1
|
Doherty EL, Krohn G, Warren EC, Patton A, Whitworth CP, Rathod M, Biehl A, Aw WY, Freytes DO, Polacheck WJ. Human Cell-Derived Matrix Composite Hydrogels with Diverse Composition for Use in Vasculature-on-chip Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400192. [PMID: 38518808 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400192] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Microphysiological and organ-on-chip platforms seek to address critical gaps in human disease models and drug development that underlie poor rates of clinical success for novel interventions. While the fabrication technology and model cells used to synthesize organs-on-chip have advanced considerably, most platforms rely on animal-derived or synthetic extracellular matrix as a cell substrate, limiting mimicry of human physiology and precluding use in modeling diseases in which matrix dynamics play a role in pathogenesis. Here, the development of human cell-derived matrix (hCDM) composite hydrogels for use in 3D microphysiologic models of the vasculature is reported. hCDM composite hydrogels are derived from human donor fibroblasts and maintain a complex milieu of basement membrane, proteoglycans, and nonfibrillar matrix components. The use of hCDM composite hydrogels as 2D and 3D cell culture substrates is demonstrated, and hCDM composite hydrogels are patterned to form engineered human microvessels. Interestingly, hCDM composite hydrogels are enriched in proteins associated with vascular morphogenesis as determined by mass spectrometry, and functional analysis demonstrates proangiogenic signatures in human endothelial cells cultured in these hydrogels. In conclusion, this study suggests that human donor-derived hCDM composite hydrogels could address technical gaps in human organs-on-chip development and serve as substrates to promote vascularization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Doherty
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Grace Krohn
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Emily C Warren
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Alexandra Patton
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Chloe P Whitworth
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 130 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, Carolina, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mitesh Rathod
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Andreea Biehl
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Wen Yih Aw
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Donald O Freytes
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - William J Polacheck
- The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, 10010 Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 111 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, Carolina, NC 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kaur G, Wang X, Li X, Ong H, He X, Cai C. Overexpression of GREM1 Improves the Survival Capacity of Aged Cardiac Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells via Upregulation of the ERK/NRF2-Associated Antioxidant Signal Pathway. Cells 2023; 12:1203. [PMID: 37190112 PMCID: PMC10136744 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Progenitor cell therapy can restore myocardial structure and function. However, its efficacy is severely limited by cell aging and senescence. Gremlin-1 (GREM1), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein antagonist family, has been implicated in cell proliferation and survival. However, GREM1's role in cell aging and senescence has never been investigated in human cardiac mesenchymal progenitor cells (hMPCs). Therefore, this study assessed the hypothesis that overexpression of GREM1 rejuvenates the cardiac regenerative potential of aging hMPCs to a youthful stage and therefore allows better capacity for myocardial repair. We recently reported that a subpopulation of hMPCs with low mitochondrial membrane potential can be sorted from right atrial appendage-derived cells in patients with cardiomyopathy and exhibit cardiac reparative capacity in a mouse model of myocardial infarction. In this study, lentiviral particles were used to overexpress GREM1 in these hMPCs. Protein and mRNA expression were assessed through Western blot and RT-qPCR. FACS analysis for Annexin V/PI staining and lactate dehydrogenase assay were used to assess cell survival. It was observed that cell aging and cell senescence led to a decrease in GREM1 expression. In addition, overexpression of GREM1 led to a decrease in expression of senescence genes. Overexpression of GREM1 led to no significant change in cell proliferation. However, GREM1 appeared to have an anti-apoptotic effect, with an increase in survival and decrease in cytotoxicity evident in GREM1-overexpressing hMPCs. Overexpressing GREM1 also induced cytoprotective properties by decreasing reactive oxidative species and mitochondrial membrane potential. This result was associated with increased expression of antioxidant proteins, such as SOD1 and catalase, and activation of the ERK/NRF2 survival signal pathway. Inhibition of ERK led to a decrease in GREM1-mediated rejuvenation in terms of cell survival, which suggests that an ERK-dependent pathway may be involved. Taken altogether, these results indicate that overexpression of GREM1 can allow aging hMPCs to adopt a more robust phenotype with improved survival capacity, which is associated with an activated ERK/NRF2 antioxidant signal pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gurleen Kaur
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (G.K.); (X.W.); (X.L.)
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xiaoliang Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (G.K.); (X.W.); (X.L.)
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.O.); (X.H.)
| | - Xiuchun Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (G.K.); (X.W.); (X.L.)
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.O.); (X.H.)
| | - Hannah Ong
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.O.); (X.H.)
| | - Xiangfei He
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.O.); (X.H.)
| | - Chuanxi Cai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (G.K.); (X.W.); (X.L.)
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (H.O.); (X.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lancman JJ, Hasso SM, Suzuki T, Kherdjemil Y, Kmita M, Ferris A, Dong PDS, Ros MA, Fallon JF. Downregulation of Grem1 expression in the distal limb mesoderm is a necessary precondition for phalanx development. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:1439-1455. [PMID: 34719843 PMCID: PMC9054941 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.431] [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: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phalanges are the final skeletal elements to form in the vertebrate limb and their identity is regulated by signaling at the phalanx forming region (PFR) located at the tip of the developing digit ray. Here, we seek to explore the relationship between PFR activity and phalanx morphogenesis, which define the most distal limb skeletal elements, and signals associated with termination of limb outgrowth. RESULTS As Grem1 is extinguished in the distal chick limb mesoderm, the chondrogenesis marker Aggrecan is up-regulated in the metatarsals and phalanges. Fate mapping confirms that subridge mesoderm cells contribute to the metatarsal and phalanges when subridge Grem1 is down-regulated. Grem1 overexpression specifically blocks chick phalanx development by inhibiting PFR activity. PFR activity and digit development are also disrupted following overexpression of a Gli3 repressor, which results in Grem1 expression in the distal limb and downregulation of Bmpr1b. CONCLUSIONS Based on expression and fate mapping studies, we propose that downregulation of Grem1 in the distal limb marks the transition from metatarsal to phalanx development. This suggests that downregulation of Grem1 in the distal limb mesoderm is necessary for phalanx development. Grem1 downregulation allows for full PFR activity and phalanx progenitor cell commitment to digit fate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Lancman
- Human Genetics Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sean M Hasso
- Heat Biologics, Morrisville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Takayuki Suzuki
- Department of Animal Sciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yacine Kherdjemil
- Genetics and Development Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie Kmita
- Genetics and Development Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Andrea Ferris
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - P Duc S Dong
- Human Genetics Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Marian A Ros
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Cantabria-Sociedad para al Desarrollo Cantabria, Santander, Spain
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - John F Fallon
- Department of Anatomy, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alksne M, Kalvaityte M, Simoliunas E, Gendviliene I, Barasa P, Rinkunaite I, Kaupinis A, Seinin D, Rutkunas V, Bukelskiene V. Dental pulp stem cell-derived extracellular matrix: autologous tool boosting bone regeneration. Cytotherapy 2022; 24:597-607. [PMID: 35304075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS To facilitate artificial bone construct integration into a patient's body, scaffolds are enriched with different biologically active molecules. Among various scaffold decoration techniques, coating surfaces with cell-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) is a rapidly growing field of research. In this study, for the first time, this technology was applied using primary dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and tested for use in artificial bone tissue construction. METHODS Rat DPSCs were grown on three-dimensional-printed porous polylactic acid scaffolds for 7 days. After the predetermined time, samples were decellularized, and the remaining ECM detailed proteomic analysis was performed. Further, DPSC-secreated ECM impact to mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) behaviour as well as its role in osteoregeneration induction were analysed. RESULTS It was identified that DPSC-specific ECM protein network ornamenting surface-enhanced MSC attachment, migration and proliferation and even promoted spontaneous stem cell osteogenesis. This protein network also demonstrated angiogenic properties and did not stimulate MSCs to secrete molecules associated with scaffold rejection. With regard to bone defects, DPSC-derived ECM recruited endogenous stem cells, initiating the bone self-healing process. Thus, the DPSC-secreted ECM network was able to significantly enhance artificial bone construct integration and induce successful tissue regeneration. CONCLUSIONS DPSC-derived ECM can be a perfect tool for decoration of various biomaterials in the context of bone tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milda Alksne
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Migle Kalvaityte
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Egidijus Simoliunas
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ieva Gendviliene
- Institute of Odontology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Povilas Barasa
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ieva Rinkunaite
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Algirdas Kaupinis
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Dmitrij Seinin
- National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vygandas Rutkunas
- Institute of Odontology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Virginija Bukelskiene
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pérez-Lozano ML, Sudre L, van Eegher S, Citadelle D, Pigenet A, Lafage-Proust MH, Pastoureau P, De Ceuninck F, Berenbaum F, Houard X. Gremlin-1 and BMP-4 Overexpressed in Osteoarthritis Drive an Osteochondral-Remodeling Program in Osteoblasts and Hypertrophic Chondrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042084. [PMID: 35216203 PMCID: PMC8874623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a whole joint disease characterized by an important remodeling of the osteochondral junction. It includes cartilage mineralization due to chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation and bone sclerosis. Here, we investigated whether gremlin-1 (Grem-1) and its BMP partners could be involved in the remodeling events of the osteochondral junction in OA. We found that Grem-1, BMP-2, and BMP-4 immunostaining was detected in chondrocytes from the deep layer of cartilage and in subchondral bone of knee OA patients, and was positively correlated with cartilage damage. ELISA assays showed that bone released more Grem-1 and BMP-4 than cartilage, which released more BMP-2. In vitro experiments evidenced that compression stimulated the expression and the release of Grem-1 and BMP-4 by osteoblasts. Grem-1 was also overexpressed during the prehypertrophic to hypertrophic differentiation of murine articular chondrocytes. Recombinant Grem-1 stimulated Mmp-3 and Mmp-13 expression in murine chondrocytes and osteoblasts, whereas recombinant BMP-4 stimulated the expression of genes associated with angiogenesis (Angptl4 and osteoclastogenesis (Rankl and Ccl2). In conclusion, Grem-1 and BMP-4, whose expression at the osteochondral junction increased with OA progression, may favor the pathological remodeling of the osteochondral junction by inducing a catabolic and tissue remodeling program in hypertrophic chondrocytes and osteoblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Luisa Pérez-Lozano
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (M.-L.P.-L.); (L.S.); (S.v.E.); (D.C.); (A.P.); (X.H.)
