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Zhang G, Huang J, Hao S, Zhang J, Zhou N. Radix Astragalus Polysaccharide Accelerates Angiogenesis by Activating AKT/eNOS to Promote Nerve Regeneration and Functional Recovery. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:838647. [PMID: 35431954 PMCID: PMC9010722 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.838647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) results in loss of neural control and severe disabilities in patients. Promoting functional nerve recovery by accelerating angiogenesis is a promising neuroprotective treatment strategy. Here, we identified a bioactive Radix Astragalus polysaccharide (RAP) extracted from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a potent enhancer of axonal regeneration and remyelination. Notably, RAP promoted functional recovery and delayed gastrocnemius muscle atrophy in a rat model of sciatic nerve crush injury. Further, RAP treatment may induce angiogenesis in vivo. Moreover, our in vitro results showed that RAP promotes endothelial cell (EC) migration and tube formation. Altogether, our results show that RAP can enhance functional recovery by accelerating angiogenesis, which was probably related to the activation of AKT/eNOS signaling pathway, thereby providing a polysaccharide-based therapeutic strategy for PNI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geyi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinsheng Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuang Hao
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingchao Zhang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Zhou, ; Jingchao Zhang,
| | - Nan Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Zhou, ; Jingchao Zhang,
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2
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Curcuminoids Inhibit Angiogenic Behaviors of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells via Endoglin/Smad1 Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073889. [PMID: 35409247 PMCID: PMC8998963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Angiogenesis is primarily attributed to the excessive proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. Targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is therefore significant in anti-angiogenic therapy. Although these treatments have not reached clinical expectations, the upregulation of alternative angiogenic pathways (endoglin/Smad1) may play a critical role in drug (VEGF-neutralizing agents) resistance. Enhanced endoglin expression following a VEGF-neutralizing therapy (semaxanib®) was noted in patients. Treatment with an endoglin-targeting antibody augmented VEGF expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Therefore, approaches that inhibit both the androgen and VEGF pathways enhance the HUVECs cytotoxicity and reverse semaxanib resistance. The purpose of this study was to find natural-occurring compounds that inhibited the endoglin-targeting pathway. Methods: Curcuminoids targeting endoglin were recognized from two thousand compounds in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database@Taiwan (TCM Database@Taiwan) using Discovery Studio 4.5. Results: Our results, obtained using cytotoxicity, migration/invasion, and flow cytometry assays, showed that curcumin (Cur) and demethoxycurcumin (DMC) reduced angiogenesis. In addition, Cur and DMC downregulated endoglin/pSmad1 phosphorylation. Conclusions: The study first showed that Cur and DMC demonstrated antiangiogenic activity via the inhibition of endoglin/Smad1 signaling. Synergistic effects of curcuminoids (i.e., curcumin and DMC) and semaxanib on HUVECs were found. This might be attributed to endoglin/pSmad1 downregulation in HUVECs. Combination treatment with curcuminoids and a semaxanib is therefore expected to reverse semaxanib resistance.
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3
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Li L, Zhong L, Tang C, Gan L, Mo T, Na J, He J, Huang Y. CD105: tumor diagnosis, prognostic marker and future tumor therapeutic target. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1447-1458. [PMID: 35165838 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02792-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the diseases with the highest morbidity and mortality rates worldwide, and its therapeutic options are inadequate. The endothelial glycoprotein, also known as CD105, is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein located on the surface of the cell membranes and it is one of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor complexes. It regulates the responses associated with binding to transforming growth factor β1 egg (Activin-A), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), and bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7). Additionally, it is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis. This glycoprotein is indispensable in the treatment of tumor angiogenesis, and it also plays a leading role in tumor angiogenesis therapy. Therefore, CD105 is considered to be a novel therapeutic target. In this study, we explored the significance of CD105 in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of various tumors, and provided evidence for the effect and mechanism of CD105 on tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Li
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Liping Zhong
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Chao Tang
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Lu Gan
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Tong Mo
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jintong Na
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jian He
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yong Huang
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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The Dual Effect of the BMP9-ALK1 Pathway in Blood Vessels: An Opportunity for Cancer Therapy Improvement? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215412. [PMID: 34771575 PMCID: PMC8582496 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The modulation of tumor blood vessels is a great opportunity for improving cancer therapies. Understanding the cellular and molecular players that regulate the biology of tumor blood vessels and tumor angiogenesis is necessary for the development of new anti-tumor strategies. Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) is a circulating factor with multiple effects in vascular biology through its receptor activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1). In this review, we give an overview of the possible benefits of modulating BMP9–ALK1 functions for cancer therapy improvement. Abstract The improvement of cancer therapy efficacy, the extension of patient survival and the reduction of adverse side effects are major challenges in cancer research. Targeting blood vessels has been considered a promising strategy in cancer therapy. Since the tumor vasculature is disorganized, leaky and triggers immunosuppression and tumor hypoxia, several strategies have been studied to modify tumor vasculature for cancer therapy improvement. Anti-angiogenesis was first described as a mechanism to prevent the formation of new blood vessels and prevent the oxygen supply to tumor cells, showing numerous limitations. Vascular normalization using low doses of anti-angiogenic drugs was purposed to overcome the limitations of anti-angiogenic therapies. Other strategies such as vascular promotion or the induction of high endothelial venules are being studied now to improve cancer therapy. Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) exerts a dual effect through the activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) receptor in blood vessel maturation or activation phase of angiogenesis. Thus, it is an interesting pathway to target in combination with chemotherapies or immunotherapies. This review manuscript explores the effect of the BMP9–ALK1 pathway in tumor angiogenesis and the possible usefulness of targeting this pathway in anti-angiogenesis, vascular normalization or vascular promotion therapies.
