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Cosetta R, Michela C, Anna V, Mattia D, Elisabetta G, Stefania M. Alternative method to visualize receptor dynamics in cell membranes. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304172. [PMID: 38861534 PMCID: PMC11166301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a close relation between membrane receptor dynamics and their behavior. Several microscopy techniques have been developed to study protein dynamics in live cells such as the Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) or the Single Particle Tracking (SPT). These methodologies require expensive instruments, are time consuming, allow the analysis of small portion of the cell or an extremely small number of receptors at a time. Here we propose a time-saving approach that allows to visualize the entire receptor pool and its localization in time. This protocol requires an epifluorescence microscope equipped for structured illuminated sectioning and for live cell imaging. It can be applied to characterize membrane receptor and multi protein complex and their response to activators or inhibitors. Image acquisition and analysis can be performed in two days, while cells and substratum preparation require a few minutes a day for three days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravelli Cosetta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- The Mechanobiology Research Center, UNIBS, Brescia, Italy
| | - Corsini Michela
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- The Mechanobiology Research Center, UNIBS, Brescia, Italy
| | - Ventura Anna
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Domenichini Mattia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Grillo Elisabetta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- The Mechanobiology Research Center, UNIBS, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mitola Stefania
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- The Mechanobiology Research Center, UNIBS, Brescia, Italy
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2
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Serpelloni M, Arricca M, Ravelli C, Grillo E, Mitola S, Salvadori A. Mechanobiology of the relocation of proteins in advecting cells: in vitro experiments, multi-physics modeling, and simulations. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023:10.1007/s10237-023-01717-2. [PMID: 37067608 PMCID: PMC10366044 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01717-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Cell motility-a cellular behavior of paramount relevance in embryonic development, immunological response, metastasis, or angiogenesis-demands a mechanical deformation of the cell membrane and influences the surface motion of molecules and their biochemical interactions. In this work, we develop a fully coupled multi-physics model able to capture and predict the protein flow on endothelial advecting plasma membranes. The model has been validated against co-designed in vitro experiments. The complete picture of the receptor dynamics has been understood, and limiting factors have been identified together with the laws that regulate receptor polarization. This computational approach might be insightful in the prediction of endothelial cell behavior in different tumoral environments, circumventing the time-consuming and expensive empirical characterization of each tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Serpelloni
- The Mechanobiology research center, UNIBS, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - M Arricca
- The Mechanobiology research center, UNIBS, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - C Ravelli
- The Mechanobiology research center, UNIBS, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Grillo
- The Mechanobiology research center, UNIBS, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Mitola
- The Mechanobiology research center, UNIBS, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Salvadori
- The Mechanobiology research center, UNIBS, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
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3
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Vliora M, Ravelli C, Grillo E, Corsini M, Flouris AD, Mitola S. The impact of adipokines on vascular networks in adipose tissue. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 69:61-72. [PMID: 35953434 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adipose tissue (AT) is a highly active and plastic endocrine organ. It secretes numerous soluble molecules known as adipokines, which act locally to AT control the remodel and homeostasis or exert pleiotropic functions in different peripheral organs. Aberrant production or loss of certain adipokines contributes to AT dysfunction associated with metabolic disorders, including obesity. The AT plasticity is strictly related to tissue vascularization. Angiogenesis supports the AT expansion, while regression of blood vessels is associated with AT hypoxia, which in turn mediates tissue inflammation, fibrosis and metabolic dysfunction. Several adipokines can regulate endothelial cell functions and are endowed with either pro- or anti-angiogenic properties. Here we address the role of adipokines in the regulation of angiogenesis. A better understanding of the link between adipokines and angiogenesis will open the way for novel therapeutic approaches to treat obesity and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vliora
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece; Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michela Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andreas D Flouris
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, Brescia, Italy.