| | - Laure Sudre
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (M.-L.P.-L.); (L.S.); (S.v.E.); (D.C.); (A.P.); (X.H.)
| | - Sandy van Eegher
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (M.-L.P.-L.); (L.S.); (S.v.E.); (D.C.); (A.P.); (X.H.)
| | - Danièle Citadelle
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (M.-L.P.-L.); (L.S.); (S.v.E.); (D.C.); (A.P.); (X.H.)
| | - Audrey Pigenet
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (M.-L.P.-L.); (L.S.); (S.v.E.); (D.C.); (A.P.); (X.H.)
| | | | - Philippe Pastoureau
- Immuno-Inflammatory Diseases Department, Servier Research Institute, F-92150 Suresnes, France; (P.P.); (F.D.C.)
| | - Frédéric De Ceuninck
- Immuno-Inflammatory Diseases Department, Servier Research Institute, F-92150 Suresnes, France; (P.P.); (F.D.C.)
| | - Francis Berenbaum
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (M.-L.P.-L.); (L.S.); (S.v.E.); (D.C.); (A.P.); (X.H.)
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), INSERM, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP Hôpital Saint Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Xavier Houard
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (M.-L.P.-L.); (L.S.); (S.v.E.); (D.C.); (A.P.); (X.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Elemam NM, Malek AI, Mahmoud EE, El-Huneidi W, Talaat IM. Insights into the Role of Gremlin-1, a Bone Morphogenic Protein Antagonist, in Cancer Initiation and Progression. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020301. [PMID: 35203511 PMCID: PMC8869528 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The bone morphogenic protein (BMP) antagonist Gremlin-1 is a biologically significant regulator known for its crucial role in tissue differentiation and embryonic development. Nevertheless, it has been reported that Gremlin-1 can exhibit its function through BMP dependent and independent pathways. Gremlin-1 has also been reported to be involved in organ fibrosis, which has been correlated to the development of other diseases, such as renal inflammation and diabetic nephropathy. Based on growing evidence, Gremlin-1 has recently been implicated in the initiation and progression of different types of cancers. Further, it contributes to the stemness state of cancer cells. Herein, we explore the recent findings on the role of Gremlin-1 in various cancer types, including breast, cervical, colorectal, and gastric cancers, as well as glioblastomas. Additionally, we highlighted the impact of Gremlin-1 on cellular processes and signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis. Therefore, it was suggested that Gremlin-1 might be a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noha Mousaad Elemam
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdullah Imadeddin Malek
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
| | - Esraa Elaraby Mahmoud
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (W.E.-H.); (I.M.T.)
| | - Iman M. Talaat
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21526, Egypt
- Correspondence: (W.E.-H.); (I.M.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guan X, He Y, Li Y, Shi C, Wei Z, Zhao R, Han Y, Pan L, Yang J, Hou TZ. Gremlin aggravates periodontitis via activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. J Periodontol 2022; 93:1589-1602. [PMID: 34993960 DOI: 10.1002/jper.21-0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gremlin has been reported to regulate inflammation and osteogenesis. Periodontitis is a destructive disease degenerating periodontal tissues, therefore leads to alveolar bone resorption and tooth loss. Based on the importance of Gremlin's bio-activity, the aim of this study is to, in vivo and in vitro, unveil the function of Gremlin in regulating the development of periodontitis and its consequent effects on alveolar bone loss. METHODS Clinical specimens were used to determine the expression of Gremlin in periodontal tissues by immunohistochemical staining and western blot. Then utilizing the rat periodontitis model to investigate the function of gremlin-regulated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway during the development of periodontal inflammation and the alveolar bone loss. Lastly, the regulation of the osteogenesis of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) by Gremlin under inflamed condition was analyzed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining (ARS). RESULTS We found clinically and experimentally that the expression of Gremlin is markedly increased in periodontitis tissues. Interestingly, we revealed that Gremlin regulated the progress of periodontitis via regulating the activities of NF-κB pathway and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Notably, we observed that Gremlin influenced the osteogenesis of hPDLSCs. Thus, our present study identified Gremlin as a new key regulator for development of periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS Our current study illustrated that Gremlin acts as a crucial mediator and possibly serves as a potential diagnostic marker for periodontitis. Discovery of new factors involved in the pathophysiology of periodontitis could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic treatment for the disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Guan
- The Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yani He
- The Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yingxue Li
- The Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Chen Shi
- The Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Zhichen Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Rui Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yue Han
- The Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Lifei Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tie Zhou Hou
- The Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li F, Cai Y, Deng S, Yang L, Liu N, Chang X, Jing L, Zhou Y, Li H. A peptide CORO1C-47aa encoded by the circular noncoding RNA circ-0000437 functions as a negative regulator in endometrium tumor angiogenesis. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101182. [PMID: 34534547 PMCID: PMC8573159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of widespread noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression in mammals. Recent studies demonstrate that functional peptides can be encoded by short open reading frames in noncoding RNAs, including circRNAs. However, the role of circRNAs in various physiological and pathological states, such as cancer, is not well understood. In this study, through deep RNA sequencing on human endometrial cancer (EC) samples and their paired adjacent normal tissues, we uncovered that the circRNA hsa-circ-0000437 is significantly reduced in EC compared with matched paracancerous tissue. The hsa-circ-0000437 contains a short open reading frame encoding a functional peptide termed CORO1C-47aa. Overexpression of CORO1C-47aa is capable of inhibiting angiogenesis at the initiation stage by suppressing endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation through competition with transcription factor TACC3 to bind to ARNT and suppress VEGF. CORO1C-47aa directly bound to ARNT through the PAS-B domain, and blocking the association between ARNT and TACC3, which led to reduced expression of VEGF, ultimately lead to reduced angiogenesis. The antitumor effects of CORO1C-47aa on EC progression suggest that CORO1C-47aa has potential value in anticarcinoma therapies and warrants further investigation.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Endometrial Neoplasms/blood supply
- Endometrial Neoplasms/genetics
- Endometrial Neoplasms/metabolism
- Endometrial Neoplasms/pathology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Microfilament Proteins/biosynthesis
- Microfilament Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/biosynthesis
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Peptides/genetics
- Peptides/metabolism
- RNA, Circular/biosynthesis
- RNA, Circular/genetics
- RNA, Neoplasm/biosynthesis
- RNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- Mice
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Genetics, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, The School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhan Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Sihan Deng
- Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, No.6 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohan Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lankai Jing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yifeng Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The BMP Pathway in Blood Vessel and Lymphatic Vessel Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126364. [PMID: 34198654 PMCID: PMC8232321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were originally identified as the active components in bone extracts that can induce ectopic bone formation. In recent decades, their key role has broadly expanded beyond bone physiology and pathology. Nowadays, the BMP pathway is considered an important player in vascular signaling. Indeed, mutations in genes encoding different components of the BMP pathway cause various severe vascular diseases. Their signaling contributes to the morphological, functional and molecular heterogeneity among endothelial cells in different vessel types such as arteries, veins, lymphatic vessels and capillaries within different organs. The BMP pathway is a remarkably fine-tuned pathway. As a result, its signaling output in the vessel wall critically depends on the cellular context, which includes flow hemodynamics, interplay with other vascular signaling cascades and the interaction of endothelial cells with peri-endothelial cells and the surrounding matrix. In this review, the emerging role of BMP signaling in lymphatic vessel biology will be highlighted within the framework of BMP signaling in the circulatory vasculature.
