset of immune cells, notably of the monocyte-derived lineage, have been identified to express VEGFR-3 in tissues from the lung to the gut and in conditions as varied as cancer and chronic kidney disease. These VEGFR-3+ macrophages are highly chemotactic toward the VEGFR-3 ligands VEGF-C and VEGF-D. VEGFR-3 signaling has also been implicated in dictating the plasticity of these cells from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Conversely, expression may potentially be transient during monocyte differentiation with unknown effects. Macrophages play critically important and varied roles in the onset and resolution of inflammation, tissue remodeling, and vasculogenesis: targeting lymphatic vessel growth and immunomodulation by manipulating VEGFR-3 signaling may thus impact macrophage biology and their impact on disease pathogenesis. This mini review highlights the studies and pathologies in which VEGFR-3+ macrophages have been specifically identified, as well as the activity and polarization changes that macrophage VEGFR-3 signaling may elicit, and affords some conclusions as to the importance of macrophage VEGFR-3 signaling in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph M. Rutkowski
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
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Łabędź-Masłowska A, Vergori L, Kędracka-Krok S, Karnas E, Bobis-Wozowicz S, Sekuła-Stryjewska M, Sarna M, Andriantsitohaina R, Zuba-Surma EK. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles exert pro-angiogenic and pro-lymphangiogenic effects in ischemic tissues by transferring various microRNAs and proteins including ITGa5 and NRP1. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:60. [PMID: 38347587 PMCID: PMC10863128 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02304-y] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells/stromal cells (MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate pro-regenerative effects in damaged ischemic tissues by regulating angiogenesis. MSCs-EVs modulate functions of cells including endogenous mature cells, progenitors and stem cells, resulting in restoration of blood flow. However, the mechanisms underlying such MSC-EV activity still remain poorly understood. The present study analyzes biological effects of bone marrow (BM) MSC-EVs on endothelial cells (ECs) in ischemic tissues both in in vitro and in vivo conditions and elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying the tissue repair. MSC-EVs were isolated from murine BM-derived MSCs and their morphological, antigenic and molecular composition regarding protein and microRNA levels were evaluated to examine their properties. Global proteomic analysis demonstrated the presence in MSC-EVs of proteins regulating pro-regenerative pathways, including integrin α5 (Itgα5) and neuropilin-1 (NRP1) involved in lymphangiogenesis. MSC-EVs were also enriched in microRNAs regulating angiogenesis, TGF-β signaling and processes guiding cellular adhesion and interactions with extracellular matrix. The functional effects of MSC-EVs on capillary ECs in vitro included the increase of capillary-like tube formation and cytoprotection under normal and inflammatory conditions by inhibiting apoptosis. Notably, MSC-EVs enhanced also capillary-like tube formation of lymphatic ECs, which may be regulated by Itgα5 and NRP1. Moreover, in a mouse model of critical hind limb ischemia, MSC-EVs increased the recovery of blood flow in ischemic muscle tissue, which was accompanied with increased vascular density in vivo. This pro-angiogenic effect was associated with an increase in nitric oxide (NO) production via endothelial NO-synthase activation in ischemic muscles. Interestingly, MSC-EVs enhanced lymphangiogenesis, which has never been reported before. The study provides evidence on pro-angiogenic and novel pro-lymphangiogenic role of MSC-EVs on ECs in ischemic tissue mediated by their protein and miRNA molecular cargos. The results highlight Itgα5 and NRP1 carried by MSC-EVs as potential therapeutic targets to boost lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Łabędź-Masłowska
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Luisa Vergori
- INSERM U1063, Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Pathologies, Angers University, Angers, France
| | - Sylwia Kędracka-Krok
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Karnas
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sylwia Bobis-Wozowicz
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Sekuła-Stryjewska
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biotechnology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Michał Sarna
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Ewa K Zuba-Surma
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
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Dahms P, Lyons TR. Toward Characterizing Lymphatic Vasculature in the Mammary Gland During Normal Development and Tumor-Associated Remodeling. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2024; 29:1. [PMID: 38218743 PMCID: PMC10787674 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-023-09554-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vasculature has been shown to promote metastatic spread of breast cancer. Lymphatic vasculature, which is made up of larger collecting vessels and smaller capillaries, has specialized cell junctions that facilitate cell intravasation. Normally, these junctions are designed to collect immune cells and other cellular components for immune surveillance by lymph nodes, but they are also utilized by cancer cells to facilitate metastasis. Although lymphatic development overall in the body has been well-characterized, there has been little focus on how the lymphatic network changes in the mammary gland during stages of remodeling such as pregnancy, lactation, and postpartum involution. In this review, we aim to define the currently known lymphangiogenic factors and lymphatic remodeling events during mammary gland morphogenesis. Furthermore, we juxtapose mammary gland pubertal development and postpartum involution to show similarities of pro-lymphangiogenic signaling as well as other molecular signals for epithelial cell survival that are critical in these morphogenic stages. The similar mechanisms include involvement of M2-polarized macrophages that contribute to matrix remodeling and vasculogenesis; signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) survival and proliferation signaling; and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)/Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling to promote ductal and lymphatic expansion. Investigation and characterization of lymphangiogenesis in the normal mammary gland can provide insight to targetable mechanisms for lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic spread of tumor cells in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Dahms
- Division of Medical Oncology Senior Scientist, Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Cancer Center, 12801 E 17th Ave, RC1 South, Mailstop 8117, 80045, Aurora, CO, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Anschutz Medical Center, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Anschutz Medical Campus Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, University of Colorado, Aurora, USA
| | - Traci R Lyons
- Division of Medical Oncology Senior Scientist, Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Cancer Center, 12801 E 17th Ave, RC1 South, Mailstop 8117, 80045, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Division of Medical Oncology, Anschutz Medical Center, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Anschutz Medical Campus Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, University of Colorado, Aurora, USA.
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Chen J, Pan Y, Liu Q, Li G, Chen G, Li W, Zhao W, Wang Q. The Interplay between Meningeal Lymphatic Vessels and Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1016-1032. [PMID: 36380442 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221115150253] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) are essential for the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid, macromolecules, and immune cells in the central nervous system. They play critical roles in modulating neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Dysfunctional MLVs have been demonstrated to increase neuroinflammation by horizontally blocking the drainage of neurotoxic proteins to the peripheral lymph nodes. Conversely, MLVs protect against neuroinflammation by preventing immune cells from becoming fully encephalitogenic. Furthermore, evidence suggests that neuroinflammation affects the structure and function of MLVs, causing vascular anomalies and angiogenesis. Although this field is still in its infancy, the strong link between MLVs and neuroinflammation has emerged as a potential target for slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. This review provides a brief history of the discovery of MLVs, introduces in vivo and in vitro MLV models, highlights the molecular mechanisms through which MLVs contribute to and protect against neuroinflammation, and discusses the potential impact of neuroinflammation on MLVs, focusing on recent progress in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmei Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Yaru Pan
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Qihua Liu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Guangyao Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Gongcan Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Weirong Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
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Kuonqui K, Campbell AC, Sarker A, Roberts A, Pollack BL, Park HJ, Shin J, Brown S, Mehrara BJ, Kataru RP. Dysregulation of Lymphatic Endothelial VEGFR3 Signaling in Disease. Cells 2023; 13:68. [PMID: 38201272 PMCID: PMC10778007 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010068] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 3 (VEGFR3), a receptor tyrosine kinase encoded by the FLT4 gene, plays a significant role in the morphogenesis and maintenance of lymphatic vessels. Under both normal and pathologic conditions, VEGF-C and VEGF-D bind VEGFR3 on the surface of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and induce lymphatic proliferation, migration, and survival by activating intracellular PI3K-Akt and MAPK-ERK signaling pathways. Impaired lymphatic function and VEGFR3 signaling has been linked with a myriad of commonly encountered clinical conditions. This review provides a brief overview of intracellular VEGFR3 signaling in LECs and explores examples of dysregulated VEGFR3 signaling in various disease states, including (1) lymphedema, (2) tumor growth and metastasis, (3) obesity and metabolic syndrome, (4) organ transplant rejection, and (5) autoimmune disorders. A more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the lymphatic pathology of each disease will allow for the development of novel strategies to treat these chronic and often debilitating illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Babak J. Mehrara
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Raghu P. Kataru
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Bertoldi G, Caputo I, Calò L, Rossitto G. Lymphatic vessels and the renin-angiotensin-system. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H837-H855. [PMID: 37565265 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00023.2023] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The lymphatic system is an integral part of the circulatory system and plays an important role in the fluid homeostasis of the human body. Accumulating evidence has recently suggested the involvement of lymphatic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of cardio-reno-vascular (CRV) disease. However, how the sophisticated contractile machinery of lymphatic vessels is modulated and, possibly impaired in CRV disease, remains largely unknown. In particular, little attention has been paid to the effect of the renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) on lymphatics, despite the high concentration of RAS mediators that these tissue-draining vessels are exposed to and the established role of the RAS in the development of classic microvascular dysfunction and overt CRV disease. We herein review recent studies linking RAS to lymphatic function and/or plasticity and further highlight RAS-specific signaling pathways, previously shown to drive adverse arterial remodeling and CRV organ damage that have potential for direct modulation of the lymphatic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Bertoldi
- Emergency and Hypertension Unit, DIMED, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
- Nephrology Unit, DIMED, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Caputo
- Emergency and Hypertension Unit, DIMED, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Calò
- Nephrology Unit, DIMED, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rossitto
