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Hingorani S, Paniagua Soriano G, Sánchez Huertas C, Villalba Riquelme EM, López Mocholi E, Martínez Rojas B, Alastrué Agudo A, Dupraz S, Ferrer Montiel AV, Moreno Manzano V. Transplantation of dorsal root ganglia overexpressing the NaChBac sodium channel improves locomotion after complete SCI. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1739-1759. [PMID: 38556794 PMCID: PMC11184342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition currently lacking treatment. Severe SCI causes the loss of most supraspinal inputs and neuronal activity caudal to the injury, which, coupled with the limited endogenous capacity for spontaneous regeneration, can lead to complete functional loss even in anatomically incomplete lesions. We hypothesized that transplantation of mature dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) genetically modified to express the NaChBac sodium channel could serve as a therapeutic option for functionally complete SCI. We found that NaChBac expression increased the intrinsic excitability of DRG neurons and promoted cell survival and neurotrophic factor secretion in vitro. Transplantation of NaChBac-expressing dissociated DRGs improved voluntary locomotion 7 weeks after injury compared to control groups. Animals transplanted with NaChBac-expressing DRGs also possessed higher tubulin-positive neuronal fiber and myelin preservation, although serotonergic descending fibers remained unaffected. We observed early preservation of the corticospinal tract 14 days after injury and transplantation, which was lost 7 weeks after injury. Nevertheless, transplantation of NaChBac-expressing DRGs increased the neuronal excitatory input by an increased number of VGLUT2 contacts immediately caudal to the injury. Our work suggests that the transplantation of NaChBac-expressing dissociated DRGs can rescue significant motor function, retaining an excitatory neuronal relay activity immediately caudal to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Hingorani
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Guillem Paniagua Soriano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Sánchez Huertas
- Development and Assembly of Bilateral Neural Circuits Laboratory, Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avenida Santiago Ramon y Cajal, s/n, 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Eva María Villalba Riquelme
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche-IDiBE, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, Edificio Torregaitán, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Eric López Mocholi
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martínez Rojas
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Alastrué Agudo
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sebastián Dupraz
- Laboratory for Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Antonio Vicente Ferrer Montiel
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche-IDiBE, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, Edificio Torregaitán, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Victoria Moreno Manzano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain.
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2
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Lee Q, Chan WC, Qu X, Sun Y, Abdelkarim H, Le J, Saqib U, Sun MY, Kruse K, Banerjee A, Hitchinson B, Geyer M, Huang F, Guaiquil V, Mutso AA, Sanders M, Rosenblatt MI, Maienschein-Cline M, Lawrence MS, Gaponenko V, Malik AB, Komarova YA. End binding-3 inhibitor activates regenerative program in age-related macular degeneration. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101223. [PMID: 37794584 PMCID: PMC10591057 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), characterized by leaky neovessels emanating from the choroid, is a main cause of blindness. As current treatments for wet AMD require regular intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) biologics, there is a need for the development of less invasive treatments. Here, we designed an allosteric inhibitor of end binding-3 (EB3) protein, termed EBIN, which reduces the effects of environmental stresses on endothelial cells by limiting pathological calcium signaling. Delivery of EBIN via eye drops in mouse and non-human primate (NHP) models of wet AMD prevents both neovascular leakage and choroidal neovascularization. EBIN reverses the epigenetic changes induced by environmental stresses, allowing an activation of a regenerative program within metabolic-active endothelial cells comprising choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesions. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of EBIN in preventing the degenerative processes underlying wet AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinn Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Wan Ching Chan
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Xinyan Qu
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Le
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Uzma Saqib
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Mitchell Y Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Kevin Kruse
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Avik Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ben Hitchinson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Melissa Geyer
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Fei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Victor Guaiquil
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Amelia A Mutso
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Mark I Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | | | - Vadim Gaponenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Asrar B Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Yulia A Komarova
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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3