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4
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Grillo E, Ravelli C, Colleluori G, D'Agostino F, Domenichini M, Giordano A, Mitola S. Role of gremlin-1 in the pathophysiology of the adipose tissues. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 69:51-60. [PMID: 36155165 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.09.004] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gremlin-1 is a secreted bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist playing a pivotal role in the regulation of tissue formation and embryonic development. Since its first identification in 1997, gremlin-1 has been shown to be a multifunctional factor involved in wound healing, inflammation, cancer and tissue fibrosis. Among others, the activity of gremlin-1 is mediated by its interaction with BMPs or with membrane receptors such as the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) or heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Growing evidence has highlighted a central role of gremlin-1 in the homeostasis of the adipose tissue (AT). Of note, gremlin-1 is involved in AT dysfunction during type 2 diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) metabolic disorders. In this review we discuss recent findings on gremlin-1 involvement in AT biology, with particular attention to its role in metabolic diseases, to highlight its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Georgia Colleluori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10/A, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco D'Agostino
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Domenichini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10/A, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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5
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Arricca M, Salvadori A, Bonanno C, Serpelloni M. Modeling Receptor Motility along Advecting Lipid Membranes. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12070652. [PMID: 35877855 PMCID: PMC9317916 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12070652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This work aims to overview multiphysics mechanobiological computational models for receptor dynamics along advecting cell membranes. Continuum and statistical models of receptor motility are the two main modeling methodologies identified in reviewing the state of the art. Within the former modeling class, a further subdivision based on different biological purposes and processes of proteins’ motion is recognized; cell adhesion, cell contractility, endocytosis, and receptor relocations on advecting membranes are the most relevant biological processes identified in which receptor motility is pivotal. Numerical and/or experimental methods and approaches are highlighted in the exposure of the reviewed works provided by the literature, pertinent to the topic of the present manuscript. With a main focus on the continuum models of receptor motility, we discuss appropriate multiphyisics laws to model the mass flux of receptor proteins in the reproduction of receptor relocation and recruitment along cell membranes to describe receptor–ligand chemical interactions, and the cell’s structural response. The mass flux of receptor modeling is further supported by a discussion on the methodology utilized to evaluate the protein diffusion coefficient developed over the years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Arricca
- The Mechanobiology Research Center, University of Brescia (UNIBS), 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.A.); (C.B.); (M.S.)
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Brescia, via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Salvadori
- The Mechanobiology Research Center, University of Brescia (UNIBS), 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.A.); (C.B.); (M.S.)
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Brescia, via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudia Bonanno
- The Mechanobiology Research Center, University of Brescia (UNIBS), 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.A.); (C.B.); (M.S.)
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, Università degli Studi di Brescia, via Branze 43, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Serpelloni
- The Mechanobiology Research Center, University of Brescia (UNIBS), 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.A.); (C.B.); (M.S.)
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Brescia, via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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6
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Mitola S, Ravelli C, Corsini M, Gianoncelli A, Galvagni F, Ballmer-Hofer K, Presta M, Grillo E. Production and Biochemical Characterization of Dimeric Recombinant Gremlin-1. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031151. [PMID: 35163075 PMCID: PMC8835488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Gremlin-1 is a secreted cystine-knot protein that acts as an antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and as a ligand of heparin and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), thus regulating several physiological and pathological processes, including embryonic development, tissue fibrosis and cancer. Gremlin-1 exerts all these biological activities only in its homodimeric form. Here, we propose a multi-step approach for the expression and purification of homodimeric, fully active, histidine-tagged recombinant gremlin-1, using mammalian HEK293T cells. Ion metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) of crude supernatant followed by heparin-affinity chromatography enables obtaining a highly pure recombinant dimeric gremlin-1 protein, exhibiting both BMP antagonist and potent VEGFR2 agonist activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (E.G.)
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Michela Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Federico Galvagni
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Kurt Ballmer-Hofer
- Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland;
| | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (E.G.)
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7
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VEGF-Independent Activation of Müller Cells by the Vitreous from Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042179. [PMID: 33671690 PMCID: PMC7926720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), a major complication of diabetes mellitus, results from an inflammation-sustained interplay among endothelial cells, neurons, and glia. Even though anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) interventions represent the therapeutic option for PDR, they are only partially efficacious. In PDR, Müller cells undergo reactive gliosis, produce inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and contribute to scar formation and retinal neovascularization. However, the impact of anti-VEGF interventions on Müller cell activation has not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that treatment of MIO-M1 Müller cells with vitreous obtained from PDR patients stimulates cell proliferation and motility, and activates various intracellular signaling pathways. This leads to cytokine/chemokine upregulation, a response that was not mimicked by treatment with recombinant VEGF nor inhibited by the anti-VEGF drug ranibizumab. In contrast, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) induced a significant overexpression of various cytokines/chemokines in MIO-M1 cells. In addition, the FGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor BGJ398, the pan-FGF trap NSC12, the heparin-binding protein antagonist N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-Phe-Leu-Phe-Leu-Phe Boc2, and the anti-inflammatory hydrocortisone all inhibited Müller cell activation mediated by PDR vitreous. These findings point to a role for various modulators beside VEGF in Müller cell activation and pave the way to the search for novel therapeutic strategies in PDR.
