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Lu C, Lv Y, Meng X, Yang T, Liu Y, Kou G, Yang X, Luo J. The potential toxic effects of estrogen exposure on neural and vascular development in zebrafish. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 283:116862. [PMID: 39128450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Estrogens and estrogenic chemicals are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The potential toxicity of EDCs to humans and aquatic organisms has become increasingly concerning. However, at present, the potential toxic mechanisms of EDCs on neural and vascular development are still being fully investigated. During the study, we utilized zebrafish to assess the developmental neural and vascular toxicity of different estrogens. The results indicated that zebrafish treated with different estrogens, especially E2, exhibit developmental malformations, including increased mortality, decreased body length, decreased heart rate, aberrant swimming behavior, and increased developmental malformations, including spinal curvature (SC), yolk edema (YE) and pericaidial edema (PE), in a dose-dependent manner with 72 h-treated. Further morphological evaluation revealed that E2 exposure significantly induced motor neural abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. In addition, treated with these three estrogens also impaired the vascular development in the early stage of zebrafish embryos. Mechanistically, the identification of downstream factors revealed that several key neural and vascular development-related genes, including syn2a, gfap, gap43, shha, kdr, flt1 and flt4, were transcriptionally downregulated after estrogen exposure in zebrafish, suggesting that estrogen exposure might cause neural and vascular toxicity by interfering the mRNA levels of genes relevant to neural and vascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjiao Lu
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technique for Biotherapy of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yuhang Lv
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technique for Biotherapy of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Xin Meng
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technique for Biotherapy of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technique for Biotherapy of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technique for Biotherapy of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Guanhua Kou
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technique for Biotherapy of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technique for Biotherapy of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
| | - Juanjuan Luo
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technique for Biotherapy of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China.
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2
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Fan Y, Jin L, He Z, Wei T, Luo T, Zhang J, Liu C, Dai C, A C, Liang Y, Tao X, Lv X, Gu Y, Li M. A cell transcriptomic profile provides insights into adipocytes of porcine mammary gland across development. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:126. [PMID: 37805503 PMCID: PMC10560433 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00926-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studying the composition and developmental mechanisms in mammary gland is crucial for healthy growth of newborns. The mammary gland is inherently heterogeneous, and its physiological function dependents on the gene expression of multiple cell types. Most studies focused on epithelial cells, disregarding the role of neighboring adipocytes. RESULTS Here, we constructed the largest transcriptomic dataset of porcine mammary gland cells thus far. The dataset captured 126,829 high-quality nuclei from physiological mammary glands across five developmental stages (d 90 of gestation, G90; d 0 after lactation, L0; d 20 after lactation, L20; 2 d post natural involution, PI2; 7 d post natural involution, PI7). Seven cell types were identified, including epithelial cells, adipocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts cells, immune cells, myoepithelial cells and precursor cells. Our data indicate that mammary glands at different developmental stages have distinct phenotypic and transcriptional signatures. During late gestation (G90), the differentiation and proliferation of adipocytes were inhibited. Meanwhile, partly epithelial cells were completely differentiated. Pseudo-time analysis showed that epithelial cells undergo three stages to achieve lactation, including cellular differentiation, hormone sensing, and metabolic activation. During lactation (L0 and L20), adipocytes area accounts for less than 0.5% of mammary glands. To maintain their own survival, the adipocyte exhibited a poorly differentiated state and a proliferative capacity. Epithelial cells initiate lactation upon hormonal stimulation. After fulfilling lactation mission, their undergo physiological death under high intensity lactation. Interestingly, the physiological dead cells seem to be actively cleared by immune cells via CCL21-ACKR4 pathway. This biological process may be an important mechanism for maintaining homeostasis of the mammary gland. During natural involution (PI2 and PI7), epithelial cell populations dedifferentiate into mesenchymal stem cells to maintain the lactation potential of mammary glands for the next lactation cycle. CONCLUSION The molecular mechanisms of dedifferentiation, proliferation and redifferentiation of adipocytes and epithelial cells were revealed from late pregnancy to natural involution. This cell transcriptomic profile constitutes an essential reference for future studies in the development and remodeling of the mammary gland at different stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Long Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Zhiping He
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, 610000 China
| | - Tiantian Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Tingting Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Jiaman Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Can Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Changjiu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Chao A
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Yan Liang
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, 610000 China
| | - Xuan Tao
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, 610000 China
| | - Xuebin Lv
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, 610000 China
| | - Yiren Gu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, 610000 China
| | - Mingzhou Li
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