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Kwok ML, Geyer M, Chan WC, Zhao S, Gu L, Huang F, Vogel SM, Petukhov PA, Komarova Y. Targeting EB3-IP 3R3 Interface with Cognate Peptide Protects from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 69:391-403. [PMID: 37290041 PMCID: PMC10557916 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0217oc] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a lung disease characterized by acute onset of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, hypoxemia, and respiratory insufficiency. The current treatment for ARDS is mainly supportive in nature, providing a critical need for targeted pharmacological management. We addressed this medical problem by developing a pharmacological treatment for pulmonary vascular leakage, a culprit of alveolar damage and lung inflammation. Our novel therapeutic target is the microtubule accessory factor EB3 (end binding protein 3), which contributes to pulmonary vascular leakage by amplifying pathological calcium signaling in endothelial cells in response to inflammatory stimuli. EB3 interacts with IP3R3 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 3) and orchestrates calcium release from endoplasmic reticulum stores. Here, we designed and tested the therapeutic benefits of a 14-aa peptide named CIPRI (cognate IP3 receptor inhibitor), which disrupted EB3-IP3R3 interaction in vitro and in lungs of mice challenged with endotoxin. Treatment with CIPRI or depletion of IP3R3 in lung microvascular endothelial monolayers mitigated calcium release from endoplasmic reticulum stores and prevented a disassembly of vascular endothelial cadherin junctions in response to the proinflammatory mediator α-thrombin. Furthermore, intravenous administration of CIPRI in mice mitigated inflammation-induced lung injury, blocked pulmonary microvascular leakage, prevented activation of NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) signaling, and reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines in the lung tissue. CIPRI also improved survival of mice from endotoxemia and polymicrobial sepsis. Together, these data demonstrate that targeting EB3-IP3R3 interaction with a cognate peptide is a promising strategy to address hyperpermeability of microvessels in inflammatory lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Long Kwok
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, and
| | - Melissa Geyer
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, and
| | - Wan Ching Chan
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, and
| | - Shuangping Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, and
| | - Lianzhi Gu
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, and
| | - Fei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, and
| | - Steven M. Vogel
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, and
| | - Pavel A. Petukhov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yulia Komarova
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, and
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4
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Saikia Q, Reeve H, Alzahrani A, Critchley WR, Zeqiraj E, Divan A, Harrison MA, Ponnambalam S. VEGFR endocytosis: Implications for angiogenesis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 194:109-139. [PMID: 36631189 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The binding of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) superfamily to VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFRs) and co-receptors regulates vasculogenesis, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. A recurring theme is that dysfunction in VEGF signaling promotes pathological angiogenesis, an important feature of cancer and pro-inflammatory disease states. Endocytosis of basal (resting) or activated VEGFRs facilitates signal attenuation and endothelial quiescence. However, increasing evidence suggest that activated VEGFRs can continue to signal from intracellular compartments such as endosomes. In this chapter, we focus on the evolving link between VEGFR endocytosis, signaling and turnover and the implications for angiogenesis. There is much interest in how such understanding of VEGFR dynamics can be harnessed therapeutically for a wide range of human disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Queen Saikia
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Reeve
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Areej Alzahrani
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - William R Critchley
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Elton Zeqiraj
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Aysha Divan
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Harrison
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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5
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VEGF-Mediated Augmentation of Autophagic and Lysosomal Activity in Endothelial Cells Defends against Intracellular Streptococcus pyogenes. mBio 2022; 13:e0123322. [PMID: 35862783 PMCID: PMC9426552 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01233-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS), a deleterious human-pathogenic bacterium, causes life-threatening diseases such as sepsis and necrotic fasciitis. We recently reported that GAS survives and replicates within blood vessel endothelial cells because these cells are intrinsically defective in xenophagy. Because blood vessel endothelial cells are relatively germfree environments, specific stimulation may be required to sufficiently induce xenophagy. Here, we explored how vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promoted xenophagy and lysosomal activity in endothelial cells. These effects were achieved by amplifying the activation of TFEB, a transcriptional factor crucial for lysosome/autophagy biogenesis, via cAMP-mediated calcium release. In a mouse model of local infection with GAS, the VEGF level was significantly elevated at the infection site. Interestingly, low serum VEGF levels were found in a mouse model of invasive bacteremia and in patients with severe GAS-induced sepsis. Moreover, the administration of VEGF improved the survival of GAS-infected mice. We propose a novel theory regarding GAS infection in endothelial cells, wherein VEGF concentrations in the systemic circulation play a critical role.