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8
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di Somma M, Vliora M, Grillo E, Castro B, Dakou E, Schaafsma W, Vanparijs J, Corsini M, Ravelli C, Sakellariou E, Mitola S. Role of VEGFs in metabolic disorders. Angiogenesis 2019; 23:119-130. [PMID: 31853841 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-019-09700-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and metabolic disorders are important public health problems. In this review, the role of vasculature network and VEGF in the adipose tissue maintenance and supplementation is discussed. Angiogenesis is a key process implicated in regulation of tissues homeostasis. Dysregulation of new blood vessels formation may be crucial and contribute to the onset of several pathological conditions, including metabolic syndrome-associated disorders. Adipose tissue homeostasis is fine regulated by vascular network. Vessels support adipose structure. Vasculature modulates the balance between positive and negative regulator factors. In white adipose tissue, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) controls the metabolic activities of adipocytes promoting the trans-differentiation from white to beige phenotype. Trans-differentiation results in an increase of energy consumption. VEGF exerts an opposite effect on brown adipose tissue, where VEGF increases oxygen supply and improves energy expenditure inducing the whitening of adipocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M di Somma
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - M Vliora
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - E Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - B Castro
- Histocell, S.L.Parque Tecnológico 801A, 2º, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - E Dakou
- Laboratory of Cell Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - W Schaafsma
- Histocell, S.L.Parque Tecnológico 801A, 2º, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - J Vanparijs
- Laboratory of Cell Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - C Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Sakellariou
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - S Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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9
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VEGFR2 activation mediates the pro-angiogenic activity of BMP4. Angiogenesis 2019; 22:521-533. [PMID: 31363885 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-019-09676-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) regulates multiple biological processes, including vascular development and angiogenesis. Here, we investigated the role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in mediating the angiogenic activity of BMP4. BMP4 induces a rapid relocation and phosphorylation of VEGFR2 on the endothelial cell membrane. These effects occur in the absence of a direct interaction of BMP4 and/or BMP receptors with VEGFR2. At variance, BMP4, by interacting with the BMPRI-II hetero-complex, induces c-Src phosphorylation which, in turn, activates VEGFR2, leading to an angiogenic response. Accordingly, the BMPR inhibitor dorsomorphin prevents c-Src activation and specific inhibition of c-Src significantly reduces downstream VEGFR2 phosphorylation and the angiogenic activity exerted by BMP4 in a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay. Together, our data indicate that the pro-angiogenic activity exerted by BMP4 in endothelial cells is mediated by a BMPR-mediated intracellular transactivation of VEGFR2 via c-Src.
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10
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Chen W, Xia P, Wang H, Tu J, Liang X, Zhang X, Li L. The endothelial tip-stalk cell selection and shuffling during angiogenesis. J Cell Commun Signal 2019; 13:291-301. [PMID: 30903604 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-019-00511-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a critical, fine-tuned, multi-staged biological process. Tip-stalk cell selection and shuffling are the building blocks of sprouting angiogenesis. Accumulated evidences show that tip-stalk cell selection and shuffling are regulated by a variety of physical, chemical and biological factors, especially the interaction among multiple genes, their products and environments. The classic Notch-VEGFR, Slit-Robo, ECM-binding integrin, semaphorin and CCN family play important roles in tip-stalk cell selection and shuffling. In this review, we outline the progress and prospect in the mechanism and the roles of the various molecules and related signaling pathways in endothelial tip-stalk cell selection and shuffling. In the future, the regulators of tip-stalk cell selection and shuffling would be the potential markers and targets for angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Xia
- Department of Anesthesia, Jilin Provincial People's Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Heping Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihao Tu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinyue Liang
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China. .,Institute of Immunology, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Lisha Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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11
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Corsini M, Ravaggi A, Odicino F, Santin AD, Ravelli C, Presta M, Romani C, Mitola S. Claudin3 is localized outside the tight junctions in human carcinomas. Oncotarget 2018; 9:18446-18453. [PMID: 29719617 PMCID: PMC5915084 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudin3 is an integral component of the tight junction proteins in polarized epithelia. The expression of claudin3 was assessed in epithelial-derived tumors using Oncomine database. To determine the gene alteration during carcinogenesis, copy number alterations and mutations of claudin3 were evaluated using cBioPortal database. Claudin3 is overexpressed in several tumors including gynecological, bladder, breast and prostate carcinomas. 38% of the 163 evaluated studies show mutations and/or amplification of claudin3. 3D reconstruction of tissue samples following immunofluorescence analysis clearly demonstrated that, unlike in healthy tissues, claudin3 is mislocalized and unengaged in the formation of tight junction in tumor samples. These data strongly support the evaluation of unengaged claudin3 as a target for the development of novel diagnostic probes, optical approaches for real time detection of tumoral tissues during surgery, and target therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonella Ravaggi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 'Angelo Nocivelli' Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Franco Odicino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 'Angelo Nocivelli' Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Davide Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Laboratory for Preventive e Personalized Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Romani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 'Angelo Nocivelli' Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Laboratory for Preventive e Personalized Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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12
