1
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Wang H, Arulraj T, Anbari S, Popel AS. Quantitative systems pharmacology modeling of macrophage-targeted therapy combined with PD-L1 inhibition in advanced NSCLC. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13811. [PMID: 38814167 PMCID: PMC11138134 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors remained the standard-of-care treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for the past decade. In unselected patients, anti-PD-(L)1 monotherapy achieved an overall response rate of about 20%. In this analysis, we developed a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic module for our previously calibrated quantitative systems pharmacology model (QSP) to simulate the effectiveness of macrophage-targeted therapies in combination with PD-L1 inhibition in advanced NSCLC. By conducting in silico clinical trials, the model confirmed that anti-CD47 treatment is not an optimal option of second- and later-line treatment for advanced NSCLC resistant to PD-(L)1 blockade. Furthermore, the model predicted that inhibition of macrophage recruitment, such as using CCR2 inhibitors, can potentially improve tumor size reduction when combined with anti-PD-(L)1 therapy, especially in patients who are likely to respond to anti-PD-(L)1 monotherapy and those with a high level of tumor-associated macrophages. Here, we demonstrate the application of the QSP platform on predicting the effectiveness of novel drug combinations involving immune checkpoint inhibitors based on preclinical or early-stage clinical trial data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwen Wang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Theinmozhi Arulraj
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Samira Anbari
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Aleksander S. Popel
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer CenterJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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2
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Zhao M, Guan P, Xu S, Lu H, Liu Z. Molecularly Imprinted Nanomedicine for Anti-angiogenic Cancer Therapy via Blocking Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:8674-8682. [PMID: 37721331 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The VEGF-VEGFR2 (VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor) signaling has been a promising target in cancer therapy. However, because conventional anti-angiogenic therapeutics suffer from drawbacks, particularly severe side effects, novel anti-angiogenic strategies are much needed. Herein, we report the rational engineering of VEGF-targeted molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIP) for anti-angiogenic cancer therapy. The anti-VEGF nanomedicine was prepared via a state-of-the-art molecular imprinting approach using the N-terminal epitope of VEGF as the template. The nanoMIP could target the two major pro-angiogenic isoforms (VEGF165 and VEGF121) with high affinity and thereby effectively block the VEGF-VEGFR2 signaling, yielding a potent anti-angiogenic effect of "killing two birds with one stone". In vivo experiments demonstrated that the anti-VEGF nanoMIP effectively suppressed tumor growth via anti-angiogenesis in a xenograft model of human colon carcinoma without apparent side effects. Thus, this study not only proposes an unprecedented anti-angiogenic strategy for cancer therapy but also provides a new paradigm for the rational development of MIPs-based "drug-free" nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Peixin Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shuxin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Haifeng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
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3
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Wang H, Arulraj T, Kimko H, Popel AS. Generating immunogenomic data-guided virtual patients using a QSP model to predict response of advanced NSCLC to PD-L1 inhibition. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:55. [PMID: 37291190 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00405-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Generating realistic virtual patients from a limited amount of patient data is one of the major challenges for quantitative systems pharmacology modeling in immuno-oncology. Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) is a mathematical modeling methodology that integrates mechanistic knowledge of biological systems to investigate dynamics in a whole system during disease progression and drug treatment. In the present analysis, we parameterized our previously published QSP model of the cancer-immunity cycle to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and generated a virtual patient cohort to predict clinical response to PD-L1 inhibition in NSCLC. The virtual patient generation was guided by immunogenomic data from iAtlas portal and population pharmacokinetic data of durvalumab, a PD-L1 inhibitor. With virtual patients generated following the immunogenomic data distribution, our model predicted a response rate of 18.6% (95% bootstrap confidence interval: 13.3-24.2%) and identified CD8/Treg ratio as a potential predictive biomarker in addition to PD-L1 expression and tumor mutational burden. We demonstrated that omics data served as a reliable resource for virtual patient generation techniques in immuno-oncology using QSP models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwen Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Theinmozhi Arulraj
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Holly Kimko
- Clinical Pharmacology & Quantitative Pharmacology, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Oncology, and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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4
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Wang H, Arulraj T, Kimko H, Popel AS. Generating immunogenomic data-guided virtual patients using a QSP model to predict response of advanced NSCLC to PD-L1 inhibition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.25.538191. [PMID: 37162938 PMCID: PMC10168221 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.25.538191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Generating realistic virtual patients from a limited amount of patient data is one of the major challenges for quantitative systems pharmacology modeling in immuno-oncology. Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) is a mathematical modeling methodology that integrates mechanistic knowledge of biological systems to investigate dynamics in a whole system during disease progression and drug treatment. In the present analysis, we parameterized our previously published QSP model of the cancer-immunity cycle to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and generated a virtual patient cohort to predict clinical response to PD-L1 inhibition in NSCLC. The virtual patient generation was guided by immunogenomic data from iAtlas portal and population pharmacokinetic data of durvalumab, a PD-L1 inhibitor. With virtual patients generated following the immunogenomic data distribution, our model predicted a response rate of 18.6% (95% bootstrap confidence interval: 13.3-24.2%) and identified CD8/Treg ratio as a potential predictive biomarker in addition to PD-L1 expression and tumor mutational burden. We demonstrated that omics data served as a reliable resource for virtual patient generation techniques in immuno-oncology using QSP models.
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5
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Gumina DL, Su EJ. Mechanistic insights into the development of severe fetal growth restriction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:679-695. [PMID: 37186255 PMCID: PMC10241202 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR), which most commonly results from suboptimal placental function, substantially increases risks for adverse perinatal and long-term outcomes. The only "treatment" that exists is delivery, which averts stillbirth but does not improve outcomes in survivors. Furthermore, the potential long-term consequences of FGR to the fetus, including cardiometabolic disorders, predispose these individuals to developing FGR in their future pregnancies. This creates a multi-generational cascade of adverse effects stemming from a single dysfunctional placenta, and understanding the mechanisms underlying placental-mediated FGR is critically important if we are to improve outcomes and overall health. The mechanisms behind FGR remain unknown. However, placental insufficiency derived from maldevelopment of the placental vascular systems is the most common etiology. To highlight important mechanistic interactions within the placenta, we focus on placental vascular development in the setting of FGR. We delve into fetoplacental angiogenesis, a robust and ongoing process in normal pregnancies that is impaired in severe FGR. We review cellular models of FGR, with special attention to fetoplacental angiogenesis, and we highlight novel integrin-extracellular matrix interactions that regulate placental angiogenesis in severe FGR. In total, this review focuses on key developmental processes, with specific focus on the human placenta, an underexplored area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane L Gumina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, CO, U.S.A
| | - Emily J Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, CO, U.S.A
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6
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Patel C, Pande S, Sagathia V, Ranch K, Beladiya J, Boddu SHS, Jacob S, Al-Tabakha MM, Hassan N, Shahwan M. Nanocarriers for the Delivery of Neuroprotective Agents in the Treatment of Ocular Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:837. [PMID: 36986699 PMCID: PMC10052766 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurodegeneration is considered an early event in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. At present, there is no definitive treatment to prevent the progression or reversal of vision loss caused by photoreceptor degeneration and the death of retinal ganglion cells. Neuroprotective approaches are being developed to increase the life expectancy of neurons by maintaining their shape/function and thus prevent the loss of vision and blindness. A successful neuroprotective approach could prolong patients' vision functioning and quality of life. Conventional pharmaceutical technologies have been investigated for delivering ocular medications; however, the distinctive structural characteristics of the eye and the physiological ocular barriers restrict the efficient delivery of drugs. Recent developments in bio-adhesive in situ gelling systems and nanotechnology-based targeted/sustained drug delivery systems are receiving a lot of attention. This review summarizes the putative mechanism, pharmacokinetics, and mode of administration of neuroprotective drugs used to treat ocular disorders. Additionally, this review focuses on cutting-edge nanocarriers that demonstrated promising results in treating ocular neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chirag Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, India
| | - Sonal Pande
- Department of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, India
| | - Vrunda Sagathia