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6
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Stepanov YV, Golovynska I, Golovynskyi S, Garmanchuk LV, Gorbach O, Stepanova LI, Khranovska N, Ostapchenko LI, Ohulchanskyy TY, Qu J. Red and near infrared light-stimulated angiogenesis mediated via Ca 2+ influx, VEGF production and NO synthesis in endothelial cells in macrophage or malignant environments. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2022; 227:112388. [PMID: 35074677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2022.112388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Irradiation with red or near-infrared (NIR) light in low level light therapy (LLLT) is found to stimulate cellular processes and bioenergetics, resulting in enhanced wound healing, pain control, neurodegenerative diseases treatment, etc. During light irradiation of tissues and organs, different cells are affected, though the connection between photostimulation of cells and their environmental conditions remains poorly understood. In this report, red/NIR light-stimulated angiogenesis is investigated using endothelial cells in vitro, with a focus on the capillary-like structure (CLS) formation and the respective biochemical processes in cells under conditions proximate to a healthy or malignant environment, which strongly defines angiogenesis. To model environmental conditions for endotheliocytes in vitro, the cell culture environment was supplemented by an augmented conditioned medium from macrophages or cancer cells. The biochemical processes in endothelial cell cultures were investigated with and without irradiation by red (650 nm) and near-infrared (808 nm) laser diodes and under normoxia or hypoxia conditions. A light-stimulated angiogenesis has been found, with a more efficient stimulation by 650 nm light compared to 808 nm light. It was shown that the irradiation with light promoted extracellular Ca2+ influx, fostered cell cycle progression, proliferation and NO generation in endothelial cells, and caused an increase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by endothelial cells and M2 macrophages under hypoxia conditions. The activation of VEGF production by macrophages was found to be associated with an increase in the number of M2 macrophages after light irradiation under hypoxia conditions. Thus, a new pathway of an activation of the endothelial cell metabolism, which is related with the extracellular Ca2+ influx after light irradiation, has been revealed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Red/NIR light-stimulated angiogenesis has been studied using endothelial cells in vitro, with focus on CLS formation and the respective biochemical processes in cell models proximate to a healthy or malignant environment. A light-stimulated angiogenesis has been found, stimulated via extracellular Ca2+ influx, cell cycle progression, proliferation and NO generation, VEGF production increase by endothelial cells under hypoxia conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurii V Stepanov
- Center for Biomedical Optics and Photonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Iuliia Golovynska
- Center for Biomedical Optics and Photonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Sergii Golovynskyi
- Center for Biomedical Optics and Photonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Liudmyla V Garmanchuk
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr Gorbach
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, National Cancer Institute of Ukraine, Kyiv 03022, Ukraine
| | - Liudmyla I Stepanova
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | - Natalia Khranovska
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, National Cancer Institute of Ukraine, Kyiv 03022, Ukraine
| | - Liudmyla I Ostapchenko
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | - Tymish Y Ohulchanskyy
- Center for Biomedical Optics and Photonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China.
| | - Junle Qu
- Center for Biomedical Optics and Photonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China.
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7
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Critchley WR, Fearnley GWF, Abdul-Zani I, Molina-Paris C, Bendtsen C, Zachary IC, Harrison MA, Ponnambalam S. Monitoring VEGF-Stimulated Calcium Ion Flux in Endothelial Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2475:113-124. [PMID: 35451752 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2217-9_7] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The endothelial response to vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) regulates many aspects of animal physiology in health and disease. Such VEGF-A-regulated phenomena include vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, tumor growth and progression. VEGF-A binding to receptor tyrosine kinases such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2 ) activates multiple signal transduction pathways and changes in homeostasis, metabolism, gene expression, cell proliferation, migration, and survival. One such VEGF-A-regulated response is a rapid rise in cytosolic calcium ion levels which modulates different biochemical events and impacts on endothelial-specific responses. Here, we present a series of detailed and robust protocols for evaluating ligand-stimulated cytosolic calcium ion flux in endothelial cells. By monitoring an endogenous endothelial transcription factor (NFATc2 ) which displays calcium-sensitive redistribution, we can assess the relevance of cytosolic calcium to protein function. This protocol can be easily applied to both adherent and non-adherent cultured cells to evaluate calcium ion flux in response to exogenous stimuli such as VEGF-A.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Izma Abdul-Zani
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | | | - Ian C Zachary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, University College London, London, UK
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8
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Shen J, Rossato FA, Cano I, Ng YSE. Novel engineered, membrane-tethered VEGF-A variants promote formation of filopodia, proliferation, survival, and cord or tube formation by endothelial cells via persistent VEGFR2/ERK signaling and activation of CDC42/ROCK pathways. FASEB J 2021; 35:e22036. [PMID: 34793603 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100448rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic angiogenesis would be clinically valuable in situations such as peripheral vascular disease in diabetic patients and tissue reperfusion following ischemia or injury, but approaches using traditional isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) have had little success. The isoform VEGF165 is both soluble and matrix-associated, but can cause pathologic vascular changes. Freely diffusible VEGF121 is not associated with pathologic angiogenesis, but its failure to remain in the vicinity of the targeted area presents therapeutic challenges. In this study, we evaluate the cellular effects of engineered VEGF variants that tether extracellular VEGF121 to the cell membrane with the goal of activating VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in a sustained, autologous fashion in endothelial cells. When expressed by primary human retinal endothelial cells (hRECs), the engineered, membrane-tethered variants eVEGF-38 and eVEGF-53 provide a lasting VEGF signal that induces cell proliferation and survival, increases endothelial permeability, promotes the formation of a cord/tube network, and stimulates the formation of elongated filopodia on the endothelial cells. The engineered VEGF variants activate VEGFR2, MAPK/ERK, and the Rho GTPase mediators CDC42 and ROCK, activities that are required for the formation of the elongated filopodia. The sustained, pro-angiogenic activities induced by eVEGF-38 and eVEGF-53 support the potential of engineered VEGF variants-overexpressing endothelial cells as a novel combination of gene and cell-based therapeutic strategy for stimulating endothelial cell-autologous therapeutic angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Shen