- Emergency and Hypertension Unit, DIMED, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Juneja P, Ruhina Rahman SN, Jakhar D, Mourya AK, Tripathi DM, Kaur I, Tiwari V, Rohilla S, Gupta A, Rawal P, Baweja S, Rastogi A, Naidu V, Sarin SK, Banerjee S, Kaur S. Recombinant VEGF-C (Cys156Ser) improves mesenteric lymphatic drainage and gut immune surveillance in experimental cirrhosis. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100816. [PMID: 37663117 PMCID: PMC10472308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Lymphatic vessels (LVs) are crucial for maintaining abdominal fluid homoeostasis and immunity. In cirrhosis, mesenteric LVs (mLVs) are dilated and dysfunctional. Given the established role of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in improving LVs, we hypothesised that VEGF-C treatment could ameliorate the functions of mLVs in cirrhosis. Methods In this study, we developed a nanoformulation comprising LV-specific growth factor, recombinant human VEGF-C (Cys156Ser) protein (E-VEGF-C) and delivered it orally in different models of rat cirrhosis to target mLVs. Cirrhotic rats were given nanoformulation without VEGF-C served as vehicles. Drainage of mLVs was analysed using tracer dye. Portal and systemic physiological assessments and computed tomography were performed to measure portal pressures and ascites. Gene expression and permeability of primary mesenteric lymphatic endothelial cells (LyECs) was studied. Immune cells in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) were quantified by flow cytometry. Endogenous and exogenous gut bacterial translocation to MLNs was examined. Results In cirrhotic rats, mLVs were dilated and leaky with impaired drainage. Treatment with E-VEGF-C induced proliferation of mLVs, reduced their diameter, and improved functional drainage. Ascites and portal pressures were significantly reduced in E-VEGF-C rats compared with vehicle rats. In MLNs of E-VEGF-C animals, CD8+CD134+ T cells were increased, whereas CD25+ regulatory T cells were decreased. Both endogenous and exogenous bacterial translocation were limited to MLNs in E-VEGF-C rats with reduced levels of endotoxins in ascites and blood in comparison with those in vehicle rats. E-VEGF-C treatment upregulated the expression of vascular endothelial-cadherin in LyECs and functionally improved the permeability of these cells. Conclusions E-VEGF-C treatment ameliorates mesenteric lymph drainage and portal pressure and strengthens cytotoxic T-cell immunity in MLNs in experimental cirrhosis. It may thus serve as a promising therapy to manage ascites and reduce pathogenic gut bacterial translocation in cirrhosis. Impact and Implications A human recombinant pro-lymphangiogenic growth factor, VEGF-C, was encapsulated in nanolipocarriers (E-VEGF-C) and orally delivered in different models of rat liver cirrhosis to facilitate its gut lymphatic vessel uptake. E-VEGF-C administration significantly increased mesenteric lymphatic vessel proliferation and improved lymph drainage, attenuating abdominal ascites and portal pressures in the animal models. E-VEGF-C treatment limited bacterial translocation to MLNs only with reduced gut bacterial load and ascitic endotoxins. E-VEGF-C therapy thus holds the potential to manage ascites and portal pressure and reduce gut bacterial translocation in patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinky Juneja
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Syed Nazrin Ruhina Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, India
| | - Deepika Jakhar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Akash Kumar Mourya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Dinesh M. Tripathi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Impreet Kaur
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vaibhav Tiwari
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sumati Rohilla
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhishek Gupta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Preety Rawal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sukriti Baweja
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Archana Rastogi
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - V.G.M. Naidu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, NIPER-Guwahati, Changsari, India
| | - Shiv K. Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Subham Banerjee
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, India
| | - Savneet Kaur
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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11
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Meng Y, Lv T, Zhang J, Shen W, Li L, Li Y, Liu X, Lei X, Lin X, Xu H, Meng A, Jia S. Temporospatial inhibition of Erk signaling is required for lymphatic valve formation. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:342. [PMID: 37691058 PMCID: PMC10493226 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01571-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Intraluminal lymphatic valves (LVs) and lymphovenous valves (LVVs) are critical to ensure the unidirectional flow of lymphatic fluid. Morphological abnormalities in these valves always cause lymph or blood reflux, and result in lymphedema. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of valve development remains poorly understood. We here report the implication of Efnb2-Ephb4-Rasa1 regulated Erk signaling axis in lymphatic valve development with identification of two new valve structures. Dynamic monitoring of phospho-Erk activity indicated that Erk signaling is spatiotemporally inhibited in some lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) during the valve cell specification. Inhibition of Erk signaling via simultaneous depletion of zygotic erk1 and erk2 or treatment with MEK inhibitor selumetinib causes lymphatic vessel hypoplasia and lymphatic valve hyperplasia, suggesting opposite roles of Erk signaling during these two processes. ephb4b mutants, efnb2a;efnb2b or rasa1a;rasa1b double mutants all have defective LVs and LVVs and exhibit blood reflux into lymphatic vessels with an edema phenotype. Importantly, the valve defects in ephb4b or rasa1a;rasa1b mutants are mitigated with high-level gata2 expression in the presence of MEK inhibitors. Therefore, Efnb2-Ephb4 signaling acts to suppress Erk activation in valve-forming cells to promote valve specification upstream of Rasa1. Not only do our findings reveal a molecular mechanism of lymphatic valve formation, but also provide a basis for the treatment of lymphatic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tong Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510320, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weimin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Lifang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yaqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xing Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xuguang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hanfang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Anming Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510320, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Shunji Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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12
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Zarkada G, Chen X, Zhou X, Lange M, Zeng L, Lv W, Zhang X, Li Y, Zhou W, Liu K, Chen D, Ricard N, Liao JK, Kim YB, Benedito R, Claesson-Welsh L, Alitalo K, Simons M, Ju R, Li X, Eichmann A, Zhang F. Chylomicrons Regulate Lacteal Permeability and Intestinal Lipid Absorption. Circ Res 2023; 133:333-349. [PMID: 37462027 PMCID: PMC10530007 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.322607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphatic vessels are responsible for tissue drainage, and their malfunction is associated with chronic diseases. Lymph uptake occurs via specialized open cell-cell junctions between capillary lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), whereas closed junctions in collecting LECs prevent lymph leakage. LEC junctions are known to dynamically remodel in development and disease, but how lymphatic permeability is regulated remains poorly understood. METHODS We used various genetically engineered mouse models in combination with cellular, biochemical, and molecular biology approaches to elucidate the signaling pathways regulating junction morphology and function in lymphatic capillaries. RESULTS By studying the permeability of intestinal lacteal capillaries to lipoprotein particles known as chylomicrons, we show that ROCK (Rho-associated kinase)-dependent cytoskeletal contractility is a fundamental mechanism of LEC permeability regulation. We show that chylomicron-derived lipids trigger neonatal lacteal junction opening via ROCK-dependent contraction of junction-anchored stress fibers. LEC-specific ROCK deletion abolished junction opening and plasma lipid uptake. Chylomicrons additionally inhibited VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)-A signaling. We show that VEGF-A antagonizes LEC junction opening via VEGFR (VEGF receptor) 2 and VEGFR3-dependent PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)/AKT (protein kinase B) activation of the small GTPase RAC1 (Rac family small GTPase 1), thereby restricting RhoA (Ras homolog family member A)/ROCK-mediated cytoskeleton contraction. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal that antagonistic inputs into ROCK-dependent cytoskeleton contractions regulate the interconversion of lymphatic junctions in the intestine and in other tissues, providing a tunable mechanism to control the lymphatic barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Zarkada
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510-3221, USA
| | - Xun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xuetong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Martin Lange
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510-3221, USA
| | - Lei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wenyu Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yunhua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Weibin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Keli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Dongying Chen
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510-3221, USA
| | - Nicolas Ricard
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510-3221, USA
| | - James K. Liao
- University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Banner University Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Young-Bum Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rui Benedito
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid E28029, Spain
| | - Lena Claesson-Welsh
- Uppsala University, Rudbeck, SciLifeLab and Beijer Laboratories, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Biomedicum, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Simons
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510-3221, USA
| | - Rong Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xuri Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Anne Eichmann
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510-3221, USA
- INSERM U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
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13
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Zhuang T, Lei Y, Chang JJ, Zhou YP, Li Y, Li YX, Yang YF, Chen MH, Meng T, Fu SM, Huang LH, Cheang WS, Cooke JP, Dong ZH, Bai YN, Ruan CC. A2AR-mediated lymphangiogenesis via VEGFR2 signaling prevents salt-sensitive hypertension. Eur Heart J 2023; 44:2730-2742. [PMID: 37377160 PMCID: PMC10393074 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Excess dietary sodium intake and retention lead to hypertension. Impaired dermal lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic dysfunction-mediated sodium and fluid imbalance are pathological mechanisms. The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), while the roles and mechanisms of LEC-A2AR in skin lymphangiogenesis during salt-induced hypertension are not clear. METHODS AND RESULTS The expression of LEC-A2AR correlated with lymphatic vessel density in both high-salt diet (HSD)-induced hypertensive mice and hypertensive patients. Lymphatic endothelial cell-specific A2AR knockout mice fed HSD exhibited 17 ± 2% increase in blood pressure and 17 ± 3% increase in Na+ content associated with decreased lymphatic density (-19 ± 2%) compared with HSD-WT mice. A2AR activation by agonist CGS21680 increased lymphatic capillary density and decreased blood pressure in HSD-WT mice. Furthermore, this A2AR agonist activated MSK1 directly to promote VEGFR2 activation and endocytosis independently of VEGF as assessed by phosphoprotein profiling and immunoprecipitation assays in LECs. VEGFR2 kinase activity inhibitor fruquintinib or VEGFR2 knockout in LECs but not VEGF-neutralizing antibody bevacizumab suppressed A2AR activation-mediated decrease in blood pressure. Immunostaining revealed phosphorylated VEGFR2 and MSK1 expression in the LECs were positively correlated with skin lymphatic vessel density and A2AR level in hypertensive patients. CONCLUSION The study highlights a novel A2AR-mediated VEGF-independent activation of VEGFR2 signaling in dermal lymphangiogenesis and sodium balance, which might be a potential therapeutic target in salt-sensitive hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhuang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 138 Yi-Xue-Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 138 Yi-Xue-Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jin-Jia Chang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan-Ping Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pu-Jian Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Cardiology, RuiJin Hospital/LuWan Branch, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 149 Chong-Qing-Nan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan-Xiu Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guang-Zhou Road, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Yong-Feng Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 138 Yi-Xue-Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mei-Hua Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 138 Yi-Xue-Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ting Meng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 138 Yi-Xue-Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shi-Man Fu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 138 Yi-Xue-Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li-Hao Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Fudan University, 38 Yi-Xue-Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wai-San Cheang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Long-Ma Road, Macau 999078, China