- Department of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, India
| | - Ketan Ranch
- Department of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, India
| | - Jayesh Beladiya
- Department of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, India
| | - Sai H. S. Boddu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shery Jacob
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman P.O. Box 4184, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moawia M. Al-Tabakha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nageeb Hassan
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
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Wang H, Zhao C, Santa-Maria CA, Emens LA, Popel AS. Dynamics of tumor-associated macrophages in a quantitative systems pharmacology model of immunotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer. iScience 2022; 25:104702. [PMID: 35856032 PMCID: PMC9287616 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) modeling is an emerging mechanistic computational approach that couples drug pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and the course of disease progression. It has begun to play important roles in drug development for complex diseases such as cancer, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The combination of the anti-PD-L1 antibody atezolizumab and nab-paclitaxel has shown clinical activity in advanced TNBC with PD-L1-positive tumor-infiltrating immune cells. As tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) serve as major contributors to the immuno-suppressive tumor microenvironment, we incorporated the dynamics of TAMs into our previously published QSP model to investigate their impact on cancer treatment. We show that through proper calibration, the model captures the macrophage heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment while maintaining its predictive power of the trial results at the population level. Despite its high mechanistic complexity, the modularized QSP platform can be readily reproduced, expanded for new species of interest, and applied in clinical trial simulation. A mechanistic model of quantitative systems pharmacology in immuno-oncology Dynamics of tumor-associated macrophages are integrated into our previous work Conducting in silico clinical trials to predict clinical response to cancer therapy
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwen Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chen Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.,School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu211166, China
| | - Cesar A Santa-Maria
- Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
| | - Leisha A Emens
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.,Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
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8
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Ansari MJ, Bokov D, Markov A, Jalil AT, Shalaby MN, Suksatan W, Chupradit S, AL-Ghamdi HS, Shomali N, Zamani A, Mohammadi A, Dadashpour M. Cancer combination therapies by angiogenesis inhibitors; a comprehensive review. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:49. [PMID: 35392964 PMCID: PMC8991477 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00838-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal vasculature is one of the most conspicuous traits of tumor tissue, largely contributing to tumor immune evasion. The deregulation mainly arises from the potentiated pro-angiogenic factors secretion and can also target immune cells' biological events, such as migration and activation. Owing to this fact, angiogenesis blockade therapy was established to fight cancer by eliminating the nutrient and oxygen supply to the malignant cells by impairing the vascular network. Given the dominant role of vascular-endothelium growth factor (VEGF) in the angiogenesis process, the well-known anti-angiogenic agents mainly depend on the targeting of its actions. However, cancer cells mainly show resistance to anti-angiogenic agents by several mechanisms, and also potentiated local invasiveness and also distant metastasis have been observed following their administration. Herein, we will focus on clinical developments of angiogenesis blockade therapy, more particular, in combination with other conventional treatments, such as immunotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and also cancer vaccines. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javed Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Dmitry Bokov
- Institute of Pharmacy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8 Trubetskaya St., bldg. 2, Moscow, 119991 Russian Federation
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Federal Research Center of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, 2/14 Ustyinsky pr., Moscow, 109240 Russian Federation
| | - Alexander Markov
- Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russian Federation
- Industrial University, Tyumen, Russian Federation
| | - Abduladheem Turki Jalil
- Faculty of Biology and Ecology, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, 230023 Grodno, Belarus
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- Department of Dentistry, Kut University College, Kut, Wasit 52001 Iraq
| | - Mohammed Nader Shalaby
- Biological Sciences and Sports Health Department, Faculty of Physical Education, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Wanich Suksatan
- Faculty of Nursing, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supat Chupradit
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Hasan S. AL-Ghamdi
- Internal Medicine Department, Division of Dermatology, Albaha University, Al Bahah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Zamani
- Shiraz Transplant Center, Abu Ali Sina Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Department of Neurology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mehdi Dadashpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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9
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Wallensten J, Mobarrez F, Åsberg M, Borg K, Beser A, Wilczek A, Nager A. Isoforms of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor in stress-related mental disorders: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16693. [PMID: 34404878 PMCID: PMC8370974 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96313-8] [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: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of stress-related mental disorders. However, VEGF levels have seldom been compared across mental disorders and never by isoforms. Pathophysiological processes involving leakage of astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) across the blood–brain barrier could be associated with VEGF levels in patients with stress-related mental disorders. This cross-sectional study compared plasma levels of VEGF121, VEGF165, and VEGF121 + VEGF165 (VEGFtotal) in patients with stress-induced exhaustion disorder (SED) (n = 31), patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) (n = 31), and healthy controls (n = 61). It also analyzed the correlation between VEGF and astrocyte-derived EVs in plasma. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure VEGF121 and VEGF165 in citrate plasma, and flow cytometry was used to measure astrocyte-derived EVs in plasma. The mean concentration of soluble VEGF121 (sVEGF121) was significantly higher in patients with SED than healthy controls (P = 0.043). Mean sVEGF165 was significantly lower in patients with MDD than patients with SED (P = 0.004) or healthy controls (P = 0.037). Mean sVEGFtotal was significantly higher in patients with SED than in patients with MDD (P = 0.021) and also higher in patients with SED than healthy controls (P = 0.040). Levels of sVEGF121 were positively correlated with levels of astrocyte-derived EVs only in patients with SED (P = 0.0128). The same was true of levels of sVEGFtotal and astrocyte-derived EVs (P = 0.0046). Differing levels of VEGF isoforms may reflect different pathophysiological mechanisms in SED and MDD. Further research is needed to better understand the potential roles of VEGF isoforms and astrocyte-derived EVs in mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Wallensten
- Academic Primary Health Care Centre, Region Stockholm, Solnavägen 1E, Box 45436, 104 31, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, 18288, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Fariborz Mobarrez
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marie Åsberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, 18288, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristian Borg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, 18288, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aniella Beser
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, 18288, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Wilczek
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, 18288, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Nager
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Usuelli M, Meyer T, Mezzenga R, Mitsi M. VEGF and VEGFR2 bind to similar pH-sensitive sites on fibronectin, exposed by heparin-mediated conformational changes. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100584. [PMID: 33771558 PMCID: PMC8102423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical interactions between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a central player in blood endothelial cell biology, and fibronectin, a major fibrillar protein of the extracellular matrix, are important determinants of angiogenic activity in health and disease. Conditions signaling the need for new blood vessel growth, such as hypoxia and low extracellular pH, increase VEGF–fibronectin interactions. These interactions can be further fine-tuned through changes in the availability of the VEGF-binding sites on fibronectin, regulated by conformational changes induced by heparin and heparan sulfate chains within the extracellular matrix. These interactions may alter VEGF bioavailability, generate gradients, or alter the way VEGF is recognized by and activates its cell-surface receptors. Here, using equilibrium and kinetic studies, we discovered that fibronectin can also interact with the extracellular domain of the VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). The VEGFR2-binding sites on fibronectin show great similarity to the VEGF-binding sites, as they were also exposed upon heparin-induced conformational changes in fibronectin, and the interaction was enhanced at acidic pH. Kinetic parameters and affinities for VEGF and VEGFR2 binding to fibronectin were determined by surface plasmon resonance measurements, revealing two populations of fibronectin-binding sites for each molecule. Our data also suggest that a VEGF/VEGFR2/fibronectin triple complex may be formed by VEGF or VEGFR2 first binding to fibronectin and subsequently recruiting the third binding partner. The formation of such a complex may lead to the activation of distinct angiogenic signaling pathways, offering new possibilities for clinical applications that target angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Usuelli
- Laboratory of Food and Soft Materials, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timmy Meyer
- Laboratory of Food and Soft Materials, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Raffaele Mezzenga