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Eye Center of the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Franco Aparecido Rossato
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Issahy Cano
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yin Shan Eric Ng
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Li SJ, Kao YH, Chung CC, Cheng WL, Lin YK, Chen YJ. Vascular endothelial growth factor on Runt-related transcript factor-2 in aortic valve cells. Eur J Clin Invest 2021; 51:e13470. [PMID: 33296074 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcific aortic valve disease is associated with ageing and high mortality. However, no effective pharmacological treatment has been developed. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor are overexpressed in the calcified aortic valve tissue. However, the role of VEGF in calcific aortic valve disease pathogenesis and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS Runt-related transcription factor 2 expression and calcium-related signalling were investigated in porcine valvular interstitial cells with or without human VEGF-A recombinant protein (VEGF165 , 1-100 ng/mL) treatment and/or calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor (KN93, 10 µmol/L) and inositol triphosphate receptor inhibitor (2-aminoethyldiphenyl borate, 30 µmol/L) for 5 days. RESULTS VEGF165 -treated cells had higher Runt-related transcription factor 2 expression and CaMKII/ adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) signalling activation than did control cells. KN93 reduced Runt-related transcription factor 2 expression and CREB phosphorylation in VEGF165 -treated cells. The 2-aminoethyldiphenyl borate also reduced Runt-related transcription factor 2 expression in VICs treated with VEGF165 . CONCLUSION VEGF upregulated Runt-related transcription factor 2 expression in VICs by activating the IP3R/CaMKII/CREB signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Jung Li
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Cardiovascular Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsun Kao
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Education and Research, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chih Chung
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Li Cheng
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Cardiovascular Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Kuo Lin
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Chen
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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10
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Shah AA, Kamal MA, Akhtar S. Tumor Angiogenesis and VEGFR-2: Mechanism, Pathways and Current Biological Therapeutic Interventions. Curr Drug Metab 2021; 22:50-59. [PMID: 33076807 DOI: 10.2174/1389200221666201019143252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis, involving the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vessels, caters an important biological phenomenon for the growth and development of bodily structures in the human body. Regulation of angiogenesis in non-pathological conditions takes place through a well-defined balanced angiogenic-switch, which upon exposure to various pathological conditions may get altered. This makes the cells change their normal behavior resulting in uncontrolled division and angiogenesis. METHODS The current review tries to present a brief framework of angiogenesis and tumor progression phenomenon along with the latest therapeutic interventions against VEGFR-2 and its future directions. RESULTS The tumor angiogenic pathways functioning in diverse mechanisms via sprouting angiogenesis, intussusceptive angiogenesis, vascular co-option, vascular mimicry, and glomeruloid angiogenesis are normally activated by varied angiogenic stimulators and their receptors are interrelated to give rise to specialized signaling pathways. Amongst these receptors, VEGFR-2 is found as one of the key, critical mediators in tumor angiogenesis and is seen as a major therapeutic target for combating angiogenesis. Though a number of anti-angiogenic drugs like Ramucirumab, Sunitinib, Axitinib, Sorafenib, etc. showing good survival rates have been developed and approved by FDA against VEGFR-2, but these have also been found to be associated with serious health effects and adverse reactions. CONCLUSION An improved or alternative treatment is needed shortly that has a higher survival rate with the least side effects. Innovative strategies, including personalized medicine, nano-medicine, and cancer immunotherapy have also been outlined as an alternative treatment with a discussion on advancements and improvements required for their implementation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf A Shah
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow-226026, UP, India
| | - Mohammad A Kamal
- Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| | - Salman Akhtar
- Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
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11
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Vasculogenesis from Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Grown in Matrigel with Fully Defined Serum-Free Culture Media. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8110483. [PMID: 33182239 PMCID: PMC7695282 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of vasculature is one of the most important challenges in tissue engineering and regeneration. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) are some of the most promising stem cell types to induce vasculogenesis and angiogenesis as they not only secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) but can also differentiate in vitro into both endotheliocytes and pericytes in serum-free culture media. Moreover, hDPSCs can generate complete blood vessels containing both endothelial and mural layers in vivo, upon transplantation into the adult brain. However, many of the serum free media employed for the growth of hDPSCs contain supplements of an undisclosed composition. This generates uncertainty as to which of its precise components are necessary and which are dispensable for the vascular differentiation of hDPSCs, and also hinders the transfer of basic research findings to clinical cell therapy. In this work, we designed and tested new endothelial differentiation media with a fully defined composition using standard basal culture media supplemented with a mixture of B27, heparin and growth factors, including VEGF-A165 at different concentrations. We also optimized an in vitro Matrigel assay to characterize both the ability of hDPSCs to differentiate to vascular cells and their capacity to generate vascular tubules in 3D cultures. The description of a fully defined serum-free culture medium for the induction of vasculogenesis using human adult stem cells highlights its potential as a relevant innovation for tissue engineering applications. In conclusion, we achieved efficient vasculogenesis starting from hDPSCs using serum-free culture media with a fully defined composition, which is applicable for human cell therapy purposes.