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5
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Zakrzewski PK. Canonical TGFβ Signaling and Its Contribution to Endometrial Cancer Development and Progression-Underestimated Target of Anticancer Strategies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3900. [PMID: 34501347 PMCID: PMC8432036 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one of the leading gynecological cancers diagnosed among women in their menopausal and postmenopausal age. Despite the progress in molecular biology and medicine, no efficient and powerful diagnostic and prognostic marker is dedicated to endometrial carcinogenesis. The canonical TGFβ pathway is a pleiotropic signaling cascade orchestrating a variety of cellular and molecular processes, whose alterations are responsible for carcinogenesis that originates from different tissue types. This review covers the current knowledge concerning the canonical TGFβ pathway (Smad-dependent) induced by prototypical TGFβ isoforms and the involvement of pathway alterations in the development and progression of endometrial neoplastic lesions. Since Smad-dependent signalization governs opposed cellular processes, such as growth arrest, apoptosis, tumor cells growth and differentiation, as well as angiogenesis and metastasis, TGFβ cascade may act both as a tumor suppressor or tumor promoter. However, the final effect of TGFβ signaling on endometrial cancer cells depends on the cancer disease stage. The multifunctional role of the TGFβ pathway indicates the possible utilization of alterations in the TGFβ cascade as a potential target of novel anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr K Zakrzewski
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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6
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Ollauri-Ibáñez C, Ayuso-Íñigo B, Pericacho M. Hot and Cold Tumors: Is Endoglin (CD105) a Potential Target for Vessel Normalization? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1552. [PMID: 33800564 PMCID: PMC8038031 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are complex masses formed by malignant but also by normal cells. The interaction between these cells via cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and enzymes that remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) constitutes the tumor microenvironment (TME). This TME can be determinant in the prognosis and the response to some treatments such as immunotherapy. Depending on their TME, two types of tumors can be defined: hot tumors, characterized by an immunosupportive TME and a good response to immunotherapy; and cold tumors, which respond poorly to this therapy and are characterized by an immunosuppressive TME. A therapeutic strategy that has been shown to be useful for the conversion of cold tumors into hot tumors is vascular normalization. In this review we propose that endoglin (CD105) may be a useful target of this strategy since it is involved in the three main processes involved in the generation of the TME: angiogenesis, inflammation, and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) accumulation. Moreover, the analysis of endoglin expression in tumors, which is already used in the clinic to study the microvascular density and that is associated with worse prognosis, could be used to predict a patient's response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Miguel Pericacho
- Renal and Cardiovascular Research Unit, Group of Physiopathology of the Vascular Endothelium (ENDOVAS), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.O.-I.); (B.A.-Í.)
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7
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Endoglin in the Spotlight to Treat Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063186. [PMID: 33804796 PMCID: PMC8003971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A spotlight has been shone on endoglin in recent years due to that fact of its potential to serve as both a reliable disease biomarker and a therapeutic target. Indeed, endoglin has now been assigned many roles in both physiological and pathological processes. From a molecular point of view, endoglin mainly acts as a co-receptor in the canonical TGFβ pathway, but also it may be shed and released from the membrane, giving rise to the soluble form, which also plays important roles in cell signaling. In cancer, in particular, endoglin may contribute to either an oncogenic or a non-oncogenic phenotype depending on the cell context. The fact that endoglin is expressed by neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells within the tumor microenvironment suggests new possibilities for targeted therapies. Here, we aimed to review and discuss the many roles played by endoglin in different tumor types, as well as the strong evidence provided by pre-clinical and clinical studies that supports the therapeutic targeting of endoglin as a novel clinical strategy.
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8
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Liu Y, Paauwe M, Nixon AB, Hawinkels LJ. Endoglin Targeting: Lessons Learned and Questions That Remain. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010147. [PMID: 33375670 PMCID: PMC7795616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 30 years ago, endoglin was identified as a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β coreceptor with a crucial role in developmental biology and tumor angiogenesis. Its selectively high expression on tumor vessels and its correlation with poor survival in cancer patients led to the exploration of endoglin as a therapeutic target for cancer. The endoglin neutralizing antibody TRC105 (Carotuximab®, Tracon Pharmaceuticals (San Diego, CA, USA) was subsequently tested in a wide variety of preclinical cancer models before being tested in phase I-III clinical studies in cancer patients as both a monotherapy and in combination with other chemotherapeutic and anti-angiogenic therapies. The combined data of these studies have revealed new insights into the role of endoglin in angiogenesis and its expression and functional role on other cells in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we will summarize the preclinical work, clinical trials and biomarker studies of TRC105 and explore what these studies have enabled us to learn and what questions remain unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingmiao Liu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (Y.L.); (A.B.N.)
| | - Madelon Paauwe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Andrew B. Nixon
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (Y.L.); (A.B.N.)
| | - Lukas J.A.C. Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-71-526-6736
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9
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Ma Z, Wang F, Zhong Y, Salazar F, Li J, Zhang M, Ren F, Wu AM, Dai H. Cross-Link-Functionalized Nanoparticles for Rapid Excretion in Nanotheranostic Applications. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:20552-20560. [PMID: 32681553 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202008083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Most NIR-IIb fluorophores are nanoparticle-based probes with long retention (≈1 month or longer) in the body. Here, we applied a novel cross-linked coating to functionalize core/shell lead sulfide/cadmium sulfide quantum dots (PbS/CdS QDs) emitting at ≈1600 nm. The coating was comprised of an amphiphilic polymer followed by three crosslinked amphiphilic polymeric layers (P3 coating), imparting high biocompatibility and >90 % excretion of QDs within 2 weeks of intravenous administration. The P3 -QDs were conjugated to an engineered anti-CD8 diabody (Cys-diabody) for in vivo molecular imaging of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in response to anti-PD-L1 therapy. Two-plex molecular imaging in combination with down-conversion Er nanoparticles (ErNPs) was performed for real-time in vivo monitoring of PD-L1 positive tumor cells and CTLs with cellular resolution by non-invasive NIR-IIb light sheet microscopy. Imaging of angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment and of lymph nodes deep in the body with a signal-to-background ratio of up to ≈170 was also achieved using P3 -QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoran Ma
- Department of Chemistry and Bio-X, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Feifei Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Bio-X, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yeteng Zhong
- Department of Chemistry and Bio-X, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Felix Salazar
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Jiachen Li
- Department of Chemistry and Bio-X, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Mingxi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuqiang Ren
- Department of Chemistry and Bio-X, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Anna M Wu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Hongjie Dai