| | - John P Cooke
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhi-Hui Dong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, and Center for Vascular Surgery and Wound Care, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Feng-Lin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ying-Nan Bai
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 180 Feng-Lin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Cheng-Chao Ruan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 138 Yi-Xue-Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
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14
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Rajan KC, Patel NR, Shenoy A, Scallan JP, Chiang MY, Galazo MJ, Meadows SM. Zmiz1 is a novel regulator of lymphatic endothelial cell gene expression and function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.22.550165. [PMID: 37503058 PMCID: PMC10370198 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.22.550165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Zinc Finger MIZ-Type Containing 1 (Zmiz1), also known as ZIMP10 or RAI17, is a transcription cofactor and member of the Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT (PIAS) family of proteins. Zmiz1 is critical for a variety of biological processes including vascular development. However, its role in the lymphatic vasculature is unknown. In this study, we utilized human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HDLECs) and an inducible, lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC)-specific Zmiz1 knockout mouse model to investigate the role of Zmiz1 in LECs. Transcriptional profiling of Zmiz1-deficient HDLECs revealed downregulation of genes crucial for lymphatic vessel development. Additionally, our findings demonstrated that loss of Zmiz1 results in reduced expression of proliferation and migration genes in HDLECs and reduced proliferation and migration in vitro. We also presented evidence that Zmiz1 regulates Prox1 expression in vitro and in vivo by modulating chromatin accessibility at Prox1 regulatory regions. Furthermore, we observed that loss of Zmiz1 in mesenteric lymphatic vessels significantly reduced valve density. Collectively, our results highlight a novel role of Zmiz1 in LECs and as a transcriptional regulator of Prox1, shedding light on a previously unknown regulatory factor in lymphatic vascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- K C Rajan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Nehal R Patel
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Anoushka Shenoy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Joshua P Scallan
- Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Mark Y Chiang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Maria J Galazo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Stryder M Meadows
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
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15
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Suarez AC, Hammel JH, Munson JM. Modeling lymphangiogenesis: Pairing in vitro and in vivo metrics. Microcirculation 2023; 30:e12802. [PMID: 36760223 PMCID: PMC10121924 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is the mechanism by which the lymphatic system develops and expands new vessels facilitating fluid drainage and immune cell trafficking. Models to study lymphangiogenesis are necessary for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and to identify or test new therapeutic agents that target lymphangiogenesis. Across the lymphatic literature, multiple models have been developed to study lymphangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, lymphangiogenesis can be modeled with varying complexity, from monolayers to hydrogels to explants, with common metrics for characterizing proliferation, migration, and sprouting of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and vessels. In comparison, in vivo models of lymphangiogenesis often use genetically modified zebrafish and mice, with in situ mouse models in the ear, cornea, hind leg, and tail. In vivo metrics, such as activation of LECs, number of new lymphatic vessels, and sprouting, mirror those most used in vitro, with the addition of lymphatic vessel hyperplasia and drainage. The impacts of lymphangiogenesis vary by context of tissue and pathology. Therapeutic targeting of lymphangiogenesis can have paradoxical effects depending on the pathology including lymphedema, cancer, organ transplant, and inflammation. In this review, we describe and compare lymphangiogenic outcomes and metrics between in vitro and in vivo studies, specifically reviewing only those publications in which both testing formats are used. We find that in vitro studies correlate well with in vivo in wound healing and development, but not in the reproductive tract or the complex tumor microenvironment. Considerations for improving in vitro models are to increase complexity with perfusable microfluidic devices, co-cultures with tissue-specific support cells, the inclusion of fluid flow, and pairing in vitro models of differing complexities. We believe that these changes would strengthen the correlation between in vitro and in vivo outcomes, giving more insight into lymphangiogenesis in healthy and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen C. Suarez
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jennifer H. Hammel
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jennifer M. Munson
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
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16
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Liao J, Zhang M, Shi Z, Lu H, Wang L, Fan W, Tong X, Yan H. Improving the Function of Meningeal Lymphatic Vessels to Promote Brain Edema Absorption after Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:383-394. [PMID: 36106596 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain edema is the most common and fatal complication after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) are the conduits that transport cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and macromolecules to deep extracranial cervical lymph nodes (dCLNs). After TBI, the drainage function of MLVs can become impaired. However, the scenario in which the improvement of the function of MLVs can promote brain edema absorption after TBI has not been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ketoprofen, 9-cis retinoic acid (RA) and vascular endothelial cell growth factor-C (VEGF-C), which promote the proliferation of peripheral lymphatic vessels, on the cerebellar medullary cistern injection of TBI rats, as well as their mechanism of action on brain edema after TBI. In the experiment, we found that ketoprofen, 9-cisRA, and VEGF-C can improve the function of MLVs, promote the extracranial drainage of CSF and the absorption of brain edema, weaken the neuroinflammatory response, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, maintain the structural integrity of MLVs, and improve neurological function. In addition, ketoprofen, 9-cisRA, and VEGF-C upregulated the lymphatic-specific proteins VEGF receptor (VEGFR)3, PROX1, forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2), and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE1). These results indicate that ketoprofen, 9-cisRA, and VEGF-C may maintain the integrity of the meningeal lymphatic wall and promote lymphatic proliferation by upregulating the expression of lymphatic vessel-specific proteins, improve meningeal lymphatic function after TBI, promote CSF drainage and brain edema absorption, reduce the immune response of the nervous system, and reduce ROS formation, thereby improving prognoses. These findings may provide new ideas for the treatment of brain edema after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwen Liao
- Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin, China.,Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingchao Zhang
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zichuan Shi
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Lu
- Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Lichen Wang
- Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Weijia Fan
- Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin, China.,Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoguang Tong
- Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin, China.,Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Yan
- Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin, China.,Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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17
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Shiiya T, Hirashima M. From lymphatic endothelial cell migration to formation of tubular lymphatic vascular network. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1124696. [PMID: 36895637 PMCID: PMC9989012 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1124696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
During development, lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) progenitors differentiate from venous endothelial cells only in limited regions of the body. Thus, LEC migration and subsequent tube formation are essential processes for the development of tubular lymphatic vascular network throughout the body. In this review, we discuss chemotactic factors, LEC-extracellular matrix interactions and planar cell polarity regulating LEC migration and formation of tubular lymphatic vessels. Insights into molecular mechanisms underlying these processes will help in understanding not only physiological lymphatic vascular development but lymphangiogenesis associated with pathological conditions such as tumors and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Shiiya
- Division of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masanori Hirashima
- Division of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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18
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Peluzzo AM, Bkhache M, Do LNH, Autieri MV, Liu X. Differential regulation of lymphatic junctional morphology and the potential effects on cardiovascular diseases. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1198052. [PMID: 37187962 PMCID: PMC10175597 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1198052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature provides an essential route to drain fluid, macromolecules, and immune cells from the interstitium as lymph, returning it to the bloodstream where the thoracic duct meets the subclavian vein. To ensure functional lymphatic drainage, the lymphatic system contains a complex network of vessels which has differential regulation of unique cell-cell junctions. The lymphatic endothelial cells lining initial lymphatic vessels form permeable "button-like" junctions which allow substances to enter the vessel. Collecting lymphatic vessels form less permeable "zipper-like" junctions which retain lymph within the vessel and prevent leakage. Therefore, sections of the lymphatic bed are differentially permeable, regulated in part by its junctional morphology. In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of regulating lymphatic junctional morphology, highlighting how it relates to lymphatic permeability during development and disease. We will also discuss the effect of alterations in lymphatic permeability on efficient lymphatic flux in health and how it may affect cardiovascular diseases, with a focus on atherosclerosis.