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12
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Cho HD, Kim JH, Park JK, Hong SM, Kim DH, Seo KI. Kochia scoparia seed extract suppresses VEGF-induced angiogenesis via modulating VEGF receptor 2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2019; 57:684-693. [PMID: 31608754 PMCID: PMC6807910 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2019.1672753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Context: Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad (Amaranthaceae), known as a traditional medicine in China, Japan and Korea, is reported to have various biological activities. However, K. scoparia seed extract (KSE) functional roles on angiogenesis and prostate cancer inhibition have not been elucidated. Objective: This study elucidates the effects of KSE on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and inhibition of proliferation in prostate cancer cells. Materials and methods: HUVECs were treated with 10-20 µg/mL of KSE and 20-50 ng/mL of VEGF for 12-72 h. Anti-angiogenesis properties of KSE were determined by wound healing, trans-well, tube formation, rat aortic ring assay and western blotting. Prostate cancer and normal cells were incubated with 10-250 µg/mL of KSE for 24 h, and cell viability was measured by SRB assay. Phenolic compounds in KSE were analyzed using a HPLC-PDA system. Results: IC50 for cell viability of HUVECs, LNCaP, PC-3, RC-58T and RWPE-1 by KSE were 30.64, 89.25, 123.41, 141.62 and >250 µg/mL, respectively. Treatment with KSE (20 µg/mL) significantly suppressed VEGF-induced migration, invasion and capillary-like structure formation of HUVECs and microvessel sprouting from rat aortic rings. In addition, KSE down-regulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR levels and phosphorylation of VEGF receptor 2 in HUVECs. 3-OH-tyrosol (1.63 mg/g) and morin hydrate (0.17 mg/g) were identified in KSE. Conclusions: KSE inhibits angiogenesis in HUVECs as well as proliferation in human prostate cancer cells, suggesting KSE may be useful herbal medicine for preventing progression of prostate cancer and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Dong Cho
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology,
Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of
Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Kim
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology,
Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of
Korea
| | - Jun-Kyu Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Dong-A
University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Min Hong
- College of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of
Pharmaceutical Science, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of
Korea
| | - Du-Hyun Kim
- Department of Life Resources Industry, Dong-A
University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Il Seo
- Department of Biotechnology, Dong-A
University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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13
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Fearnley GW, Latham AM, Hollstein M, Odell AF, Ponnambalam S. ATF-2 and Tpl2 regulation of endothelial cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Cell Signal 2019; 66:109481. [PMID: 31760171 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells respond to soluble and membrane-bound factors to activate signalling cascades that control cell proliferation and cell death. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a soluble ligand that modulates a variety of cellular responses including cell proliferation and apoptosis. It is not well understood how VEGF-A signalling pathways regulate cell proliferation and cell death. To address this, we examined VEGF-A-regulated signalling pathways in the cytosol and nucleus and functional requirement for such cellular responses. The VEGF-A-regulated transcription factor, ATF-2, is required for cell cycle proteins such as p53, p21 and Cyclin D1. A cytosolic serine/threonine protein kinase (Tpl2) modulates ATF-2-regulated effects on the endothelial cell cycle. Such regulatory effects impact on endothelial cell proliferation, cell viability and apoptosis. These cellular effects influence complex cell-based organisation such as endothelial tubulogenesis. Our study now provides a framework for incorporating VEGF-A-stimulated signalling events from the cytosol to the nucleus which helps to understand how cell proliferation and apoptosis are controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antony M Latham
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, UK
| | | | - Adam F Odell
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, UK; School of Health Sciences, York St. John University, Lord Mayor's Walk, York, UK
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14
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Endothelial Ca 2+ Signaling, Angiogenesis and Vasculogenesis: just What It Takes to Make a Blood Vessel. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20163962. [PMID: 31416282 PMCID: PMC6721072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It has long been known that endothelial Ca2+ signals drive angiogenesis by recruiting multiple Ca2+-sensitive decoders in response to pro-angiogenic cues, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, stromal derived factor-1α and angiopoietins. Recently, it was shown that intracellular Ca2+ signaling also drives vasculogenesis by stimulation proliferation, tube formation and neovessel formation in endothelial progenitor cells. Herein, we survey how growth factors, chemokines and angiogenic modulators use endothelial Ca2+ signaling to regulate angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. The endothelial Ca2+ response to pro-angiogenic cues may adopt different waveforms, ranging from Ca2+ transients or biphasic Ca2+ signals to repetitive Ca2+ oscillations, and is mainly driven by endogenous Ca2+ release through inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors and by store-operated Ca2+ entry through Orai1 channels. Lysosomal Ca2+ release through nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate-gated two-pore channels is, however, emerging as a crucial pro-angiogenic pathway, which sustains intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Understanding how endothelial Ca2+ signaling regulates angiogenesis and vasculogenesis could shed light on alternative strategies to induce therapeutic angiogenesis or interfere with the aberrant vascularization featuring cancer and intraocular disorders.