- Department of Chemistry and Bio-X, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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10
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Ma Z, Wang F, Zhong Y, Salazar F, Li J, Zhang M, Ren F, Wu AM, Dai H. Cross-Link-Functionalized Nanoparticles for Rapid Excretion in Nanotheranostic Applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 132:20733-20741. [PMID: 34334834 DOI: 10.1002/ange.202008083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Most NIR-IIb fluorophores are nanoparticle-based probes with long retention ( ≈ 1 month or longer) in the body. Here, we applied a novel cross-linked coating to functionalize core/shell lead sulfide/cadmium sulfide quantum dots (PbS/CdS QDs) emitting at ≈ 1600 nm. The coating was comprised of an amphiphilic polymer followed by three crosslinked amphiphilic polymeric layers (P3 coating), imparting high biocompatibility and > 90% excretion of QDs within 2 weeks of intravenous administration. The P3-QDs were conjugated to an engineered anti-CD8 diabody (Cys-diabody) for in vivo molecular imaging of CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in response to anti-PD-L1 therapy. Two-plex molecular imaging in combination with down-conversion Er nanoparticles (ErNPs) was performed for real-time in vivo monitoring of PD-L1 positive tumor cells and CTLs with cellular resolution by non-invasive NIR-IIb light sheet microscopy. Imaging of angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment and of lymph nodes deep in the body with a signal-to-background ratio of up to ≈ 170 was also achieved using P3-QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoran Ma
- Department of Chemistry and Bio-X, Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305 (USA)
| | - Feifei Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Bio-X, Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305 (USA)
| | - Yeteng Zhong
- Department of Chemistry and Bio-X, Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305 (USA)
| | - Felix Salazar
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research, Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA (USA)
| | - Jiachen Li
- Department of Chemistry and Bio-X, Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305 (USA)
| | - Mingxi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan (China)
| | - Fuqiang Ren
- Department of Chemistry and Bio-X, Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305 (USA)
| | - Anna M Wu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research, Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA (USA)
| | - Hongjie Dai
- Department of Chemistry and Bio-X, Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305 (USA)
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11
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Nogués A, Gallardo-Vara E, Zafra MP, Mate P, Marijuan JL, Alonso A, Botella LM, Prieto MI. Endoglin (CD105) and VEGF as potential angiogenic and dissemination markers for colorectal cancer. World J Surg Oncol 2020; 18:99. [PMID: 32434528 PMCID: PMC7240983 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-020-01871-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important current problem concerning public health due to its high incidence and mortality. Advances in molecular and cellular knowledge and the detection of new disease biomarkers are very important to improve prognosis, prediction, and early diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to analyze the gene and protein expression levels of two angiogenic markers, VEGF and soluble Endoglin, during different tumor stages as well as at different stages of cancer treatment, to predict the diagnosis and evolution of colon and rectal cancer. Material and methods This study includes 133 CRC patients (93 with colon cancer and 40 with rectal cancer) on which the gene and protein expression of Endoglin (membrane and soluble form) and VEGF were analyzed by molecular and immunohistochemical techniques on different tumor stage samples and plasma obtained preoperatively as well as 3, 6, and 9 months after resection of the tumor. Results VEGF and Endoglin gene expressions were higher in tumor tissue than in surrounding non-tumoral tissue for both types of cancer. The VEGF levels in plasma were found to decrease in less aggressive tumors, whereas soluble Endoglin was increased in preoperative samples of patients with metastasis. Membrane Endoglin expression was higher on the vascular endothelium of more aggressive tumors. In contrast, Endoglin expression was mainly in the colon epithelium in less aggressive stage tumors. Conclusion Endoglin and VEGF are proteins with a major role in the tumor angiogenesis process. This study performed with a wide cohort of human samples shows that both proteins seem to be valuable biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Nogués
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Eunate Gallardo-Vara
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mª Paz Zafra
- Department of Medicine, Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Paloma Mate
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Marijuan
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfredo Alonso
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital Universitario del Sureste de Madrid, Arganda del Rey, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luisa Mª Botella
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mª Isabel Prieto
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Schoonderwoerd MJA, Goumans MJTH, Hawinkels LJAC. Endoglin: Beyond the Endothelium. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020289. [PMID: 32059544 PMCID: PMC7072477 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Keywords: endoglin; CD105 TGF-β; BMP9; ALK-1; TRC105; tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J. A. Schoonderwoerd
- Department of Gastrenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lukas J. A. C. Hawinkels
- Department of Gastrenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-71-526-6736
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13
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Gallardo-Vara E, Ruiz-Llorente L, Casado-Vela J, Ruiz-Rodríguez MJ, López-Andrés N, Pattnaik AK, Quintanilla M, Bernabeu C. Endoglin Protein Interactome Profiling Identifies TRIM21 and Galectin-3 as New Binding Partners. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091082. [PMID: 31540324 PMCID: PMC6769930 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoglin is a 180-kDa glycoprotein receptor primarily expressed by the vascular endothelium and involved in cardiovascular disease and cancer. Heterozygous mutations in the endoglin gene (ENG) cause hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 1, a vascular disease that presents with nasal and gastrointestinal bleeding, skin and mucosa telangiectases, and arteriovenous malformations in internal organs. A circulating form of endoglin (alias soluble endoglin, sEng), proteolytically released from the membrane-bound protein, has been observed in several inflammation-related pathological conditions and appears to contribute to endothelial dysfunction and cancer development through unknown mechanisms. Membrane-bound endoglin is an auxiliary component of the TGF-β receptor complex and the extracellular region of endoglin has been shown to interact with types I and II TGF-β receptors, as well as with BMP9 and BMP10 ligands, both members of the TGF-β family. To search for novel protein interactors, we screened a microarray containing over 9000 unique human proteins using recombinant sEng as bait. We find that sEng binds with high affinity, at least, to 22 new proteins. Among these, we validated the interaction of endoglin with galectin-3, a secreted member of the lectin family with capacity to bind membrane glycoproteins, and with tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21), an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase. Using human endothelial cells and Chinese hamster ovary cells, we showed that endoglin co-immunoprecipitates and co-localizes with galectin-3 or TRIM21. These results open new research avenues on endoglin function and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunate Gallardo-Vara
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.G.-V.); (L.R.-L.)
| | - Lidia Ruiz-Llorente
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.G.-V.); (L.R.-L.)
| | - Juan Casado-Vela
- Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Leganés, 28911 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Natalia López-Andrés
- Cardiovascular Translational Research, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Asit K. Pattnaik
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA;
| | - Miguel Quintanilla
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols”, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), and Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.Q.); (C.B.)
| | - Carmelo Bernabeu
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.G.-V.); (L.R.-L.)