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19
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Chang TM, Chu PY, Lin HY, Huang KW, Hung WC, Shan YS, Chen LT, Tsai HJ. PTEN regulates invasiveness in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors through DUSP19-mediated VEGFR3 dephosphorylation. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:92. [PMID: 36336681 PMCID: PMC9639322 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00875-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a tumor suppressor. Low PTEN expression has been observed in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) and is associated with increased liver metastasis and poor survival. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) is a receptor tyrosine kinase and is usually activated by binding with vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC). VEGFR3 has been demonstrated with lymphangiogenesis and cancer invasiveness. PTEN is also a phosphatase to dephosphorylate both lipid and protein substrates and VEGFR3 is hypothesized to be a substrate of PTEN. Dual-specificity phosphatase 19 (DUSP19) is an atypical DUSP and can interact with VEGFR3. In this study, we investigated the function of PTEN on regulation of pNET invasiveness and its association with VEGFR3 and DUSP19. Methods PTEN was knocked down or overexpressed in pNET cells to evaluate its effect on invasiveness and its association with VEGFR3 phosphorylation. In vitro phosphatase assay was performed to identify the regulatory molecule on the regulation of VEGFR3 phosphorylation. In addition, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to evaluate the molecule with direct interaction on VEGFR3 phosphorylation. The animal study was performed to validate the results of the in vitro study. Results The invasion and migration capabilities of pNETs were enhanced by PTEN knockdown accompanied with increased VEGFR3 phosphorylation, ERK phosphorylation, and increased expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition molecules in the cells. The enhanced invasion and migration abilities of pNET cells with PTEN knockdown were suppressed by addition of the VEGFR3 inhibitor MAZ51, but not by the VEGFR3-Fc chimeric protein to neutralize VEGFC. VEGFR3 phosphorylation is responsible for pNET cell invasiveness and is VEGFC-independent. However, an in vitro phosphatase assay failed to show VEGFR3 as a substrate of PTEN. In contrast, DUSP19 was transcriptionally upregulated by PTEN and was shown to dephosphorylate VEGFR3 via direct interaction with VEGFR3 by an in vitro phosphatase assay, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence staining. Increased tumor invasion into peripheral tissues was validated in xenograft mouse model. Tumor invasion was suppressed by treatment with VEGFR3 or MEK inhibitors. Conclusions PTEN regulates pNET invasiveness via DUSP19-mediated VEGFR3 dephosphorylation. VEGFR3 and DUSP19 are potential therapeutic targets for pNET treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12929-022-00875-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Ming Chang
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 1F No 367, Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70456 Taiwan ,grid.411447.30000 0004 0637 1806Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Science and Technology, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yi Chu
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 1F No 367, Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70456 Taiwan ,grid.452796.b0000 0004 0634 3637Department of Pathology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan ,grid.256105.50000 0004 1937 1063School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan ,grid.260542.70000 0004 0532 3749Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-You Lin
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 1F No 367, Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70456 Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Wei Huang
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 1F No 367, Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70456 Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Hung
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 1F No 367, Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70456 Taiwan
| | - Yan-Shen Shan
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ,grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tzong Chen
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 1F No 367, Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70456 Taiwan ,grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ,grid.412019.f0000 0000 9476 5696Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, and Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Jen Tsai
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 1F No 367, Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70456 Taiwan ,grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ,grid.412019.f0000 0000 9476 5696Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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20
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Britto DD, He J, Misa JP, Chen W, Kakadia PM, Grimm L, Herbert CD, Crosier KE, Crosier PS, Bohlander SK, Hogan BM, Hall CJ, Torres-Vázquez J, Astin JW. Plexin D1 negatively regulates zebrafish lymphatic development. Development 2022; 149:dev200560. [PMID: 36205097 PMCID: PMC9720674 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is a dynamic process that involves the directed migration of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to form lymphatic vessels. The molecular mechanisms that underpin lymphatic vessel patterning are not fully elucidated and, to date, no global regulator of lymphatic vessel guidance is known. In this study, we identify the transmembrane cell signalling receptor Plexin D1 (Plxnd1) as a negative regulator of both lymphatic vessel guidance and lymphangiogenesis in zebrafish. plxnd1 is expressed in developing lymphatics and is required for the guidance of both the trunk and facial lymphatic networks. Loss of plxnd1 is associated with misguided intersegmental lymphatic vessel growth and aberrant facial lymphatic branches. Lymphatic guidance in the trunk is mediated, at least in part, by the Plxnd1 ligands, Semaphorin 3AA and Semaphorin 3C. Finally, we show that Plxnd1 normally antagonises Vegfr/Erk signalling to ensure the correct number of facial LECs and that loss of plxnd1 results in facial lymphatic hyperplasia. As a global negative regulator of lymphatic vessel development, the Sema/Plxnd1 signalling pathway is a potential therapeutic target for treating diseases associated with dysregulated lymphatic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denver D. Britto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Jia He
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - June P. Misa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Wenxuan Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Purvi M. Kakadia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Lin Grimm
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Caitlin D. Herbert
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn E. Crosier
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Philip S. Crosier
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Stefan K. Bohlander
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin M. Hogan
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Hall
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Jesús Torres-Vázquez
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jonathan W. Astin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
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21
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Sung DC, Chen M, Dominguez MH, Mahadevan A, Chen X, Yang J, Gao S, Ren AA, Tang AT, Mericko P, Patton R, Lee M, Jannaway M, Nottebaum A, Vestweber D, Scallan JP, Kahn ML. Sinusoidal and lymphatic vessel growth is controlled by reciprocal VEGF-C-CDH5 inhibition. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:1006-1021. [PMID: 36910472 PMCID: PMC9997205 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00147-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Sinusoids are specialized, low pressure blood vessels in the liver, bone marrow, and spleen required for definitive hematopoiesis. Unlike other blood endothelial cells (ECs), sinusoidal ECs express high levels of VEGFR3. VEGFR3 and its ligand VEGF-C are known to support lymphatic growth, but their function in sinusoidal vessels is unknown. In this study, we define a reciprocal VEGF-C/VEGFR3-CDH5 (VE-cadherin) signaling axis that controls growth of both sinusoidal and lymphatic vessels. Loss of VEGF-C or VEGFR3 resulted in cutaneous edema, reduced fetal liver size, and bloodless bone marrow due to impaired lymphatic and sinusoidal vessel growth. Mice with membrane-retained VE-cadherin conferred identical lymphatic and sinusoidal defects, suggesting that VE-cadherin opposes VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling. In developing mice, loss of VE-cadherin rescued defects in sinusoidal and lymphatic growth caused by loss of VEGFR3 but not loss of VEGF-C, findings explained by potentiated VEGF-C/VEGFR2 signaling in VEGFR3-deficient lymphatic ECs. Mechanistically, VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling induces VE-cadherin endocytosis and loss of function via SRC-mediated phosphorylation, while VE-cadherin prevents VEGFR3 endocytosis required for optimal receptor signaling. These findings establish an essential role for VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling during sinusoidal vascular growth, identify VE-cadherin as a powerful negative regulator of VEGF-C signaling that acts through both VEGFR3 and VEGFR2 receptors, and suggest that negative regulation of VE-cadherin is required for effective VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling during growth of sinusoidal and lymphatic vessels. Manipulation of this reciprocal negative regulatory mechanism, e.g. by reducing VE-cadherin function, may be used to stimulate therapeutic sinusoidal or lymphatic vessel growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek C. Sung
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mei Chen
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Martin H. Dominguez
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Aparna Mahadevan
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Xiaowen Chen
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jisheng Yang
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Siqi Gao
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Aileen A. Ren
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alan T. Tang
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Patricia Mericko
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Raiyah Patton
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michelle Lee
- University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Melanie Jannaway
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Astrid Nottebaum
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Joshua P. Scallan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Mark L. Kahn
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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22
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Goldberg AR, Ferguson M, Pal S, Cohen R, Orlicky DJ, McCullough RL, Rutkowski JM, Burchill MA, Tamburini BAJ. Oxidized low density lipoprotein in the liver causes decreased permeability of liver lymphatic- but not liver sinusoidal-endothelial cells via VEGFR-3 regulation of VE-Cadherin. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1021038. [PMID: 36338478 PMCID: PMC9626955 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1021038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature of the liver is vital for liver function as it maintains fluid and protein homeostasis and is important for immune cell transport to the lymph node. Chronic liver disease is associated with increased expression of inflammatory mediators including oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Intrahepatic levels of oxLDL are elevated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV), alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), and cholestatic liver diseases. To determine if liver lymphatic function is impaired in chronic liver diseases, in which increased oxLDL has been documented, we measured liver lymphatic function in murine models of NAFLD, ALD and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We found that Mdr2-/- (PSC), Lieber-DeCarli ethanol fed (ALD) and high fat and high cholesterol diet fed (NAFLD) mice all had a significant impairment in the ability to traffic FITC labeled dextran from the liver parenchyma to the liver draining lymph nodes. Utilizing an in vitro permeability assay, we found that oxLDL decreased the permeability of lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC)s, but not liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC)s. Here we demonstrate that LECs and LSECs differentially regulate SRC-family kinases, MAPK kinase and VE-Cadherin in response to oxLDL. Furthermore, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)C or D (VEGFR-3 ligands) appear to regulate VE-Cadherin expression as well as decrease cellular permeability of LECs in vitro and in vivo after oxLDL treatment. These findings suggest that oxLDL acts to impede protein transport through the lymphatics through tightening of the cell-cell junctions. Importantly, engagement of VEGFR-3 by its ligands prevents VE-Cadherin upregulation and improves lymphatic permeability. These studies provide a potential therapeutic target to restore liver lymphatic function and improve liver function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa R. Goldberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition. Children’s Hospital Colorado, Digestive Health Institute- Pediatric Liver Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Megan Ferguson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Sarit Pal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rachel Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - David J. Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rebecca L. McCullough
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Joseph M. Rutkowski
- Division of Lymphatic Biology, Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Matthew A. Burchill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Beth A. Jirón Tamburini
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
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23
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Shen X, Kong S, Ma S, Shen L, zheng M, Qin S, Qi J, Wang Q, Cui X, Ju S. Hsa_circ_0000437 promotes pathogenesis of gastric cancer and lymph node metastasis. Oncogene 2022; 41:4724-4735. [DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02449-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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24