Collapse
|
13
|
Genetic risk factors for colorectal cancer in multiethnic Indonesians. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9988. [PMID: 33976257 PMCID: PMC8113452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88805-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a common cancer in Indonesia, yet it has been understudied in this resource-constrained setting. We conducted a genome-wide association study focused on evaluation and preliminary discovery of colorectal cancer risk factors in Indonesians. We administered detailed questionnaires and collecting blood samples from 162 colorectal cancer cases throughout Makassar, Indonesia. We also established a control set of 193 healthy individuals frequency matched by age, sex, and ethnicity. A genome-wide association analysis was performed on 84 cases and 89 controls passing quality control. We evaluated known colorectal cancer genetic variants using logistic regression and established a genome-wide polygenic risk model using a Bayesian variable selection technique. We replicate associations for rs9497673, rs6936461 and rs7758229 on chromosome 6; rs11255841 on chromosome 10; and rs4779584, rs11632715, and rs73376930 on chromosome 15. Polygenic modeling identified 10 SNP associated with colorectal cancer risk. This work helps characterize the relationship between variants in the SCL22A3, SCG5, GREM1, and STXBP5-AS1 genes and colorectal cancer in a diverse Indonesian population. With further biobanking and international research collaborations, variants specific to colorectal cancer risk in Indonesians will be identified.
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu H, Han X, Yang H, Cao Y, Zhang C, Du J, Diao S, Fan Z. GREM1 inhibits osteogenic differentiation, senescence and BMP transcription of adipose-derived stem cells. Connect Tissue Res 2021; 62:325-336. [PMID: 32151168 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2020.1736054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are ideal for cell-based therapies to support bone regeneration. It is vital to understand the critical genes and molecular mechanisms involved in the functional regulation of ADSCs for enhancing bone regeneration. In the present study, we investigated the Gremlin 1 (GREM1) effect on ADSCs osteogenic differentiation and senescence.Materials and methods: The in vitro ADSCs osteogenic differentiation potential was evaluated by determining alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization ability, and the expression of osteogenic markers. Cell senescence is determined by SA-β-gal staining, telomerase assay, and the expression of aging markers.Results: GREM1 overexpression in ADSCs reduced ALP activity and mineralization, inhibited the expression of osteogenic related genes OCN, OPN, DSPP, DMP1, and BSP, and key transcription factors, RUNX2 and OSX. GREM1 knockdown in ADSCs enhanced ALP activity and mineralization, promoted the expression of OCN, OPN, DSPP, DMP1, BSP, RUNX2, and OSX. GREM1 overexpression in ADSCs reduced the percent SA-β-Gal positive cells, P16 and P53 expressions, and increased telomerase activity. GREM1 knockdown in ADSCs increased the percentage of SA-β-Gal positive cells, P16 and P53 expressions, and reduced telomerase activity. Furthermore, GREM1 reduced the mRNA expression levels of BMP2, BMP6, and BMP7.Conclusions: In summary, our findings suggested that GREM1 inhibited ADSCs senescence and osteogenic differentiation and antagonized BMP transcription.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huina Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haoqing Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyang Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu Diao
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhipeng Fan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Qian S, Tang Y, Tang QQ. Adipose tissue plasticity and the pleiotropic roles of BMP signaling. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100678. [PMID: 33872596 PMCID: PMC8131923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissues, including white, beige, and brown adipose tissue, have evolved to be highly dynamic organs. Adipose tissues undergo profound changes during development and regeneration and readily undergo remodeling to meet the demands of an everchanging metabolic landscape. The dynamics are determined by the high plasticity of adipose tissues, which contain various cell types: adipocytes, immune cells, endothelial cells, nerves, and fibroblasts. There are numerous proteins that participate in regulating the plasticity of adipose tissues. Among these, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were initially found to regulate the differentiation of adipocytes, and they are being reported to have pleiotropic functions by emerging studies. Here, in the first half of the article, we summarize the plasticity of adipocytes and macrophages, which are two groups of cells targeted by BMP signaling in adipose tissues. We then review how BMPs regulate the differentiation, death, and lipid metabolism of adipocytes. In addition, the potential role of BMPs in regulating adipose tissue macrophages is considered. Finally, the expression of BMPs in adipose tissues and their metabolic relevance are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Qian
- The Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Qun Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Todd GM, Gao Z, Hyvönen M, Brazil DP, Ten Dijke P. Secreted BMP antagonists and their role in cancer and bone metastases. Bone 2020; 137:115455. [PMID: 32473315 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional secreted cytokines that act in a highly context-dependent manner. BMP action extends beyond the induction of cartilage and bone formation, to encompass pivotal roles in controlling tissue and organ homeostasis during development and adulthood. BMPs signal via plasma membrane type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors and intracellular SMAD transcriptional effectors. Exquisite temporospatial control of BMP/SMAD signalling and crosstalk with other cellular cues is achieved by a series of positive and negative regulators at each step in the BMP/SMAD pathway. The interaction of BMP ligand with its receptors is carefully controlled by a diverse set of secreted antagonists that bind BMPs and block their interaction with their cognate BMP receptors. Perturbations in this BMP/BMP antagonist balance are implicated in a range of developmental disorders and diseases, including cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the structure and function of secreted BMP antagonists, and summarize recent novel insights into their role in cancer progression and bone metastasis. Gremlin1 (GREM1) is a highly studied BMP antagonist, and we will focus on this molecule in particular and its role in cancer. The therapeutic potential of pharmacological inhibitors for secreted BMP antagonists for cancer and other human diseases will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Todd
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Zhichun Gao
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Marko Hyvönen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
| | - Derek P Brazil
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Oncode Institute, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Qin N, Tyasi TL, Sun X, Chen X, Zhu H, Zhao J, Xu R. Determination of the roles of GREM1 gene in granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis of hen ovarian prehierarchical follicles. Theriogenology 2020; 151:28-40. [PMID: 32251937 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Gremlin genes are known members of the DAN family of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists, but their functions and regulatory mechanisms in ovarian follicular development of chicken remain unknown. The current study was designed to investigate the mRNA expression patterns of gremlin1 gene (GREM1) and its protein location in the follicles sampled, and to explore the biological effect of GREM1 on the prehierarchical follicular development. This work revealed that chicken GREM1 mRNA exhibits a constant expression level across all the prehierarchical follicles (PFs) from 1-4 mm to 7-8 mm in diameter, and the preovulatory follicles (from F6 to F1) by using RT-qPCR (P > 0.05). The GREM1 protein is predominantly expressed in the oocytes and granulosa cells (GCs) of the PFs by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that siRNA-mediated knockdown of GREM1 in the GCs resulted in a significant reduction in cell proliferation (P < 0.001); conversely, overexpression of GREM1 in the GCs led to a remarkable increase in cell proliferation (P < 0.001). Interestingly, the expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin D2 (CCND2) mRNA and proteins were notably increased when GREM1 expression was upregulated in the GCs (P < 0.01), however, the expression levels of CYP11A1 and StAR were markedly downregulated (P < 0.01). The current results showed that GREM1 gene plays a stimulatory role in GC proliferation during growth and development of the prehierarchical follicles in vitro but an inhibitory role in GC differentiation and steroidogenesis of the hen ovary follicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Qin
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Thobela Louis Tyasi
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xue Sun
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Jinghua Zhao
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Rifu Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sun Z, Cai S, Liu C, Cui Y, Ji J, Jiang WG, Ye L. Increased Expression of Gremlin1 Promotes Proliferation and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Cancer Cells and Correlates With Poor Prognosis of Patients With Gastric Cancer. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2020; 17:49-60. [PMID: 31882551 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Gremlin1 (GREM1) plays an important role in certain malignancies by antagonising bone morphogenetic proteins and regulating angiogenesis directly/indirectly. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Gremlin1 in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Expression of GREM1 in GCs was examined using quantitative real time PCR and The Cancer Genomic Atlas (TCGA) data. Influence on cellular functions was determined in both Gremlin1 knockdown and overexpression cell line models. RESULTS GREM1 expression was up-regulated in GCs, which was correlated with poorer survival. Increased GREM1 expression was significantly correlated with tumour growth/invasion and lymphatic metastasis. Gremlin1 promoted proliferation and tumourigenic capacity of GC cells in vitro. GREM1 expression was associated with epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in GC. CONCLUSION Increased GREM1 expression in GCs is associated with disease progression and poor prognosis in which EMT, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are likely involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Sun
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), The VIP-II Gastrointestinal Cancer Division of Medical Department, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shuo Cai
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Chang Liu
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Yuxin Cui
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Jiafu Ji
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), The VIP-II Gastrointestinal Cancer Division of Medical Department, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ouahoud S, Hardwick JC, Hawinkels LJ. Extracellular BMP Antagonists, Multifaceted Orchestrators in the Tumor and Its Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113888. [PMID: 32486027 PMCID: PMC7313454 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), a subgroup of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, are involved in multiple biological processes such as embryonic development and maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. The importance of a functional BMP pathway is underlined by various diseases, including cancer, which can arise as a consequence of dysregulated BMP signaling. Mutations in crucial elements of this signaling pathway, such as receptors, have been reported to disrupt BMP signaling. Next to that, aberrant expression of BMP antagonists could also contribute to abrogated signaling. In this review we set out to highlight how BMP antagonists affect not only the cancer cells, but also the other cells present in the microenvironment to influence cancer progression.