- Correspondence: (M.Q.); (C.B.)
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14
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InVivo Molecular Ultrasound Assessment of Glioblastoma Neovasculature with Endoglin-Targeted Microbubbles. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2018; 2018:8425495. [PMID: 30498402 PMCID: PMC6220748 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8425495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Glioblastoma, as one of the most malignant cancer in the world, usually shows substantially increased angiogenesis. Endoglin (CD105), which is an alternative proangiogenic growth factor, has been remarkably upregulated on the proliferating glioblastoma neovasculature. However, little is known on the noninvasive assessment of the expression levels of CD105 during glioblastoma progression. Herein, we investigated the potential of the molecular ultrasound imaging for the noninvasive assessment of the expression levels of the biomarker CD105 during the glioblastoma progression. Materials and Methods The CD105-targeted perfluorocarbon-containing lipid-shelled microbubbles (MBs) were prepared. A parallel flow chamber was employed, in which the CD105-targeted and non-targeted MBs were tested across the CD105 ± expression cell lines. In vivo molecular US imaging was conducted based on a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model (n=9). Finally, the statistical analysis was conducted to quantitatively correlate the attachment numbers of MBs in the parallel flow chamber test with the CD105 expression levels of the cells in the flow cytometry test and the in vivo molecular ultrasound signals with the ex vivo expression levels of CD105 in the immunohistochemical test. Results and Discussion The attachment numbers of the CD105-targeted MBs significantly correlated with the CD105 expression levels of the cells in the parallel flow chamber test. There was a good correlation between the in vivo molecular ultrasound signals with the CD105-targeted MBs and the ex vivo expression levels of CD105 in the immunohistochemical test. The results indicate that the molecular US imaging is much potential to assess the progression of the glioblastoma neovasculature noninvasively.
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15
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Shi S, Chen F, Goel S, Graves SA, Luo H, Theuer CP, Engle JW, Cai W. In Vivo Tumor-Targeted Dual-Modality PET/Optical Imaging with a Yolk/Shell-Structured Silica Nanosystem. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2018; 10:65. [PMID: 30393713 PMCID: PMC6199109 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-018-0216-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Silica nanoparticles have been one of the most promising nanosystems for biomedical applications due to their facile surface chemistry and non-toxic nature. However, it is still challenging to effectively deliver them into tumor sites and noninvasively visualize their in vivo biodistribution with excellent sensitivity and accuracy for effective cancer diagnosis. In this study, we design a yolk/shell-structured silica nanosystem 64Cu-NOTA-QD@HMSN-PEG-TRC105, which can be employed for tumor vasculature targeting and dual-modality PET/optical imaging, leading to superior targeting specificity, excellent imaging capability and more reliable diagnostic outcomes. By combining vasculature targeting, pH-sensitive drug delivery, and dual-modality imaging into a single platform, as-designed yolk/shell-structured silica nanosystems may be employed for the future image-guided tumor-targeted drug delivery, to further enable cancer theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixiang Shi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705-2275, USA
| | - Shreya Goel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Stephen A Graves
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Haiming Luo
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705-2275, USA
| | | | - Jonathan W Engle
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Weibo Cai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705-2275, USA.
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA.
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16
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Ollauri-Ibáñez C, López-Novoa JM, Pericacho M. Endoglin-based biological therapy in the treatment of angiogenesis-dependent pathologies. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 17:1053-1063. [PMID: 28656781 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2017.1346607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alterations in the process of angiogenesis, either by excess or by defect, are present in different common pathologies. For this reason, great efforts are being made toward the development of pro- and anti-angiogenic therapies. Since endoglin levels are enhanced in tissues undergoing angiogenesis, and changes in its expression lead to alterations in vessel formation, endoglin has become an ideal target for these types of therapies. Areas covered: In this review, the role of endoglin in angiogenesis is summarized. In addition, the authors review pro- and anti-angiogenic therapies that are currently being used and new approaches that target endoglin. The article includes therapies that are both in preclinical and clinical development. Expert opinion: Endoglin is a very good target for anti-angiogenic therapy, as demonstrated by the positive results obtained with anti-endoglin antibodies. However, although endoglin in pro-angiogenic therapies has been successful in vitro, its use has not yet reached clinical settings. Moreover, the authors believe that establishing the exact role of endoglin in angiogenesis is essential and that this should be the next step in this field in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ollauri-Ibáñez
- a Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , University of Salamanca , Salamanca , Spain.,b Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL) , Salamanca , Spain
| | - José M López-Novoa
- a Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , University of Salamanca , Salamanca , Spain.,b Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL) , Salamanca , Spain
| | - Miguel Pericacho
- a Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , University of Salamanca , Salamanca , Spain.,b Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL) , Salamanca , Spain
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17
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Targeting TGF-β Signaling in Cancer. Trends Cancer 2017; 3:56-71. [PMID: 28718426 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2016.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 660] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway is deregulated in many diseases, including cancer. In healthy cells and early-stage cancer cells, this pathway has tumor-suppressor functions, including cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. However, its activation in late-stage cancer can promote tumorigenesis, including metastasis and chemoresistance. The dual function and pleiotropic nature of TGF-β signaling make it a challenging target and imply the need for careful therapeutic dosing of TGF-β drugs and patient selection. We review here the rationale for targeting TGF-β signaling in cancer and summarize the clinical status of pharmacological inhibitors. We discuss the direct effects of TGF-β signaling blockade on tumor and stromal cells, as well as biomarkers that can predict the efficacy of TGF-β inhibitors in cancer patients.