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Saikia Q, Reeve H, Alzahrani A, Critchley WR, Zeqiraj E, Divan A, Harrison MA, Ponnambalam S. VEGFR endocytosis: Implications for angiogenesis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 194:109-139. [PMID: 36631189 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The binding of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) superfamily to VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFRs) and co-receptors regulates vasculogenesis, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. A recurring theme is that dysfunction in VEGF signaling promotes pathological angiogenesis, an important feature of cancer and pro-inflammatory disease states. Endocytosis of basal (resting) or activated VEGFRs facilitates signal attenuation and endothelial quiescence. However, increasing evidence suggest that activated VEGFRs can continue to signal from intracellular compartments such as endosomes. In this chapter, we focus on the evolving link between VEGFR endocytosis, signaling and turnover and the implications for angiogenesis. There is much interest in how such understanding of VEGFR dynamics can be harnessed therapeutically for a wide range of human disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Queen Saikia
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Reeve
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Areej Alzahrani
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - William R Critchley
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Elton Zeqiraj
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Aysha Divan
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Harrison
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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25
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Korhonen EA, Murtomäki A, Jha SK, Anisimov A, Pink A, Zhang Y, Stritt S, Liaqat I, Stanczuk L, Alderfer L, Sun Z, Kapiainen E, Singh A, Sultan I, Lantta A, Leppänen VM, Eklund L, He Y, Augustin HG, Vaahtomeri K, Saharinen P, Mäkinen T, Alitalo K. Lymphangiogenesis requires Ang2/Tie/PI3K signaling for VEGFR3 cell surface expression. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:155478. [PMID: 35763346 PMCID: PMC9337826 DOI: 10.1172/jci155478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) induces lymphangiogenesis via VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR3), which is encoded by the most frequently mutated gene in human primary lymphedema. Angiopoietins (Angs) and their Tie receptors regulate lymphatic vessel development, and mutations of the ANGPT2 gene were recently found in human primary lymphedema. However, the mechanistic basis of Ang2 activity in lymphangiogenesis is not fully understood. Here, we used gene deletion, blocking Abs, transgene induction, and gene transfer to study how Ang2, its Tie2 receptor, and Tie1 regulate lymphatic vessels. We discovered that VEGF-C–induced Ang2 secretion from lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) was involved in full Akt activation downstream of phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K). Neonatal deletion of genes encoding the Tie receptors or Ang2 in LECs, or administration of an Ang2-blocking Ab decreased VEGFR3 presentation on LECs and inhibited lymphangiogenesis. A similar effect was observed in LECs upon deletion of the PI3K catalytic p110α subunit or with small-molecule inhibition of a constitutively active PI3K located downstream of Ang2. Deletion of Tie receptors or blockade of Ang2 decreased VEGF-C–induced lymphangiogenesis also in adult mice. Our results reveal an important crosstalk between the VEGF-C and Ang signaling pathways and suggest new avenues for therapeutic manipulation of lymphangiogenesis by targeting Ang2/Tie/PI3K signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia A Korhonen
- Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aino Murtomäki
- Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sawan Kumar Jha
- Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andrey Anisimov
- Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Pink
- Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Simon Stritt
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Inam Liaqat
- Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lukas Stanczuk
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Laura Alderfer
- Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zhiliang Sun
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Emmi Kapiainen
- Oulu Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Abhishek Singh
- Oulu Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ibrahim Sultan
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anni Lantta
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veli-Matti Leppänen
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri Eklund
- Oulu Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Yulong He
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hellmut G Augustin
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kari Vaahtomeri
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pipsa Saharinen
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taija Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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26
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Hsu MJ, Chen HK, Chen CY, Lien JC, Gao JY, Huang YH, Hsu JBK, Lee GA, Huang SW. Anti-Angiogenetic and Anti-Lymphangiogenic Effects of a Novel 2-Aminobenzimidazole Derivative, MFB. Front Oncol 2022; 12:862326. [PMID: 35795066 PMCID: PMC9251317 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.862326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Benzimidazoles have attracted much attention over the last few decades due to their broad-spectrum pharmacological properties. Increasing evidence is showing the potential use of benzimidazoles as anti-angiogenic agents, although the mechanisms that impact angiogenesis remain to be fully defined. In this study, we aim to investigate the anti-angiogenic mechanisms of MFB, a novel 2-aminobenzimidazole derivative, to develop a novel angiogenesis inhibitor. Experimental Approach MTT, BrdU, migration and invasion assays, and immunoblotting were employed to examine MFB’s effects on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced endothelial cell proliferation, migration, invasion, as well as signaling molecules activation. The anti-angiogenic effects of MFB were analyzed by tube formation, aorta ring sprouting, and matrigel plug assays. We also used a mouse model of lung metastasis to determine the MFB’s anti-metastatic effects. Key Results MFB suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and endothelial tube formation of VEGF-A-stimulated human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) or VEGF-C-stimulated lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). MFB suppressed VEGF-A and VEGF-C signaling in HUVECs or LECs. In addition, MFB reduced VEGF-A- or tumor cells-induced neovascularization in vivo. MFB also diminished B16F10 melanoma lung metastasis. The molecular docking results further showed that MFB may bind to VEGFR-2 rather than VEGF-A with high affinity. Conclusions and Implications These observations indicated that MFB may target VEGF/VEGFR signaling to suppress angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. It also supports the role of MFB as a potential lead in developing novel agents for the treatment of angiogenesis- or lymphangiogenesis-associated diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Jen Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Kun Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yu Chen
- Translational Imaging Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Imaging, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Cherng Lien
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Hospital of China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Yan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Hospital of China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Han Huang
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Justin Bo-Kai Hsu
- Translational Imaging Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research; Research Center of Thoracic Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Gilbert Aaron Lee
- Translational Imaging Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research; Research Center of Thoracic Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shiu-Wen Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Translational Imaging Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research; Research Center of Thoracic Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center of Thoracic Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Shiu-Wen Huang,
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Xu SJ, Jin B, Zhao WJ, Chen XX, Tong YY, Ding XF, Chen YY, Wang DH, Wang ZM, Dai BQ, Chen S, Liang Y, Chen G, Pan SJ, Xu LL. The Specifically Androgen-Regulated Gene (SARG) Promotes Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) Lymphatic Metastasis Through Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C (VEGF-C) and VEGF Receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) Axis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:817660. [PMID: 35769717 PMCID: PMC9234133 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.817660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) metastasizes through lymphatic spread, but the follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) metastasis occurs by following hematogenous spread. To date, the molecular mechanism underlying different metastatic routes between PTC and FTC is still unclear. Here, we showed that specifically androgen-regulated gene (SARG) was significantly up-regulated in PTC, while obviously down-regulated in FTC through analyzing the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Immunohistochemistry assay verified that the PTC lymph node metastasis was associated with higher levels of SARG protein in clinical PTC patient samples. SARG-knockdown decreased TPC-1 and CGTH-W3 cells viability and migration significantly. On the contrary, SARG-overexpressed PTC cells possessed more aggressive migratory ability and viability. In vivo, SARG overexpression dramatically promoted popliteal lymph node metastasis of xenografts from TPC-1 cells mouse footpad transplanting. Mechanistically, SARG overexpression and knockdown significantly increased and decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR-3), respectively, thereby facilitating or inhibiting the tube formation in HUVECs. The tube formation experiment showed that SARG overexpression and knockdown promoted or inhibited the number of tube formations in HUVEC cells, respectively. Taken together, we showed for the first time the differential expression profile of SARG between PTC and FTC, and SARG promotes PTC lymphatic metastasis via VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 signal. It indicates that SARG may represent a target for clinical intervention in lymphatic metastasis of PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai-Jun Xu
- Department of Hematology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
- Graduate School of Medicine, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Bin Jin
- Graduate School of Medicine, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Wei-Jun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Medicine , School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Xue-Xian Chen
- Department of Hematology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying-Ying Tong
- Department of Hematology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Ding
- Department of Clinical Medicine , School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Ying-Yuan Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine , School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Dong-Hao Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine , School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine , School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Bing-Qing Dai
- Department of Clinical Medicine , School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Sai Chen
- Department of Hematology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Department of Clinical Medicine , School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guang Chen, ; Su-Jiao Pan, ; Ling-Long Xu,
| | - Su-Jiao Pan
- Department of Pathology, Women’s Hospital of Jiaojiang Districts, Taizhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guang Chen, ; Su-Jiao Pan, ; Ling-Long Xu,
| | - Ling-Long Xu
- Department of Hematology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guang Chen, ; Su-Jiao Pan, ; Ling-Long Xu,
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Ishii M, Miyata H, Ikeda N, Tagawa T, Nishimura M. Piper retrofractum extract and its component piperine promote lymphangiogenesis via an AKT- and ERK-dependent mechanism. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14233. [PMID: 35567300 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Administration of Piper retrofractum extract (PRE) has been reported to alleviate edema, but the mechanism underlying this effect is unknown. Promotion of lymphangiogenesis is known to improve lymphedema, but the effect of PRE on lymphangiogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated whether PRE and specifically, piperine, the main component of PRE, can induce lymphangiogenesis. Treatments with PRE and piperine significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and tube formation in human dermal lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells (HDLECs) but had no effect on the expression of lymphangiogenic factors. Furthermore, PRE and piperine significantly promoted the phosphorylation of the AKT and ERK proteins in HDLECs, and pretreatment with AKT and ERK inhibitors significantly attenuated the PRE- and piperine-induced lymphangiogenesis. These results indicate that PRE and piperine promote lymphangiogenesis via an AKT- and ERK-dependent mechanism. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The lymphatic system plays various roles such as maintaining tissue fluid homeostasis, immune defense, and metabolism. Disruption of the lymphatic system results in insufficient fluid drainage, which causes edema. Currently, there are no effective treatments for lymphedema; therefore, the development of novel treatment strategies is desirable. In this study, we showed that PRE and its main component piperine promote lymphangiogenesis in lymphatic endothelial cells. Therefore, PRE has the potential to be used as a novel functional food for relieving lymphedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masakazu Ishii
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Haruka Miyata
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Nao Ikeda
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | | | - Masahiro Nishimura
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
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29