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15
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Fearnley GW, Abdul-Zani I, Latham AM, Hollstein MC, Ladbury JE, Wheatcroft SB, Odell AF, Ponnambalam S. Tpl2 is required for VEGF-A-stimulated signal transduction and endothelial cell function. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio.034215. [PMID: 31072823 PMCID: PMC6550078 DOI: 10.1242/bio.034215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
New blood vessel sprouting (angiogenesis) and vascular physiology are fundamental features of metazoan species but we do not fully understand how signal transduction pathways regulate diverse vascular responses. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family bind membrane-bound receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFRs), which trigger multiple signal transduction pathways and diverse cellular responses. We evaluated whether the MAP3K family member and proto-oncoprotein Tpl2 (MAP3K8) regulates basal and VEGF-A-stimulated signal transduction in endothelial cells. Notably, stimulation with exogenous VEGF-A increased Tpl2 mRNA levels and consequently de novo protein synthesis. Depletion of Tpl2 levels reveals a role in both basal and VEGF-A-stimulated endothelial cell responses, including endothelial-leukocyte interactions, monolayer permeability and new blood vessel formation. Under basal conditions, Tpl2 modulates a signal transduction cascade resulting in phosphorylation of a nuclear transcription factor (ATF-2) and altered endothelial gene expression, a pathway previously identified as crucial in VEGF-dependent vascular responses. Loss of Tpl2 expression or activity impairs signal transduction through Akt, eNOS and ATF-2, broadly impacting on endothelial function. Our study now provides a mechanism for Tpl2 as a central component of signal transduction pathways in the endothelium. Summary: Our study shows that the growth factor VEGF-A stimulates synthesis in endothelial cells of a proto-oncoprotein and protein kinase, Tpl2, and this is required for signal transduction and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth W Fearnley
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Izma Abdul-Zani
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Antony M Latham
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Monica C Hollstein
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - John E Ladbury
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Stephen B Wheatcroft
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Adam F Odell
- Leeds Institute for Medical Research at St. James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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16
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Modulation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Activity through Alternative Splicing of Ligands and Receptors in the VEGF-A/VEGFR Axis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8040288. [PMID: 30925751 PMCID: PMC6523102 DOI: 10.3390/cells8040288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) signaling is essential for physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Alternative splicing of the VEGF-A pre-mRNA gives rise to a pro-angiogenic family of isoforms with a differing number of amino acids (VEGF-Axxxa), as well as a family of isoforms with anti-angiogenic properties (VEGF-Axxxb). The biological functions of VEGF-A proteins are mediated by a family of cognate protein tyrosine kinase receptors, known as the VEGF receptors (VEGFRs). VEGF-A binds to both VEGFR-1, largely suggested to function as a decoy receptor, and VEGFR-2, the predominant signaling receptor. Both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 can also be alternatively spliced to generate soluble isoforms (sVEGFR-1/sVEGFR-2). The disruption of the splicing of just one of these genes can result in changes to the entire VEGF-A/VEGFR signaling axis, such as the increase in VEGF-A165a relative to VEGF-A165b resulting in increased VEGFR-2 signaling and aberrant angiogenesis in cancer. Research into this signaling axis has recently focused on manipulating the splicing of these genes as a potential therapeutic avenue in disease. Therefore, further research into understanding the mechanisms by which the splicing of VEGF-A/VEGFR-1/VEGFR-2 is regulated will help in the development of drugs aimed at manipulating splicing or inhibiting specific splice isoforms in a therapeutic manner.
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17
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Ren X, Akimoto J, Miyatake H, Tada S, Zhu L, Mao H, Isoshima T, Müller S, Kim SM, Zhou Y, Ito Y. Cell migration and growth induced by photo-immobilised vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms. J Mater Chem B 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/c9tb00407f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
VEGF isoforms immobilised by photo-reactive gelatin (AzPhe-gelatin) enhance cell migration and proliferation.