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18
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Boonstra MC, de Geus SWL, Prevoo HAJM, Hawinkels LJAC, van de Velde CJH, Kuppen PJK, Vahrmeijer AL, Sier CFM. Selecting Targets for Tumor Imaging: An Overview of Cancer-Associated Membrane Proteins. BIOMARKERS IN CANCER 2016; 8:119-133. [PMID: 27721658 PMCID: PMC5040425 DOI: 10.4137/bic.s38542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tumor targeting is a booming business: The global therapeutic monoclonal antibody market accounted for more than $78 billion in 2012 and is expanding exponentially. Tumors can be targeted with an extensive arsenal of monoclonal antibodies, ligand proteins, peptides, RNAs, and small molecules. In addition to therapeutic targeting, some of these compounds can also be applied for tumor visualization before or during surgery, after conjugation with radionuclides and/or near-infrared fluorescent dyes. The majority of these tumor-targeting compounds are directed against cell membrane-bound proteins. Various categories of targetable membrane-bound proteins, such as anchoring proteins, receptors, enzymes, and transporter proteins, exist. The functions and biological characteristics of these proteins determine their location and distribution on the cell membrane, making them more, or less, accessible, and therefore, it is important to understand these features. In this review, we evaluate the characteristics of cancer-associated membrane proteins and discuss their overall usability for cancer targeting, especially focusing on imaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin C Boonstra
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Susanna W L de Geus
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Peter J K Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.; Antibodies for Research Applications BV, Gouda, the Netherlands
| | | | - Cornelis F M Sier
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.; Antibodies for Research Applications BV, Gouda, the Netherlands
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19
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CD105 Over-expression Is Associated with Higher WHO Grades for Gliomas. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 53:3503-3512. [PMID: 26884265 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9677-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CD105 is an ancillary receptor of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), which has been suggested as a suitable biomarker for cancer-related angiogenesis and neovascularization (Nassiri et al. in Anticancer Res 31:2283-2290, 2011). However, the clinical significance of CD105 in WHO grade was rarely reported and the effects of CD105 signal transduction pathway on gliomas remain controversial and unclear. To get a convincing conclusion, performing a meta-analysis is essential. Relevant literature studies were included via careful evaluation, and standard mean difference (SMD) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) was calculated. We also made funnel plots to test the heterogeneity. In the present meta-analysis, a total of 11 eligible literatures involving 796 patients were incorporated. They were all conducted in China, revealing that CD105 overexpression in glioma tissues was strongly linked to high WHO grading (III+IV) (SMD -1.785, 95 % CI -2.133, -1.437; p = 0.000). No significant associations between CD105 and age (SMD -0.505, 95 % CI -1.054, 0.043; p = 0. 071), CD105 and gender (SMD 0.101, 95 % CI -0.103, 0.305; p = 0.333), and CD105 and tumor size (SMD -0.433, 95 % CI -1.326, 0.459; p = 0. 341) were detected. Besides, CD105 expression was closely associated with glioma patients' 3-year overall survival (OS; n = 2; HR = 4.357, 95 % CI 1.412, 7.303; p = 0.004). On the basis of Begg's and Egger's test or funnel plot, no publication bias was detected. In a nutshell, this meta-analysis demonstrated that CD105 overexpression correlates to higher WHO grade and poor survival and could be indicated as a helpful prognostic and diagnostic marker, or a useful therapy target.
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20
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Paauwe M, Heijkants RC, Oudt CH, van Pelt GW, Cui C, Theuer CP, Hardwick JCH, Sier CFM, Hawinkels LJAC. Endoglin targeting inhibits tumor angiogenesis and metastatic spread in breast cancer. Oncogene 2016; 35:4069-79. [PMID: 26804178 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Endoglin, a transforming growth factor-β co-receptor, is highly expressed on angiogenic endothelial cells in solid tumors. Therefore, targeting endoglin is currently being explored in clinical trials for anti-angiogenic therapy. In this project, the redundancy between endoglin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling in angiogenesis and the effects of targeting both pathways on breast cancer metastasis were explored. In patient samples, increased endoglin signaling after VEGF inhibition was observed. In vitro TRC105, an endoglin-neutralizing antibody, increased VEGF signaling in endothelial cells. Moreover, combined targeting of the endoglin and VEGF pathway, with the VEGF receptor kinase inhibitor SU5416, increased antiangiogenic effects in vitro and in a zebrafish angiogenesis model. Next, in a mouse model for invasive lobular breast cancer, the effects of TRC105 and SU5416 on tumor growth and metastasis were explored. Although TRC105 and SU5416 decreased tumor vascular density, tumor volume was unaffected. Strikingly, in mice treated with TRC105, or TRC105 and SU5416 combined, a strong inhibition in the number of metastases was seen. Moreover, upon resection of the primary tumor, strong inhibition of metastatic spread by TRC105 was observed in an adjuvant setting. To confirm these data, we assessed the effects of endoglin-Fc (an endoglin ligand trap) on metastasis formation. Similar to treatment with TRC105 in the resection model, endoglin-Fc-expressing tumors showed strong inhibition of distant metastases. These results show, for the first time, that targeting endoglin, either with neutralizing antibodies or a ligand trap, strongly inhibits metastatic spread of breast cancer in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Paauwe
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R C Heijkants
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C H Oudt
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - G W van Pelt
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C Cui
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C P Theuer
- Tracon Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - J C H Hardwick
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C F M Sier
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - L J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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21
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Dolinsek T, Sersa G, Prosen L, Bosnjak M, Stimac M, Razborsek U, Cemazar M. Electrotransfer of Plasmid DNA Encoding an Anti-Mouse Endoglin (CD105) shRNA to B16 Melanoma Tumors with Low and High Metastatic Potential Results in Pronounced Anti-Tumor Effects. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 8:cancers8010003. [PMID: 26712792 PMCID: PMC4728450 DOI: 10.3390/cancers8010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoglin overexpression is associated with highly proliferative tumor endothelium and also with some tumors, including melanoma. Its targeting has anti-tumor effectiveness, which can also be obtained by RNA interference. The aim of our study was to explore the anti-tumor effectiveness of endoglin silencing by electrotransfer of plasmid DNA encoding short hairpin RNA against endoglin in two murine B16 melanoma variants with different metastatic potential on cells, spheroids and subcutaneous tumors in mice. The results demonstrate that endoglin silencing with gene electrotransfer reduces the proliferation, survival and migration of melanoma cells and also has anti-tumor effectiveness, as the therapy resulted in a high percentage of tumor cures (23% and 58% on B16F1 and B16F10 tumors, respectively). The effectiveness of the therapy correlated with endoglin expression in melanoma cells; in vitro the effects were more pronounced in B16F1 cells, which express more endoglin than B16F10. However, the opposite was observed in vivo in tumors, where there was a higher expression of endoglin and better anti-tumor effectiveness in the B16F10 tumor. In conclusion, targeting endoglin for the treatment of melanoma seems to be a concept worthy of further exploration due to the increased therapeutic effect of the therapy based on simultaneous vascular targeting and its direct effect on tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Dolinsek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Lara Prosen
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Masa Bosnjak
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Monika Stimac
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Urska Razborsek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia.