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Grillo E, Ravelli C, Corsini M, Ballmer-Hofer K, Zammataro L, Oreste P, Zoppetti G, Tobia C, Ronca R, Presta M, Mitola S. Monomeric gremlin is a novel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 antagonist. Oncotarget 2018; 7:35353-68. [PMID: 27174917 PMCID: PMC5085234 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a key role in various physiological and pathological conditions, including inflammation and tumor growth. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist gremlin has been identified as a novel pro-angiogenic factor. Gremlin promotes neovascular responses via a BMP-independent activation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2 (VEGFR2). BMP antagonists may act as covalent or non-covalent homodimers or in a monomeric form, while VEGFRs ligands are usually dimeric. However, the oligomeric state of gremlin and its role in modulating the biological activity of the protein remain to be elucidated. Here we show that gremlin is expressed in vitro and in vivo both as a monomer and as a covalently linked homodimer. Mutagenesis of amino acid residue Cys141 prevents gremlin dimerization leading to the formation of gremlinC141A monomers. GremlinC141A monomer retains a BMP antagonist activity similar to the wild-type dimer, but is devoid of a significant angiogenic capacity. Notably, we found that gremlinC141A mutant engages VEGFR2 in a non-productive manner, thus acting as receptor antagonist. Accordingly, both gremlinC141A and wild-type monomers inhibit angiogenesis driven by dimeric gremlin or VEGF-A165. Moreover, by acting as a VEGFR2 antagonist, gremlinC141A inhibits the angiogenic and tumorigenic potential of murine breast and prostate cancer cells in vivo. In conclusion, our data show that gremlin exists in multiple forms endowed with specific bioactivities and provide new insights into the molecular bases of gremlin dimerization. Furthermore, we propose gremlin monomer as a new inhibitor of VEGFR2 signalling during tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Grillo
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Michela Corsini
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Kurt Ballmer-Hofer
- Biomolecular Research, Molecular Cell Biology, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, 5232, Switzerland
| | - Luca Zammataro
- Center of Genomics Science of IIT@SEMM, Milan, 20139, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Tobia
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Marco Presta
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy.,Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
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13
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Damioli V, Salvadori A, Beretta GP, Ravelli C, Mitola S. Multi-physics interactions drive VEGFR2 relocation on endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16700. [PMID: 29196628 PMCID: PMC5711959 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16786-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (VEGFR2) is a pro-angiogenic receptor, expressed on endothelial cells (ECs). Although biochemical pathways that follow the VEGFR2 activation are well established, knowledge about the dynamics of receptors on the plasma membrane remains limited. Ligand stimulation induces the polarization of ECs and the relocation of VEGFR2, either in cell protrusions or in the basal aspect in cells plated on ligand-enriched extracellular matrix (ECM). We develop a mathematical model in order to simulate the relocation of VEGFR2 on the cell membrane during the mechanical adhesion of cells onto a ligand-enriched substrate. Co-designing the in vitro experiments with the simulations allows identifying three phases of the receptor dynamics, which are controlled respectively by the high chemical reaction rate, by the mechanical deformation rate, and by the diffusion of free receptors on the membrane. The identification of the laws that regulate receptor polarization opens new perspectives toward developing innovative anti-angiogenic strategies through the modulation of EC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Damioli
- Università degli Studi di Brescia, DIMI Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Alberto Salvadori
- Università degli Studi di Brescia, DICATAM, Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, Brescia, 25123, Italy.,Laboratory for Preventive and Personalized Medicine (MPP Lab), Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Beretta
- Università degli Studi di Brescia, DIMI Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Università degli Studi di Brescia, DMMT, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Brescia, 25123, Italy. .,Laboratory for Preventive and Personalized Medicine (MPP Lab), Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy.
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Università degli Studi di Brescia, DMMT, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Brescia, 25123, Italy. .,Laboratory for Preventive and Personalized Medicine (MPP Lab), Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy.
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14
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Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGFRs) are uniquely required to balance the formation of new blood vessels with the maintenance and remodelling of existing ones, during development and in adult tissues. Recent advances have greatly expanded our understanding of the tight and multi-level regulation of VEGFR2 signalling, which is the primary focus of this Review. Important insights have been gained into the regulatory roles of VEGFR-interacting proteins (such as neuropilins, proteoglycans, integrins and protein tyrosine phosphatases); the dynamics of VEGFR2 endocytosis, trafficking and signalling; and the crosstalk between VEGF-induced signalling and other endothelial signalling cascades. A clear understanding of this multifaceted signalling web is key to successful therapeutic suppression or stimulation of vascular growth.
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