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18
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Cho HD, Moon KD, Park KH, Lee YS, Seo KI. Effects of auriculasin on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenesis via regulation of VEGF receptor 2 signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 121:612-621. [PMID: 30236598 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays an important role in various pathological conditions such as cancer via excessive delivery of oxygen and nutrients. Recent studies have demonstrated that understanding the molecular basis of natural agents in angiogenesis is critical for the development of promising cancer therapeutics. In this study, auriculasin, an active component from Flemingia philippinensis, was found to exert strong anti-angiogenesis activity. Treatment with auriculasin suppressed proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by modulating expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Further, auriculasin inhibited VEGF-induced chemotactic migration, invasion, and capillary-like structure formation of endothelial cells. In addition, auriculasin abrogated VEGF-induced vascular network formation around rat aortic rings as well as blocked accumulation of hemoglobin, endothelial cells and VEGF in the Matrigel plug of C57BL/6 mice. The inhibitory effect of auriculasin on angiogenesis was well correlated with inhibition of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) activation as well as phosphorylation of intracellular downstream protein kinases of VEGFR2 containing Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), p-38, extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), and Src. Taken together, this study reports that auriculasin potently inhibits angiogenesis by modulating VEGFR2-related signaling pathways, which further validates its great potential in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Dong Cho
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Deog Moon
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hun Park
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 plus), Institute of Agriculture and Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Suk Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Il Seo
- Department of Biotechnology, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Peach CJ, Mignone VW, Arruda MA, Alcobia DC, Hill SJ, Kilpatrick LE, Woolard J. Molecular Pharmacology of VEGF-A Isoforms: Binding and Signalling at VEGFR2. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1264. [PMID: 29690653 PMCID: PMC5979509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is a key mediator of angiogenesis, signalling via the class IV tyrosine kinase receptor family of VEGF Receptors (VEGFRs). Although VEGF-A ligands bind to both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, they primarily signal via VEGFR2 leading to endothelial cell proliferation, survival, migration and vascular permeability. Distinct VEGF-A isoforms result from alternative splicing of the Vegfa gene at exon 8, resulting in VEGFxxxa or VEGFxxxb isoforms. Alternative splicing events at exons 5⁻7, in addition to recently identified posttranslational read-through events, produce VEGF-A isoforms that differ in their bioavailability and interaction with the co-receptor Neuropilin-1. This review explores the molecular pharmacology of VEGF-A isoforms at VEGFR2 in respect to ligand binding and downstream signalling. To understand how VEGF-A isoforms have distinct signalling despite similar affinities for VEGFR2, this review re-evaluates the typical classification of these isoforms relative to the prototypical, “pro-angiogenic” VEGF165a. We also examine the molecular mechanisms underpinning the regulation of VEGF-A isoform signalling and the importance of interactions with other membrane and extracellular matrix proteins. As approved therapeutics targeting the VEGF-A/VEGFR signalling axis largely lack long-term efficacy, understanding these isoform-specific mechanisms could aid future drug discovery efforts targeting VEGF receptor pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J Peach
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Viviane W Mignone
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
- CAPES-University of Nottingham Programme in Drug Discovery, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Maria Augusta Arruda
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
- CAPES-University of Nottingham Programme in Drug Discovery, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Diana C Alcobia
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Laura E Kilpatrick
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Jeanette Woolard
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
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20
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The Different Effects of VEGFA121 and VEGFA165 on Regulating Angiogenesis Depend on Phosphorylation Sites of VEGFR2. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2017; 23:603-616. [PMID: 28296822 DOI: 10.1097/mib.0000000000001055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The effects of VEGFA isoforms on the vascular permeability and structure are still unclear. In this study, we found that VEGFA121 and VEGFA165, 2 isoforms of VEGFA, exerted the opposing effects of antiangiogenesis and proangiogenesis on regulating vascular endothelia cells proliferation and tube formation. The 2 isoforms affected the protein expression of Ras-related protein 1-GTPase-activating protein 1 (Rap1GAP) and thrombospondin 1, 2 important signal molecules of Rap1GAP/thrombospondin 1 signal pathway in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells by regulating 2 different phosphorylating sites of VEGFR2, Tyr(1175) and Tyr(1214). We also found that VEGFA121 and VEGFA165 regulating angiogenesis was related to their regulating VEGFR2 and Rap1GAP/thrombospondin 1 signal pathway with the technology of RNA intervening the gene expression of VEGFR2 and Rap1GAP. Meanwhile, 2 inhibitors of VEGFR2, cabozantinib malate and ZM 323881 HCl (ZM), were used to investigate the relationship among VEGFA(121 and 165), VEGFR2, and angiogenesis. It was demonstrated that cabozantinib malate blocked VEGFA121 and VEGFA165 binding to VEGFR2 and inhibited angiogenesis by specifically binding to VEGFR2 rather than changing VEGFR2 phosphorylation or regulating the expression of VEGFR2. However, ZM antagonized the effect of VEGFA on angiogenesis by specifically reversing the phosphorylation induced by VEGFA121 and VEGFA165. The experiments in vivo also demonstrated that obvious abnormality of VEGFA121 and VEGFA165 presented in the serum of ulcerative colitis (UC) rats compared with that of the normal rats. ZM could promote the repairation of the injuries of the vessels and tissues of colonic mucosa of UC rats and caused mild inflammation in colonic mucosa of normal rats. On the contrary, cabozantinib malate caused injury of vessels and inflammation in the colonic mucosa of normal rats and aggravated the injuries of the vessels and inflammation in the colonic mucosa of UC rats. Hence, our data indicated that the activation of different phosphorylation sites of VEGFR2 leaded to VEGFA121 and VEGFA165 exerting opposing effects on angiogenesis, and it might be an underlying pathogenesis of UC and a potential target for UC treatment.
