1
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Rademakers T, Manca M, Jin H, Orban T, Perisic LM, Frissen HJM, Rühle F, Hautvast P, van Rijssel J, van Kuijk K, Mees BME, Peutz-Kootstra CJ, Heeneman S, Daemen MJAP, Pasterkamp G, Stoll M, van Zandvoort MAMJ, Hedin U, Dequiedt F, van Buul JD, Sluimer JC, Biessen EAL. Human atherosclerotic plaque transcriptomics reveals endothelial beta-2 spectrin as a potential regulator a leaky plaque microvasculature phenotype. Angiogenesis 2024; 27:461-474. [PMID: 38780883 PMCID: PMC11303431 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09921-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The presence of atherosclerotic plaque vessels is a critical factor in plaque destabilization. This may be attributable to the leaky phenotype of these microvessels, although direct proof for this notion is lacking. In this study, we investigated molecular and cellular patterns of stable and hemorrhaged human plaque to identify novel drivers of intraplaque vessel dysfunction. From transcriptome data of a human atherosclerotic lesion cohort, we reconstructed a co-expression network, identifying a gene module strongly and selectively correlated with both plaque microvascular density and inflammation. Spectrin Beta Non-Erythrocytic 1 (sptbn1) was identified as one of the central hubs of this module (along with zeb1 and dock1) and was selected for further study based on its predominant endothelial expression. Silencing of sptbn1 enhanced leukocyte transmigration and vascular permeability in vitro, characterized by an increased number of focal adhesions and reduced junctional VE-cadherin. In vivo, sptbn1 knockdown in zebrafish impaired the development of the caudal vein plexus. Mechanistically, increased substrate stiffness was associated with sptbn1 downregulation in endothelial cells in vitro and in human vessels. Plaque SPTBN1 mRNA and protein expression were found to correlate with an enhanced presence of intraplaque hemorrhage and future cardiovascular disease (CVD) events during follow-up. In conclusion, we identify SPTBN1 as a central hub gene in a gene program correlating with plaque vascularisation. SPTBN1 was regulated by substrate stiffness in vitro while silencing blocked vascular development in vivo, and compromised barrier function in vitro. Together, SPTBN1 is identified as a new potential regulator of the leaky phenotype of atherosclerotic plaque microvessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Rademakers
- Department of Pathology, Experimental Vascular Pathology Group, Maastricht University, PO box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Plasma Proteins, Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Manca
- Department of Pathology, Experimental Vascular Pathology Group, Maastricht University, PO box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Han Jin
- Department of Pathology, Experimental Vascular Pathology Group, Maastricht University, PO box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tanguy Orban
- Laboratory of Protein Signaling and Interactions, GIGA, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ljubica Matic Perisic
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hubertus J M Frissen
- Department of Pathology, Experimental Vascular Pathology Group, Maastricht University, PO box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Rühle
- Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Petra Hautvast
- Department of Pathology, Experimental Vascular Pathology Group, Maastricht University, PO box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos van Rijssel
- Department of Plasma Proteins, Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kim van Kuijk
- Department of Pathology, Experimental Vascular Pathology Group, Maastricht University, PO box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Barend M E Mees
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Carine J Peutz-Kootstra
- Department of Pathology, Experimental Vascular Pathology Group, Maastricht University, PO box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvia Heeneman
- Department of Pathology, Experimental Vascular Pathology Group, Maastricht University, PO box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mat J A P Daemen
- Department of Pathology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Monika Stoll
- Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Maastricht Center for Systems Biology (MaCSBio, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc A M J van Zandvoort
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ulf Hedin
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Franck Dequiedt
- Laboratory of Protein Signaling and Interactions, GIGA, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jaap D van Buul
- Department of Plasma Proteins, Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith C Sluimer
- Department of Pathology, Experimental Vascular Pathology Group, Maastricht University, PO box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department for Renal and Hypertensive, Rheumatological and Immunological Diseases (Medical Clinic II), RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Erik A L Biessen
- Department of Pathology, Experimental Vascular Pathology Group, Maastricht University, PO box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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2
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Katsi V, Magkas N, Antonopoulos A, Trantalis G, Toutouzas K, Tousoulis D. Aortic valve: anatomy and structure and the role of vasculature in the degenerative process. Acta Cardiol 2021; 76:335-348. [PMID: 32602774 DOI: 10.1080/00015385.2020.1746053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Aortic valve stenosis is a degenerative disease affecting increasing number of individuals and characterised by thickening, calcification and fibrosis of the valve resulting in restricted valve motion. Degeneration of the aortic valve is no longer considered a passive deposition of calcium, but an active process that involves certain mechanisms, that is endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, increased oxidative stress, calcification, bone formation, lipid deposition, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling and neoangiogenesis. Accumulating evidence indicates an important