Collapse
|
20
|
Sun Z, Cai S, Zabkiewicz C, Liu C, Ye L. Bone morphogenetic proteins mediate crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment at primary tumours and metastases (Review). Int J Oncol 2020; 56:1335-1351. [PMID: 32236571 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are pluripotent molecules, co‑ordinating cellular functions from early embryonic and postnatal development to tissue repair, regeneration and homeostasis. They are also involved in tumourigenesis, disease progression and the metastasis of various solid tumours. Emerging evidence has indicated that BMPs are able to promote disease progression and metastasis by orchestrating communication between cancer cells and the surrounding microenvironment. The interactions occur between BMPs and epidermal growth factor receptor, hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and extracellular matrix components. Overall, these interactions co‑ordinate the cellular functions of tumour cells and other types of cell in the tumour to promote the growth of the primary tumour, local invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis, and the establishment and survival of cancer cells in the metastatic niche. Therefore, the present study aimed to provide an informative summary of the involvement of BMPs in the tumour microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Sun
- VIP‑II Division of Medical Department, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education, Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Shuo Cai
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Zabkiewicz
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Chang Liu
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wu Z, Liu R, Miao X, Li D, Zou Q, Yuan Y, Yang Z. Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of Hapto and Gremlin1 expression in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. J Cancer 2020; 11:199-207. [PMID: 31892986 PMCID: PMC6930392 DOI: 10.7150/jca.36886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Some studies have demonstrated that Hapto and Gremlin1 play an important biological role in many neoplasms. However, the role of Hapto and Gremlin1 in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) remains to be revealed. Thus, this study investigated the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of Hapto and Gremlin1 expression in ECC. Methods: We examined Hapto and Gremlin1 expression in 100 ECC, 30 peritumoral tissues, 10 adenoma and 15 normal biliary tract tissues using EnVision immunohistochemistry. The relationship between Hapto and Gremlin 1 expression and clinicopathological parameters was evaluated using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. The overall survival of patients was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier univariate survival analysis and log-rank tests. Results: Hapto and Gremlin1 proteins were overexpressed in ECC compared to peritumoral tissues, adenoma, and normal biliary tract (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The positive rate of Hapto and Gremlin1 expression was significantly higher in cases with poor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, invasion of surrounding tissues and organs, a tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage of III or IV and no resection. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that ECC patients with positive Hapto and/or Gremlin1 expression survived significantly shorter than patients with negative Hapto and/or Gremlin1 expression. Cox multivariate analysis revealed that positive Hapto and Gremlin1 expression were independent poor prognostic factors in ECC patients. Conclusion: The present study indicated that positive Hapto and/or Gremlin1 expression are closely associated with the pathogenesis, clinical, pathological and biological behaviors, and poor prognosis in ECC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengchun Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Rushi Liu
- School of Medicine. Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xiongying Miao
- Department of General Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Daiqiang Li
- Department of Pathology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Qiong Zou
- Department of Pathology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zhulin Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Marquez-Exposito L, Cantero-Navarro E, R Rodrigues-Diez R, Orejudo M, Tejera-Muñoz A, Tejedor L, Rayego-Mateos S, Rández-Carbayo J, Santos-Sanchez L, Mezzano S, Lavoz C, Ruiz-Ortega M. Molecular Regulation of Notch Signaling by Gremlin. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1227:81-94. [PMID: 32072500 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-36422-9_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Gremlin is a member of the TGF-β superfamily that can act as a BMP antagonist, and recently, has been described as a ligand of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Gremlin shares properties with the Notch signaling pathway. Both participate in embryonic development and are reactivated in pathological conditions. Gremlin is emerging as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker of renal diseases. Here we review the role of the Gremlin-VEGFR2 axis in renal damage and downstream signaling mechanisms, such as Notch pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marquez-Exposito
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Cantero-Navarro
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl R Rodrigues-Diez
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Macarena Orejudo
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Tejera-Muñoz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucia Tejedor
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Rayego-Mateos
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Javier Rández-Carbayo
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Santos-Sanchez
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Mezzano
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carolina Lavoz
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. .,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rafikova O, Al Ghouleh I, Rafikov R. Focus on Early Events: Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Development. Antioxid Redox Signal 2019; 31:933-953. [PMID: 31169021 PMCID: PMC6765063 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2018.7673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease of the lung vasculature characterized by the proliferation of all vascular wall cell types, including endothelial, smooth muscle, and fibroblasts. The disease rapidly advances into a form with extensive pulmonary vascular remodeling, leading to a rapid increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, which results in right heart failure. Recent Advances: Most current research in the PAH field has been focused on the late stage of the disease, largely due to an urgent need for patient treatment options in clinics. Further, the pathobiology of PAH is multifaceted in the advanced disease, and there has been promising recent progress in identifying various pathological pathways related to the late clinical picture. Critical Issues: Early stage PAH still requires additional attention from the scientific community, and although the survival of patients with early diagnosis is comparatively higher, the disease develops in patients asymptomatically, making it difficult to identify and treat early. Future Directions: There are several reasons to focus on the early stage of PAH. First, the complexity of late stage disease, owing to multiple pathways being activated in a complex system with intra- and intercellular signaling, leads to an unclear picture of the key contributors to the pathobiology. Second, an understanding of early pathophysiological events can increase the ability to identify PAH patients earlier than what is currently possible. Third, the prompt diagnosis of PAH would allow for the therapy to start earlier, which has proved to be a more successful strategy, and it ensures better survival in PAH patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Rafikova
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Imad Al Ghouleh
- Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ruslan Rafikov
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Dutton LR, O'Neill CL, Medina RJ, Brazil DP. No evidence of Gremlin1-mediated activation of VEGFR2 signaling in endothelial cells. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:18041-18045. [PMID: 31604823 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ac119.010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Canonical Gremlin1 (GREM1) signaling involves binding to and sequestering bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in the extracellular matrix, preventing the activation of cognate BMP receptor. Exquisite temporospatial control of the GREM1-BMP interaction is required during development, and perturbation of this balance leads to abnormal limb formation and defective kidney development. In addition to inhibition of BMP signaling, several other noncanonical signaling modalities of GREM1 have been postulated. Some literature reports have suggested that GREM1 can bind to and activate vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) in endothelial cells, human kidney epithelial cells, and others. These reports suggest that the GREM1 → VEGFR2 signaling can drive angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo We report here that, despite exhaustive attempts, we did not observe GREM1 activation of VEGFR2 in any of the cell lines reported by the above-mentioned studies. Incubation of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with recombinant VEGF triggered a robust increase in VEGFR2 tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, no VEGFR2 phosphorylation was detected when cells were incubated with recombinant GREM1 over a range of time points and concentrations. We also show that GREM1 does not interfere with VEGF-mediated VEGFR2 activation, suggesting that GREM1 does not bind with any great affinity to VEGFR2. Measurements of ECFC barrier integrity revealed that VEGF induces barrier function disruption, but recombinant human GREM1 had no effect in this assay. We believe that these results provide an important clarification of the potential interaction between GREM1 and VEGFR2 in mammalian cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise R Dutton
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Christina L O'Neill
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Reinhold J Medina
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Derek P Brazil
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mezzano S, Droguett A, Lavoz C, Krall P, Egido J, Ruiz-Ortega M. Gremlin and renal diseases: ready to jump the fence to clinical utility? Nephrol Dial Transplant 2019; 33:735-741. [PMID: 28992340 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfx194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The current therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases only ameliorates disease progression. During renal injury, developmental genes are re-expressed and could be potential therapeutic targets. Among those genes reactivated in the adult damaged kidney, Gremlin is of particular relevance since recent data suggest that it could be a mediator of diabetic nephropathy and other progressive renal diseases. Earlier studies have shown that Gremlin is upregulated in trans-differentiated renal proximal tubular cells and in several chronic kidney diseases associated with fibrosis. However, not much was known about the mechanisms by which Gremlin acts in renal pathophysiology. The role of Gremlin as a bone morphogenetic protein antagonist has clearly been demonstrated in organogenesis and in fibrotic-related disorders. Gremlin binds to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in endothelial and tubular epithelial cells. Activation of the Gremlin-VEGFR2 axis was found in several human nephropathies. We have recently described that Gremlin activates the VEGFR2 signaling pathway in the kidney, eliciting a downstream mechanism linked to renal inflammatory response. Gremlin deletion improves experimental renal damage, diminishing fibrosis. Overall, the available data identify the Gremlin-VEGFR2 axis as a novel therapeutic target for kidney inflammation and fibrosis and provide a rationale for unveiling new concepts to investigate in several clinical conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Mezzano
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Alejandra Droguett
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carolina Lavoz
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Paola Krall
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Jesús Egido
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital, Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma, CIBERDEM, Instituto Renal Reina Sofía, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, RedinRen, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
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.