- Laboratory of Food and Soft Materials, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Maria Mitsi
- Laboratory of Food and Soft Materials, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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11
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Wang P, Sui HJ, Li XJ, Bai LN, Bi J, Lai H. Melatonin ameliorates microvessel abnormalities in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:757-764. [PMID: 33063739 PMCID: PMC8067916 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.295349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin can attenuate cardiac microvascular ischemia/reperfusion injury, but it remains unclear whether melatonin can also ameliorate cerebral microvascular abnormalities. Rat models of Alzheimer’s disease were established by six intracerebroventricular injections of amyloid-beta 1–42, administered once every other day. Melatonin (30 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered for 13 successive days, with the first dose given 24 hours prior to the first administration of amyloid-beta 1–42. Melatonin ameliorated learning and memory impairments in the Morris water maze test, improved the morphology of microvessels in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, increased microvessel density, alleviated pathological injuries of cerebral neurons, and decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 and 2. These findings suggest that melatonin can improve microvessel abnormalities in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus by lowering the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors, thereby improving the cognitive function of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This study was approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Jinzhou Medical University, China (approval No. 2019015) on December 6, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Wang
- Department of Anatomy, China Medical University, Shenyang; Department of Neurobiology and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases of Liaoning Province, Jinzhou Medical University; Department of Neurobiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hai-Juan Sui
- Department of Neurobiology and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases of Liaoning Province; Department of Pharmacology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiao-Jia Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases of Liaoning Province; Department of Neurobiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Li-Na Bai
- Department of Neurobiology and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases of Liaoning Province; Department of Neurobiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jing Bi
- Department of Neurobiology and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases of Liaoning Province; Department of Neurobiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hong Lai
- Department of Anatomy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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12
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Mamer SB, Wittenkeller A, Imoukhuede PI. VEGF-A splice variants bind VEGFRs with differential affinities. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14413. [PMID: 32879419 PMCID: PMC7468149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71484-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and its binding to VEGFRs is an important angiogenesis regulator, especially the earliest-known isoform, VEGF-A165a. Yet several additional splice variants play prominent roles in regulating angiogenesis in health and in vascular disease, including VEGF-A121 and an anti-angiogenic variant, VEGF-A165b. Few studies have attempted to distinguish these forms from their angiogenic counterparts, experimentally. Previous studies of VEGF-A:VEGFR binding have measured binding kinetics for VEGFA165 and VEGF-A121, but binding kinetics of the other two pro- and all anti-angiogenic splice variants are not known. We measured the binding kinetics for VEGF-A165, -A165b, and -A121 with VEGFR1 and VEGF-R2 using surface plasmon resonance. We validated our methods by reproducing the known affinities between VEGF-A165a:VEGFR1 and VEGF-A165a:VEGFR2, 1.0 pM and 10 pM respectively, and validated the known affinity VEGF-A121:VEGFR2 as KD = 0.66 nM. We found that VEGF-A121 also binds VEGFR1 with an affinity KD = 3.7 nM. We further demonstrated that the anti-angiogenic variant, VEGF-A165b selectively prefers VEGFR2 binding at an affinity = 0.67 pM while binding VEGFR1 with a weaker affinity-KD = 1.4 nM. These results suggest that the - A165b anti-angiogenic variant would preferentially bind VEGFR2. These discoveries offer a new paradigm for understanding VEGF-A, while further stressing the need to take care in differentiating the splice variants in all future VEGF-A studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer B Mamer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Ashley Wittenkeller
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - P I Imoukhuede
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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13
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Mamer SB, Page P, Murphy M, Wang J, Gallerne P, Ansari A, Imoukhuede PI. The Convergence of Cell-Based Surface Plasmon Resonance and Biomaterials: The Future of Quantifying Bio-molecular Interactions-A Review. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 48:2078-2089. [PMID: 31811474 PMCID: PMC8637426 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-019-02429-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cell biology is driven by complex networks of biomolecular interactions. Characterizing the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of these interactions is crucial to understanding their role in different physiological processes. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based approaches have become a key tool in quantifying biomolecular interactions, however conventional approaches require isolating the interacting components from the cellular system. Cell-based SPR approaches have recently emerged, promising to enable precise measurements of biomolecular interactions within their normal biological context. Two major approaches have been developed, offering their own advantages and limitations. These approaches currently lack a systematic exploration of 'best practices' like those existing for traditional SPR experiments. Toward this end, we describe the two major approaches, and identify the experimental parameters that require exploration, and discuss the experimental considerations constraining the optimization of each. In particular, we discuss the requirements of future biomaterial development needed to advance the cell-based SPR technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer B Mamer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Jiaojiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Pierrick Gallerne
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Ecole Centrale de Lille, Villeneuve d'Ascq, Hauts-De-France, France
| | - Ali Ansari
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - P I Imoukhuede
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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14
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Splicing regulatory factors in breast cancer hallmarks and disease progression. Oncotarget 2019; 10:6021-6037. [PMID: 31666932 PMCID: PMC6800274 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
By regulating transcript isoform expression levels, alternative splicing provides an additional layer of protein control. Recent studies show evidence that cancer cells use different splicing events to fulfill their requirements in order to develop, progress and metastasize. However, there has been less attention for the role of the complex catalyzing the complicated multistep splicing reaction: the spliceosome. The spliceosome consists of multiple sub-complexes in total comprising 244 proteins or splice factors and 5 associated RNA molecules. Here we discuss the role of splice factors in the oncogenic processes tumors cells need to fulfill their oncogenic properties (the so-called the hallmarks of cancer). Despite the fact that splice factors have been investigated only recently, they seem to play a prominent role in already five hallmarks of cancer: angiogenesis, resisting cell death, sustaining proliferation, deregulating cellular energetics and invasion and metastasis formation by affecting major signaling pathways such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, the Warburg effect, DNA damage response and hormone receptor dependent proliferation. Moreover, we could relate expression of representative genes of four other hallmarks (enabling replicative mortality, genomic instability, avoiding immune destruction and evading growth suppression) to splice factor levels in human breast cancer tumors, suggesting that also these hallmarks could be regulated by splice factors. Since many splice factors are involved in multiple hallmarks of cancer, inhibiting splice factors might provide a new layer of oncogenic control and a powerful method to combat breast cancer progression.
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15
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Network-based method for drug target discovery at the isoform level. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13868. [PMID: 31554914 PMCID: PMC6761107 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50224-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of primary targets associated with phenotypes can facilitate exploration of the underlying molecular mechanisms of compounds and optimization of the structures of promising drugs. However, the literature reports limited effort to identify the target major isoform of a single known target gene. The majority of genes generate multiple transcripts that are translated into proteins that may carry out distinct and even opposing biological functions through alternative splicing. In addition, isoform expression is dynamic and varies depending on the developmental stage and cell type. To identify target major isoforms, we integrated a breast cancer type-specific isoform coexpression network with gene perturbation signatures in the MCF7 cell line in the Connectivity Map database using the ‘shortest path’ drug target prioritization method. We used a leukemia cancer network and differential expression data for drugs in the HL-60 cell line to test the robustness of the detection algorithm for target major isoforms. We further analyzed the properties of target major isoforms for each multi-isoform gene using pharmacogenomic datasets, proteomic data and the principal isoforms defined by the APPRIS and STRING datasets. Then, we tested our predictions for the most promising target major protein isoforms of DNMT1, MGEA5 and P4HB4 based on expression data and topological features in the coexpression network. Interestingly, these isoforms are not annotated as principal isoforms in APPRIS. Lastly, we tested the affinity of the target major isoform of MGEA5 for streptozocin through in silico docking. Our findings will pave the way for more effective and targeted therapies via studies of drug targets at the isoform level.