role for neoangiogenesis (i.e. formation of new vessels) in the pathogenesis of aortic valve stenosis. The normal aortic valve is generally an avascular tissue supplied with oxygen and nutrients via diffusion from the circulating blood. In contrast, presence of intrinsic micro-vasculature has been demonstrated in stenotic and calcified valves. Importantly, presence and density of neovessels have been associated with inflammation, calcification and bone formation. It remains unclear whether neoangiogenesis is a compensatory mechanism aiming to counteract hypoxia and increased metabolic demands of the thickened tissue or represents an active contributor to disease progression. Data extracted mainly from animal studies are supportive of a direct detrimental effect of neoangiogenesis, however, robust evidence from human studies is lacking. Thus, there is inadequate knowledge to assess whether neoangiogenesis could serve as a future therapeutic target for a disease that no effective medical therapy exists. In this review, we present basic aspects of anatomy and structure of the normal and stenotic aortic valve and we focus on the role of valve vasculature in the natural course of valve calcification and stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Katsi
- First Department of Cardiology, ‘Hippokration’ Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Magkas
- First Department of Cardiology, ‘Hippokration’ Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexios Antonopoulos
- First Department of Cardiology, ‘Hippokration’ Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Trantalis
- First Department of Cardiology, ‘Hippokration’ Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Toutouzas
- First Department of Cardiology, ‘Hippokration’ Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tousoulis
- First Department of Cardiology, ‘Hippokration’ Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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3
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Koponen S, Kokki E, Kinnunen K, Ylä-Herttuala S. Viral-Vector-Delivered Anti-Angiogenic Therapies to the Eye. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020219. [PMID: 33562561 PMCID: PMC7915489 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological vessel growth harms vision and may finally lead to vision loss. Anti-angiogenic gene therapy with viral vectors for ocular neovascularization has shown great promise in preclinical studies. Most of the studies have been conducted with different adeno-associated serotype vectors. In addition, adeno- and lentivirus vectors have been used. Therapy has been targeted towards blocking vascular endothelial growth factors or other pro-angiogenic factors. Clinical trials of intraocular gene therapy for neovascularization have shown the treatment to be safe without severe adverse events or systemic effects. Nevertheless, clinical studies have not proceeded further than Phase 2 trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Koponen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (S.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Emmi Kokki
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (S.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Kati Kinnunen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (S.K.); (E.K.)
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +358-403-552-075
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4
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Wieczór R, Rość D, Wieczór AM, Kulwas A. VASCULAR-1 and VASCULAR-2 as a New Potential Angiogenesis and Endothelial Dysfunction Markers in Peripheral Arterial Disease. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2020; 25:1076029619877440. [PMID: 31564130 PMCID: PMC6829630 DOI: 10.1177/1076029619877440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The quotient of concentrations concerning the key proangiogenic factor, that is, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and the angiogenesis inhibitor, namely, its soluble receptors (sVEGFR-1 or sVEGFR-2), seems to reflect increased hypoxia and intensity of compensation angiogenesis. Therefore, it can be an ischemic and endothelial dysfunction marker reflected in intermittent claudication (IC) or critical limb ischemia (CLI) in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of VEGF-A/sVEGFR-1 and VEGF-A/sVEGFR-2—presented using a novelty acronym VASCULAR-1 and VASCULAR-2—in patients with IC and CLI, as well as displayed in 4 classes of severity of PAD. VASCULAR-1 and VASCULAR-2 were calculated using the plasma of venous blood sampled from 80 patients with IC (n = 65) and CLI (n = 15) and the control group (n = 30). Patients with CLI were reported to have a slightly higher index of VASCULAR-1 and double VASCULAR-2 levels as compared to patients with IC (P = nonsignificant), and these markers were significantly higher than controls (P < .01 and P < .01, respectively). VASCULAR-2 levels were observed to have an increasing tendency in the subsequent degrees of PAD severity according to the Fontaine classification (P = .02). In view of the need to consider the role of the proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factor in the assessment of the so-called “angiogenic potential,” VASCULAR-1 ratio and VASCULAR-2 ratio may be a new useful biomarker of limb ischemia in patients with IC and CLI. However, this requires further studies and evidence on a very large group of patients with PAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radosław Wieczór
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.,Dr Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Danuta Rość
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Anna Maria Wieczór
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Arleta Kulwas
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
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5
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Shahzad S, Mateen S, Hasan A, Moin S. GRACE score of myocardial infarction patients correlates with oxidative stress index, hsCRP and inflammation. Immunobiology 2019; 224:433-439. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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6