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21
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Zhuo Y, Zeng Q, Zhang P, Li G, Xie Q, Cheng Y. VEGF Promoter Polymorphism Confers an Increased Risk of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in a Chinese Population. Yonsei Med J 2017; 58:305-311. [PMID: 28120560 PMCID: PMC5290009 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2017.58.2.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence on the contribution of genes to the hereditary predisposition to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we hypothesized that single nucleotide variants in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene may alter gene function and expression and may be associated with PAH risk. Five putatively functional loci (rs699947C>A and rs833061T>C in the promoter, rs3025040C>T, rs10434G>A and rs3025053G>A in the 3'-UTR) in the VEGF gene were genotyped and analyzed in a retrospective study of 587 patients with PAH and 736 healthy subjects from southern China. RESULTS We found that the rs833061T>C polymorphism was significantly associated with PAH risk, while the other single nucleotide polymorphisms were not. Compared to carriers with TT genotype, those with rs833061C variant genotype (CT/CC) had an increased risk of PAH (odds ratio=1.47, 95% confidence interval=1.18-1.83, p=0.001). Functional assays indicated that CT/CC variant genotype had significantly higher mRNA levels of VEGF in peripheral blood mononuclear cells than TT genotype (p=0.021). Luciferase reporter assay indicated that having a C allele conferred a significantly higher transcription activity than that with a T allele. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the functional polymorphism rs833061T>C in VEGF gene promoter modulates VEGF expression and may be a valuable biomarker for predicting PAH susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Zhuo
- Department of Cardiology, Panyu Hexian Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qingchun Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Panyu Hexian Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoyang Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Panyu Hexian Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Xie
- Department of Cardiology, Panyu Hexian Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Panyu Hexian Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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22
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Fearnley GW, Smith GA, Abdul-Zani I, Yuldasheva N, Mughal NA, Homer-Vanniasinkam S, Kearney MT, Zachary IC, Tomlinson DC, Harrison MA, Wheatcroft SB, Ponnambalam S. VEGF-A isoforms program differential VEGFR2 signal transduction, trafficking and proteolysis. Biol Open 2016; 5:571-83. [PMID: 27044325 PMCID: PMC4874356 DOI: 10.1242/bio.017434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) binding to the receptor tyrosine kinase VEGFR2 triggers multiple signal transduction pathways, which regulate endothelial cell responses that control vascular development. Multiple isoforms of VEGF-A can elicit differential signal transduction and endothelial responses. However, it is unclear how such cellular responses are controlled by isoform-specific VEGF-A-VEGFR2 complexes. Increasingly, there is the realization that the membrane trafficking of receptor-ligand complexes influences signal transduction and protein turnover. By building on these concepts, our study shows for the first time that three different VEGF-A isoforms (VEGF-A165, VEGF-A121 and VEGF-A145) promote distinct patterns of VEGFR2 endocytosis for delivery into early endosomes. This differential VEGFR2 endocytosis and trafficking is linked to VEGF-A isoform-specific signal transduction events. Disruption of clathrin-dependent endocytosis blocked VEGF-A isoform-specific VEGFR2 activation, signal transduction and caused substantial depletion in membrane-bound VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 levels. Furthermore, such VEGF-A isoforms promoted differential patterns of VEGFR2 ubiquitylation, proteolysis and terminal degradation. Our study now provides novel insights into how different VEGF-A isoforms can bind the same receptor tyrosine kinase and elicit diverse cellular outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth W Fearnley
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Gina A Smith
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Izma Abdul-Zani
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nadira Yuldasheva
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular Metabolism and Medicine, LIGHT Laboratories, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nadeem A Mughal
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | - Mark T Kearney
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular Metabolism and Medicine, LIGHT Laboratories, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Ian C Zachary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Darren C Tomlinson
- Biomedical Health Research Centre, Astbury Building, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | - Stephen B Wheatcroft
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular Metabolism and Medicine, LIGHT Laboratories, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Sreenivasan Ponnambalam
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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23
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Martial S. Involvement of ion channels and transporters in carcinoma angiogenesis and metastasis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2016; 310:C710-27. [PMID: 26791487 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00218.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a finely tuned process, which is the result of the equilibrium between pro- and antiangiogenic factors. In solid tumor angiogenesis, the balance is highly in favor of the production of new, but poorly functional blood vessels, initially intended to provide growing tumors with nutrients and oxygen. Among the numerous proteins involved in tumor development, several types of ion channels are overexpressed in tumor cells, as well as in stromal and endothelial cells. Ion channels thus actively participate in the different hallmarks of cancer, especially in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Indeed, from their strategic localization in the plasma membrane, ion channels are key operators of cell signaling, as they sense and respond to environmental changes. This review aims to decipher how ion channels of different families are intricately involved in the fundamental angiogenesis and metastasis hallmarks, which lead from a nascent tumor to systemic dissemination. An overview of the possible use of ion channels as therapeutic targets will also be given, showing that ion channel inhibitors or specific antibodies may provide effective tools, in the near future, in the treatment of carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Martial
- Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer et le Vieillissement, CNRS UMR 7284, Inserm U1081, Université Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
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