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Kaur G, Sharma D, Bisen S, Mukhopadhyay CS, Gurdziel K, Singh NK. Vascular cell-adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) regulates JunB-mediated IL-8/CXCL1 expression and pathological neovascularization. Commun Biol 2023; 6:516. [PMID: 37179352 PMCID: PMC10183029 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04905-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular adhesion molecules play an important role in various immunological disorders, particularly in cancers. However, little is known regarding the role of these adhesion molecules in proliferative retinopathies. We observed that IL-33 regulates VCAM-1 expression in human retinal endothelial cells and that genetic deletion of IL-33 reduces hypoxia-induced VCAM-1 expression and retinal neovascularization in C57BL/6 mice. We found that VCAM-1 via JunB regulates IL-8 promoter activity and expression in human retinal endothelial cells. In addition, our study outlines the regulatory role of VCAM-1-JunB-IL-8 signaling on retinal endothelial cell sprouting and angiogenesis. Our RNA sequencing results show an induced expression of CXCL1 (a murine functional homolog of IL-8) in the hypoxic retina, and intravitreal injection of VCAM-1 siRNA not only decreases hypoxia-induced VCAM-1-JunB-CXCL1 signaling but also reduces OIR-induced sprouting and retinal neovascularization. These findings suggest that VCAM-1-JunB-IL-8 signaling plays a crucial role in retinal neovascularization, and its antagonism might provide an advanced treatment option for proliferative retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Kaur
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Deepti Sharma
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Shivantika Bisen
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Chandra Sekhar Mukhopadhyay
- School of Animal Biotechnology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, 141004, India
| | - Katherine Gurdziel
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Nikhlesh K Singh
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
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4
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Sharma D, Bisen S, Kaur G, Van Buren EC, Rao GN, Singh NK. IL-33 enhances Jagged1 mediated NOTCH1 intracellular domain (NICD) deubiquitination and pathological angiogenesis in proliferative retinopathy. Commun Biol 2022; 5:479. [PMID: 35589941 PMCID: PMC9120174 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03432-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological retinal neovascularization (NV) is a clinical manifestation of various proliferative retinopathies, and treatment of NV using anti-VEGF therapies is not selective, as it also impairs normal retinal vascular growth and function. Here, we show that genetic deletion or siRNA-mediated downregulation of IL-33 reduces pathological NV in a murine model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) with no effect on the normal retinal repair. Furthermore, our fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) data reveals that the increase in IL-33 expression is in endothelial cells (ECs) of the hypoxic retina and conditional genetic deletion of IL-33 in retinal ECs reduces pathological NV. In vitro studies using human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMVECs) show that IL-33 induces sprouting angiogenesis and requires NFkappaB-mediated Jagged1 expression and Notch1 activation. Our data also suggest that IL-33 enhances de-ubiquitination and stabilization of Notch1 intracellular domain via its interaction with BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) and Numb in HRMVECs and a murine model of OIR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Sharma
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Shivantika Bisen
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Geetika Kaur
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Eric C Van Buren
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Gadiparthi N Rao
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Nikhlesh K Singh
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
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5
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Kumar R, Rao GN. Novel Role of Prereplication Complex Component Cell Division Cycle 6 in Retinal Neovascularization. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:407-427. [PMID: 35236105 PMCID: PMC8957605 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.317182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major aim of this study is to investigate whether CDC6 (cell division cycle 6), a replication origin recognition complex component, plays a role in retinal neovascularization, and if so, to explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS In this study, we used a variety of approaches including cellular and moleculer biological methodologies as well as global and tissue-specific knockout mice in combination with an oxygen-induced retinopathy model to study the role of CDC6 in retinal neovascularization. RESULTS VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A)-induced CDC6 expression in a time-dependent manner in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells. In addition, VEGFA-induced CDC6 expression was dependent on PLCβ3 (phospholipase Cβ3)-mediated NFATc1 (nuclear factor of activated T cells c1) activation. Furthermore, while siRNA-mediated depletion of PLCβ3, NFATc1, or CDC6 levels blunted VEGFA-induced human retinal microvascular endothelial cell angiogenic events such as proliferation, migration, sprouting, and tube formation, CDC6 overexpression rescued these effects in NFATc1-deficient mouse retinal microvascular endothelial cells. In accordance with these observations, global knockdown of PLCβ3 or endothelial cell-specific deletion of NFATc1 or siRNA-mediated depletion of CDC6 levels substantially inhibited oxygen-induced retinopathy-induced retinal sprouting and neovascularization. In addition, retroviral-mediated overexpression of CDC6 rescued oxygen-induced retinopathy-induced retinal neovascularization from inhibition in PLCβ3 knockout mice and in endothelial cell-specific NFATc1-deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS The above observations clearly reveal that PLCβ3-mediated NFATc1 activation-dependent CDC6 expression plays a crucial role in VEGFA/oxygen-induced retinopathy-induced retinal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kumar
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis
| | - Gadiparthi N Rao
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis