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Kataru RP, Park HJ, Shin J, Baik JE, Sarker A, Brown S, Mehrara BJ. Structural and Functional Changes in Aged Skin Lymphatic Vessels. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 3:864860. [PMID: 35821848 PMCID: PMC9261401 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.864860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Lymphatic structure and function play a critical role in fluid transport, antigen delivery, and immune homeostasis. A dysfunctional lymphatic system is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation of peripheral tissues, poor immune responses, and recurrent infections, which are also hallmarks of aging pathology. Previous studies have shown that aging impairs lymphatic structure and function in a variety of organ systems, including the intestines and central nervous system. However, previous studies are mostly limited to qualitative analysis of lymphatic structural changes and quantification of intestinal collecting vessel contractile function. It is not clear whether decreased lymphatic function contributes to pathological conditions related to aging, nor how it affects the skin immune microenvironment. Further, the effects of aging on skin initial and collecting lymphatic vessels, dendritic cell (DC) migration, cutaneous lymphatic pumping, and VEGFR-3 signaling in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) have not been quantitatively analyzed. Here, using fluorescent immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, we confirm that aging decreases skin initial and collecting lymphatic vessel density. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphangiography and DC migration assays confirm that aging decreases both fluid pumping and cell migration via lymphatic vessels. At the cellular level, aging causes decreased VEGFR-3 signaling, leading to increased LEC apoptosis and senescence. Finally, we determined that aging causes decreased lymphatic production of chemokines and alters LEC expression of junctional and adhesion molecules. This in turn leads to increased peri-lymphatic inflammation and nitrosative stress that might contribute to aging pathology in a feed-forward manner. Taken together, our study, in addition to quantitatively corroborating previous findings, suggests diverse mechanisms that contribute to lymphatic dysfunction in aging that in turn exacerbate the pathology of aging in a feed-forward manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu P. Kataru
- The Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
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30
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Tempfer H, Spitzer G, Lehner C, Wagner A, Gehwolf R, Fierlbeck J, Weissenbacher N, Jessen M, Heindl LM, Traweger A. VEGF-D-mediated signaling in tendon cells is involved in degenerative processes. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22126. [PMID: 35044682 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100773rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling is crucial for a large variety of cellular processes, not only related to angiogenesis but also in nonvascular cell types. We have previously shown that controlling angiogenesis by reducing VEGF-A signaling positively affects tendon healing. We now hypothesize that VEGF signaling in non-endothelial cells may contribute to tendon pathologies. By immunohistochemistry we show that VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3 are expressed in murine and human tendon cells in vivo. In a rat Achilles tendon defect model we show that VEGFR1, VEGFR3, and VEGF-D expression are increased after injury. On cultured rat tendon cells we show that VEGF-D stimulates cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner; the specific VEGFR3 inhibitor SAR131675 reduces cell proliferation and cell migration. Furthermore, activation of VEGFR2 and -3 in tendon-derived cells affects the expression of mRNAs encoding extracellular matrix and matrix remodeling proteins. Using explant model systems, we provide evidence, that VEGFR3 inhibition prevents biomechanical deterioration in rat tail tendon fascicles cultured without load and attenuates matrix damage if exposed to dynamic overload in a bioreactor system. Together, these results suggest a strong role of tendon cell VEGF signaling in mediation of degenerative processes. These findings give novel insight into tendon cell biology and may pave the way for novel treatment options for degenerative tendon diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Tempfer
- Institute of Tendon and Bone Regeneration, Paracelsus Medical University-Spinal Cord Injury & Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriel Spitzer
- Institute of Tendon and Bone Regeneration, Paracelsus Medical University-Spinal Cord Injury & Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Lehner
- Institute of Tendon and Bone Regeneration, Paracelsus Medical University-Spinal Cord Injury & Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Wagner
- Institute of Tendon and Bone Regeneration, Paracelsus Medical University-Spinal Cord Injury & Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Renate Gehwolf
- Institute of Tendon and Bone Regeneration, Paracelsus Medical University-Spinal Cord Injury & Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Nadja Weissenbacher
- Institute of Tendon and Bone Regeneration, Paracelsus Medical University-Spinal Cord Injury & Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Malik Jessen
- Institute of Tendon and Bone Regeneration, Paracelsus Medical University-Spinal Cord Injury & Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ludwig M Heindl
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Traweger
- Institute of Tendon and Bone Regeneration, Paracelsus Medical University-Spinal Cord Injury & Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
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31
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Harry JA, Ormiston ML. Novel Pathways for Targeting Tumor Angiogenesis in Metastatic Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:772305. [PMID: 34926282 PMCID: PMC8678517 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.772305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women and is the second leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel development from pre-existing vasculature, has been implicated in the growth, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Tumor angiogenesis has been explored as a key therapeutic target for decades, as the blockade of this process holds the potential to reduce the oxygen and nutrient supplies that are required for tumor growth. However, many existing anti-angiogenic approaches, such as those targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Notch, and Angiopoietin signaling, have been associated with severe side-effects, limited survival advantage, and enhanced cancer regrowth rates. To address these setbacks, alternative pathways involved in the regulation of tumor angiogenesis are being explored, including those involving Bone Morphogenetic Protein-9 signaling, the Sonic Hedgehog pathway, Cyclooxygenase-2, p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase, and Chemokine Ligand 18. This review article will introduce the concept of tumor angiogenesis in the context of breast cancer, followed by an overview of current anti-angiogenic therapies, associated resistance mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Harry
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Mark L Ormiston
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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32
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Qin L, Zhang H, Li B, Jiang Q, Lopez F, Min W, Zhou JH. CCM3 Loss-Induced Lymphatic Defect Is Mediated by the Augmented VEGFR3-ERK1/2 Signaling. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:2943-2960. [PMID: 34670407 PMCID: PMC8613000 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.316707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) can happen anywhere in the body, although they most commonly produce symptoms in the brain. The role of CCM genes in other vascular beds outside the brain and retina is not well-examined, although the 3 CCM-associated genes (CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3) are ubiquitously expressed in all tissues. We aimed to determine the role of CCM gene in lymphatics. Approach and Results: Mice with an inducible pan-endothelial cell (EC) or lymphatic EC deletion of Ccm3 (Pdcd10ECKO or Pdcd10LECKO) exhibit dilated lymphatic capillaries and collecting vessels with abnormal valve structure. Morphological alterations were correlated with lymphatic dysfunction in Pdcd10LECKO mice as determined by Evans blue dye and fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)-dextran transport assays. Pdcd10LECKO lymphatics had increased VEGFR3 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3)-ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) signaling with lymphatic hyperplasia. Mechanistic studies suggested that VEGFR3 is primarily regulated at a transcriptional level in Ccm3-deficient lymphatic ECs, in an NF-κB (nuclear factor κB)-dependent manner. CCM3 binds to importin alpha 2/KPNA2 (karyopherin subunit alpha 2), and a CCM3 deletion releases KPNA2 to activate NF-κB P65 by facilitating its nuclear translocation and P65-dependent VEGFR3 transcription. Moreover, increased VEGFR3 in lymphatic EC preferentially activates ERK1/2 signaling, which is critical for lymphatic EC proliferation. Importantly, inhibition of VEGFR3 or ERK1/2 rescued the lymphatic defects in structure and function. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that CCM3 deletion augments the VEGFR3-ERK1/2 signaling in lymphatic EC that drives lymphatic hyperplasia and malformation and warrant further investigation on the potential clinical relevance of lymphatic dysfunction in patients with CCM.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/genetics
- Cells, Cultured
- Endothelial Cells/physiology
- Endothelium, Lymphatic/pathology
- Endothelium, Lymphatic/physiopathology
- Female
- Gene Deletion
- Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/pathology
- Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/physiopathology
- Hyperplasia
- MAP Kinase Signaling System/physiology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Models, Animal
- NF-kappa B/genetics
- Translocation, Genetic
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Qin
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Busu Li
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Quan Jiang
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Francesc Lopez
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Cancer Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Wang Min
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Jenny Huanjiao Zhou
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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33
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Tabrizi ZB, Ahmed NS, Horder JL, Storr SJ, Benest AV. Transcription Factor Control of Lymphatic Quiescence and Maturation of Lymphatic Neovessels in Development and Physiology. Front Physiol 2021; 12:672987. [PMID: 34795596 PMCID: PMC8593113 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.672987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system is a vascular system comprising modified lymphatic endothelial cells, lymph nodes and other lymphoid organs. The system has diverse, but critical functions in both physiology and pathology, and forms an interface between the blood vascular and immune system. It is increasingly evident that remodelling of the lymphatic system occurs alongside remodelling of the blood microvascular system, which is now considered a hallmark of most pathological conditions as well as being critical for normal development. Much attention has focussed on how the blood endothelium undergoes phenotypic switching in development and disease, resulting in over two decades of research to probe the mechanisms underlying the resulting heterogeneity. The lymphatic system has received less attention, and consequently there are fewer descriptions of functional and molecular heterogeneity, but differential transcription factor activity is likely an important control mechanism. Here we introduce and discuss significant transcription factors of relevance to coordinating cellular responses during lymphatic remodelling as the lymphatic endothelium dynamically changes from quiescence to actively remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarah B Tabrizi
- Endothelial Quiescence Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nada S Ahmed
- Endothelial Quiescence Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph L Horder
- Endothelial Quiescence Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J Storr
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Centre for Cancer Sciences School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew V Benest
- Endothelial Quiescence Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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34
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Chennakesavalu M, Somala SRR, Dommaraju SR, Peesapati MP, Guo K, Rosenblatt MI, Chang JH, Azar DT. Corneal lymphangiogenesis as a potential target in dry eye disease - a systematic review. Surv Ophthalmol 2021; 66:960-976. [PMID: 33811911 PMCID: PMC9991079 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular surface condition causing symptoms of significant discomfort, visual disturbance, and pain. With recent advancements, DED has become recognized as a chronic self-perpetuating inflammatory condition triggered by various internal and environmental factors. DED has been shown to arise from the activation of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, leading to corneal epithelium and lacrimal gland dysfunction. While the cornea is normally avascular and thus imbued with angiogenic and lymphangiogenic privilege, various DED models have revealed activated corneal antigen-presenting cells in regional lymph nodes, suggesting the formation of new corneal lymphatic vessels in DED. The recent availability of reliable lymphatic cell surface markers such as LYVE-1 has made it possible to study lymphangiogenesis. Accordingly, numerous studies have been published within the last decade discussing the role of lymphangiogenesis in DED pathology. We systematically review the literature to identify and evaluate studies presenting data on corneal lymphangiogenesis in DED. There is considerable evidence supporting corneal lymphangiogenesis as a central mediator of DED pathogenesis. These findings suggest that anti-lymphangiogenic therapeutic strategies may be a viable option for the treatment of DED, a conclusion supported by the limited number of reported clinical trials examining anti-lymphangiogenic modalities in DED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohansrinivas Chennakesavalu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Sri Raghurama R Somala
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Sunil R Dommaraju
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Meghna Priyanka Peesapati
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Kai Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Mark I Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Jin-Hong Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL.