Collapse
|
27
|
Droguett A, Valderrama G, Burgos ME, Carpio D, Saka C, Egido J, Ruiz-Ortega M, Mezzano S. Gremlin, A Potential Urinary Biomarker of Anca-Associated Crescentic Glomerulonephritis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6867. [PMID: 31053735 PMCID: PMC6499786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43358-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gremlin renal overexpression has been reported in diabetic nephropathy, pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis and chronic allograft nephropathy and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of the progression of renal damage. However, it is unknown whether urinary Gremlin can be associated with renal functional status, renal biopsy findings and outcome. To examine these associations we studied 20 patients with ANCA+ renal vasculitis and very high urinary Gremlin (354 ± 76 ug/gCr), 86 patients with other glomerular diseases and moderately elevated urinary Gremlin (83 ± 14 ug/gCr) and 11 healthy controls (urinary Gremlin 11.3 ± 2.4 ug/gCr). Urinary Gremlin was significantly correlated with renal expression of Gremlin (r = 0.64, p = 0.013) observed in cellular glomerular crescents, tubular epithelial cells and interstitial inflammatory cells. Moreover, urinary Gremlin levels were correlated with the number of glomerular crescents (r = 0.53; p < 0.001), renal CD68 positive cells (r = 0.71; p < 0.005), tubulointerstitial fibrosis (r = 0.50; p < 0.05), and serum creatinine levels (r = 0.60; p < 0.001). Interestingly, Gremlin expression was colocalized with CD68, CD163 (monocyte/macrophage markers) and CCL18 positive cells. ROC curve analysis showed that the cutoff value of urinary Gremlin in glomerular diseases as 43 ug/gCr with 72% of sensitivity and 100% of specificity [AUC: 0.96 (CI 95% 0.92–0.99] (p < 0.001). For ANCA+ renal vasculitis the value of urinary Gremlin of 241 ug/gCr had 55% of sensitivity and 100% of specificity [AUC: 0.81 (CI 95% 0.68–0.94) (p < 0.001]. Based on these results we propose that urinary Gremlin represents a non-invasive biomarker in ANCA+ renal vasculitis, and suggest a role of Gremlin in the formation of crescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Droguett
- Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Graciela Valderrama
- Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - María E Burgos
- Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Daniel Carpio
- Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Constanza Saka
- Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Jesús Egido
- Cellular Biology in Renal Disease Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma. IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular Biology in Renal Disease Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma. IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Mezzano
- Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hammarstedt A, Gogg S, Hedjazifar S, Nerstedt A, Smith U. Impaired Adipogenesis and Dysfunctional Adipose Tissue in Human Hypertrophic Obesity. Physiol Rev 2019; 98:1911-1941. [PMID: 30067159 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00034.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is the largest and best storage site for excess lipids. However, it has a limited ability to expand by recruiting and/or differentiating available precursor cells. When inadequate, this leads to a hypertrophic expansion of the cells with increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and a dysfunctional prolipolytic tissue. Epi-/genetic factors regulate SAT adipogenesis and genetic predisposition for type 2 diabetes is associated with markers of an impaired SAT adipogenesis and development of hypertrophic obesity also in nonobese individuals. We here review mechanisms for the adipose precursor cells to enter adipogenesis, emphasizing the role of bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) and its endogenous antagonist gremlin-1, which is increased in hypertrophic SAT in humans. Gremlin-1 is a secreted and a likely important mechanism for the impaired SAT adipogenesis in hypertrophic obesity. Transiently increasing BMP-4 enhances adipogenic commitment of the precursor cells while maintained BMP-4 signaling during differentiation induces a beige/brown oxidative phenotype in both human and murine adipose cells. Adipose tissue growth and development also requires increased angiogenesis, and BMP-4, as a proangiogenic molecule, may also be an important feedback regulator of this. Hypertrophic obesity is also associated with increased lipolysis. Reduced lipid storage and increased release of FFA by hypertrophic SAT are important mechanisms for the accumulation of ectopic fat in the liver and other places promoting insulin resistance. Taken together, the limited expansion and storage capacity of SAT is a major driver of the obesity-associated metabolic complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Hammarstedt
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, The Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Silvia Gogg
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, The Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Shahram Hedjazifar
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, The Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Annika Nerstedt
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, The Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Ulf Smith
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, The Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rowan SC, Piouceau L, Cornwell J, Li L, McLoughlin P. EXPRESS: Gremlin1 blocks vascular endothelial growth factor signalling in the pulmonary microvascular endothelium. Pulm Circ 2018; 10:2045894018807205. [PMID: 30284507 PMCID: PMC7066471 DOI: 10.1177/2045894018807205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist gremlin 1 plays a central role in the pathogenesis of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH). Recently, non-canonical functions of gremlin 1 have been identified, including specific binding to the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2). We tested the hypothesis that gremlin 1 modulates VEGFR2 signaling in the pulmonary microvascular endothelium. We examined the effect of gremlin 1 haploinsufficiency on the expression of VEGF responsive genes and proteins in the hypoxic (10% O2) murine lung in vivo. Using human microvascular endothelial cells in vitro we examined the effect of gremlin 1 on VEGF signaling. Gremlin 1 haploinsufficiency (Grem1+/–) attenuated the hypoxia-induced increase in gremlin 1 observed in the wild-type mouse lung. Reduced gremlin 1 expression in hypoxic Grem1+/– mice restored VEGFR2 expression and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and activity to normoxic values. Recombinant monomeric gremlin 1 inhibited VEGFA-induced VEGFR2 activation, downstream signaling, and VEGF-induced increases in Bcl-2, cell number, and the anti-apoptotic effect of VEGFA in vitro. These results show that the monomeric form of gremlin 1 acts as an antagonist of VEGFR2 activation in the pulmonary microvascular endothelium. Given the previous demonstration that inhibition of VEGFR2 causes marked worsening of HPH, our results suggest that increased gremlin 1 in the hypoxic lung, in addition to blocking BMP receptor type-2 (BMPR2) signaling, contributes importantly to the development of PH by a non-canonical VEGFR2 blocking activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon C. Rowan
- UCD School of Medicine and Conway Institute,
University
College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lucie Piouceau
- UCD School of Medicine and Conway Institute,
University
College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanna Cornwell
- UCD School of Medicine and Conway Institute,
University
College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lili Li
- UCD School of Medicine and Conway Institute,
University
College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul McLoughlin
- UCD School of Medicine and Conway Institute,
University
College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a diverse class of molecules with over 20 growth factor proteins that belong to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family and are highly associated with bone formation and disease development. Aberrant expression of various BMPs has been reported in several cancer tissues. Biological function studies have elicited the dual role of BMPs in both cancer development and suppression. Furthermore, a variety of BMP antagonists, ligands, and receptors have been shown to reduce or enhance tumorigenesis and metastasis. Knockout mouse models of BMP signaling components have also revealed that the suppression of BMP signaling impairs cancer metastasis. Herein, we highlight the basic clinical background and involvement of BMPs in modulating cancer progression and their dynamic interactions (e.g., with microRNAs) in the tumor microenvironment in addition to their mutations and roles in chemoprevention. We also suggest that BMPs should be considered a powerful putative therapeutic target in tumorigenesis and bone metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duc-Hiep Bach
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyen Joo Park
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Kook Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is an incurable malignancy, characterized by its resistance to traditional chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy. Treatment perspectives and prognosis of patients with mRCC have been significantly improved by advances in the understanding of its molecular pathogenesis, which have led to the development of targeted therapeutics. Different molecular factors derived from the tumor or the host detected in both tissue or serum could be predictive of therapeutic benefit. Some of them suggest a rational selection of patients to be treated with certain therapies, though none have been validated for routine use. This article provides an overview of both clinical and molecular factors associated with predictive or prognostic value in mRCC and emphasizes that both should be considered in parallel to provide the most appropriate, individualized treatment and achieve the best outcomes in clinical practice.