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Zhu N, Gu L, Jia J, Wang X, Wang L, Yang M, Yuan W. Endothelin‐1 triggers human peritoneal mesothelial cells’ proliferation via ERK1/2‐Ets‐1 signaling pathway and contributes to endothelial cell angiogenesis. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:3539-3546. [PMID: 30485480 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhu
- Department of Nephrology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated First People's Hospital Shanghai PR China
| | - Lijie Gu
- Department of Nephrology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated First People's Hospital Shanghai PR China
| | - Jieshuang Jia
- Department of Nephrology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated First People's Hospital Shanghai PR China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Nephrology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated First People's Hospital Shanghai PR China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Nephrology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated First People's Hospital Shanghai PR China
| | - Man Yang
- Department of Nephrology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated First People's Hospital Shanghai PR China
| | - Weijie Yuan
- Department of Nephrology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated First People's Hospital Shanghai PR China
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Dobiaš J, Ondruš M, Hlaváč M, Murár M, Kóňa J, Addová G, Boháč A. Medicinal chemistry: an effect of a desolvation penalty of an amide group in the development of kinase inhibitors. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-018-0576-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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18
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Martini M, de Pascalis I, D'Alessandris QG, Fiorentino V, Pierconti F, Marei HES, Ricci-Vitiani L, Pallini R, Larocca LM. VEGF-121 plasma level as biomarker for response to anti-angiogenetic therapy in recurrent glioblastoma. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:553. [PMID: 29747600 PMCID: PMC5946426 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4442-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms, particularly the diffusible VEGF-121, could play a major role in the response of recurrent glioblastoma (GB) to anti-angiogenetic treatment with bevacizumab. We hypothesized that circulating VEGF-121 may reduce the amount of bevacizumab available to target the heavier isoforms of VEGF, which are the most clinically relevant. Methods We assessed the plasma level of VEGF-121 in a brain xenograft model, in human healthy controls, and in patients suffering from recurrent GB before and after bevacizumab treatment. Data were matched with patients’ clinical outcome. Results In athymic rats with U87MG brain xenografts, the level of plasma VEGF-121 relates with tumor volume and it significantly decreases after iv infusion of bevacizumab. Patients with recurrent GB show higher plasma VEGF-121 than healthy controls (p = 0.0002) and treatment with bevacizumab remarkably reduced the expression of VEGF-121 in plasma of these patients (p = 0.0002). Higher plasma level of VEGF-121 was significantly associated to worse PFS and OS (p = 0.0295 and p = 0.0246, respectively). Conclusions Quantitative analysis of VEGF-121 isoform in the plasma of patients with recurrent GB could be a promising predictor of response to anti-angiogenetic treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4442-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Martini
- Polo Scienze Oncologiche ed Ematologiche, Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivana de Pascalis
- Polo Scienze dell'invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e della Testa-Collo, Istituto di Neurochirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Quintino Giorgio D'Alessandris
- Polo Scienze dell'invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e della Testa-Collo, Istituto di Neurochirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Fiorentino
- Polo Scienze Oncologiche ed Ematologiche, Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pierconti
- Polo Scienze Oncologiche ed Ematologiche, Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Roberto Pallini
- Polo Scienze dell'invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e della Testa-Collo, Istituto di Neurochirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Maria Larocca
- Polo Scienze Oncologiche ed Ematologiche, Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
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Mechanistic modeling quantifies the influence of tumor growth kinetics on the response to anti-angiogenic treatment. PLoS Comput Biol 2017; 13:e1005874. [PMID: 29267273 PMCID: PMC5739350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors exploit angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, in order to obtain nutrients required for continued growth and proliferation. Targeting factors that regulate angiogenesis, including the potent promoter vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is therefore an attractive strategy for inhibiting tumor growth. Computational modeling can be used to identify tumor-specific properties that influence the response to anti-angiogenic strategies. Here, we build on our previous systems biology model of VEGF transport and kinetics in tumor-bearing mice to include a tumor compartment whose volume depends on the “angiogenic signal” produced when VEGF binds to its receptors on tumor endothelial cells. We trained and validated the model using published in vivo measurements of xenograft tumor volume, producing a model that accurately predicts the tumor’s response to anti-angiogenic treatment. We applied the model to investigate how tumor growth kinetics influence the response to anti-angiogenic treatment targeting VEGF. Based on multivariate regression analysis, we found that certain intrinsic kinetic parameters that characterize the growth of tumors could successfully predict response to anti-VEGF treatment, the reduction in tumor volume. Lastly, we use the trained model to predict the response to anti-VEGF therapy for tumors expressing different levels of VEGF receptors. The model predicts that certain tumors are more sensitive to treatment than others, and the response to treatment shows a nonlinear dependence on the VEGF receptor expression. Overall, this model is a useful tool for predicting how tumors will respond to anti-VEGF treatment, and it complements pre-clinical in vivo mouse studies. One hallmark of cancer is angiogenesis, the formation of new blood capillaries from pre-existing vessels. Angiogenesis promotes tumor growth by enabling the tumor to obtain oxygen and nutrients from the surrounding microenvironment. Cancer drugs that inhibit angiogenesis ("anti-angiogenic therapies") have focused on inhibiting proteins that promote the growth of new blood vessels. The response to anti-angiogenic therapy is highly variable, and some tumors do not respond at all. Therefore, identifying a biomarker that predicts how specific tumors will respond would be extremely valuable. This work uses a computational model of tumor-bearing mice to investigate the response to anti-angiogenic treatment that targets the potent promoter of angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and how the response is influenced by tumor growth kinetics. We show that certain properties of tumor growth can be used to predict how much the tumor volume will be reduced upon administration of an anti-VEGF drug. This work identifies tumor growth parameters that may be reliable biomarkers for predicting how tumors will respond to anti-VEGF therapy. Our computational model generates novel, testable hypotheses and nicely complements pre-clinical studies of anti-angiogenic therapeutics.
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20
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Weddell JC, Chen S, Imoukhuede PI. VEGFR1 promotes cell migration and proliferation through PLCγ and PI3K pathways. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2017; 4:1. [PMID: 29263797 PMCID: PMC5736688 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-017-0037-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to control vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling offers promising therapeutic potential for vascular diseases and cancer. Despite this promise, VEGF-targeted therapies are not clinically effective for many pathologies, such as breast cancer. VEGFR1 has recently emerged as a predictive biomarker for anti-VEGF efficacy, implying a functional VEGFR1 role beyond its classically defined decoy receptor status. Here we introduce a computational approach that accurately predicts cellular responses elicited via VEGFR1 signaling. Aligned with our model prediction, we show empirically that VEGFR1 promotes macrophage migration through PLCγ and PI3K pathways and promotes macrophage proliferation through a PLCγ pathway. These results provide new insight into the basic function of VEGFR1 signaling while offering a computational platform to quantify signaling of any receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared C. Weddell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801 USA
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801 USA
| | - P. I. Imoukhuede
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801 USA
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21
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Discovery of High-Affinity PDGF-VEGFR Interactions: Redefining RTK Dynamics. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16439. [PMID: 29180757 PMCID: PMC5704011 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16610-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly all studies of angiogenesis have focused on uni-family ligand-receptor binding, e.g., VEGFs bind to VEGF receptors, PDGFs bind to PDGF receptors, etc. The discovery of VEGF-PDGFRs binding challenges this paradigm and calls for investigation of other ligand-receptor binding possibilities. We utilized surface plasmon resonance to identify and measure PDGF-to-VEGFR binding rates, establishing cut-offs for binding and non-binding interactions. We quantified the kinetics of the recent VEGF-A:PDGFRβ interaction for the first time with KD = 340 pM. We discovered new PDGF:VEGFR2 interactions with PDGF-AA:R2 KD = 530 nM, PDGF-AB:R2 KD = 110 pM, PDGF-BB:R2 KD = 40 nM, and PDGF-CC:R2 KD = 70 pM. We computationally predict that cross-family PDGF binding could contribute up to 96% of VEGFR2 ligation in healthy conditions and in cancer. Together the identification, quantification, and simulation of these novel cross-family interactions posits new mechanisms for understanding anti-angiogenic drug resistance and presents an expanded role of growth factor signaling with significance in health and disease.