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Yuan R, Xin Q, Shi W, Liu W, Lee SM, Hoi P, Li L, Zhao J, Cong W, Chen K. Vascular endothelial growth factor gene transfer therapy for coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cardiovasc Ther 2018; 36:e12461. [PMID: 30035366 DOI: 10.1111/1755-5922.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yuan
- Graduate School; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases; Xiyuan Hospital; China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Qiqi Xin
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases; Xiyuan Hospital; China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Weili Shi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases; Xiyuan Hospital; China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Wei Liu
- Cardiovascular Department; Beijing Hospital of TCM Affiliated to the Capital Medical University; Beijing China
| | - Simon-M. Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine; Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences; University of Macau; Macao China
| | - Puiman Hoi
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine; Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences; University of Macau; Macao China
| | - Lin Li
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases; Xuanwu Hospital; Capital Medical University; Beijing China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department; The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University; Qingdao China
| | - Weihong Cong
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases; Xiyuan Hospital; China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Keji Chen
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases; Xiyuan Hospital; China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences; Beijing China
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7
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VEGFR Recognition Interface of a Proangiogenic VEGF-Mimetic Peptide Determined In Vitro and in the Presence of Endothelial Cells by NMR Spectroscopy. Chemistry 2018; 24:11461-11466. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201802117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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8
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Capasso D, Di Gaetano S, Celentano V, Diana D, Festa L, Di Stasi R, De Rosa L, Fattorusso R, D'Andrea LD. Unveiling a VEGF-mimetic peptide sequence in the IQGAP1 protein. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2018; 13:1619-1629. [PMID: 28685787 DOI: 10.1039/c7mb00190h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The ability to modulate angiogenesis by chemical tools has several important applications in different scientific fields. With the perspective of finding novel proangiogenic molecules, we searched peptide sequences with a chemical profile similar to that of the QK peptide, a well described VEGF mimetic peptide. We found that residues 1617-1627 of the IQGAP1 protein show molecular features similar to those of the QK peptide sequence. The IQGAP1-derived synthetic peptide was analyzed by NMR spectroscopy and its biological activity was characterized in endothelial cells. These studies showed that this IQGAP1-derived peptide has a biological activity similar to that of VEGF and could be considered as a novel tool for reparative angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenica Capasso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sonia Di Gaetano
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, Napoli, 80134, Italy.
| | - Veronica Celentano
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, Napoli, 80134, Italy.
| | - Donatella Diana
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, Napoli, 80134, Italy.
| | - Luisa Festa
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, Napoli, 80134, Italy.
| | - Rossella Di Stasi
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, Napoli, 80134, Italy.
| | - Lucia De Rosa
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, Napoli, 80134, Italy.
| | - Roberto Fattorusso
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Luca D D'Andrea
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, Napoli, 80134, Italy.
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9
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Naumenko N, Huusko J, Tuomainen T, Koivumäki JT, Merentie M, Gurzeler E, Alitalo K, Kivelä R, Ylä-Herttuala S, Tavi P. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-B Induces a Distinct Electrophysiological Phenotype in Mouse Heart. Front Physiol 2017; 8:373. [PMID: 28620319 PMCID: PMC5450225 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) is a potent mediator of vascular, metabolic, growth, and stress responses in the heart, but the effects on cardiac muscle and cardiomyocyte function are not known. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of VEGF-B on the energy metabolism, contractile, and electrophysiological properties of mouse cardiac muscle and cardiac muscle cells. In vivo and ex vivo analysis of cardiac-specific VEGF-B TG mice indicated that the contractile function of the TG hearts was normal. Neither the oxidative metabolism of isolated TG cardiomyocytes nor their energy substrate preference showed any difference to WT cardiomyocytes. Similarly, myocyte Ca2+ signaling showed only minor changes compared to WT myocytes. However, VEGF-B overexpression induced a distinct electrophysiological phenotype characterized by ECG changes such as an increase in QRSp time and decreases in S and R amplitudes. At the level of isolated TG cardiomyocytes, these changes were accompanied with decreased action potential upstroke velocity and increased duration (APD60–70). These changes were partly caused by downregulation of sodium current (INa) due to reduced expression of Nav1.5. Furthermore, TG myocytes had alterations in voltage-gated K+ currents, namely decreased density of transient outward current (Ito) and total K+ current (Ipeak). At the level of transcription, these were accompanied by downregulation of Kv channel-interacting protein 2 (Kcnip2), a known modulatory subunit for Kv4.2/3 channel. Cardiac VEGF-B overexpression induces a distinct electrophysiological phenotype including remodeling of cardiomyocyte ion currents, which in turn induce changes in action potential waveform and ECG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Naumenko
