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Umapathy A, Clark A, Sehgal A, Karanam V, Rajaraman G, Kalionis B, Jones H, James J, Murthi P. Molecular regulators of defective placental and cardiovascular development in fetal growth restriction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:761-775. [PMID: 38904187 PMCID: PMC11193155 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220428] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Placental insufficiency is one of the major causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR), a significant pregnancy disorder in which the fetus fails to achieve its full growth potential in utero. As well as the acute consequences of being born too small, affected offspring are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases in later life. The placenta and heart develop concurrently, therefore placental maldevelopment and function in FGR may have profound effect on the growth and differentiation of many organ systems, including the heart. Hence, understanding the key molecular players that are synergistically linked in the development of the placenta and heart is critical. This review highlights the key growth factors, angiogenic molecules and transcription factors that are common causes of defective placental and cardiovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandita Umapathy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Arvind Sehgal
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia and Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vijaya Karanam
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gayathri Rajaraman
- First year college, Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen N. Jones
- Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Center for Research in Perinatal Outcomes, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Jo James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Yan T, Yu H, Li T, Dong Y. Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Toxicities Induced by Cancer Therapies and Promising Biomarkers for Their Prediction: A Scoping Review. Heart Lung Circ 2024; 33:605-638. [PMID: 38242833 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
AIM With the advancement of anti-cancer medicine, cardiovascular toxicities due to cancer therapies are common in oncology patients, resulting in increased mortality and economic burden. Cardiovascular toxicities caused by cancer therapies include different severities of cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, myocardial ischaemia, hypertension, and thrombosis, which may lead to left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. This scoping review aimed to summarise the mechanisms of cardiovascular toxicities following various anti-cancer treatments and potential predictive biomarkers for early detection. METHODS PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched for original studies written in English related to the mechanisms of cardiovascular toxicity induced by anti-cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and relevant biomarkers. The search and title/abstract screening were conducted independently by two reviewers, and the final analysed full texts achieved the consensus of the two reviewers. RESULTS A total of 240 studies were identified based on their titles and abstracts. In total, 107 full-text articles were included in the analysis. Cardiomyocyte and endothelial cell apoptosis caused by oxidative stress injury, activation of cell apoptosis, blocking of normal cardiovascular protection signalling pathways, overactivation of immune cells, and myocardial remodelling were the main mechanisms. Promising biomarkers for anti-cancer therapies related to cardiovascular toxicity included placental growth factor, microRNAs, galectin-3, and myeloperoxidase for the early detection of cardiovascular toxicity. CONCLUSION Understanding the mechanisms of cardiovascular toxicity following various anti-cancer treatments could provide implications for future personalised treatment methods to protect cardiovascular function. Furthermore, specific early sensitive and stable biomarkers of cardiovascular system damage need to be identified to predict reversible damage to the cardiovascular system and improve the effects of anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yan
- Nursing Department, Liaocheng Vocational and Technical College, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hailong Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tai Li
- Nursing Department, Liaocheng Vocational and Technical College, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yanhong Dong
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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Li AH, Park SY, Li P, Zhou C, Kluz T, Li J, Costa M, Sun H. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Anti-Cancer Effects of Isorhapontigenin (ISO) on Highly Invasive Human T24 Bladder Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1783. [PMID: 38339062 PMCID: PMC10855786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031783] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer, the most common malignancy of the urinary tract, has a poor overall survival rate when the tumor becomes muscle invasive. The discovery and evaluation of new alternative medications targeting high-grade muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) are of tremendous importance in reducing bladder cancer mortality. Isorhapontigenin (ISO), a stilbene derivative from the Chinese herb Gnetum cleistostachyum, exhibits a strong anti-cancer effect on MIBCs. Here, we report the whole transcriptome profiling of ISO-treated human bladder cancer T24 cells. A total of 1047 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 596 downregulated and 451 upregulated genes. Functional annotation and pathway analysis revealed that ISO treatment induced massive changes in gene expression associated with cell movement, migration, invasion, metabolism, proliferation, and angiogenesis. Additionally, ISO treatment-activated genes involved in the inflammatory response but repressed genes involved in hypoxia signaling, glycolysis, the actin cytoskeleton, and the tumor microenvironment. In summary, our whole transcriptome analysis demonstrated a shift in metabolism and altered actin cytoskeleton in ISO-treated T24 cells, which subsequently contribute to tumor microenvironment remodeling that suppresses tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Sun
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 341 East 25th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA; (A.H.L.); (S.Y.P.); (P.L.); (C.Z.); (T.K.); (J.L.); (M.C.)