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22
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Pinto MP, Owen GI, Retamal I, Garrido M. Angiogenesis inhibitors in early development for gastric cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:1007-1017. [PMID: 28770623 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1361926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angiogenesis, or the generation of new blood vessels from pre-existent ones is a critical process for tumor growth and progression. Hence, the development of angiogenesis inhibitors with therapeutic potential has been a central focus for researchers. Most angiogenesis inhibitors target the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) pathway, however a number of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and inhibitors of the mammalian Target-Of-Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway also display antiangiogenic activity. Areas covered: Here we review the effectiveness of a variety of compounds with antiangiogenic properties in preclinical and clinical settings in gastric cancer (GC). Expert opinion: In coming years angiogenesis will remain as a therapeutic target in GC. To date, ramucirumab a monoclonal antibody that targets VEGFR2 is the most successful antiangiogenic tested in clinical studies, and it is now well established as a second-line therapy in GC. The arrival of precision medicine and the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors will increase the number of clinical trials using targeted agents like ramucirumab in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. A hypothetical working model that combines ramucirumab with immunotherapy is presented. Also, the impact of nanotechnology and a molecular subtype classification of GC are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio P Pinto
- a School of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- b Center UC for Investigation in Oncology (CITO) , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- c School of Chemistry and Biology, Laboratory on the Immunology of Reproduction , Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Gareth I Owen
- a School of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- b Center UC for Investigation in Oncology (CITO) , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- d School of Medicine, Department of Hematology and Oncology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Ignacio Retamal
- b Center UC for Investigation in Oncology (CITO) , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- d School of Medicine, Department of Hematology and Oncology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Marcelo Garrido
- b Center UC for Investigation in Oncology (CITO) , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- d School of Medicine, Department of Hematology and Oncology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe new technologies (biomarkers and tests) used to assess and monitor the severity and progression of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in children as discussed as part of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development MODS Workshop (March 26-27, 2015). DATA SOURCES Literature review, research data, and expert opinion. STUDY SELECTION Not applicable. DATA EXTRACTION Moderated by an experienced expert from the field, investigators developing and assessing new technologies to improve the care and understanding of critical illness presented their research and the relevant literature. DATA SYNTHESIS Summary of presentations and discussion supported and supplemented by relevant literature. CONCLUSIONS There are many innovative tools and techniques with the potential application for the assessment and monitoring of severity of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. If the reliability and added value of these candidate technologies can be established, they hold promise to enhance the understanding, monitoring, and perhaps, treatment of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in children.
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Chu LH, Ganta VC, Choi MH, Chen G, Finley SD, Annex BH, Popel AS. A multiscale computational model predicts distribution of anti-angiogenic isoform VEGF 165b in peripheral arterial disease in human and mouse. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37030. [PMID: 27853189 PMCID: PMC5113071 DOI: 10.1038/srep37030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing microvessels. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is caused by atherosclerosis that results in ischemia mostly in the lower extremities. Clinical trials including VEGF-A administration for therapeutic angiogenesis have not been successful. The existence of anti-angiogenic isoform (VEGF165b) in PAD muscle tissues is a potential cause for the failure of therapeutic angiogenesis. Experimental measurements show that in PAD human muscle biopsies the VEGF165b isoform is at least as abundant if not greater than the VEGF165a isoform. We constructed three-compartment models describing VEGF isoforms and receptors, in human and mouse, to make predictions on the secretion rate of VEGF165b and the distribution of various isoforms throughout the body based on the experimental data. The computational results are consistent with the data showing that in PAD calf muscles secrete mostly VEGF165b over total VEGF. In the PAD calf compartment of human and mouse models, most VEGF165a and VEGF165b are bound to the extracellular matrix. VEGF receptors VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) are mostly in ‘Free State’. This study provides a computational model of VEGF165b in PAD supported by experimental measurements of VEGF165b in human and mouse, which gives insight of VEGF165b in therapeutic angiogenesis and VEGF distribution in human and mouse PAD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Hui Chu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Vijay Chaitanya Ganta
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22901, United States
| | - Min H Choi
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22901, United States
| | - George Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Stacey D Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Brian H Annex
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22901, United States
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
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25
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Effects of endothelial cell proliferation and migration rates in a computational model of sprouting angiogenesis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36992. [PMID: 27841344 PMCID: PMC5107954 DOI: 10.1038/srep36992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the recruitment of new blood vessels, is a critical process for the growth, expansion, and metastatic dissemination of developing tumors. Three types of cells make up the new vasculature: tip cells, which migrate in response to gradients of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stalk cells, which proliferate and extend the vessels, and phalanx cells, which are quiescent and support the sprout. In this study we examine the contribution of tip cell migration rate and stalk cell proliferation rate on the formation of new vasculature. We calculate several vascular metrics, such as the number of vascular bifurcations per unit volume, vascular segment length per unit volume, and vascular tortuosity. These measurements predict that proliferation rate has a greater effect on the spread and extent of vascular growth compared to migration rate. Together, these findings provide strong implications for designing anti-angiogenic therapies that may differentially target endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Computational models can be used to predict optimal anti-angiogenic therapies in combination with other therapeutics to improve outcome.
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26
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Pinto MP, Sotomayor P, Carrasco-Avino G, Corvalan AH, Owen GI. Escaping Antiangiogenic Therapy: Strategies Employed by Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17091489. [PMID: 27608016 PMCID: PMC5037767 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17091489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is widely recognized as one of the "hallmarks of cancer". Consequently, during the last decades the development and testing of commercial angiogenic inhibitors has been a central focus for both basic and clinical cancer research. While antiangiogenic drugs are now incorporated into standard clinical practice, as with all cancer therapies, tumors can eventually become resistant by employing a variety of strategies to receive nutrients and oxygen in the event of therapeutic assault. Herein, we concentrate and review in detail three of the principal mechanisms of antiangiogenic therapy escape: (1) upregulation of compensatory/alternative pathways for angiogenesis; (2) vasculogenic mimicry; and (3) vessel co-option. We suggest that an understanding of how a cancer cell adapts to antiangiogenic therapy may also parallel the mechanisms employed in the bourgeoning tumor and isolated metastatic cells delivering responsible for residual disease. Finally, we speculate on strategies to adapt antiangiogenic therapy for future clinical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio P Pinto
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile.
| | - Paula Sotomayor
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Science, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370071, Chile.
| | - Gonzalo Carrasco-Avino
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380456, Chile.
| | - Alejandro H Corvalan
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330032, Chile.
- Center UC Investigation in Oncology (CITO), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330023, Chile.
| | - Gareth I Owen
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile.
- Center UC Investigation in Oncology (CITO), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330023, Chile.
- Biomedical Research Consortium of Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile.
- Millennium Institute on Immunology & Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile.
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile.