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
| | - Jenni Huusko
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
| | - Tomi Tuomainen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
| | - Jussi T Koivumäki
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
| | - Mari Merentie
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
| | - Erika Gurzeler
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Kivelä
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland.,Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University HospitalKuopio, Finland
| | - Pasi Tavi
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
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10
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Cui S, Li W, Lv X, Wang P, Gao Y, Huang G. Folic Acid Supplementation Delays Atherosclerotic Lesion Development by Modulating MCP1 and VEGF DNA Methylation Levels In Vivo and In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18050990. [PMID: 28475147 PMCID: PMC5454903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18050990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has been partly acknowledged to result from aberrant epigenetic mechanisms. Accordingly, low folate levels are considered to be a contributing factor to promoting vascular disease because of deregulation of DNA methylation. We hypothesized that increasing the levels of folic acid may act via an epigenetic gene silencing mechanism to ameliorate atherosclerosis. Here, we investigated the atheroprotective effects of folic acid and the resultant methylation status in high-fat diet-fed ApoE knockout mice and in oxidized low-density lipoprotein-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We analyzed atherosclerotic lesion histology, folate concentration, homocysteine concentration, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), and DNA methyltransferase activity, as well as monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and promoter methylation. Folic acid reduced atherosclerotic lesion size in ApoE knockout mice. The underlying folic acid protective mechanism appears to operate through regulating the normal homocysteine state, upregulating the SAM: SAH ratio, elevating DNA methyltransferase activity and expression, altering MCP1 and VEGF promoter methylation, and inhibiting MCP1 and VEGF expression. We conclude that folic acid supplementation effectively prevented atherosclerosis by modifying DNA methylation through the methionine cycle, improving DNA methyltransferase activity and expression, and thus changing the expression of atherosclerosis-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Cui
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Xin Lv
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Pengyan Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Yuxia Gao
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China.
| | - Guowei Huang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China.
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11
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Konta A, Ozaki K, Sakata Y, Takahashi A, Morizono T, Suna S, Onouchi Y, Tsunoda T, Kubo M, Komuro I, Eishi Y, Tanaka T. A functional SNP in FLT1 increases risk of coronary artery disease in a Japanese population. J Hum Genet 2016; 61:435-41. [PMID: 26791355 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2015.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) including myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death in many countries. Similar to other common diseases, its pathogenesis is thought to result from complex interactions among multiple genetic and environmental factors. Recent large-scale genetic association analysis for CAD identified 15 new loci. We examined the reproducibility of these previous association findings with 7990 cases and 6582 controls in a Japanese population. We found a convincing association of rs9319428 in FLT1, encoding fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (P=5.98 × 10(-8)). Fine mapping using tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at FLT1 locus revealed that another SNP (rs74412485) showed more profound genetic effect for CAD (P=2.85 × 10(-12)). The SNP, located in intron 1 in FLT1, enhanced the transcriptional level of FLT1. RNA interference experiment against FLT1 showed that the suppression of FLT1 resulted in decreased expression of inflammatory adhesion molecules. Expression of FLT1 was observed in endothelial cells of human coronary artery. Our results indicate that the genetically coded increased expression of FLT1 by a functional SNP implicates activation in an inflammatory cascade that might eventually lead to CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Konta
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.,Department of Human Pathology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouichi Ozaki
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Sakata
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takahashi
- Laboratory for Statistical Analysis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takashi Morizono
- Laboratory for Medical Science Mathematics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Suna
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Onouchi
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Tsunoda
- Laboratory for Medical Science Mathematics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.,Department of Medical Science Mathematics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michiaki Kubo
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Issei Komuro
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Eishi
- Department of Human Pathology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Tanaka