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Perez‑Valle A, Ochoa B, Shah K, Barreda‑Gomez G, Astigarraga E, Boyano M, Asumendi A. Upregulated phospholipase D2 expression and activity is related to the metastatic properties of melanoma. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:140. [PMID: 35340556 PMCID: PMC8931840 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence rates of melanoma have increased steadily in recent decades and nearly 25% of the patients diagnosed with early-stage melanoma will eventually develop metastasis, for which there is currently no fully effective treatment. The link between phospholipases and tumors has been studied extensively, particularly in breast and colon cancers. With the aim of finding new biomarkers and therapeutic options for melanoma, the expression of different phospholipases was assessed in 17 distinct cell lines in the present study, demonstrating that phospholipase D2 (PLD2) is upregulated in metastatic melanoma as compared to normal skin melanocytes. These results were corroborated by immunofluorescence and lipase activity assays. Upregulation of PLD2 expression and increased lipase activity were observed in metastatic melanoma relative to normal skin melanocytes. So far, the implication of PLD2 activity in melanoma malignancies has remained elusive. To the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to demonstrate that the overexpression of PLD2 enhances lipase activity, and its effect to increase the proliferation, migration and invasion capacity of melanoma cells was assessed with XTT and Transwell assays. In addition, silencing of PLD2 in melanoma cells reduced the metastatic potential of these cells. The present study provided evidence that PLD2 is involved in melanoma malignancy and in particular, in its metastatic potential, and established a basis for future studies evaluating PLD2 blockade as a therapeutic strategy to manage this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arantza Perez‑Valle
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940 Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Begoña Ochoa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940 Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Krushangi Shah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | | | - Egoitz Astigarraga
- IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., Bizkaia Technological Park, Zamudio, 48160 Bizkaia, Spain
| | - María Boyano
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940 Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aintzane Asumendi
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940 Bizkaia, Spain
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7
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Li J, Zhao H, Xing Y, Zhao T, Cai L, Yan Z. A Genome-Wide Analysis of the Gene Expression and Alternative Splicing Events in a Whole-Body Hypoxic Preconditioning Mouse Model. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:1101-1111. [PMID: 33582968 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03241-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to specific doses of hypoxia can trigger endogenous neuroprotective and neuroplastic mechanisms of the central nervous system. These molecular mechanisms, together referred to as hypoxic preconditioning (HPC), remain poorly understood. In the present study, we applied RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses to study HPC in a whole-body HPC mouse model. The preconditioned (H4) and control (H0) groups showed 605 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 263 were upregulated and 342 were downregulated. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis indicated that these DEGs were enriched in several biological processes, including metabolic stress and angiogenesis. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis showed that the FOXO and Notch signaling pathways were involved in hypoxic tolerance and protection during HPC. Furthermore, 117 differential alternative splicing events (DASEs) were identified, with exon skipping being the dominant one (48.51%). Repeated exposure to systemic hypoxia promoted skipping of exon 7 in Edrf1 and exon 9 or 13 in Lrrc45. This study expands the understanding of the endogenous protective mechanisms of HPC and the DASEs that occur during HPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- College of Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, People's Republic of China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014010, People's Republic of China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Functional Genome Bioinformatics, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014010, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014010, People's Republic of China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Functional Genome Bioinformatics, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014010, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqiang Xing
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014010, People's Republic of China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Functional Genome Bioinformatics, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014010, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongling Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014010, People's Republic of China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Functional Genome Bioinformatics, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014010, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Cai
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014010, People's Republic of China.
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Functional Genome Bioinformatics, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014010, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zuwei Yan
- College of Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, People's Republic of China.
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Activation of the VEGF-A/ERK/PLA2 Axis Mediates Early Retinal Endothelial Cell Damage Induced by High Glucose: New Insight from an In Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207528. [PMID: 33065984 PMCID: PMC7589177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Early blood retinal barrier (BRB) dysfunction induced by hyperglycemia was related to increased pro-inflammatory activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). Here, we tested the role of VEGF-A in high glucose (HG)-induced damage of human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) mediated by Ca++-dependent (cPLA2) and Ca++-independent (iPLA2) PLA2s. HRECs were treated with normal glucose (5 mM, NG) or high glucose (25 mM, HG) for 48 h with or without the VEGF-trap Aflibercept (Afl, 40 µg/mL), the cPLA2 inhibitor arachidonoyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3; 15 µM), the iPLA2 inhibitor bromoenol lactone (BEL; 5 µM), or VEGF-A (80 ng/mL). Both Afl and AACOCF3 prevented HG-induced damage (MTT and LDH release), impairment of angiogenic potential (tube-formation), and expression of VEGF-A mRNA. Furthermore, Afl counteracted HG-induced increase of phospho-ERK and phospho-cPLA2 (immunoblot). VEGF-A in HG-medium increased glucose toxicity, through upregulation of phospho-ERK, phospho-cPLA2, and iPLA2 (about 55%, 45%, and 50%, respectively); immunocytochemistry confirmed the activation of these proteins. cPLA2 knockdown by siRNA entirely prevented cell damage induced by HG or by HG plus VEGF-A, while iPLA2 knockdown produced a milder protective effect. These data indicate that VEGF-A mediates the early glucose-induced damage in retinal endothelium through the involvement of ERK1/2/PLA2 axis activation.