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27
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Kareva I. Escape from tumor dormancy and time to angiogenic switch as mitigated by tumor-induced stimulation of stroma. J Theor Biol 2016; 395:11-22. [PMID: 26826487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2016.01.024] [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: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A variety of mechanisms have been proposed to explain "cancer without disease", the state of tumor dormancy, characterized by balance in cell proliferation and cell death within a tumor. Here we have investigated a theoretical construct, whereby one of such mechanisms, the time to induction of angiogenesis, or "angiogenic switch", is mitigated by the degree of stromal stimulation by the tumor. We tested this hypothesis and its implications by introducing a mathematical model that captures how angiogenesis regulators, released from the platelet clot, contribute to formation of normal vasculature. We then modified the model to introduce tumor-induced increase in production of angiogenesis regulators and were able to simulate pathological angiogenesis. Through varying parameters governing the degree of tumor-induced stromal stimulation, we were able to qualitatively replicate experimentally observed growth curves for both dormant and actively growing tumors of breast cancer and liposarcoma. In fact, variation of very few parameters was sufficient to replicate any experimentally observed time to angiogenic switch in the available data. Finally, we investigated the effects of tighter binding isoforms of angiogenesis stimulators on neovasculature formation and tumor growth, which may provide an explanation for variations in angiogenesis -dependence in tumors of different tissue origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kareva
- Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA; Mathematical, Computational and Modeling Sciences Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
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28
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Finley SD, Angelikopoulos P, Koumoutsakos P, Popel AS. Pharmacokinetics of Anti-VEGF Agent Aflibercept in Cancer Predicted by Data-Driven, Molecular-Detailed Model. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2015; 4:641-9. [PMID: 26783500 PMCID: PMC4716581 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mathematical models can support the drug development process by predicting the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of the drug and optimal dosing regimens. We have developed a pharmacokinetic model that includes a biochemical molecular interaction network linked to a whole-body compartment model. We applied the model to study the PK of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) cancer therapeutic agent, aflibercept. Clinical data is used to infer model parameters using a Bayesian approach, enabling a quantitative estimation of the contributions of specific transport processes and molecular interactions of the drug that cannot be examined in other PK modeling, and insight into the mechanisms of aflibercept's antiangiogenic action. Additionally, we predict the plasma and tissue concentrations of unbound and VEGF-bound aflibercept. Thus, we present a computational framework that can serve as a valuable tool for drug development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- SD Finley
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - P Angelikopoulos
- Computational Science and Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH ZurichSwitzerland
| | - P Koumoutsakos
- Computational Science and Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH ZurichSwitzerland
| | - AS Popel
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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29
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Ynamide Click chemistry in development of triazole VEGFR2 TK modulators. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 103:105-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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30
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Overexpression of miRNA-497 inhibits tumor angiogenesis by targeting VEGFR2. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13827. [PMID: 26345385 PMCID: PMC4561885 DOI: 10.1038/srep13827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies reported miR-497 exhibited inhibitory effects in various cancers. However, whether miR-497 is involved in inhibiting angiogenesis, which is critical for tumor growth and metastasis, is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role of miR-497 in tumor angiogenesis. In this work, cell proliferation and apoptosis analyses were conducted to explore the potential function of miR-497 in HUVECs by using MTT and TUNEL assays. Western blotting (WB) was employed to validate the downstream targets of miR-497. Furthermore, in order to disclose the role of miR-497 on angiogenesis, VEGFR2-luc transgenic mice were treated with miR-497 mimic and applied to monitor tumor angiogenesis and growth by in vivo bioluminescent imaging (BLI). The results demonstrated that overexpression of miR-497 showed inhibitory effects on VEGFR2 activation and downstream Raf/MEK/ERK signal pathways in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, overexpression of miR-497 effectively induced HUVECs apoptosis by targeting VEGFR2 and downstream PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, miR-497 exhibited anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor effects in the VEGFR2-luc breast tumor model proven by BLI, WB and immunohistochemistry analysis. In summary, miR-497 inhibits tumor angiogenesis and growth via targeting VEGFR2, indicating miR-497 can be explored as a potential drug candidate for cancer therapy.
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31
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Ho TH, Park IY, Zhao H, Tong P, Champion MD, Yan H, Monzon FA, Hoang A, Tamboli P, Parker AS, Joseph RW, Qiao W, Dykema K, Tannir NM, Castle EP, Nunez-Nateras R, Teh BT, Wang J, Walker CL, Hung MC, Jonasch E. High-resolution profiling of histone h3 lysine 36 trimethylation in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Oncogene 2015; 35:1565-74. [PMID: 26073078 PMCID: PMC4679725 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in SETD2, a histone H3 lysine trimethyltransferase, have been identified in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); however it is unclear if loss of SETD2 function alters the genomic distribution of histone 3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3) in ccRCC. Furthermore, published epigenomic profiles are not specific to H3K36me3 or metastatic tumors. To determine if progressive SETD2 and H3K36me3 dysregulation occurs in metastatic tumors, H3K36me3, SETD2 copy number (CN) or SETD2 mRNA abundance was assessed in two independent cohorts: metastatic ccRCC (n=71) and the Cancer Genome Atlas Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma data set (n=413). Although SETD2 CN loss occurs with high frequency (>90%), H3K36me3 is not significantly impacted by monoallelic loss of SETD2. H3K36me3-positive nuclei were reduced an average of ~20% in primary ccRCC (90% positive nuclei in uninvolved vs 70% positive nuclei in ccRCC) and reduced by ~60% in metastases (90% positive in uninvolved kidney vs 30% positive in metastases) (P<0.001). To define a kidney-specific H3K36me3 profile, we generated genome-wide H3K36me3 profiles from four cytoreductive nephrectomies and SETD2 isogenic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines using chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput DNA sequencing and RNA sequencing. SETD2 loss of methyltransferase activity leads to regional alterations of H3K36me3 associated with aberrant RNA splicing in a SETD2 mutant RCC and SETD2 knockout cell line. These data suggest that during progression of ccRCC, a decline in H3K36me3 is observed in distant metastases, and regional H3K36me3 alterations influence alternative splicing in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H Ho
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.,Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - I Y Park
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - H Zhao
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - P Tong
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M D Champion
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - H Yan
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - F A Monzon
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A Hoang
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - P Tamboli
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A S Parker
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - R W Joseph
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - W Qiao
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K Dykema
- Center for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - N M Tannir
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - E P Castle
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | | | - B T Teh
- Center for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - J Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - C L Walker
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M-C Hung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - E Jonasch
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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32
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Sharan S, Woo S. Systems pharmacology approaches for optimization of antiangiogenic therapies: challenges and opportunities. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:33. [PMID: 25750626 PMCID: PMC4335258 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies have become an important therapeutic paradigm for multiple malignancies. The rapid development of resistance to these therapies impedes the successful management of advanced cancer. Due to the redundancy in angiogenic signaling, alternative proangiogenic factors are activated upon treatment with anti-VEGF agents. Higher doses of the agents lead to greater stimulation of compensatory proangiogenic pathways that limit the therapeutic efficacy of VEGF-targeted drugs and produce escape mechanisms for tumor. Evidence suggests that dose intensity and schedules affect the dynamics of the development of this resistance. Thus, an optimal dosing regimen is crucial to maximizing the therapeutic benefit of antiangiogenic agents and limiting treatment resistance. A systems pharmacology approach using multiscale computational modeling can facilitate a mechanistic understanding of these dynamics of angiogenic biomarkers and their impacts on tumor reduction and resistance. Herein, we discuss a systems pharmacology approach integrating the biology of VEGF-targeted therapy resistance, including circulating biomarkers, and pharmacodynamics to enable the optimization of antiangiogenic therapy for therapeutic gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Sharan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sukyung Woo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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33
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Finley SD, Chu LH, Popel AS. Computational systems biology approaches to anti-angiogenic cancer therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2014; 20:187-97. [PMID: 25286370 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is an exquisitely regulated process that is required for physiological processes and is also important in numerous diseases. Tumors utilize angiogenesis to generate the vascular network needed to supply the cancer cells with nutrients and oxygen, and many cancer drugs aim to inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Anti-angiogenic therapy involves inhibiting multiple cell types, molecular targets, and intracellular signaling pathways. Computational tools are useful in guiding treatment strategies, predicting the response to treatment, and identifying new targets of interest. Here, we describe progress that has been made in applying mathematical modeling and bioinformatics approaches to study anti-angiogenic therapeutics in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey D Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Liang-Hui Chu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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34
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Vascular endothelial growth factor: therapeutic possibilities and challenges for the treatment of ischemia. Cytokine 2014; 71:385-93. [PMID: 25240960 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a notable chemokine that plays critical roles in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. The contemporary body of literature contains a substantial amount of information regarding its chemical properties as well as its fundamental role in vascular development. Studies strongly indicate its potential use as a therapeutic agent, especially in the vascular restoration of injured and ischemic tissues. VEGF therapy could be most beneficial for diseases whose pathologies revolve around tissue inflammation and necrosis, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, as well as ischemic bowel diseases such as acute mesenteric ischemia and necrotizing enterocolitis. However, a delicate balance exists between the therapeutic benefits of VEGF and the hazards of tumor growth and neo-angiogenesis. Effective future research surrounding VEGF may allow for the development of effective therapies for ischemia which simultaneously limit its more deleterious side effects. This review will: (1) summarize the current understanding of the molecular aspects and function of VEGF, (2) review potential benefits of its use in medical therapy, (3) denote its role in tumorigenesis and inflammation when overexpressed, and (4) elucidate the qualities which make it a viable compound of study for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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35