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22
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García de Vinuesa A, Abdelilah-Seyfried S, Knaus P, Zwijsen A, Bailly S. BMP signaling in vascular biology and dysfunction. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2015; 27:65-79. [PMID: 26823333 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The vascular system is critical for developmental growth, tissue homeostasis and repair but also for tumor development. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling has recently emerged as a fundamental pathway of the endothelium by regulating cardiovascular and lymphatic development and by being causative for several vascular dysfunctions. Two vascular disorders have been directly linked to impaired BMP signaling: pulmonary arterial hypertension and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Endothelial BMP signaling critically depends on the cellular context, which includes among others vascular heterogeneity, exposure to flow, and the intertwining with other signaling cascades (Notch, WNT, Hippo and hypoxia). The purpose of this review is to highlight the most recent findings illustrating the clear need for reconsidering the role of BMPs in vascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaya García de Vinuesa
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Salim Abdelilah-Seyfried
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, D-14476 Potsdam, Germany; Institute of Molecular Biology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Petra Knaus
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - An Zwijsen
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sabine Bailly
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM, U1036), Grenoble F-38000, France; Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Institut de Recherches en Technologies et Sciences pour le Vivant, Laboratoire Biologie du Cancer et de l'Infection, Grenoble F-38000, France; Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France.
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23
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Casey SC, Amedei A, Aquilano K, Azmi AS, Benencia F, Bhakta D, Bilsland AE, Boosani CS, Chen S, Ciriolo MR, Crawford S, Fujii H, Georgakilas AG, Guha G, Halicka D, Helferich WG, Heneberg P, Honoki K, Keith WN, Kerkar SP, Mohammed SI, Niccolai E, Nowsheen S, Vasantha Rupasinghe HP, Samadi A, Singh N, Talib WH, Venkateswaran V, Whelan RL, Yang X, Felsher DW. Cancer prevention and therapy through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 35 Suppl:S199-S223. [PMID: 25865775 PMCID: PMC4930000 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer arises in the context of an in vivo tumor microenvironment. This microenvironment is both a cause and consequence of tumorigenesis. Tumor and host cells co-evolve dynamically through indirect and direct cellular interactions, eliciting multiscale effects on many biological programs, including cellular proliferation, growth, and metabolism, as well as angiogenesis and hypoxia and innate and adaptive immunity. Here we highlight specific biological processes that could be exploited as targets for the prevention and therapy of cancer. Specifically, we describe how inhibition of targets such as cholesterol synthesis and metabolites, reactive oxygen species and hypoxia, macrophage activation and conversion, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase regulation of dendritic cells, vascular endothelial growth factor regulation of angiogenesis, fibrosis inhibition, endoglin, and Janus kinase signaling emerge as examples of important potential nexuses in the regulation of tumorigenesis and the tumor microenvironment that can be targeted. We have also identified therapeutic agents as approaches, in particular natural products such as berberine, resveratrol, onionin A, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, curcumin, naringenin, desoxyrhapontigenin, piperine, and zerumbone, that may warrant further investigation to target the tumor microenvironment for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Casey
- Division of Oncology, Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Katia Aquilano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Fabian Benencia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Dipita Bhakta
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Alan E Bilsland
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Chandra S Boosani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Sophie Chen
- Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Research Laboratory, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sarah Crawford
- Department of Biology, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Hiromasa Fujii
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Alexandros G Georgakilas
- Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematics and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gunjan Guha
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - William G Helferich
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign-Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Petr Heneberg
- Charles University in Prague, Third Faculty of Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kanya Honoki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - W Nicol Keith
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sid P Kerkar
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sulma I Mohammed
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | | | - Somaira Nowsheen
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - H P Vasantha Rupasinghe
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Neetu Singh
- Advanced Molecular Science Research Centre (Centre for Advanced Research), King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Wamidh H Talib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science University, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Richard L Whelan
- Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital, Icahn Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Xujuan Yang
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign-Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Dean W Felsher
- Division of Oncology, Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.
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24
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Ciocâlteu A, Săftoiu A, Pirici D, Georgescu CV, Cârţână T, Gheonea DI, Gruionu LG, Cristea CG, Gruionu G. Tumor neoangiogenesis detection by confocal laser endomicroscopy and anti-CD105 antibody: Pilot study. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2015; 7:361-368. [PMID: 26600936 PMCID: PMC4644859 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v7.i11.361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate neoangiogenesis in patients with colon cancer by two fluorescently labeled antibodies on fresh biopsy samples imaged with confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE).
METHODS: CLE is an imaging technique for gastrointestinal endoscopy providing in vivo microscopy at subcellular resolution. An important question in validating tumor angiogenesis is what proportion of the tumor vascular network is represented by pre-existing parent tissue vessels and newly formed vessels. CD105 (endoglin) represents a proliferation-associated endothelial cell adhesion molecule. In contrast to pan-endothelial markers, such as CD31, CD105 is preferentially expressed in activated endothelial cells that participate in neovascularization. Thus, we evaluated CD105 and CD31 expression from samples of ten patients with primary rectal adenocarcinoma, using a dedicated endomicroscopy system. A imaging software was used to obtain the Z projection of the confocal serial images from each biopsy sample previously combined into stacks. Vascular density and vessel diameters were measured within two 50 μm x 475 μm rectangular regions of interest centered in the middle of each image in the horizontal and vertical direction. The results were averaged over all the patients and were expressed as the mean ± SE.