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Barisano D, Frohman MA. Roles for Phospholipase D1 in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1259:77-87. [PMID: 32578172 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-43093-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The lipid-modifying signal transduction enzyme phospholipase D (PLD) has been proposed to have roles in oncogenic processes for well-on 30 years, with most of the early literature focused on potential functions for PLD in the biology of the tumor cells themselves. While such roles remain under investigation, evidence has also now been generated to support additional roles for PLD, in particular PLD1, in the tumor microenvironment, including effects on neoangiogenesis, the supply of nutrients, interactions of platelets with circulating cancer cells, the response of the immune system, and exosome biology. Here, we review these lines of investigation, accompanied by a discussion of the limitations of the existing studies and some cautionary notes regarding the study and interpretation of PLD function using model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Barisano
- Center for Developmental Genetics and the Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Michael A Frohman
- Center for Developmental Genetics and the Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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10
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Kumar R, Mani AM, Singh NK, Rao GN. PKCθ-JunB axis via upregulation of VEGFR3 expression mediates hypoxia-induced pathological retinal neovascularization. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:325. [PMID: 32382040 PMCID: PMC7206019 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2522-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Pathological retinal neovascularization is the most common cause of vision loss. PKCθ has been shown to play a role in type 2 diabetes, which is linked to retinal neovascularization. Based on these clues, we have studied the role of PKCθ and its downstream target genes JunB and VEGFR3 in retinal neovascularization using global and tissue-specific knockout mouse models along with molecular biological approaches. Here, we show that vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) induces PKCθ phosphorylation in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMVECs) and downregulation of its levels attenuates VEGFA-induced HRMVECs migration, sprouting and tube formation. Furthermore, the whole body deletion of PKCθ or EC-specific deletion of its target gene JunB inhibited hypoxia-induced retinal EC proliferation, tip cell formation and neovascularization. VEGFA also induced VEGFR3 expression via JunB downstream to PKCθ in the regulation of HRMVEC migration, sprouting, and tube formation in vitro and OIR-induced retinal EC proliferation, tip cell formation and neovascularization in vivo. In addition, VEGFA-induced VEGFR3 expression requires VEGFR2 activation upstream to PKCθ-JunB axis both in vitro and in vivo. Depletion of VEGFR2 or VEGFR3 levels attenuated VEGFA-induced HRMVEC migration, sprouting and tube formation in vitro and retinal neovascularization in vivo and it appears that these events were dependent on STAT3 activation. Furthermore, the observations using soluble VEGFR3 indicate that VEGFR3 mediates its effects on retinal neovascularization in a ligand dependent and independent manner downstream to VEGFR2. Together, these observations suggest that PKCθ-dependent JunB-mediated VEGFR3 expression targeting STAT3 activation is required for VEGFA/VEGFR2-induced retinal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kumar
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Arul M Mani
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Nikhlesh K Singh
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Gadiparthi N Rao
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
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11
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Yao Y, Wang X, Li H, Fan J, Qian X, Li H, Xu Y. Phospholipase D as a key modulator of cancer progression. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:911-935. [PMID: 32073216 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The phospholipase D (PLD) family has a ubiquitous expression in cells. PLD isoforms (PLDs) and their hydrolysate phosphatidic acid (PA) have been demonstrated to engage in multiple stages of cancer progression. Aberrant expression of PLDs, especially PLD1 and PLD2, has been detected in various cancers. Inhibition or elimination of PLDs activity has been shown to reduce tumour growth and metastasis. PLDs and PA also serve as downstream effectors of various cell-surface receptors, to trigger and regulate propagation of intracellular signals in the process of tumourigenesis and metastasis. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding the functions of PLDs and PA in discrete stages of cancer progression, including cancer cell growth, invasion and migration, and angiogenesis, with special emphasis on the tumour-associated signalling pathways mediated by PLDs and PA and the functional importance of PLDs and PA in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfa Yao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanbing Li
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiannan Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohan Qian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingke Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Systematic large-scale meta-analysis identifies miRNA-429/200a/b and miRNA-141/200c clusters as biomarkers for necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20191503. [PMID: 31383782 PMCID: PMC6757181 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20191503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical neonatal disease with a high mortality. The possibility that miRNAs may play an important role in NEC has raised great attention. Hence, the present study identified biomarkers that affected NEC in newborn progression through miRNA and gene expression profile analysis. miRNA chip GSE68054 and gene chip GSE46619 of NEC in newborn were analyzed to screen out differentially expressed miRNA and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Next, target genes of differentially expressed miRNA were predicted, and differentially expressed miRNA-DEG regulatory network was constructed to select key miRNAs. After gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis on target genes of key miRNAs, the target genes enriched in pathways were extracted to establish differentially expressed miRNA-DEG-disease gene network for gene interaction analysis. Targetting relationship between miRNAs and target genes was verified. A total of 15 miRNAs were differentially expressed in NEC in newborn, amongst which miR-429/200a/b and miR-141/200c clusters were poorly expressed and might play a significant role in NEC in newborn. Besides, target genes of miR-429/200a/b and miR-141/200c clusters were enriched in 11 signaling pathways. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), E-selectin (SELE), kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were highly expressed in NEC in newborn, which were negatively regulated by miR-429/200a/b and miR-141/200c clusters and shared close association with disease genes. miR-429/200a/b and miR-141/200c clusters are poorly expressed while their target genes (VEGFA, SELE, KDR, FLT1, and HGF) are highly expressed in NEC in newborn, which might be identified as important biomarkers for this disease.