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Norton KA, Han Z, Popel AS, Pandey NB. Antiangiogenic cancer drug sunitinib exhibits unexpected proangiogenic effects on endothelial cells. Onco Targets Ther 2014; 7:1571-82. [PMID: 25228815 PMCID: PMC4164292 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s65055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is an essential step for cancer progression, but antiangiogenic therapies have shown limited success. Therefore, a better understanding of the effects of antiangiogenic treatments on endothelial cells is necessary. In this study, we evaluate the changes in cell surface vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) expression on endothelial cells in culture treated with the antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor drug sunitinib, using quantitative flow cytometry. We find that proangiogenic VEGFR2 cell surface receptor numbers are increased with sunitinib treatment. This proangiogenic effect might account for the limited effects of sunitinib as a cancer therapy. We also find that this increase is inhibited by brefeldin A, an inhibitor of protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. The complex dynamics of cell surface VEGFRs may be important for successful treatment of cancer with antiangiogenic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri-Ann Norton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zheyi Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Oncology and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Niranjan B Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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36
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Weddell JC, Imoukhuede PI. Quantitative characterization of cellular membrane-receptor heterogeneity through statistical and computational modeling. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97271. [PMID: 24827582 PMCID: PMC4020774 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell population heterogeneity can affect cellular response and is a major factor in drug resistance. However, there are few techniques available to represent and explore how heterogeneity is linked to population response. Recent high-throughput genomic, proteomic, and cellomic approaches offer opportunities for profiling heterogeneity on several scales. We have recently examined heterogeneity in vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) membrane localization in endothelial cells. We and others processed the heterogeneous data through ensemble averaging and integrated the data into computational models of anti-angiogenic drug effects in breast cancer. Here we show that additional modeling insight can be gained when cellular heterogeneity is considered. We present comprehensive statistical and computational methods for analyzing cellomic data sets and integrating them into deterministic models. We present a novel method for optimizing the fit of statistical distributions to heterogeneous data sets to preserve important data and exclude outliers. We compare methods of representing heterogeneous data and show methodology can affect model predictions up to 3.9-fold. We find that VEGF levels, a target for tuning angiogenesis, are more sensitive to VEGFR1 cell surface levels than VEGFR2; updating VEGFR1 levels in the tumor model gave a 64% change in free VEGF levels in the blood compartment, whereas updating VEGFR2 levels gave a 17% change. Furthermore, we find that subpopulations of tumor cells and tumor endothelial cells (tEC) expressing high levels of VEGFR (>35,000 VEGFR/cell) negate anti-VEGF treatments. We show that lowering the VEGFR membrane insertion rate for these subpopulations recovers the anti-angiogenic effect of anti-VEGF treatment, revealing new treatment targets for specific tumor cell subpopulations. This novel method of characterizing heterogeneous distributions shows for the first time how different representations of the same data set lead to different predictions of drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared C. Weddell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - P. I. Imoukhuede
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
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37
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Bolouri H. Network dynamics in the tumor microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2014; 30:52-9. [PMID: 24582766 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The evolutionary path from tumor initiation to metastasis can only be fully understood by considering cancer cells as part of a multi-species ecosystem within the tumor microenvironment. This paper reviews and suggests two important recent trends. Firstly, I review arguments that interactions among diverse cells in the tumor microenvironment create a distinct cellular environment that can confer growth advantages, resist interventions, and allow tumors to remain dormant for long periods. Second, I review and highlight a trend toward data-rich, molecularly detailed, computational models of the tumor microenvironment. I argue that data-driven molecularly detailed tumor microenvironment models can now be built using data from multiple emerging high-throughput technologies, and that such models can pinpoint mechanisms of dysregulation and suggest specific drug targets and follow up experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Bolouri
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, USA.
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38
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Lintnerová L, García-Caballero M, Gregáň F, Melicherčík M, Quesada AR, Dobiaš J, Lác J, Sališová M, Boháč A. A development of chimeric VEGFR2 TK inhibitor based on two ligand conformers from PDB: 1Y6A complex – Medicinal chemistry consequences of a TKs analysis. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 72:146-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Revised: 11/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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39
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Logsdon EA, Finley SD, Popel AS, Mac Gabhann F. A systems biology view of blood vessel growth and remodelling. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 18:1491-508. [PMID: 24237862 PMCID: PMC4190897 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood travels throughout the body in an extensive network of vessels – arteries, veins and capillaries. This vascular network is not static, but instead dynamically remodels in response to stimuli from cells in the nearby tissue. In particular, the smallest vessels – arterioles, venules and capillaries – can be extended, expanded or pruned, in response to exercise, ischaemic events, pharmacological interventions, or other physiological and pathophysiological events. In this review, we describe the multi-step morphogenic process of angiogenesis – the sprouting of new blood vessels – and the stability of vascular networks in vivo. In particular, we review the known interactions between endothelial cells and the various blood cells and plasma components they convey. We describe progress that has been made in applying computational modelling, quantitative biology and high-throughput experimentation to the angiogenesis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Logsdon
- Institute for Computational Medicine and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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40
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Bonomi S, Gallo S, Catillo M, Pignataro D, Biamonti G, Ghigna C. Oncogenic alternative splicing switches: role in cancer progression and prospects for therapy. Int J Cell Biol 2013; 2013:962038. [PMID: 24285959 PMCID: PMC3826442 DOI: 10.1155/2013/962038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the abundance or activities of alternative splicing regulators generate alternatively spliced variants that contribute to multiple aspects of tumor establishment, progression and resistance to therapeutic treatments. Notably, many cancer-associated genes are regulated through alternative splicing suggesting a significant role of this post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism in the production of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Thus, the study of alternative splicing in cancer might provide a better understanding of the malignant transformation and identify novel pathways that are uniquely relevant to tumorigenesis. Understanding the molecular underpinnings of cancer-associated alternative splicing isoforms will not only help to explain many fundamental hallmarks of cancer, but will also offer unprecedented opportunities to improve the efficacy of anti-cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Bonomi
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Gallo
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Morena Catillo
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Pignataro
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Biamonti
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Ghigna
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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41
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Finley SD, Dhar M, Popel AS. Compartment model predicts VEGF secretion and investigates the effects of VEGF trap in tumor-bearing mice. Front Oncol 2013; 3:196. [PMID: 23908970 PMCID: PMC3727077 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, is important in tumor growth and metastasis. A key regulator of angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which has been targeted in numerous anti-angiogenic therapies aimed at inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. Systems biology approaches, including computational modeling, are useful for understanding this complex biological process and can aid in the development of novel and effective therapeutics that target the VEGF family of proteins and receptors. We have developed a computational model of VEGF transport and kinetics in the tumor-bearing mouse, which includes three-compartments: normal tissue, blood, and tumor. The model simulates human tumor xenografts and includes human (VEGF121 and VEGF165) and mouse (VEGF120 and VEGF164) isoforms. The model incorporates molecular interactions between these VEGF isoforms and receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2), as well as co-receptors (NRP1 and NRP2). We also include important soluble factors: soluble VEGFR1 (sFlt-1) and α-2-macroglobulin. The model accounts for transport via macromolecular transendothelial permeability, lymphatic flow, and plasma clearance. We have fit the model to available in vivo experimental data on the plasma concentration of free VEGF Trap and VEGF Trap bound to mouse and human VEGF in order to estimate the rates at which parenchymal cells (myocytes and tumor cells) and endothelial cells secrete VEGF. Interestingly, the predicted tumor VEGF secretion rates are significantly lower (0.007-0.023 molecules/cell/s, depending on the tumor microenvironment) than most reported in vitro measurements (0.03-2.65 molecules/cell/s). The optimized model is used to investigate the interstitial and plasma VEGF concentrations and the effect of the VEGF-neutralizing agent, VEGF Trap (aflibercept). This work complements experimental studies performed in mice and provides a framework with which to examine the effects of anti-VEGF agents, aiding in the optimization of such anti-angiogenic therapeutics as well as analysis of clinical data. The model predictions also have implications for biomarker discovery with anti-angiogenic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey D Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA
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42
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Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of complement impairs endothelial cell function and ablates ovarian cancer neovascularization. Neoplasia 2013; 14:994-1004. [PMID: 23226093 DOI: 10.1593/neo.121262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement activation plays a critical role in controlling inflammatory responses. To assess the role of complement during ovarian cancer progression, we crossed two strains of mice with genetic complement deficiencies with transgenic mice that develop epithelial ovarian cancer (TgMISIIR-TAg). TgMISIIR-TAg mice fully or partially deficient for complement factor 3 (C3) (Tg(+)C3(KO) and Tg(+)C3(HET), respectively) or fully deficient for complement factor C5a receptor (C5aR) (Tg(+)C5aR(KO)) develop either no ovarian tumors or tumors that were small and poorly vascularized compared to wild-type littermates (Tg(+)C3(WT), Tg(+)C5aR(WT)). The percentage of tumor infiltrating immune cells in Tg(+)C3(HET) tumors compared to Tg(+)C3(WT) controls was either similar (macrophages, B cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells), elevated (effector T cells), or decreased (regulatory T cells). Regardless of these ratios, cytokine production by immune cells taken from Tg(+)C3(HET) tumors was reduced on stimulation compared to Tg(+)C3(WT) controls. Interestingly, CD31(+) endothelial cell (EC) function in angiogenesis was significantly impaired in both C3(KO) and C5aR(KO) mice. Further, using the C5aR antagonist PMX53, tube formation of ECs was shown to be C5a-dependent, possibly through interactions with the VEGF(165) but not VEGF(121) isoform. Finally, the mouse VEGF(164) transcript was underexpressed in C3(KO) livers compare to C3(WT) livers. Thus, we conclude that complement inhibition blocks tumor outgrowth by altering EC function and VEGF(165) expression.