| | - Dimitri T Azar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
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35
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Pankova MN, Lobov GI. Lymphangiogenesis and Features of Lymphatic Drainage in Different Organs: the Significance for Allograft Fate. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093021050100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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36
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Ducoli L, Detmar M. Beyond PROX1: transcriptional, epigenetic, and noncoding RNA regulation of lymphatic identity and function. Dev Cell 2021; 56:406-426. [PMID: 33621491 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic vascular system acts as the major transportation highway of tissue fluids, and its activation or impairment is associated with a wide range of diseases. There has been increasing interest in understanding the mechanisms that control lymphatic vessel formation (lymphangiogenesis) and function in development and disease. Here, we discuss recent insights into new players whose identification has contributed to deciphering the lymphatic regulatory code. We reveal how lymphatic endothelial cells, the building blocks of lymphatic vessels, utilize their transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic portfolio to commit to and maintain their vascular lineage identity and function, with a particular focus on development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ducoli
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland; Molecular Life Sciences PhD Program, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
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37
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Distinctive Properties of Endothelial Cells from Tumor and Normal Tissue in Human Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168862. [PMID: 34445568 PMCID: PMC8396343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironments shape aggressiveness and are largely maintained by the conditions of angiogenesis formation. Thus, endothelial cells’ (ECs) biological reactions are crucial to understand and control the design of efficient therapies. In this work, we used models of ECs to represent a breast cancer tumor site as well as the same, healthy tissue. Cells characterization was performed at the transcriptome and protein expression levels, and the cells functional biological responses (angiogenesis and permeability) were assessed. We showed that the expression of proteins specific to ECs (ACE+, VWF+), their differentiation (CD31+, CD 133+, CD105+, CD34-), their adhesion properties (ICAM-1+, VCAM-1+, CD62-L+), and their barrier formation (ZO-1+) were all downregulated in tumor-derived ECs. NGS-based differential transcriptome analysis confirmed CD31-lowered expression and pointed to the increase of Ephrin-B2 and SNCAIP, indicative of dedifferentiation. Functional assays confirmed these differences; angiogenesis was impaired while permeability increased in tumor-derived ECs, as further validated by the distinctly enhanced VEGF production in response to hypoxia, reflecting the tumor conditions. This work showed that endothelial cells differed highly significantly, both phenotypically and functionally, in the tumor site as compared to the normal corresponding tissue, thus influencing the tumor microenvironment.
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38
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Kataru RP, Baik JE, Park HJ, Ly CL, Shin J, Schwartz N, Lu TT, Ortega S, Mehrara BJ. Lymphatic-specific intracellular modulation of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling improves lymphatic growth and function. Sci Signal 2021; 14:eabc0836. [PMID: 34376570 PMCID: PMC8567054 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abc0836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Exogenous administration of lymphangiogenic growth factors is widely used to study changes in lymphatic function in pathophysiology. However, this approach can result in off-target effects, thereby generating conflicting data. To circumvent this issue, we modulated intracellular VEGF-C signaling by conditionally knocking out the lipid phosphatase PTEN using the Vegfr3 promoter to drive the expression of Cre-lox in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). PTEN is an intracellular brake that inhibits the downstream effects of the activation of VEGFR3 by VEGF-C. Activation of Cre-lox recombination in adult mice resulted in an expanded functional lymphatic network due to LEC proliferation that was independent of lymphangiogenic growth factor production. Furthermore, compared with lymphangiogenesis induced by VEGF-C injection, LECPTEN animals had mature, nonleaky lymphatics with intact cell-cell junctions and reduced local tissue inflammation. Last, compared with wild-type or VEGF-C-injected mice, LECPTEN animals had an improved capacity to resolve inflammatory responses. Our findings indicate that intracellular modulation of lymphangiogenesis is effective in inducing functional lymphatic networks and has no off-target inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu P Kataru
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Jung Eun Baik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hyeung Ju Park
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Catherine L Ly
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jinyeon Shin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Noa Schwartz
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program and Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Theresa T Lu
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program and Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Sagrario Ortega
- Transgenic Mice Unit, Biotechnology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, 20829, Spain
| | - Babak J Mehrara
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
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Abstract
Phospholipase C γ1 (PLCγ1) is a member of the PLC family that functions as signal transducer by hydrolyzing membrane lipid to generate second messengers. The unique protein structure of PLCγ1 confers a critical role as a direct effector of VEGFR2 and signaling mediated by other receptor tyrosine kinases. The distinct vascular phenotypes in PLCγ1-deficient animal models and the gain-of-function mutations of PLCγ1 found in human endothelial cancers point to a major physiological role of PLCγ1 in the endothelial system. In this review, we discuss aspects of physiological and molecular function centering around PLCγ1 in the context of endothelial cells and provide a perspective for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongying Chen
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Departments of Internal Medicine and Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Michael Simons
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Departments of Internal Medicine and Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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Regulation of VEGFR Signalling in Lymphatic Vascular Development and Disease: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147760. [PMID: 34299378 PMCID: PMC8306507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of lymphatic vessels in a myriad of human diseases is rapidly gaining recognition; lymphatic vessel dysfunction is a feature of disorders including congenital lymphatic anomalies, primary lymphoedema and obesity, while improved lymphatic vessel function increases the efficacy of immunotherapy for cancer and neurological disease and promotes cardiac repair following myocardial infarction. Understanding how the growth and function of lymphatic vessels is precisely regulated therefore stands to inform the development of novel therapeutics applicable to a wide range of human diseases. Lymphatic vascular development is initiated during embryogenesis following establishment of the major blood vessels and the onset of blood flow. Lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells arise from a combination of venous and non-venous sources to generate the initial lymphatic vascular structures in the vertebrate embryo, which are then further ramified and remodelled to elaborate an extensive lymphatic vascular network. Signalling mediated via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinases is crucial for development of both the blood and lymphatic vascular networks, though distinct components are utilised to different degrees in each vascular compartment. Although much is known about the regulation of VEGFA/VEGFR2 signalling in the blood vasculature, less is understood regarding the mechanisms by which VEGFC/VEGFD/VEGFR3 signalling is regulated during lymphatic vascular development. This review will focus on recent advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating VEGFA-, VEGFC- and VEGFD-mediated signalling via VEGFRs which are important for driving the construction of lymphatic vessels during development and disease.
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41
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Monaghan RM, Page DJ, Ostergaard P, Keavney BD. The physiological and pathological functions of VEGFR3 in cardiac and lymphatic development and related diseases. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:1877-1890. [PMID: 33067626 PMCID: PMC8262640 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) are part of the evolutionarily conserved VEGF signalling pathways that regulate the development and maintenance of the body's cardiovascular and lymphovascular systems. VEGFR3, encoded by the FLT4 gene, has an indispensable and well-characterized function in development and establishment of the lymphatic system. Autosomal dominant VEGFR3 mutations, that prevent the receptor functioning as a homodimer, cause one of the major forms of hereditary primary lymphoedema; Milroy disease. Recently, we and others have shown that FLT4 variants, distinct to those observed in Milroy disease cases, predispose individuals to Tetralogy of Fallot, the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease, demonstrating a novel function for VEGFR3 in early cardiac development. Here, we examine the familiar and emerging roles of VEGFR3 in the development of both lymphovascular and cardiovascular systems, respectively, compare how distinct genetic variants in FLT4 lead to two disparate human conditions, and highlight the research still required to fully understand this multifaceted receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Monaghan
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Donna J Page
- School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Pia Ostergaard
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Bernard D Keavney
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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42
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3,4-Difluorobenzocurcumin Inhibits Vegfc-Vegfr3-Erk Signalling to Block Developmental Lymphangiogenesis in Zebrafish. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070614. [PMID: 34206901 PMCID: PMC8308560 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels from pre-existing vasculature, plays critical roles in disease, including in cancer metastasis and chronic inflammation. Preclinical and recent clinical studies have now demonstrated therapeutic utility for several anti-lymphangiogenic agents, but optimal agents and efficacy in different settings remain to be determined. We tested the anti-lymphangiogenic property of 3,4-Difluorobenzocurcumin (CDF), which has previously been implicated as an anti-cancer agent, using zebrafish embryos and cultured vascular endothelial cells. We used transgenic zebrafish labelling the lymphatic system and found that CDF potently inhibits lymphangiogenesis during embryonic development. We also found that the parent compound, Curcumin, does not inhibit lymphangiogenesis. CDF blocked lymphatic and venous sprouting, and lymphatic migration in the head and trunk of the embryo. Mechanistically, CDF impaired VEGFC-VEGFR3-ERK signalling in vitro and in vivo. In an in vivo pathological model of Vegfc-overexpression, treatment with CDF rescued endothelial cell hyperplasia. CDF did not inhibit the kinase activity of VEGFR3 yet displayed more prolonged activity in vivo than previously reported kinase inhibitors. These findings warrant further assessment of CDF and its mode of action as a candidate for use in metastasis and diseases of aberrant lymphangiogenesis.
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43
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Abstract
Lymphatic vessels maintain tissue fluid homeostasis by returning to blood circulation interstitial fluid that has extravasated from the blood capillaries. They provide a trafficking route for cells of the immune system, thus critically contributing to immune surveillance. Developmental or functional defects in the lymphatic vessels, their obstruction or damage, lead to accumulation of fluid in tissues, resulting in lymphedema. Here we discuss developmental lymphatic anomalies called lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies that manifest as localized or multifocal lesions of the lymphatic vasculature, respectively. They are rare diseases that are caused mostly by somatic mutations and can present with variable symptoms based upon the size and location of the lesions composed of fluid-filled cisterns or channels. Substantial progress has been made recently in understanding the molecular basis of their pathogenesis through the identification of their genetic causes, combined with the elucidation of the underlying mechanisms in animal disease models and patient-derived lymphatic endothelial cells. Most of the solitary somatic mutations that cause lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies occur in genes that encode components of oncogenic growth factor signal transduction pathways. This has led to successful repurposing of some targeted cancer therapeutics to the treatment of lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies. Apart from the mutations that act as lymphatic endothelial cell-autonomous drivers of these anomalies, current evidence points to superimposed paracrine mechanisms that critically contribute to disease pathogenesis and thus provide additional targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we review these advances and discuss new treatment strategies that are based on the recently identified molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taija Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (T.M.)
| | - Laurence M Boon
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Center for Vascular Anomalies, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium (L.M.B.).,Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (L.M.B., M.V.)
| | - Miikka Vikkula
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (L.M.B., M.V.).,Walloon Excellence in Lifesciences and Biotechnology, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (M.V.)