RESULTS: The use of an anti-CD105 antibody was found to be suitable for the detection of blood vessels in colon cancer. Whereas anti-CD31 antibodies stained blood vessels in both normal and pathologic colon equally, CD105 expression was observed primarily in malignant lesions, with little or no expression in the vessels of the normal mucosa (244.21 ± 130.7 vessels/mm3 in only four patients). The average diameter of anti-CD105 stained vessels was 10.97 ± 0.6 μm in tumor tissue, and the vessel density was 2787.40 ± 134.8 vessels/mm3. When using the anti-CD31 antibody, the average diameter of vessels in the normal colon tissue was 7.67 ± 0.5 μm and the vessel density was 3191.60 ± 387.8 vessels/mm3, while in the tumors we obtained an average diameter of 10.88 ± 0.8 μm and a vessel density of 4707.30 ± 448.85 vessels/mm3. Thus, there were more vessels stained with CD31 than CD105 (P < 0.05). The average vessel diameter was similar for both CD31 and CD105 staining. A qualitative comparison between CLE vs immunohistochemistry lead to similar results.
CONCLUSION: Specific imaging and quantification of tumor microvessels are feasible in human rectal cancer using CLE examination and CD105 immunostaining of fresh tissue samples.
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Jonker L. TGF-β & BMP receptors endoglin and ALK1: overview of their functional role and status as antiangiogenic targets. Microcirculation 2015; 21:93-103. [PMID: 25279424 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, angiogenesis, is facilitated through a host of different signaling processes. Members of the TGF-β superfamily, TGF-β1, TGF-β3, and BMP9, are key propagators of both inhibition and initiation of angiogenesis. HHT, characterized by AVM and capillary bed defects, is caused by germline mutations in the ENG and ACVRL1/ALK1 genes, respectively. Clinical symptoms include epistaxis and GI hemorrhage. The membranous receptors endoglin and ALK1 activate proliferation and migration of endothelial cells during the angiogenic process via the downstream intracellular SMAD signaling pathway. Endothelial cell senescence or activation is dependent on the type of cytokine, ligand concentration, cell-cell interaction, and a multitude of other signaling molecules. Endoglin and ALK1 receptor levels in tumor vasculature correlate inversely with prognosis in humans, whereas in mice, endoglin deficiency decelerates tumor progression. Therefore, endoglin and ALK1 have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for antibody treatment in various cancers. Early phase clinical trials in humans are currently underway to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biological therapy targeting endoglin/ALK1-mediated cells signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Jonker
- North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, Carlisle, UK
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26
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Circulating CD105 shows significant impact in patients of oral cancer and promotes malignancy of cancer cells via CCL20. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:1995-2005. [PMID: 26334621 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3991-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CD105 is rich in endothelium cells and is involved in angiogenesis. Higher microvascular density of tumor is also related to the prognosis in a variety of cancers. In this present study, patients with positive N classification, advanced T classification, advanced TNM stage, extracapsular spread of lymph nodes (ECS), and perineural invasion had significantly higher levels of peripheral vein (pCD105) and venous return from tumor (tCD105) in 71 patients with OSCC compared to 13 healthy volunteers. Those with higher pCD105 or tCD105 levels had significantly poorer 5-year disease-specific survival rate (DDS) and overall survival rate (OS). The tCD105 and pCD105 levels and ECS were the independent prognostic factors by the multivariate analysis according to the Cox regression model in 5-year DDS and OS rate. SAS and SCC4 cells treated with CD105 showed the increase in migration, invasion, and proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, CCL20 expression participated in CD105-elicited cell motility in oral cancer cells. In conclusion, higher level of circulating CD105 is related to adverse pathological features among patients with OSCC. It is also a useful marker for evaluating the prognosis and targeting therapeutics of OSCC.
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27
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Denbeigh JM, Nixon BA, Puri MC, Foster FS. Contrast imaging in mouse embryos using high-frequency ultrasound. J Vis Exp 2015:52520. [PMID: 25867243 PMCID: PMC4401211 DOI: 10.3791/52520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound contrast-enhanced imaging can convey essential quantitative information regarding tissue vascularity and perfusion and, in targeted applications, facilitate the detection and measure of vascular biomarkers at the molecular level. Within the mouse embryo, this noninvasive technique may be used to uncover basic mechanisms underlying vascular development in the early mouse circulatory system and in genetic models of cardiovascular disease. The mouse embryo also presents as an excellent model for studying the adhesion of microbubbles to angiogenic targets (including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) or αvβ3) and for assessing the quantitative nature of molecular ultrasound. We therefore developed a method to introduce ultrasound contrast agents into the vasculature of living, isolated embryos. This allows freedom in terms of injection control and positioning, reproducibility of the imaging plane without obstruction and motion, and simplified image analysis and quantification. Late gestational stage (embryonic day (E)16.6 and E17.5) murine embryos were isolated from the uterus, gently exteriorized from the yolk sac and microbubble contrast agents were injected into veins accessible on the chorionic surface of the placental disc. Nonlinear contrast ultrasound imaging was then employed to collect a number of basic perfusion parameters (peak enhancement, wash-in rate and time to peak) and quantify targeted microbubble binding in an endoglin mouse model. We show the successful circulation of microbubbles within living embryos and the utility of this approach in characterizing embryonic vasculature and microbubble behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet M Denbeigh
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto; Sunnybrook Research Institute;
| | - Brian A Nixon
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto; Sunnybrook Research Institute
| | - Mira C Puri
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto; Sunnybrook Research Institute; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto
| | - F Stuart Foster
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto; Sunnybrook Research Institute
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28
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Denbeigh JM, Nixon BA, Lee JJY, Jerkic M, Marsden PA, Letarte M, Puri MC, Foster FS. Contrast-enhanced molecular ultrasound differentiates endoglin genotypes in mouse embryos. Angiogenesis 2014; 18:69-81. [PMID: 25298070 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-014-9447-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Targeted ultrasound contrast imaging has the potential to become a reliable molecular imaging tool. A better understanding of the quantitative aspects of molecular ultrasound technology could facilitate the translation of this technique to the clinic for the purposes of assessing vascular pathology and detecting individual response to treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether targeted ultrasound contrast-enhanced imaging can provide a quantitative measure of endogenous biomarkers. Endoglin, an endothelial biomarker involved in the processes of development, vascular homeostasis, and altered in diseases, including hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 1 and tumor angiogenesis, was the selected target. We used a parallel plate perfusion chamber in which endoglin-targeted (MBE), rat isotype IgG2 control and untargeted microbubbles were perfused across endoglin wild-type (Eng+/+), heterozygous (Eng+/-) and null (Eng-/-) embryonic mouse endothelial cells and their adhesion quantified. Microbubble binding was also assessed in late-gestation, isolated living transgenic Eng+/- and Eng+/+ embryos. Nonlinear contrast-specific ultrasound imaging performed at 21 MHz was used to collect contrast mean power ratios for all bubble types. Statistically significant differences in microbubble binding were found across genotypes for both in vitro (p<0.05) and embryonic studies (p<0.001); MBE binding was approximately twofold higher in Eng+/+ cells and embryos compared with their Eng+/- counterparts. These results suggest that molecular ultrasound is capable of reliably differentiating between molecular genotypes and relating receptor densities to quantifiable molecular ultrasound levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Denbeigh