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.,Department of Human Genetics and Disease Diversity, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo, Japan.,Bioresourse Research Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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van Hinsbergh VWM, Eringa EC, Daemen MJAP. Neovascularization of the atherosclerotic plaque: interplay between atherosclerotic lesion, adventitia-derived microvessels and perivascular fat. Curr Opin Lipidol 2015; 26:405-11. [PMID: 26241102 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neovascularization is a prominent feature in advanced human atherosclerotic plaques. This review surveys recent evidence for and remaining uncertainties regarding a role of neovascularization in atherosclerotic plaque progression. Specific emphasis is given to hypoxia, angiogenesis inhibition, and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). RECENT FINDINGS Immunohistochemical and imaging studies showed a strong association between hypoxia, inflammation and neovascularization, and the progression of the atherosclerotic plaque both in humans and mice. Whereas in humans, a profound invasion of microvessels from the adventitia into the plaque occurs, neovascularization in mice is found mainly (peri)adventitially. Influencing neovascularization in mice affected plaque progression, possibly by improving vessel perfusion, but supportive clinical data are not available. Whereas plaque neovascularization contributes to monocyte/macrophage accumulation in the plaque, lymphangiogenesis may facilitate egress of cells and waste products. A specific role for PVAT and its secreted factors is anticipated and wait further clinical evaluation. SUMMARY Hypoxia, inflammation, and plaque neovascularization are associated with plaque progression as underpinned by recent imaging data in humans. Recent studies provide new insights into modulation of adventitia-associated angiogenesis, PVAT, and plaque development in mice, but there is still a need for detailed information on modulating human plaque vascularization in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor W M van Hinsbergh
- aLaboratory for Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center bDepartment of Pathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Chu LH, Vijay CG, Annex BH, Bader JS, Popel AS. PADPIN: protein-protein interaction networks of angiogenesis, arteriogenesis, and inflammation in peripheral arterial disease. Physiol Genomics 2015; 47:331-43. [PMID: 26058837 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00125.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) results from an obstruction of blood flow in the arteries other than the heart, most commonly the arteries that supply the legs. The complexity of the known signaling pathways involved in PAD, including various growth factor pathways and their cross talks, suggests that analyses of high-throughput experimental data could lead to a new level of understanding of the disease as well as novel and heretofore unanticipated potential targets. Such bioinformatic analyses have not been systematically performed for PAD. We constructed global protein-protein interaction networks of angiogenesis (Angiome), immune response (Immunome), and arteriogenesis (Arteriome) using our previously developed algorithm GeneHits. The term "PADPIN" refers to the angiome, immunome, and arteriome in PAD. Here we analyze four microarray gene expression datasets from ischemic and nonischemic gastrocnemius muscles at day 3 posthindlimb ischemia (HLI) in two genetically different C57BL/6 and BALB/c mouse strains that display differential susceptibility to HLI to identify potential targets and signaling pathways in angiogenesis, immune, and arteriogenesis networks. We hypothesize that identification of the differentially expressed genes in ischemic and nonischemic muscles between the strains that recovers better (C57BL/6) vs. the strain that recovers more poorly (BALB/c) will help for the prediction of target genes in PAD. Our bioinformatics analysis identified several genes that are differentially expressed between the two mouse strains with known functions in PAD including TLR4, THBS1, and PRKAA2 and several genes with unknown functions in PAD including EphA4, TSPAN7, SLC22A4, and EIF2a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Hui Chu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland;
| | - Chaitanya G Vijay
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
| | - Brian H Annex
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
| | - Joel S Bader
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; High-Throughput Biology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Laham-Karam N, Lalli M, Leinonen N, Ylä-Herttuala S. Differential Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors by Promoter-targeted shRNAs. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2015; 4:e243. [PMID: 25988242 PMCID: PMC4560792 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2015.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGF-R) are central regulators of vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. They contribute to many vascular-related pathologies, and hence VEGF-targeted therapies have been widely sought after. In this study, the authors investigated the ability of promoter-targeted small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) to regulate VEGF-A, VEGF-C and VEGF-R1 in different cell lines. The authors identified shRNAs that can upregulate hVEGF-C at both the mRNA and protein levels, and differentially regulate hVEGF-A depending on the cell type. Likewise, the authors identified shRNA that downregulated VEGF-R1 gene expression. Hence, promoter-targeted shRNAs can affect endogenous gene expression not only bimodally, but also differentially in a cell-type specific manner. Importantly, all three genes tested were regulated by at least one shRNA, supporting the idea that nuclear RNA interference is a widespread phenomenon. The level of regulation across the panel of shRNAs varied maximally from a 2.2-fold increase to a 4-fold decrease. This level of change should be useful in fine-tuning and modulating target gene expression, which for potent molecules, such as VEGF-A and VEGF-C, can be very beneficial. These promoter-targeted shRNAs may facilitate the design and development of targeted, context-dependent strategies for both pro- and antiangiogenic therapies for the treatment of vascular-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihay Laham-Karam
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marianne Lalli
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nastasia Leinonen