Collapse
|
32
|
Shaik S, Kennis B, Maegawa S, Schadler K, Yanwen Y, Callegari K, Lulla RR, Goldman S, Nazarian J, Rajaram V, Fangusaro J, Gopalakrishnan V. REST upregulates gremlin to modulate diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma vasculature. Oncotarget 2018; 9:5233-5250. [PMID: 29435175 PMCID: PMC5797046 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a highly aggressive glial tumor that occurs in children. The extremely poor median and 5-year survival in children afflicted with DIPG highlights the need for novel biology-driven therapeutics. Here, we have implicated the chromatin remodeler and regulator of brain development called RE1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST), in DIPG pathology. We show that REST protein is aberrantly elevated in at least 21% of DIPG tumors compared to normal controls. Its knockdown in DIPG cell lines diminished cell growth and decreased their tumorigenicity in mouse intracranial models. DIPGs are vascularized tumors and interestingly, REST loss in DIPG cells also caused a substantial decline in tumor vasculature as measured by a decrease in CD31 and VEGFR2 staining. These observations were validated in vitro, where a significant decline in tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was seen following REST-loss in DIPG cells. Mechanistically, REST controlled the secretion of a pro-angiogenic molecule and ligand for VEGFR2 called Gremlin-1 (GREM-1), and was associated with enhanced AKT activation. Importantly, the decline in tube formation caused by REST loss could be rescued by addition of recombinant GREM-1, which also caused AKT activation in HUVECs and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). In summary, our study is the first to demonstrate autocrine and paracrine functions for REST in DIPG development. It also provides the foundation for future investigations on anti-angiogenic therapies targeting GREM-1 in combination with drugs that target REST-associated chromatin remodeling activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shavali Shaik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bridget Kennis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shinji Maegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Keri Schadler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yang Yanwen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Keri Callegari
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rishi R. Lulla
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stewart Goldman
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Javad Nazarian
- Department of Integrative Systems Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Veena Rajaram
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jason Fangusaro
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Vidya Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Brain Tumor Center, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Contribution of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 sialylation to the process of angiogenesis. Oncogene 2017; 36:6531-6541. [PMID: 28783175 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) is the main pro-angiogenic receptor expressed by endothelial cells (ECs). Using surface plasmon resonance, immunoprecipitation, enzymatic digestion, immunofluorescence and cross-linking experiments with specific sugar-binding lectins, we demonstrated that VEGFR2 bears both α,1-fucose and α(2,6)-linked sialic acid (NeuAc). However, only the latter is required for VEGF binding to VEGFR2 and consequent VEGF-dependent VEGFR2 activation and motogenic response in ECs. Notably, downregulation of β-galactoside α(2,6)-sialyltransferase expression by short hairpin RNA transduction inhibits VEGFR2 α(2,6) sialylation that is paralleled by an increase of β-galactoside α(2,3)-sialyltransferase expression. This results in an ex-novo α(2,3)-NeuAc sialylation of the receptor that functionally replaces the lacking α(2,6)-NeuAc, thus allowing VEGF/VEGFR2 interaction. In keeping with the role of VEGFR2 sialylation in angiogenesis, the α(2,6)-NeuAc-binding lectin Sambucus nigra (SNA) prevents VEGF-dependent VEGFR2 autophosphorylation and EC motility, proliferation and motogenesis. In addition, SNA exerts a VEGF-antagonist activity in tridimensional angiogenesis models in vitro and in the chick-embryo chorioallantoic membrane neovascularization assay and mouse matrigel plug assay in vivo. In conclusion, VEGFR2-associated NeuAc plays an important role in modulating VEGF/VEGFR2 interaction, EC pro-angiogenic activation and neovessel formation. VEGFR2 sialylation may represent a target for the treatment of angiogenesis-dependent diseases.
Collapse
|
36
|
Endothelial Nox1 oxidase assembly in human pulmonary arterial hypertension; driver of Gremlin1-mediated proliferation. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 131:2019-2035. [PMID: 28522681 DOI: 10.1042/cs20160812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rapidly degenerating and devastating disease of increased pulmonary vessel resistance leading to right heart failure. Palliative modalities remain limited despite recent endeavors to investigate the mechanisms underlying increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), i.e. aberrant vascular remodeling and occlusion. However, little is known of the molecular mechanisms responsible for endothelial proliferation, a root cause of PAH-associated vascular remodeling. Lung tissue specimens from PAH and non-PAH patients and hypoxia-exposed human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (ECs) (HPAEC) were assessed for mRNA and protein expression. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using cytochrome c and Amplex Red assays. Findings demonstrate for the first time an up-regulation of NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) at the transcript and protein level in resistance vessels from PAH compared with non-PAH patients. This coincided with an increase in ROS production and expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist Gremlin1 (Grem1). In HPAEC, hypoxia induced Nox1 subunit expression, assembly, and oxidase activity leading to elevation in sonic hedgehog (SHH) and Grem1 expression. Nox1 gene silencing abrogated this cascade. Moreover, loss of either Nox1, SHH or Grem1 attenuated hypoxia-induced EC proliferation. Together, these data support a Nox1-SHH-Grem1 signaling axis in pulmonary vascular endothelium that is likely to contribute to pathophysiological endothelial proliferation and the progression of PAH. These findings also support targeting of Nox1 as a viable therapeutic option to combat PAH.
Collapse
|
37
|
Ronca R, Benkheil M, Mitola S, Struyf S, Liekens S. Tumor angiogenesis revisited: Regulators and clinical implications. Med Res Rev 2017. [PMID: 28643862 DOI: 10.1002/med.21452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since Judah Folkman hypothesized in 1971 that angiogenesis is required for solid tumor growth, numerous studies have been conducted to unravel the angiogenesis process, analyze its role in primary tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenic diseases, and to develop inhibitors of proangiogenic factors. These studies have led in 2004 to the approval of the first antiangiogenic agent (bevacizumab, a humanized antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor) for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. This approval launched great expectations for the use of antiangiogenic therapy for malignant diseases. However, these expectations have not been met and, as knowledge of blood vessel formation accumulates, many of the original paradigms no longer hold. Therefore, the regulators and clinical implications of angiogenesis need to be revisited. In this review, we discuss recently identified angiogenesis mediators and pathways, new concepts that have emerged over the past 10 years, tumor resistance and toxicity associated with the use of currently available antiangiogenic treatment and potentially new targets and/or approaches for malignant and nonmalignant neovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ronca
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mohammed Benkheil
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sofie Struyf
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandra Liekens
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li J, Liu H, Zou L, Ke J, Zhang Y, Zhu Y, Yang Y, Gong Y, Tian J, Zou D, Peng X, Gong J, Zhong R, Huang K, Chang J, Miao X. A functional variant in GREM1 confers risk for colorectal cancer by disrupting a hsa-miR-185-3p binding site. Oncotarget 2017; 8:61318-61326. [PMID: 28977865 PMCID: PMC5617425 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway has been implicated in carcinogenesis of intestinal canal. Except for common variants indentified by genome-wide association studies, variants with lower frequency can also explain a part of the disease heritability, especially those in gene regulatory regions. In this study, we searched for colorectal cancer (CRC) related functional low-frequency variants (minor allele frequency 1-5%) in untranslated regions (UTR) involved in the TGF-β signaling using a next-generation sequencing based approach. A case-control study including 1,841 CRC cases and 1,837 controls was performed to identify CRC associated variants and biological experiments were applied to further explore the potential functions of the significant variants. Three low-frequency UTR variants were selected as our candidates and subsequent association analyses showed that a low-frequency variant rs12915554 in the 3’ UTR of GREM1 was significantly associated with CRC risk (Additive model: OR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.04-1.95, P=0.026). Functional annotations suggested that rs12915554 variation increased the expression of GREM1 by perturbing a hsa-miR-185-3p binding site. Moreover, higher expression level of GREM1 was investigated in colon tumor tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues using TCGA data. In conclusion, low-frequency UTR variant rs12915554 in the gene GREM1 was in relation to CRC susceptibility in a Chinese population and this variation might promote CRC development through enhancing GREM1 expression in a miRNA-mediated posttranscriptional manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyuan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zou
- Department of Health Care, Bao'an Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juntao Ke
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Gong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianbo Tian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Danyi Zou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiating Peng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Gong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Zhong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Chang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Miao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Generation and Applications of a DNA Aptamer against Gremlin-1. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22050706. [PMID: 28452949 PMCID: PMC6154100 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22050706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gremlin-1, a highly conserved glycosylated and phosphorylated secretory protein, plays important roles in diverse biological processes including early embryonic development, fibrosis, tumorigenesis, and renal pathophysiology. Aptamers, which are RNA or DNA single-stranded oligonucleotides capable of binding specifically to different targets ranging from small organics to whole cells, have potential applications in targeted imaging, diagnosis and therapy. In this study, we obtained a DNA aptamer against Gremlin-1 (G-ap49) using in vitro Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Binding assay and dot-blot showed that G-ap49 had high affinity for Gremlin-1. Further experiments indicated that G-ap49 was quite stable in a cell culture system and could be used in South-Western blot analysis, enzyme-linked aptamer sorbent assay (ELASA), and aptamer-based cytochemistry and histochemistry staining to detect Gremlin-1. Moreover, our study demonstrated that G-ap49 is capable of revealing the subcellular localization of Gremlin-1. These data indicate that G-ap49 can be used as an alternative to antibodies in detecting Gremlin-1.