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13
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Roma-Rodrigues C, Fernandes AR, Baptista PV. Counteracting the effect of leukemia exosomes by antiangiogenic gold nanoparticles. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:6843-6854. [PMID: 31692567 PMCID: PMC6716571 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s215711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Progression of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is frequently associated with increased angiogenesis at the bone marrow mediated by exosomes. The capability of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with antiangiogenic peptides to hinder the formation of new blood vessels has been demonstrated in a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Methods Exosomes of K562 CML cell line were isolated and their angiogenic effect assessed in a CAM model. AuNPs functionalized with antiangiogenic peptides were used to block the angiogenic effect of CML-derived exosomes, assessed by evaluation of expression levels of key modulators involved in angiogenic pathways - VEGFA, VEGFR1 (also known as FLT1) and IL8. Results Exosomes isolated from K562 cells promoted the doubling of newly formed vessels associated with the increase of VEGFR1 expression. This is a concentration and time-dependent effect. The AuNPs functionalized with antiangiogenic peptides were capable to block the angiogenic effect by modulating VEGFR1 associated pathway. Conclusion Exosomes derived from blast cells are capable to trigger (neo)-angiogenesis, a key factor for the progression and spreading of cancer, in particular in CML. AuNPs functionalized with specific antiangiogenic peptides are capable to block the effect of the exosomes produced by malignant cells via modulation of the intrinsic VEGFR pathway. Together, these data highlight the potential of nanomedicine-based strategies against cancer proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Roma-Rodrigues
- UCIBIO, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal
| | - Alexandra R Fernandes
- UCIBIO, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal
| | - Pedro V Baptista
- UCIBIO, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal
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14
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Mesquita J, Castro-de-Sousa JP, Vaz-Pereira S, Neves A, Passarinha LA, Tomaz CT. Vascular endothelial growth factors and placenta growth factor in retinal vasculopathies: Current research and future perspectives. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2017; 39:102-115. [PMID: 29248329 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Vision loss due to disease or degeneration of the eye (retina, choroid, retinal veins, or macula) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In most cases, vision-threatening ocular diseases are accompanied by abnormal changes in the vasculature of the eye, especially the retina, and these conditions are collectively referred to as retinal vasculopathies. Impaired blood supply or hypoxia stimulates angiogenesis in the vascular and non-vascular sections of the eye, which results in neovascularization, leading to conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration. Studies show that vascular endothelial growth factors: VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor (PlGF) are elevated in these diseases, and hence, these factors could be used as markers for disease prognosis and therapy. In this review, we discuss the function of these growth factors in normal development and disease, with focus on ocular disorders and emphasize the importance of accurately determining their levels in the vitreous and serum of patients for correct diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Mesquita
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - João Paulo Castro-de-Sousa
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, R. das Olhalvas, 2410-197 Leiria, Portugal.
| | - Sara Vaz-Pereira
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Arminda Neves
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, R. das Olhalvas, 2410-197 Leiria, Portugal.
| | - Luís A Passarinha
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal; Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Cândida T Tomaz
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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15
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Unachukwu UJ, Warren A, Li Z, Mishra S, Zhou J, Sauane M, Lim H, Vazquez M, Redenti S. Predicted molecular signaling guiding photoreceptor cell migration following transplantation into damaged retina. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22392. [PMID: 26935401 PMCID: PMC4776098 DOI: 10.1038/srep22392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To replace photoreceptors lost to disease or trauma and restore vision, laboratories around the world are investigating photoreceptor replacement strategies using subretinal transplantation of photoreceptor precursor cells (PPCs) and retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). Significant obstacles to advancement of photoreceptor cell-replacement include low migration rates of transplanted cells into host retina and an absence of data describing chemotactic signaling guiding migration of transplanted cells in the damaged retinal microenvironment. To elucidate chemotactic signaling guiding transplanted cell migration, bioinformatics modeling of PPC transplantation into light-damaged retina was performed. The bioinformatics modeling analyzed whole-genome expression data and matched PPC chemotactic cell-surface receptors to cognate ligands expressed in the light-damaged retinal microenvironment. A library of significantly predicted chemotactic ligand-receptor pairs, as well as downstream signaling networks was generated. PPC and RPC migration in microfluidic ligand gradients were analyzed using a highly predicted ligand-receptor pair, SDF-1α – CXCR4, and both PPCs and RPCs exhibited significant chemotaxis. This work present a systems level model and begins to elucidate molecular mechanisms involved in PPC and RPC migration within the damaged retinal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uchenna John Unachukwu
- Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate School, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alice Warren
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ze Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Shawn Mishra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City College of New York, City University of New York, NY, USA
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, USA.,Neuroscience Doctoral Program, The Graduate School, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Moira Sauane
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Hyungsik Lim
- Departments of Physics and Biology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY USA
| | - Maribel Vazquez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City College of New York, City University of New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen Redenti
- Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate School, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, USA
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16