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- 1] Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland [2] Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland [3] Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Yang Z, Wang C, Yang S, Hong T, Wang F, Xia L, Wang C. Endothelial progenitor cells induce transplant arteriosclerosis via VEGFR-1/2 activity. Atherosclerosis 2014; 238:26-32. [PMID: 25437886 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute rejection (AR) after organ transplantation results in transplant arteriosclerosis (TA). Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are involved in tissue repair and blood vessel formation but are suspected to be a cause of TA. METHODS In this study, we introduced a syngeneic and allogeneic abdominal aortic transplant model with C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. Syngeneic and allogeneic grafts were histopathologically analyzed after transplantation. Bone marrow-derived EPCs were injected into transplant model animals to observe their distribution and temporal concentration changes. Changes of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1), phosphorylated VEGFR-1 (pVEGFR-1), VEGFR-2, pVEGFR-2, protein kinase B (Akt), pAkt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (Erk1), pErk1 levels in EPCs upon VEGF165 and the VEGFR inhibitor Vandetanib exposure were analyzed in vitro with western blotting. RESULTS In the allogeneic transplant group, two weeks after transplantation, formations of new intima layers could be observed, and its proliferation gradually increased to four and six weeks post-transplantation (p < 0.05), accompanied by significant arterial stenoses. Exogenous EPCs mainly localized to the damaged sites of the transplant arteries. In vivo, Vandetanib caused a significant dose dependent decrease of transplant hyperplasia (p < 0.05) and inhibited VEGF related proliferation, migration and adhesion of EPCs. CONCLUSION Vandetanib treatment can reduce arteriosclerosis induced by abdominal aorta transplantation by blocking VEGFRs in EPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohua Yang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, No 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Can Wang
- Biological Product and Biochemistry Drug Division, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, No. 1500 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shouguo Yang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, No 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, No 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fangshun Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, No 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, No 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chunsheng Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, No 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
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In vitro endothelial cell proliferation assay reveals distinct levels of proangiogenic cytokines characterizing sera of healthy subjects and of patients with heart failure. Mediators Inflamm 2014; 2014:257081. [PMID: 24778466 PMCID: PMC3981563 DOI: 10.1155/2014/257081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Although myocardial angiogenesis is thought to play an important role in heart failure (HF), the involvement of circulating proinflammatory and proangiogenic cytokines in the pathogenesis and/or prognosis of HF has not been deeply investigated. By using a highly standardized proliferation assay with human endothelial cells, we first demonstrated that sera from older (mean age 52 ± 7.6 years; n = 46) healthy donors promoted endothelial cell proliferation to a significantly higher extent compared to sera obtained from younger healthy donors (mean age 29 ± 8.6 years; n = 20). The promotion of endothelial cell proliferation was accompanied by high serum levels of several proangiogenic cytokines. When we assessed endothelial cell proliferation in response to HF patients' sera, we observed that a subset of sera (n = 11) promoted cell proliferation to a significantly lesser extent compared to the majority of sera (n = 18). Also, in this case, the difference between the patient groups in the ability to induce endothelial cell proliferation correlated to significant (P < 0.05) differences in serum proangiogenic cytokine levels. Unexpectedly, HF patients associated to the highest endothelial proliferation index showed the worst prognosis as evaluated in terms of subsequent cardiovascular events in the follow-up, suggesting that high levels of circulating proangiogenic cytokines might be related to a worse prognosis.
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Jeltsch M, Leppänen VM, Saharinen P, Alitalo K. Receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated angiogenesis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2013; 5:5/9/a009183. [PMID: 24003209 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a009183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The endothelial cell is the essential cell type forming the inner layer of the vasculature. Two families of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are almost completely endothelial cell specific: the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors (VEGFR1-3) and the Tie receptors (Tie1 and Tie2). Both are key players governing the generation of blood and lymphatic vessels during embryonic development. Because the growth of new blood and lymphatic vessels (or the lack thereof) is a central element in many diseases, the VEGF and the Tie receptors provide attractive therapeutic targets in various diseases. Indeed, several drugs directed to these RTK signaling pathways are already on the market, whereas many are in clinical trials. Here we review the VEGFR and Tie families, their involvement in developmental and pathological angiogenesis, and the different possibilities for targeting them to either block or enhance angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jeltsch