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Biomedicum, University of Helsinki, Finland (K.A.)
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44
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The adaptor protein Grb2b is an essential modulator for lympho-venous sprout formation in the zebrafish trunk. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:345-362. [PMID: 33677657 PMCID: PMC8205915 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09774-w] [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: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vegfc/Vegfr3 signaling is critical for lymphangiogenesis, the sprouting of lymphatic vessels. In zebrafish, cells sprouting from the posterior cardinal vein can either form lymphatic precursor cells or contribute to intersegmental vein formation. Both, the Vegfc-dependent differential induction of Prox1a in sprouting cells as well as a Notch-mediated pre-pattern within intersegmental vessels have been associated with the regulation of secondary sprout behavior. However, how exactly a differential lymphatic versus venous sprout cell behavior is achieved is not fully understood. Here, we characterize a zebrafish mutant in the adaptor protein Grb2b, and demonstrate through genetic interaction studies that Grb2b acts within the Vegfr3 pathway. Mutant embryos exhibit phenotypes that are consistent with reduced Vegfr3 signaling outputs prior to the sprouting of endothelial cells from the vein. During secondary sprouting stages, loss of grb2b leads to defective cell behaviors resulting in a loss of parachordal lymphangioblasts, while only partially affecting the number of intersegmental veins. A second GRB2 zebrafish ortholog, grb2a, contributes to the development of lymphatic structures in the meninges and in the head, but not in the trunk. Our results illustrate an essential role of Grb2b in vivo for cell migration to the horizontal myoseptum and for the correct formation of the lymphatic vasculature, while being less critically required in intersegmental vein formation. Thus, there appear to be higher requirements for Grb2b and therefore Vegfr3 downstream signaling levels in lymphatic versus vein precursor-generating sprouts.
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45
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Liu G, Chen T, Ding Z, Wang Y, Wei Y, Wei X. Inhibition of FGF-FGFR and VEGF-VEGFR signalling in cancer treatment. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13009. [PMID: 33655556 PMCID: PMC8016646 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The sites of targeted therapy are limited and need to be expanded. The FGF‐FGFR signalling plays pivotal roles in the oncogenic process, and FGF/FGFR inhibitors are a promising method to treat FGFR‐altered tumours. The VEGF‐VEGFR signalling is the most crucial pathway to induce angiogenesis, and inhibiting this cascade has already got success in treating tumours. While both their efficacy and antitumour spectrum are limited, combining FGF/FGFR inhibitors with VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors are an excellent way to optimize the curative effect and expand the antitumour range because their combination can target both tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment. In addition, biomarkers need to be developed to predict the efficacy, and combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors is a promising direction in the future. The article will discuss the FGF‐FGFR signalling pathway, the VEGF‐VEGFR signalling pathway, the rationale of combining these two signalling pathways and recent small‐molecule FGFR/VEGFR inhibitors based on clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihong Liu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Cardiology Department, Chengdu NO.7 People's Hospital, Chengdu Tumor Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenyu Ding
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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46
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Vestweber D. Vascular Endothelial Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Regulates Endothelial Function. Physiology (Bethesda) 2021; 36:84-93. [PMID: 33595386 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00026.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) is a receptor-type PTP (RPTP), predominantly expressed in vascular endothelial cells. It regulates embryonic and tumor angiogenesis and controls vascular permeability and homeostasis in inflammation. Major substrates are the tyrosine kinase receptor Tie-2 and the adhesion molecule VE-cadherin. This review describes how VE-PTP controls vascular functions by its various substrates and the therapeutic potential of VE-PTP in various pathophysiological settings.
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47
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Betterman KL, Sutton DL, Secker GA, Kazenwadel J, Oszmiana A, Lim L, Miura N, Sorokin L, Hogan BM, Kahn ML, McNeill H, Harvey NL. Atypical cadherin FAT4 orchestrates lymphatic endothelial cell polarity in response to flow. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:3315-3328. [PMID: 32182215 DOI: 10.1172/jci99027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The atypical cadherin FAT4 has established roles in the regulation of planar cell polarity and Hippo pathway signaling that are cell context dependent. The recent identification of FAT4 mutations in Hennekam syndrome, features of which include lymphedema, lymphangiectasia, and mental retardation, uncovered an important role for FAT4 in the lymphatic vasculature. Hennekam syndrome is also caused by mutations in collagen and calcium binding EGF domains 1 (CCBE1) and ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 3 (ADAMTS3), encoding a matrix protein and protease, respectively, that regulate activity of the key prolymphangiogenic VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling axis by facilitating the proteolytic cleavage and activation of VEGF-C. The fact that FAT4, CCBE1, and ADAMTS3 mutations underlie Hennekam syndrome suggested that all 3 genes might function in a common pathway. We identified FAT4 as a target gene of GATA-binding protein 2 (GATA2), a key transcriptional regulator of lymphatic vascular development and, in particular, lymphatic vessel valve development. Here, we demonstrate that FAT4 functions in a lymphatic endothelial cell-autonomous manner to control cell polarity in response to flow and is required for lymphatic vessel morphogenesis throughout development. Our data reveal a crucial role for FAT4 in lymphangiogenesis and shed light on the mechanistic basis by which FAT4 mutations underlie a human lymphedema syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Betterman
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Drew L Sutton
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Genevieve A Secker
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jan Kazenwadel
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Anna Oszmiana
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lillian Lim
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Naoyuki Miura
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Lydia Sorokin
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark L Kahn
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Helen McNeill
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Natasha L Harvey
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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48
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Endothelial Cells as Tools to Model Tissue Microenvironment in Hypoxia-Dependent Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020520. [PMID: 33430201 PMCID: PMC7825710 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) lining the blood vessels are important players in many biological phenomena but are crucial in hypoxia-dependent diseases where their deregulation contributes to pathology. On the other hand, processes mediated by ECs, such as angiogenesis, vessel permeability, interactions with cells and factors circulating in the blood, maintain homeostasis of the organism. Understanding the diversity and heterogeneity of ECs in different tissues and during various biological processes is crucial in biomedical research to properly develop our knowledge on many diseases, including cancer. Here, we review the most important aspects related to ECs’ heterogeneity and list the available in vitro tools to study different angiogenesis-related pathologies. We focus on the relationship between functions of ECs and their organo-specificity but also point to how the microenvironment, mainly hypoxia, shapes their activity. We believe that taking into account the specific features of ECs that are relevant to the object of the study (organ or disease state), especially in a simplified in vitro setting, is important to truly depict the biology of endothelium and its consequences. This is possible in many instances with the use of proper in vitro tools as alternative methods to animal testing.
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49
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Li G, Nottebaum AF, Brigell M, Navarro ID, Ipe U, Mishra S, Gomez-Caraballo M, Schmitt H, Soldo B, Pakola S, Withers B, Peters KG, Vestweber D, Stamer WD. A Small Molecule Inhibitor of VE-PTP Activates Tie2 in Schlemm's Canal Increasing Outflow Facility and Reducing Intraocular Pressure. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:12. [PMID: 33315051 PMCID: PMC7735951 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.14.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin-like and EGF-like domains 2 (Tie2) activation in Schlemm's canal (SC) endothelium is required for the maintenance of IOP, making the angiopoietin/Tie2 pathway a target for new and potentially disease modifying glaucoma therapies. The goal of the present study was to examine the effects of a Tie2 activator, AKB-9778, on IOP and outflow function. Methods AKB-9778 effects on IOP was evaluated in humans, rabbits, and mice. Localization studies of vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP), the target of AKB-9778 and a negative regulator of Tie2, were performed in human and mouse eyes. Mechanistic studies were carried out in mice, monitoring AKB-9778 effects on outflow facility, Tie2 phosphorylation, and filtration area of SC. Results AKB-9778 lowered IOP in patients treated subcutaneously for diabetic eye disease. In addition to efficacious, dose-dependent IOP lowering in rabbit eyes, topical ocular AKB-9778 increased Tie2 activation in SC endothelium, reduced IOP, and increased outflow facility in mouse eyes. VE-PTP was localized to SC endothelial cells in human and mouse eyes. Mechanistically, AKB-9778 increased the filtration area of SC for aqueous humor efflux in both wild type and in Tie2+/- mice. Conclusions This is the first report of IOP lowering in humans with a Tie2 activator and functional demonstration of its action in remodeling SC to increase outflow facility and lower IOP in fully developed mice. Based on these studies, a phase II clinical trial is in progress to advance topical ocular AKB-9778 as a first in class, Tie2 activator for treatment for ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guorong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | | | | | - Iris D. Navarro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Ute Ipe
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Muenster, Germany
| | - Sarthak Mishra
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Muenster, Germany
| | - Maria Gomez-Caraballo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Heather Schmitt
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Brandi Soldo
- Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Steve Pakola
- Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Barbara Withers
- Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Kevin G. Peters
- Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | | | - W. Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
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50
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Bui K, Hong YK. Ras Pathways on Prox1 and Lymphangiogenesis: Insights for Therapeutics. Front Cardiovasc Med 2020; 7:597374. [PMID: 33263009 PMCID: PMC7688453 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.597374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past couple of decades, lymphatics research has accelerated and gained a much-needed recognition in pathophysiology. As the lymphatic system plays heavy roles in interstitial fluid drainage, immune surveillance and lipid absorption, the ablation or excessive growth of this vasculature could be associated with many complications, from lymphedema to metastasis. Despite their growing importance in cancer, few anti-lymphangiogenic therapies exist today, as they have yet to pass phase 3 clinical trials and acquire FDA approval. As such, many studies are being done to better define the signaling pathways that govern lymphangiogenesis, in hopes of developing new therapeutic approaches to inhibit or stimulate this process. This review will cover our current understanding of the Ras signaling pathways and their interactions with Prox1, the master transcriptional switch involved in specifying lymphatic endothelial cell fate and lymphangiogenesis, in hopes of providing insights to lymphangiogenesis-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa Bui
- Department of Surgery, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Young-Kwon Hong
- Department of Surgery, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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