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Kumar R, Janjanam J, Singh NK, Rao GN. A new role for cofilin in retinal neovascularization. J Cell Sci 2016; 129:1234-49. [PMID: 26857814 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.179382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pak1 plays an important role in several cellular processes, including cell migration, but its role in pathological angiogenesis is not known. Here, we have determined its role in pathological retinal angiogenesis using an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. VEGFA induced phosphorylation of Pak1 and its effector cofilin in a manner that was dependent on time as well as p38MAPKβ (also known as MAPK11) in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMVECs). Depletion of the levels of any of these molecules inhibited VEGFA-induced HRMVEC F-actin stress fiber formation, migration, proliferation, sprouting and tube formation. In accordance with these observations, hypoxia induced Pak1 and cofilin phosphorylation with p38MAPKβ being downstream to Pak1 and upstream to cofilin in mouse retina. Furthermore, Pak1 deficiency abolished hypoxia-induced p38MAPKβ and cofilin phosphorylation and abrogated retinal endothelial cell proliferation, tip cell formation and neovascularization. In addition, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated downregulation of p38MAPKβ or cofilin levels in the wild-type mouse retina also diminished endothelial cell proliferation, tip cell formation and neovascularization. Taken together, these observations suggest that, although the p38MAPKβ-Pak1-cofilin axis is required for HRMVEC migration, proliferation, sprouting and tubulogenesis, Pak1-p38MAPKβ-cofilin signaling is also essential for hypoxia-induced mouse retinal endothelial cell proliferation, tip cell formation and neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kumar
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jagadeesh Janjanam
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Nikhlesh K Singh
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Gadiparthi N Rao
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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17
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Chen S, Zhou M, Wang W, Wu H, Yu X, Huang W, Gao X, Wang J, Li X, Du S, Ding X, Zhang X. Levels of angiogenesis-related vascular endothelial growth factor family in neovascular glaucoma eyes. Acta Ophthalmol 2015; 93:e556-60. [PMID: 25783445 DOI: 10.1111/aos.12624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the angiogenesis-related factors of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family in the aqueous humour of patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG). METHODS This study involved 22 eyes of 22 patients with advanced NVG requiring antiglaucomatous surgery and 20 control subjects with cataracts. The NVG eyes received an intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) treatment before antiglaucomatous surgery. Aqueous humour and blood were collected at the time of IVR and cataract surgery. Protein concentration of VEGF-A, VEGF-B and placenta growth factor (PlGF) in aqueous humour and plasma was determined by ELISA tests. RESULTS The mean concentration (standard deviation) of VEGF-A and PlGF in the aqueous humour of patients with NVG were 3037 (2387) pg/ml and 1078 (712) pg/ml, respectively; both were significantly higher than the control group (both p < 0.001). However, levels of VEGF-A and PlGF in the serum of NVG and control subjects remained low. High concentrations of VEGF-A were closely correlated with high levels of PlGF in patients with NVG (r = 0.593, p = 0.004). Concentrations of VEGF-B in aqueous humour and serum remained unchanged (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION There were high concentrations of angiogenesis factors of the VEGF family, with the exception of VEGF-B, in the aqueous humour of patients with NVG, and there was a positive correlation between VEGF-A and PlGF. High PlGF levels in patients with NVG may provide another potential target for treatment of NVG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shida Chen
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Minwen Zhou
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
- Department of Ophthalmology; Shanghai First People's Hospital; School of Medicine; Shanghai JiaoTong University; Shanghai China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Disease; Shanghai China
| | - Wei Wang
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Huimin Wu
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Xiling Yu
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Wenbin Huang
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Xinbo Gao
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Xingyi Li
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Shaolin Du
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Xiaoyan Ding
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Xiulan Zhang
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
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18
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Singh NK, Kotla S, Kumar R, Rao GN. Cyclic AMP Response Element Binding Protein Mediates Pathological Retinal Neovascularization via Modulating DLL4-NOTCH1 Signaling. EBioMedicine 2015; 2:1767-84. [PMID: 26870802 PMCID: PMC4740322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2015.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal neovascularization is the most common cause of moderate to severe vision loss in all age groups. Despite the use of anti-VEGFA therapies, this complication continues to cause blindness, suggesting a role for additional molecules in retinal neovascularization. Besides VEGFA and VEGFB, hypoxia induced VEGFC expression robustly. Based on this finding, we tested the role of VEGFC in pathological retinal angiogenesis. VEGFC induced proliferation, migration, sprouting and tube formation of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMVECs) and these responses require CREB-mediated DLL4 expression and NOTCH1 activation. Furthermore, down regulation of VEGFC levels substantially reduced tip cell formation and retinal neovascularization in vivo. In addition, we observed that CREB via modulating the DLL4-NOTCH1 signaling mediates VEGFC-induced tip cell formation and retinal neovascularization. In regard to upstream mechanism, we found that down regulation of p38β levels inhibited hypoxia-induced CREB-DLL4-NOTCH1 activation, tip cell formation, sprouting and retinal neovascularization. Based on these findings, it may be suggested that VEGFC besides its role in the regulation of lymphangiogenesis also plays a role in pathological retinal angiogenesis and this effect depends on p38β and CREB-mediated activation of DLL4-NOTCH1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhlesh K Singh
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Sivareddy Kotla
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Raj Kumar
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Gadiparthi N Rao
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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19
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Giurdanella G, Anfuso CD, Olivieri M, Lupo G, Caporarello N, Eandi CM, Drago F, Bucolo C, Salomone S. Aflibercept, bevacizumab and ranibizumab prevent glucose-induced damage in human retinal pericytes in vitro, through a PLA2/COX-2/VEGF-A pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 96:278-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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20