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Rosàs E, Santomá P, Duran-Frigola M, Hernandez B, Llinàs MC, Ruiz-González R, Nonell S, Sánchez-García D, Edelman ER, Balcells M. Modifications of microvascular EC surface modulate phototoxicity of a porphycene anti-ICAM-1 immunoconjugate; therapeutic implications. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2013; 29:9734-9743. [PMID: 23844929 PMCID: PMC3857026 DOI: 10.1021/la401067d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation and shear stress can upregulate expression of cellular adhesion molecules in endothelial cells (EC). The modified EC surface becomes a mediating interface between the circulating blood elements and the endothelium, and grants opportunity for immunotherapy. In photodynamic therapy (PDT), immunotargeting might overcome the lack of selectivity of currently used sensitizers. In this study, we hypothesized that differential ICAM-1 expression modulates the effects of a drug targeted to surface ICAM-1. A novel porphycene-anti-ICAM-1 conjugate was synthesized and applied to treat endothelial cells from macro and microvasculature. Results show that the conjugate induces phototoxicity in inflamed, but not in healthy, microvascular EC. Conversely, macrovascular EC exhibited phototoxicity regardless of their state. These findings have two major implications; the relevance of ICAM-1 as a modulator of drug effects in microvasculature, and the potential of the porphycene bioconjugate as a promising novel PDT agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Rosàs
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering Sciences, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
- IQS School of Engineering, Univ Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, Barcelona 08017, Spain
| | - Pablo Santomá
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering Sciences, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
- IQS School of Engineering, Univ Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, Barcelona 08017, Spain
| | - Miquel Duran-Frigola
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering Sciences, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
- IQS School of Engineering, Univ Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, Barcelona 08017, Spain
| | - Bryan Hernandez
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering Sciences, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
- IQS School of Engineering, Univ Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, Barcelona 08017, Spain
| | - Maria C. Llinàs
- IQS School of Engineering, Univ Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, Barcelona 08017, Spain
| | - Rubén Ruiz-González
- IQS School of Engineering, Univ Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, Barcelona 08017, Spain
| | - Santi Nonell
- IQS School of Engineering, Univ Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, Barcelona 08017, Spain
| | - David Sánchez-García
- IQS School of Engineering, Univ Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, Barcelona 08017, Spain
| | - Elazer R. Edelman
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Mercedes Balcells
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering Sciences, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
- IQS School of Engineering, Univ Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, Barcelona 08017, Spain
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Growth factors serum levels in coronary artery disease patients scheduled for bypass surgery: perioperative dynamics and comparisons with healthy volunteers. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:985404. [PMID: 23984427 PMCID: PMC3745908 DOI: 10.1155/2013/985404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Vascular endothelial growth factors are important mediators for neovascularization of chronically ischemic adult heart, but their elevated values have also been connected with acute ischemia. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with activation of inflammatory processes. We aimed to clarify whether the latter is also accompanied with acute changes in concentrations of vascular growth factors. Methods. Concentrations of growth factors VEGF and EGF, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and a set of cytokines of 39 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) were evaluated before and after CABG. Preoperative values were compared with data of healthy volunteers. Results. In comparison with CAD patients, healthy controls had significantly higher values of VEGF (15.5 (10.05–35.3) and 119.4 (55.7–136.9) pg/mL, resp.), EGF (1.70 (1.14–3.18) and 37.3 (27.1–51.9) pg/mL, resp.), and MCP-1 (111.6 (81.75–171.9) and 156.9 (134.7–241.3) pg/mL, resp.). MCP-1, but not others, demonstrated a significant rise throughout the postoperative period. Proinflammatory interleukin-6 was significantly higher and anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IL-10 lower in patients with CAD. Conclusions. Patients with stable CAD have lower serum levels of growth factors than healthy volunteers. MCP-1, but not VEGF and EGF, becomes elevated immediately after CABG. Inflammatory status of CAD patients was drifted towards proinflammatory state.
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Monti M, Donnini S, Morbidelli L, Giachetti A, Mochly-Rosen D, Mignatti P, Ziche M. PKCε activation promotes FGF-2 exocytosis and induces endothelial cell proliferation and sprouting. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2013; 63:107-17. [PMID: 23880610 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) activation controls fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) angiogenic signaling. Here, we examined the effect of activating PKCε on FGF-2 dependent vascular growth and endothelial activation. ψεRACK, a selective PKCε agonist induces pro-angiogenic responses in endothelial cells, including formation of capillary like structures and cell growth. These effects are mediated by FGF-2 export to the cell membrane, as documented by biotinylation and immunofluorescence, and FGF-2/FGFR1 signaling activation, as attested by ERK1/2-STAT-3 phosphorylation and de novo FGF-2 synthesis. Similarly, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activates PKCε in endothelial cells, and promotes FGF-2 export and FGF-2/FGFR1 signaling activation. ψεRACK fails to elicit responses in FGF-2(-/-) endothelial cells, and in cells pretreated with methylamine (MeNH2), an exocytosis inhibitor, indicating that both intracellular FGF-2 and its export toward the membrane are required for the ψεRACK activity. In vivo ψεRACK does not induce angiogenesis in the rabbit cornea. However, ψεRACK promotes VEGF angiogenic responses, an effect sustained by endothelial FGF-2 release and synthesis, since anti-FGF-2 antibody strongly attenuates VEGF responses. The results demonstrate that PKCε stimulation promotes angiogenesis and modulates VEGF activity, by inducing FGF-2 release and autocrine signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Monti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Myllyharju J. Prolyl 4-hydroxylases, master regulators of the hypoxia response. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2013; 208:148-65. [PMID: 23489300 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A decrease in oxygenation is a life-threatening situation for most organisms. An evolutionarily conserved efficient and rapid hypoxia response mechanism activated by a hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF) is present in animals ranging from the simplest multicellular phylum Placozoa to humans. In humans, HIF induces the expression of more than 100 genes that are required to increase oxygen delivery and to reduce oxygen consumption. As its name indicates HIF is found at protein level only in hypoxic cells, whereas in normoxia, it is degraded by the proteasome pathway. Prolyl 4-hydroxylases, enzymes that require oxygen in their reaction, are the cellular oxygen sensors regulating the stability of HIF. In normoxia, 4-hydroxyproline residues formed in the α-subunit of HIF by these enzymes lead to its ubiquitination by the von Hippel-Lindau E3 ubiquitin ligase and immediate destruction in proteasomes thus preventing the formation of a functional HIF αβ dimer. Prolyl 4-hydroxylation is inhibited in hypoxia, facilitating the formation of the HIF dimer and activation of its target genes, such as those for erythropoietin and vascular endothelial growth factor. This review starts with a summary of the molecular and catalytic properties and individual functions of the four HIF prolyl 4-hydroxylase isoenzymes. Induction of the hypoxia response via inhibition of the HIF prolyl 4-hydroxylases may provide a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of hypoxia-associated diseases. The current status of studies aiming at such therapeutic approaches is introduced in the final part of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Myllyharju
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research; Biocenter Oulu and Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; University of Oulu; Oulu; Finland
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Pediatr 2012; 24:770-9. [PMID: 23146873 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0b013e32835af8de] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Hag AMF, Pedersen SF, Christoffersen C, Binderup T, Jensen MM, Jørgensen JT, Skovgaard D, Ripa RS, Kjaer A. (18)F-FDG PET imaging of murine atherosclerosis: association with gene expression of key molecular markers. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50908. [PMID: 23226424 PMCID: PMC3511408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To study whether 18F-FDG can be used for in vivo imaging of atherogenesis by examining the correlation between 18F-FDG uptake and gene expression of key molecular markers of atherosclerosis in apoE−/− mice. Methods Nine groups of apoE−/− mice were given normal chow or high-fat diet. At different time-points, 18F-FDG PET/contrast-enhanced CT scans were performed on dedicated animal scanners. After scans, animals were euthanized, aortas removed, gamma counted, RNA extracted from the tissue, and gene expression of chemo (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, cluster of differentiation molecule (CD)-68, osteopontin (OPN), lectin-like oxidized LDL-receptor (LOX)-1, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, HIF-2α, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF), and tissue factor (TF) was measured by means of qPCR. Results The uptake of 18F-FDG increased over time in the groups of mice receiving high-fat diet measured by PET and ex vivo gamma counting. The gene expression of all examined markers of atherosclerosis correlated significantly with 18F-FDG uptake. The strongest correlation was seen with TF and CD68 (p<0.001). A multivariate analysis showed CD68, OPN, TF, and VCAM-1 to be the most important contributors to the uptake of 18F-FDG. Together they could explain 60% of the 18F-FDG uptake. Conclusion We have demonstrated that 18F-FDG can be used to follow the progression of atherosclerosis in apoE−/− mice. The gene expression of ten molecular markers representing different molecular processes important for atherosclerosis was shown to correlate with the uptake of 18F-FDG. Especially, the gene expressions of CD68, OPN, TF, and VCAM-1 were strong predictors for the uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Fisker Hag
- Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences and Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angiogenesis, for its fundamental role in cancer growth and metastasis, has become an appealing target in cancer therapy. A number of angiogenesis-related microRNAs (miRNAs) are under investigation and they can affect the cancerous phenotype of malignant cells. AREAS COVERED The authors review the recent advances in angiogenesis-related miRNAs in human colon cancer. They also envisage future developments toward potential miRNA-based applications to cancer treatment. EXPERT OPINION Angiogenesis-related miRNAs may reasonably be considered as a valuable cancer therapeutic tool. More investigations should be performed to promote therapeutic-clinical research of miRNAs in patients with colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Hong
- Fourth Military Medical University, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Shaanxi Province, China.
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De Spiegelaere W, Casteleyn C, Van den Broeck W, Plendl J, Bahramsoltani M, Simoens P, Djonov V, Cornillie P. Intussusceptive Angiogenesis: A Biologically Relevant Form of Angiogenesis. J Vasc Res 2012; 49:390-404. [DOI: 10.1159/000338278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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Arsenic modulates heme oxygenase-1, interleukin-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in endothelial cells: roles of ROS, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways. Arch Toxicol 2012; 86:879-96. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-012-0845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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