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Finley SD, Popel AS. Effect of tumor microenvironment on tumor VEGF during anti-VEGF treatment: systems biology predictions. J Natl Cancer Inst 2013; 105:802-11. [PMID: 23670728 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djt093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to be a potent promoter of angiogenesis under both physiological and pathological conditions. Given its role in regulating tumor vascularization, VEGF has been targeted in various cancer treatments, and anti-VEGF therapy has been used clinically for treatment of several types of cancer. Systems biology approaches, particularly computational models, provide insight into the complexity of tumor angiogenesis. These models complement experimental studies and aid in the development of effective therapies targeting angiogenesis. METHODS We developed an experiment-based, molecular-detailed compartment model of VEGF kinetics and transport to investigate the distribution of two major VEGF isoforms (VEGF121 and VEGF165) in the body. The model is applied to predict the dynamics of tumor VEGF and, importantly, to gain insight into how tumor VEGF responds to an intravenous injection of an anti-VEGF agent. RESULTS The model predicts that free VEGF in the tumor interstitium is seven to 13 times higher than plasma VEGF and is predominantly in the form of VEGF121 (>70%), predictions that are validated by experimental data. The model also predicts that tumor VEGF can increase or decrease with anti-VEGF treatment depending on tumor microenvironment, pointing to the importance of personalized medicine. CONCLUSIONS This computational study suggests that the rate of VEGF secretion by tumor cells may serve as a biomarker to predict the patient population that is likely to respond to anti-VEGF treatment. Thus, the model predictions have important clinical relevance and may aid clinicians and clinical researchers seeking interpretation of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic observations and optimization of anti-VEGF therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey D Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Bentley K, Jones M, Cruys B. Predicting the future: Towards symbiotic computational and experimental angiogenesis research. Exp Cell Res 2013; 319:1240-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Nicolls MR, Mizuno S, Taraseviciene-Stewart L, Farkas L, Drake JI, Al Husseini A, Gomez-Arroyo JG, Voelkel NF, Bogaard HJ. New models of pulmonary hypertension based on VEGF receptor blockade-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Pulm Circ 2013; 2:434-42. [PMID: 23372927 PMCID: PMC3555413 DOI: 10.4103/2045-8932.105031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of treatment, severe angioproliferative pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a disease characterized by great morbidity and shortened survival. New treatment strategies for patients with PAH are needed, and after drug development, preclinical studies are best conducted in animal models which present with pulmonary angio-obliterative disease and right heart failure. A rat model of severe pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure, described a decade ago, continues to be investigated and provide insight into the nature of the lung vascular lesions and mechanisms of cardiac adaptation to an altered lung circulation. This rat model is based on the combination of VEGF receptor blockade with Su5416 and chronic hypoxia; use of this pulmonary hypertension induction strategy led to developing the concept of apoptosis-dependent compensatory vascular cell growth. Although, often employed in experimental designs, chronic hypoxia is not necessary for the development of angio-obliterative pulmonary hypertension. Left pneumonectomy combined with Su5416 also results in severe pulmonary hypertension in normoxic conditions. Similarly, the immune insufficiency component of severe PAH can be modeled in athymic rats (lacking T-lymphocytes). In these rats housed under normoxic conditions, treatment with the VEGFR receptor blocker results in angioproliferative pulmonary hypertension; cardiopulmonary disease in these animals can be prevented by immune reconstitution of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Finally, chronic hypoxia can be replaced with another stimulator of HIF-1α: Ovalbumin (Ova). Immunization of rats with Ova increases lung tissue HIF-1α protein expression, and in Su5416-treated rats causes lethal pulmonary hypertension. Finally, we postulate that these models may also be useful for "reverse translation"; that is, the mechanisms of lung vascular cell death and growth and the modifying influences of immune and bone marrow cells that have been identified in the Su5416 VEGFR inhibitor models can be informative about heretofore undescribed processes in human PAH.
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Murár M, Addová G, Boháč A. Synthesis of 5-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methoxyaniline: An important pharmacological fragment of VEGFR2 and other inhibitors. Beilstein J Org Chem 2013; 9:173-9. [PMID: 23399884 PMCID: PMC3566798 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.9.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: 5-(Ethylsulfonyl)-2-methoxyaniline (5) is part of the structure in 131 compounds possessing different biological activities. In most cases, they have antitumor properties (112 compounds). Other compounds are described as cardiovascular agents, ion-channel blockers, nervous-system blockers, anti-inflammatory agents, or antidiabetic, antiosteoporotic and hypolipemic species. Compound 5 is a precursor of different protein-kinase inhibitors or enzyme modulators (EGFR, PDGFR, ckit, CDK 2 and 4, MMPs 2, 3, 9 and 13, etc.). The structure of 5 represents a fragment for several powerful inhibitors of VEGFR2, a key angiogenic receptor. Antiangiogenic inhibitors slow down or stop new blood-vessel formation from pre-existing vasculature. Some antiangiogenic drugs inhibiting the VEGFR2 receptor are successfully used in clinics for the treatment of several types of tumours in synergy with chemotherapy (e.g., Nexavar® from Bayer, Sutent® from Pfizer and Votrient® from GlaxoSmithKline, approved by the FDA in 2005, 2006 and 2009, respectively). The structure of 5 is an important pharmacophoric fragment of potent VEGFR2 inhibitors (e.g., AAZ from PDB complex 1Y6A, enzymatic IC50 = 22 nM). Up to now, 25 VEGFR2 inhibitors possessing a fragment of 5 can be found in the literature. Despite the high significance of 5-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methoxyaniline (5) its preparation has not yet been described. Results: Here we have developed a convenient synthesis of important polyheterosubstituted aniline 5 starting from commercially available 4-methoxybenzene-1-sulfonyl chloride (1) in four steps and 59% overall yield. The target 5-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methoxyaniline (5) and its synthetic intermediates 2–4 together with a new compound 5-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methoxy-1,3-dinitrobenzene (4a) have been precisely physicochemically characterised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Murár
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Mriouah J, Boura C, Thomassin M, Bastogne T, Dumas D, Faivre B, Barberi-Heyob M. Tumor vascular responses to antivascular and antiangiogenic strategies: looking for suitable models. Trends Biotechnol 2012; 30:649-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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