Collapse
|
40
|
Xiang Q, Hong D, Liao Y, Cao Y, Liu M, Pang J, Zhou J, Wang G, Yang R, Wang M, Xiang AP. Overexpression of Gremlin1 in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Hindlimb Ischemia in Mice by Enhancing Cell Survival. J Cell Physiol 2016; 232:996-1007. [PMID: 27579673 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education; Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Dongxi Hong
- Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Yan Liao
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education; Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Yong Cao
- Cardiovascular Center; Gaozhou People's Hospital; Maoming Guangdong China
| | - Muyun Liu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education; Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Jun Pang
- Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital; Guizhou China
| | - Junjie Zhou
- Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Guang Wang
- Division of Histology and Embryology; Medical College, Jinan University; Guangzhou China
| | - Renhao Yang
- Division of Histology and Embryology; Medical College, Jinan University; Guangzhou China
| | - Maosheng Wang
- Cardiovascular Center; Gaozhou People's Hospital; Maoming Guangdong China
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education; Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
- Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital; Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Barnes JW, Kucera ET, Tian L, Mellor NE, Dvorina N, Baldwin WW, Aldred MA, Farver CF, Comhair SAA, Aytekin M, Dweik RA. Bone Morphogenic Protein Type 2 Receptor Mutation-Independent Mechanisms of Disrupted Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling in Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2016; 55:564-575. [PMID: 27187737 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2015-0402oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signaling, independent of BMPR2 mutations, can result in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Glucose dysregulation can regulate multiple processes in IPAH. However, the role of glucose in BMP antagonist expression in IPAH has not been characterized. We hypothesized that glucose uptake regulates BMP signaling through stimulation of BMP antagonist expression in IPAH. Using human plasma, lung tissue, and primary pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), we examined the protein expression of BMP2, BMP-regulated Smads, and Smurf-1 in patients with IPAH and control subjects. Gremlin-1 levels were elevated in patients with IPAH compared with control subjects, whereas expression of BMP2 was not different. We demonstrate increased Smad polyubiquitination in IPAH lung tissue and PASMCs that was further enhanced with proteasomal inhibition. Examination of the Smad ubiquitin-ligase, Smurf-1, showed increased protein expression in IPAH lung tissue and localization in the smooth muscle of the pulmonary artery. Glucose dose dependently increased Smurf-1 protein expression in control PASMCs, whereas Smurf-1 in IPAH PASMCs was increased and sustained. Conversely, phospho-Smad1/5/8 levels were reduced in IPAH compared with control PASMCs at physiological glucose concentrations. Interestingly, high glucose concentrations decreased phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 in control PASMCs. Blocking glucose uptake had opposing effects in IPAH PASMCs, and inhibition of Smurf-1 activity resulted in partial rescue of Smad1/5/8 activation and cell migration rates. Collectively, these data suggest that BMP signaling can be regulated through BMPR2 mutation-independent mechanisms. Gremlin-1 (synonym: induced-in-high-glucose-2 protein) and Smurf-1 may function to inhibit BMP signaling as a consequence of the glucose dysregulation described in IPAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Micheala A Aldred
- 3 Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; and
| | | | | | - Metin Aytekin
- Departments of 1 Pathobiology and.,5 Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Raed A Dweik
- Departments of 1 Pathobiology and.,6 Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Institute
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
The discovery of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family ligands and the realization that their bioactivities need to be tightly controlled temporally and spatially led to intensive research that has identified a multitude of extracellular modulators of TGF-β family ligands, uncovered their functions in developmental and pathophysiological processes, defined the mechanisms of their activities, and explored potential modulator-based therapeutic applications in treating human diseases. These studies revealed a diverse repertoire of extracellular and membrane-associated molecules that are capable of modulating TGF-β family signals via control of ligand availability, processing, ligand-receptor interaction, and receptor activation. These molecules include not only soluble ligand-binding proteins that were conventionally considered as agonists and antagonists of TGF-β family of growth factors, but also extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and proteoglycans that can serve as "sink" and control storage and release of both the TGF-β family ligands and their regulators. This extensive network of soluble and ECM modulators helps to ensure dynamic and cell-specific control of TGF-β family signals. This article reviews our knowledge of extracellular modulation of TGF-β growth factors by diverse proteins and their molecular mechanisms to regulate TGF-β family signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenbei Chang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
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.
Collapse
|
44
|
Han EJ, Yoo SA, Kim GM, Hwang D, Cho CS, You S, Kim WU. GREM1 Is a Key Regulator of Synoviocyte Hyperplasia and Invasiveness. J Rheumatol 2016; 43:474-85. [PMID: 26834210 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.150523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of Gremlin 1 (GREM1), an antagonist of bone morphogenetic protein, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovia and its involvement in the hyperplasia and invasiveness of fibroblast-like synoviocytes of RA (RA-FLS). METHODS Computational analysis was introduced to identify FLS-predominant regulators. GREM1 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and ELISA. FLS proliferation and apoptosis were determined using tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay and APOPercentage assay, respectively. FLS migration and invasion were evaluated by wound migration and Matrigel invasion assay, respectively. Expressions of Bax, Bcl2, pErk1/2, and pAkt were detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS Through global transcriptome profiling, we identified a GREM1 gene predominantly expressed in RA-FLS. Indeed, the GREM1 expression was higher in synovia, synovial fluids, and FLS of patients with RA than in those of patients with osteoarthritis, and its levels correlated well with proinflammatory cytokine concentrations. Knockdown of GREM1 transcripts using short interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced the proliferation and survival of RA-FLS along with downregulation of pErk1/2, pAkt, and Bcl2 expressions, whereas it induced Bax expression. Conversely, the addition of recombinant GREM1 to RA-FLS showed the opposite results. Moreover, GREM1 siRNA decreased the migratory and invasive capacity of RA-FLS, whereas exogenous GREM1 increased it. The GREM1-induced FLS survival, migration, and invasion were completely blocked by neutralizing antibodies to ανβ3 integrin on RA-FLS, suggesting that ανβ3 integrin mediates the antiapoptotic and promigratory effects of GREM1. CONCLUSION GREM1 is highly expressed in RA joints, and functions as a regulator of survival, proliferation, migration, and invasion of RA-FLS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jin Han
- From the POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul; Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea; Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.E.J. Han, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S.A. Yoo, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; G.M. Kim, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; D. Hwang, PhD, Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, DGIST; C.S. Cho, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S. You, PhD, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; W.U. Kim, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea
| | - Seung-Ah Yoo
- From the POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul; Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea; Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.E.J. Han, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S.A. Yoo, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; G.M. Kim, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; D. Hwang, PhD, Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, DGIST; C.S. Cho, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S. You, PhD, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; W.U. Kim, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea
| | - Gi-Myo Kim
- From the POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul; Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea; Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.E.J. Han, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S.A. Yoo, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; G.M. Kim, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; D. Hwang, PhD, Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, DGIST; C.S. Cho, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S. You, PhD, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; W.U. Kim, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea
| | - Daehee Hwang
- From the POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul; Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea; Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.E.J. Han, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S.A. Yoo, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; G.M. Kim, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; D. Hwang, PhD, Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, DGIST; C.S. Cho, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S. You, PhD, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; W.U. Kim, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea
| | - Chul-Soo Cho
- From the POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul; Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea; Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.E.J. Han, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S.A. Yoo, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; G.M. Kim, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; D. Hwang, PhD, Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, DGIST; C.S. Cho, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S. You, PhD, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; W.U. Kim, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea
| | - Sungyong You
- From the POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul; Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea; Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.E.J. Han, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S.A. Yoo, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; G.M. Kim, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; D. Hwang, PhD, Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, DGIST; C.S. Cho, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S. You, PhD, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; W.U. Kim, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea.