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, S640, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada,
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29
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Abstract
Endoglin is a homodimeric cell membrane glycoprotein receptor for transforming growth factor β and bone morphogenetic proteins. Endoglin is essential for angiogenesis, being densely expressed on proliferating endothelial cells and upregulated during hypoxia. Its expression is implicated in development of resistance to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition. TRC105 is an antibody that binds endoglin and prevents endothelial cell activation. Targeting endoglin and the VEGF pathway concurrently improves treatment in vitro and appears to reverse resistance to bevacizumab in some refractory cancer patients. Randomized trials are under way to assess the clinical benefit of adding TRC105 therapy to bevacizumab therapy. Further trials are under way to assess the activity of TRC105 with small-molecule inhibitors of the VEGF pathway in renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and soft tissue sarcoma. Stratification of soft tissue sarcomas based on endoglin expression levels is proposed to identify patients most likely to benefit from TRC105 treatment. The development of a TRC105 antibody-drug conjugate is also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee S Rosen
- Hematology-Oncology, UCLA Medical Center Santa Monica, 2020 Santa Monica Blvd, Ste 600, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA,
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30
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Magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles grafted with single-chain antibody (scFv) and docetaxel loaded β-cyclodextrin potential for ovarian cancer dual-targeting therapy. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2014; 42:325-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2014.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Barresi V, Branca G, Caffo M, Caltabiano R, Ieni A, Vitarelli E, Lanzafame S, Tuccari G. Immuno-expression of endoglin and smooth muscle actin in the vessels of brain metastases. Is there a rational for anti-angiogenic therapy? Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:5663-79. [PMID: 24699047 PMCID: PMC4013588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15045663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite ongoing clinical trials, the efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs for the treatment of brain metastases (BM) is still questionable. The lower response rate to anti-angiogenic therapy in the presence of BM than in metastatic disease involving other sites suggests that BM may be insensitive to these drugs, although the biological reasons underlining this phenomenon are still to be clarified. With the aim of assessing whether the targets of anti-angiogenic therapies are actually present in BM, in the present study, we analyzed the microvessel density (MVD), a measure of neo-angiogenesis, and the vascular phenotype (mature vs. immature) in the tumor tissue of a series of BM derived from different primary tumors. By using immunohistochemistry against endoglin, a specific marker for newly formed vessels, we found that neo-angiogenesis widely varies in BM depending on the site of the primary tumor, as well as on its histotype. According to our results, BM from lung cancer displayed the highest MVD counts, while those from renal carcinoma had the lowest. Then, among BM from lung cancer, those from large cell and adenocarcinoma histotypes had significantly higher MVD counts than those originating from squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.0043; p = 0.0063). Of note, MVD counts were inversely correlated with the maturation index of the endoglin-stained vessels, reflected by the coverage of smooth muscle actin (SMA) positive pericytes (r = −0.693; p < 0.0001). Accordingly, all the endoglin-positive vessels in BM from pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma and renal carcinoma, displayed a mature phenotype, while vessels with an immature phenotype were found in highly vascularized BM from pulmonary large cell and adenocarcinoma. The low MVD and mature phenotype observed in BM from some primary tumors may account for their low sensitivity to anti-angiogenic therapies. Although our findings need to be validated in correlative studies with a clinical response, this should be taken into account in therapeutic protocols in order to avoid the adverse effects of useless therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Barresi
- Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Branca
- Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy.
| | - Maria Caffo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy.
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department G.F. Ingrassia, Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Antonio Ieni
- Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy.
| | - Enrica Vitarelli
- Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Lanzafame
- Department G.F. Ingrassia, Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Tuccari
- Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy.
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Hawinkels LJ, Garcia de Vinuesa A, Ten Dijke P. Activin receptor-like kinase 1 as a target for anti-angiogenesis therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2013; 22:1371-83. [PMID: 24053899 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2013.837884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Formation of blood vessels from pre-existing ones, also termed angiogenesis, is of crucial importance for the outgrowth of tumours beyond 1 - 2 mm³. Therefore, anti-angiogenic therapies, mainly focussing on inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are used in clinical therapy. However, although initially reducing tumour size, therapy resistance occurs frequently and new targets are needed. A possible target is activin receptor-like kinase (ALK)-1, a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β type-I receptor, which binds bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9 and -10 with high affinity and has an important role in regulating angiogenesis. AREAS COVERED Several approaches to interfere with ALK1 signalling have been developed, that is, ALK1 neutralising antibodies and a soluble ALK1 extracellular domain/Fc fusion protein (ALK1-Fc), acting as a ligand trap. In this review, we discuss the involvement of ALK1 in angiogenesis, in a variety of diseases and the current status of the development of ALK1 inhibitors for cancer therapy. EXPERT OPINION Based on current, mainly preclinical studies on inhibition of ALK1 signalling by ligand traps and neutralising antibodies, targeting ALK1 seems very promising. Both ALK1-Fc and neutralising antibodies strongly inhibit angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. The results from the first Phase I clinical trials are to be reported soon and multiple Phase II studies are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Jac Hawinkels
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands and Centre for BioMedical Genetics, Department of Molecular Cell Biology , Building-2, S1-P, PO box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden , The Netherlands +31 71 526 9272 ; +31 71 526 8270 ;
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