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Yu Y, Yang L, Lv J, Huang X, Yi J, Pei C, Shao Y. The role of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) in the diabetic retinopathy inflammation and apoptosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2015; 8:6807-6813. [PMID: 26261566 PMCID: PMC4525900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common complications of the late phase diabetes, and also a common cause of blindness. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) is considered to be an inflammatory mediator in the late phase that promotes inflammation and neovascularization in diabetes. Therefore, this paper discussed the role of HMGB-1 in diabetic retinopathy inflammation and neovascularization. 96 adult SD rats were randomly divided into control and diabetes group. The diabetic rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptomycin (0.1 mol/L). Western blot was applied to determine HMGB-1 and its receptor RAGE and TLR2 protein expression in the serum. TUNEL was used to detect retinal apoptosis. Immunofluorescence was performed to test HMGB1 protein expression in retina. HBGM-1 and RAGE expression in diabetic rat retina was significantly higher than the control (P < 0.05), while TLR2 expression was lower (P < 0.05). TUNEL detection showed that diabetic rat retinal cells presented obviously higher apoptosis rate (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence test revealed that HMGB1 largely expressed in the diabetic rat retinal cells (P < 0.05). HMGB1 may involve in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy by binding with RAGE receptor to accelerate rat retinal cells apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Province Clinical Ophthalmology InstituteNanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang Key Laboratory of DiabetesNanchang 330009, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Province Clinical Ophthalmology InstituteNanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Province Vision Science and Ophthalmology InstituteNanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jinlei Lv
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Province Clinical Ophthalmology InstituteNanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xu Huang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Province Vision Science and Ophthalmology InstituteNanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jinglin Yi
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Province Vision Science and Ophthalmology InstituteNanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Chonggang Pei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Province Clinical Ophthalmology InstituteNanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yi Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Province Clinical Ophthalmology InstituteNanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
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Deissler HL, Lang GK, Lang GE. Binding of VEGF-A is sufficient to abrogate the disturbing effects of VEGF-B together with VEGF-A on retinal endothelial cells. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2015; 253:885-94. [PMID: 25663437 PMCID: PMC4445774 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-015-2944-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a promising strategy to treat retinal complications of diabetes. In contrast to VEGF-A binding ranibizumab, aflibercept also binds to other members of the VEGF family including VEGF-B, but potential effects of this factor on permeability and angiogenic processes are unclear. Therefore, we studied how VEGF-B variants as single agents or together with VEGF-A165 might affect proliferation, migration, or barrier function of retinal endothelial cells (REC). Also investigated was the normalization of REC properties with both VEGF-inhibitors to explore if additional targeting of VEGF-B is relevant. Methods Stimulation of proliferation or migration of immortalized bovine REC (iBREC) and disturbance of their barrier by exposure to VEGF-B variants (as single factors or together with VEGF-A165) was determined with or without VEGF-binding proteins being added. Permeability of iBREC was assessed by measuring their transendothelial resistance (TER) and expression of the tight junction protein claudin-1. Results VEGF-B167 and VEGF-B186 enhanced proliferation of iBREC but these isoforms did not affect cell migration. Interestingly, ranibizumab completely blocked both migration and proliferation induced by VEGF-A plus VEGF-B. Both VEGF-B variants did also not affect barrier function or claudin-1 expression in a normal or high-glucose environment. Accordingly, binding VEGF-A was enough to normalize a reduced TER and reinstate claudin-1 lost during treatment with this factor in combination with VEGF-B. Conclusions Important properties and functions of REC seem not to be affected by any VEGF-B variant and targeting the key factor VEGF-A is sufficient to normalize growth factor-disturbed cells of this type. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00417-015-2944-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun L Deissler
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ulm, Prittwitzstrasse 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany,
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Basal Flt1 tyrosine kinase activity is a positive regulator of endothelial survival and vascularization during zebrafish embryogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1850:373-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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23
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Gong Y, Jin X, Wang QS, Wei SH, Hou BK, Li HY, Zhang MN, Li ZH. The involvement of high mobility group 1 cytokine and phospholipases A2 in diabetic retinopathy. Lipids Health Dis 2014; 13:156. [PMID: 25292258 PMCID: PMC4287419 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-13-156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic retinopathy, the main microvascular complications of diabetes and one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Interesting reports on the role of inflammatory/proangiogenic high mobility group 1 (HMGB-1) cytokine and phospholipases A2 (PLA2) in neovascularization have diverted our concentration to reveal whether HMGB-1 and PLA2 plays role in diabetic retinopathy. Methods We performed our study in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. The expression levels of the cytokines, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules in retinal tissues were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. HMGB-1 and PLA2 protein levels along with VEGF, TNF-α, IL-1β and ICAM-1 levels were also measured. Results We observed the retinal pericytes, endothelial injury/death and breakdown of blood–retinal barrier (BRB). The protein expression of HMGB-1, PLA2 and IL-1β were significantly increased in micro vessels from retina of diabetic rats. Diabetic rats had also high retinal levels of VEGF, ICAM-1 and TNF-α. Further investigation revealed that pericyte death is mediated by HMGB-1-induced cytotoxic activity of glial cells, while HMGB-1 can directly mediate endothelial cell death. Similarly, increased expression of PLA2 represents the diabetic mediated alteration of BRB, perhaps up regulating the VEGF. Conclusions Our data suggest that HMGB-1 and PLA2 involved in retinal pericyte and endothelial injury and cell death in diabetic retinopathy. From this study, we suggest that HMGB-1 and PLA2 may be interesting targets in managing diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mao-Nian Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100853, China.