| | - Wan-Uk Kim
- From the POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul; Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea; Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.E.J. Han, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S.A. Yoo, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; G.M. Kim, PhD Candidate, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; D. Hwang, PhD, Center for Systems Biology of Plant Senescence and Life History, Institute for Basic Science, DGIST; C.S. Cho, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Catholic University of Korea; S. You, PhD, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; W.U. Kim, MD, PhD, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Ye L, Jiang WG. Bone morphogenetic proteins in tumour associated angiogenesis and implication in cancer therapies. Cancer Lett 2015; 380:586-597. [PMID: 26639195 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) belongs to transforming growth factor-β superfamily. To date, more than 20 BMPs have been identified in humans. BMPs play a critical role in embryonic and postnatal development, and also in maintaining homeostasis in different organs and tissues by regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, survival and motility. They play important roles in the development and progression of certain malignancies, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, etc. Recently, more evidence shows that BMPs are also involved in tumour associated angiogenesis. For example BMP can either directly regulate the functions of vascular endothelial cells or indirectly influence the angiogenesis via regulation of angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Such crosstalk can also be reflected in the interaction with other angiogenic factors, like hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). All these factors are involved in the orchestration of the angiogenic process during tumour development and progression. Review of the relevant studies will provide a comprehensive prospective on current understanding and shed light on the corresponding therapeutic opportunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ye
- Metastasis & Angiogenesis Research Group, Cardiff University-Peking University Cancer Institute, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Metastasis & Angiogenesis Research Group, Cardiff University-Peking University Cancer Institute, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
De Cecco L, Negri T, Brich S, Mauro V, Bozzi F, Dagrada G, Disciglio V, Sanfilippo R, Gronchi A, D'Incalci M, Casali PG, Canevari S, Pierotti MA, Pilotti S. Identification of a gene expression driven progression pathway in myxoid liposarcoma. Oncotarget 2015; 5:5965-77. [PMID: 25115389 PMCID: PMC4171605 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: to investigate the events involved in the progression of myxoid liposarcoma (MLS). Gene expression profiling and immunohistochemical/biochemical analyses were applied to specimens representative of the opposite ends of the MLS spectrum: pure myxoid (ML) and pure round cell (RC) liposarcomas. The analyses revealed the involvement of both coding and non coding RNAs (SNORDs located in DLK1-DIO3 region) and support a model of stepwise progression mainly driven by epigenetic changes involving tumour vascular supply and tumoral cellular component. In this model, a switch in the vascular landscape from a normal to a pro-angiogenic signature and the silencing of DLK1-DIO3 region mark the progression from ML to RC in concert with the acquisition by the latter of the over-expression of YY1/C-MYC/HDAC2, together with over-expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and stemness: MKNK2, MSX1 and TRIM71. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that to progress from ML to RC liposarcoma the cells have to overcome the epigenetic silencing restriction point in order to reset their new stem-like differentiation signature. Our findings provide a first attempt at identifying the missing links between ML and RC liposarcomas, that may also have broader applications in other clinico-pathological settings characterised by a spectrum of progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loris De Cecco
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Tiziana Negri
- Laboratory of Experimental Molecular Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Silvia Brich
- Laboratory of Experimental Molecular Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy
| | - Valentina Mauro
- Laboratory of Experimental Molecular Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy
| | - Fabio Bozzi
- Laboratory of Experimental Molecular Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy
| | - GianPaolo Dagrada
- Laboratory of Experimental Molecular Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy
| | - Vittoria Disciglio
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy
| | - Roberta Sanfilippo
- Adult Mesenchymal Tumor Medical Oncology Unit, Cancer Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy
| | - Alessandro Gronchi
- Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy
| | - Maurizio D'Incalci
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo G Casali
- Adult Mesenchymal Tumor Medical Oncology Unit, Cancer Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy
| | - Silvana Canevari
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy
| | - Marco A Pierotti
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy
| | - Silvana Pilotti
- Laboratory of Experimental Molecular Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Italy
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Graham JR, Williams CMM, Yang Z. MicroRNA-27b targets gremlin 1 to modulate fibrotic responses in pulmonary cells. J Cell Biochem 2015; 115:1539-48. [PMID: 24633904 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a chronic disease characterized by an excessive deposition of scar tissue in the affected organs. A central mediator of this process is transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which stimulates the production of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagens. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in both fibrosis as well as in TGF-β signaling, but the extent of their regulation has not been fully defined. A functional screen was conducted using a library of miRNA inhibitors to identify miRNAs that affect TGF-β-induced type I collagen expression, a key event in the development of fibrosis. The inhibition of one miRNA in particular, miR-27b, caused a significant increase in type I collagen expression. We found that miR-27b directly targets Gremlin 1 by binding to its 3'-UTR, reducing its mRNA levels. TGF-β signaling decreased miR-27b expression and caused a corresponding increase in Gremlin 1 levels, suggesting that TGF-β regulates Gremlin 1 expression in part by modulating miR-27b expression. Reducing Gremlin 1 levels by either siRNA-mediated gene silencing or by using the miR-27b mimic inhibited the expression of several genes known to be involved in fibrosis, while increasing Gremlin 1 levels by the addition of either recombinant protein or the miR-27b inhibitor enhanced the expression of these genes. In summary, we have demonstrated that miR-27b targets Gremlin 1, and that this regulation likely represents an important control point in fibrotic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Graham
- Inflammation and Remodeling Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02140
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Karagiannis GS, Afaloniati H, Karamanavi E, Poutahidis T, Angelopoulou K. BMP pathway suppression is an early event in inflammation-driven colon neoplasmatogenesis of uPA-deficient mice. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:2243-55. [PMID: 26358253 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3988-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The suppression of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway has been recently shown to promote adenoma-to-carcinoma transition in sporadic colon cancer. However, its role in the evolution of early preneoplastic changes to neoplasia remains elusive. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the gene expression levels of multiple extracellular BMP family constituents, including BMP ligands/receptors and inhibitors, during the early stages of inflammation-associated colon carcinogenesis. For that, we used the recently developed urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)-deficient mouse model of colonic polypoidogenesis, in which adenomatous polyps arise several months after the induction of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis. In DSS-treated wild-type mice, the preneoplastic lesions which did not eventually evolve to adenomas resided in a colitic microenvironment characterized by a balanced upregulation of both BMP ligands, i.e., Bmp4/7 and BMP inhibitors, such as chordin, noggin, and gremlin-1. In the uPA-deficient tumor-promoting inflammatory microenvironment, however, there was a clear evidence for BMP pathway suppression. By contrast to DSS-treated wild-type controls, the inflammation-associated Bmp4 upregulation was abolished, and the BMP signaling suppression was further enhanced by a particularly high increase of gremlin-1 expression. These findings propose that BMP pathway suppression in colon cancer could be associated with very early stages of the preneoplasia-to-neoplasia sequence of events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George S Karagiannis
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Hara Afaloniati
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elisavet Karamanavi
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Cardiovasular Sciences, Cardiovascular Research Centre, Glenfield General Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Theofilos Poutahidis
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Katerina Angelopoulou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ravelli C, Grillo E, Corsini M, Coltrini D, Presta M, Mitola S. β3 Integrin Promotes Long-Lasting Activation and Polarization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 by Immobilized Ligand. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2015; 35:2161-71. [PMID: 26293466 PMCID: PMC4894810 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.115.306230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objective— During neovessel formation, angiogenic growth factors associate with the extracellular matrix. These immobilized factors represent a persistent stimulus for the otherwise quiescent endothelial cells (ECs), driving directional EC migration and proliferation and leading to new blood vessel growth. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is the main mediator of angiogenesis. Although VEGFR2 signaling has been deeply characterized, little is known about its subcellular localization during neovessel formation. Aim of this study was the characterization and molecular determinants of activated VEGFR2 localization in ECs during neovessel formation in response to matrix-immobilized ligand. Approach and Results— Here we demonstrate that ECs stimulated by extracellular matrix–associated gremlin, a noncanonical VEGFR2 ligand, are polarized and relocate the receptor in close contact with the angiogenic factor–enriched matrix both in vitro and in vivo. GM1 (monosialotetrahexosylganglioside)-positive planar lipid rafts, β3 integrin receptors, and the intracellular signaling transducers focal adhesion kinase and RhoA (Ras homolog gene family, member A) cooperate to promote VEGFR2 long-term polarization and activation. Conclusions— A ligand anchored to the extracellular matrix induces VEGFR2 polarization in ECs. Long-lasting VEGFR2 relocation is closely dependent on lipid raft integrity and activation of β3 integrin pathway. The study of the endothelial responses to immobilized growth factors may offer insights into the angiogenic process in physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer, and for a better engineering of synthetic tissue scaffolds to blend with the host vasculature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cosetta Ravelli
- From the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Grillo
- From the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michela Corsini
- From the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Coltrini
- From the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Presta
- From the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Stefania Mitola
- From the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Mulloy B, Rider CC. The Bone Morphogenetic Proteins and Their Antagonists. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2015; 99:63-90. [PMID: 26279373 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and the growth and differentiation factors comprise a single family of some 20 homologous, dimeric cytokines which share the cystine-knot domain typical of the TGF-β superfamily. They control the differentiation and activity of a range of cell types, including many outside bone and cartilage. They serve as developmental morphogens, but are also important in chronic pathologies, including tissue fibrosis and cancer. One mechanism for enabling tight spatiotemporal control of their activities is through a number of antagonist proteins, including Noggin, Follistatin, Chordin, Twisted gastrulation (TSG), and the seven members of the Cerberus and Dan family. These antagonists are secreted proteins that bind selectively to particular BMPs with high affinity, thereby blocking receptor engagement and signaling. Most of these antagonists also possess a TGF-β cystine-knot domain. Here, we discuss current knowledge and understanding of the structures and activities of the BMPs and their antagonists, with a particular focus on the latter proteins. Recent advances in structural biology of BMP antagonists have begun the process of elucidating the molecular basis of their activity, displaying a surprising variety between the modes of action of these closely related proteins. We also discuss the interactions of the antagonists with the glycosaminoglycan heparan sulfate, which is found ubiquitously on cell surfaces and in the extracellular matrix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mulloy
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Chris C Rider
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|