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Hoi PM, Li S, Vong CT, Tseng HHL, Kwan YW, Lee SMY. Recent advances in structure-based drug design and virtual screening of VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Methods 2014; 71:85-91. [PMID: 25239735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past decade, developments in computational processing and X-ray crystallography have allowed virtual screening become integrated into drug discovery campaigns. This review focuses on the recent advancements in the drug discovery of VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR2 TKIs) by using in silico methodologies. An introduction for the methodology framework of pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking and structure-based design are provided. We discuss the recent studies on the structures of VEGFR2 protein kinase in different binding modes, and the insights on molecular interactions gained from knowledge of the co-crystal structures complex with structurally diverse VEGFR2 inhibitors. We provide some aspects of model construction and molecular docking techniques. Several representative examples of successful applications on VEGFR2 virtual screening for hit discovery, lead optimization and structure-based design are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Man Hoi
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macao, China.
| | - Shang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Chi Teng Vong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Hisa Hui Ling Tseng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Yiu Wa Kwan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macao, China
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Liu N, Sun Y, Zhao N, Chen L. Role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and survivin in oxygen-induced retinopathy in mice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2014; 7:6814-6819. [PMID: 25400763 PMCID: PMC4230141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, appears to be involved in tumor progression and angiogenesis. The current study contains rare reports on the transcriptional regulation of survivin expression in retinal neovascularization (NV). The aim of this study was to investigate hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and survivin expression in pathologic ocular angiogenesis and to determine their correlation and cellular location. The model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) was induced in C57BL/6 mice by exposing 75% oxygen from postnatal day 7 (p7) to p12 and then followed by room air. Fluorescence angiography, immunostaining and HE staining were used to assess the visualization of retinal vascularization and the expression of HIF-1α and survivin protein in retina oxygen-induced retinopathy was characterized by clusters of neovascularization and regions of non-perfusion. HIF-1α and survivin were both highly expressed in OIR and a positive correlation existed between HIF-1α and survivin expression. In OIR, there was more HIF1-α protein expression in the inner nuclear layer (INL), the ganglion cell layer (GCL), and more neovascularization breaking through the inner retina and survivin protein was detected in GCL, and more neovascularization breaking through the inner retina. Our study had shown that both HIF1-α and survivin are involved in the retinal neovaccularization. Meanwhile HIF1-α and survivin have differential cellular location in retinal ischemia, and HIF1-α might be a critical transcription factor involved in the regulation of survivin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yizhou Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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26
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Bry M, Kivelä R, Leppänen VM, Alitalo K. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-B in Physiology and Disease. Physiol Rev 2014; 94:779-94. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00028.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B), discovered over 15 years ago, has long been seen as one of the more ambiguous members of the VEGF family. VEGF-B is produced as two isoforms: one that binds strongly to heparan sulfate in the pericellular matrix and a soluble form that can acquire binding via proteolytic processing. Both forms of VEGF-B bind to VEGF-receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) and the neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) coreceptor, which are expressed mainly in blood vascular endothelial cells. VEGF-B-deficient mice and rats are viable without any overt phenotype, and the ability of VEGF-B to induce angiogenesis in most tissues is weak. This has been a puzzle, as the related placenta growth factor (PlGF) binds to the same receptors and induces angiogenesis and arteriogenesis in a variety of tissues. However, it seems that VEGF-B is a vascular growth factor that is more tissue specific and can have trophic and metabolic effects, and its binding to VEGFR-1 shows subtle but important differences compared with that of PlGF. VEGF-B has the potential to induce coronary vessel growth and cardiac hypertrophy, which can protect the heart from ischemic damage as well as heart failure. In addition, VEGF-B is abundantly expressed in tissues with highly active energy metabolism, where it could support significant metabolic functions. VEGF-B also has a role in neuroprotection, but unlike other members of the VEGF family, it does not have a clear role in tumor progression. Here we review what is hitherto known about the functions of this growth factor in physiology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Bry
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Kivelä
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veli-Matti Leppänen
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Lupo G, Motta C, Giurdanella G, Anfuso CD, Alberghina M, Drago F, Salomone S, Bucolo C. Role of phospholipases A2 in diabetic retinopathy: in vitro and in vivo studies. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 86:1603-13. [PMID: 24076420 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness and the most common complication of diabetes with no cure available. We investigated the role of phospholipases A2 (PLA2) in diabetic retinopathy using an in vitro blood-retinal barrier model (BRB) and an in vivo streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model. Mono- and co-cultures of endothelial cells (EC) and pericytes (PC), treated with high or fluctuating concentrations of glucose, to mimic the diabetic condition, were used. PLA2 activity, VEGF and PGE2 levels and cell proliferation were measured, with or without PLA2 inhibition. Diabetes was induced in rats by STZ injection and PLA2 activity along with VEGF, TNFα and ICAM-1 levels were measured in retina. High or fluctuating glucose induced BRB breakdown, and increased PLA2 activity, PGE2 and VEGF in EC/PC co-cultures; inhibition of PLA2 in mono- or co-cultures treated with high or fluctuating glucose dampened PGE2 and VEGF production down to the levels of controls. High or fluctuating glucose increased EC number and reduced PC number in co-cultures; these effects were reversed after transfecting EC with small interfering RNA targeted to PLA2. PLA2 and COX-2 protein expressions were significantly increased in microvessels from retina of diabetic rats. Diabetic rats had also high retinal levels of VEGF, ICAM-1 and TNFα that were reduced by treatment with a cPLA2 inhibitor. In conclusion, the present findings indicate that PLA2 upregulation represents an early step in glucose-induced alteration of BRB, possibly upstream of VEGF; thus, PLA2 may be an interesting target in managing diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Lupo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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