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Kim N, Ko Y, Shin Y, Park J, Lee AJ, Kim KW, Pyo J. Comprehensive Analysis for Anti-Cancer Target-Indication Prioritization of Placental Growth Factor Inhibitor (PGF) by Use of Omics and Patient Survival Data. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:970. [PMID: 37508400 PMCID: PMC10376188 DOI: 10.3390/biology12070970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The expression of the placental growth factor (PGF) in cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment can contribute to the induction of angiogenesis, supporting cancer cell metabolism by ensuring an adequate blood supply. Angiogenesis is a key component of cancer metabolism as it facilitates the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to rapidly growing tumor cells. PGF is recognized as a novel target for anti-cancer treatment due to its ability to overcome resistance to existing angiogenesis inhibitors and its impact on the tumor microenvironment. We aimed to integrate bioinformatics evidence using various data sources and analytic tools for target-indication identification of the PGF target and prioritize the indication across various cancer types as an initial step of drug development. The data analysis included PGF gene function, molecular pathway, protein interaction, gene expression and mutation across cancer type, survival prognosis and tumor immune infiltration association with PGF. The overall evaluation was conducted given the totality of evidence, to target the PGF gene to treat the cancer where the PGF level was highly expressed in a certain tumor type with poor survival prognosis as well as possibly associated with poor tumor infiltration level. PGF showed a significant impact on overall survival in several cancers through univariate or multivariate survival analysis. The cancers considered as target diseases for PGF inhibitors, due to their potential effects on PGF, are adrenocortical carcinoma, kidney cancers, liver hepatocellular carcinoma, stomach adenocarcinoma, and uveal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nari Kim
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Yousun Ko
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngbin Shin
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisuk Park
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Amy Junghyun Lee
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Won Kim
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhee Pyo
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
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Rekowska AK, Obuchowska K, Bartosik M, Kimber-Trojnar Ż, Słodzińska M, Wierzchowska-Opoka M, Leszczyńska-Gorzelak B. Biomolecules Involved in Both Metastasis and Placenta Accreta Spectrum-Does the Common Pathophysiological Pathway Exist? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092618. [PMID: 37174083 PMCID: PMC10177254 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial in the implantation of the blastocyst and subsequent placental development. The trophoblast, consisting of villous and extravillous zones, plays different roles in these processes. Pathological states, such as placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), can arise due to dysfunction of the trophoblast or defective decidualization, leading to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Studies have drawn parallels between placentation and carcinogenesis, with both processes involving EMT and the establishment of a microenvironment that facilitates invasion and infiltration. This article presents a review of molecular biomarkers involved in both the microenvironment of tumors and placental cells, including placental growth factor (PlGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), E-cadherin (CDH1), laminin γ2 (LAMC2), the zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB) proteins, αVβ3 integrin, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), β-catenin, cofilin-1 (CFL-1), and interleukin-35 (IL-35). Understanding the similarities and differences in these processes may provide insights into the development of therapeutic options for both PAS and metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Rekowska
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karolina Obuchowska
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bartosik
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kimber-Trojnar
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Słodzińska
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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Chen W, Xu D, Liu Q, Wu Y, Wang Y, Yang J. Unraveling the heterogeneity of cholangiocarcinoma and identifying biomarkers and therapeutic strategies with single-cell sequencing technology. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114697. [PMID: 37060660 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a common malignant tumor of the biliary tract that carries a high burden of morbidity and a poor prognosis. Due to the lack of precise diagnostic methods, many patients are often diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease. The current treatment options available are of varying efficacy, underscoring the urgency for the discovery of more effective biomarkers for early diagnosis and improved treatment. Recently, single-cell sequencing (SCS) technology has gained popularity in cancer research. This technology has the ability to analyze tumor tissues at the single-cell level, thus providing insights into the genomics and epigenetics of tumor cells. It also serves as a practical approach to study the mechanisms of cancer progression and to explore therapeutic strategies. In this review, we aim to assess the heterogeneity of CCA using single-cell sequencing technology, with the ultimate goal of identifying possible biomarkers and potential treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangyang Chen
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China
| | - Dongchao Xu
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China
| | - Yirong Wu
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China.
| | - Jianfeng Yang
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China.
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Brogowska KK, Zajkowska M, Mroczko B. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Ligands and Receptors in Breast Cancer. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062412. [PMID: 36983412 PMCID: PMC10056253 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy responsible for the largest number of deaths in women worldwide. The risk of developing BC is predisposed by many factors such as age, presence of genetic mutations or body weight. The diagnosis is mostly made relatively late, which is why patients are exposed to radical surgical treatments, long-term chemotherapy and lower survival rates. There are no sufficiently sensitive and specific screening tests; therefore, researchers are still looking for new diagnostic biomarkers that would indicate the appearance of neoplastic changes in the initial stage of neoplasm. The VEGF family of proteins (VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, EG-VEGF, PlGF) and their receptors are significant factors in the pathogenesis of BC. They play a significant role in the process of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in both physiological and pathological conditions. The usefulness of these proteins as potential diagnostic biomarkers has been initially proven. Moreover, the blockage of VEGF-related pathways seems to be a valid therapeutic target. Recent studies have tried to describe novel strategies, including targeting pericytes, use of miRNAs and extracellular tumor-associated vesicles, immunotherapeutic drugs and nanotechnology. This indicates their possible contribution to the formation of breast cancer and their usefulness as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Zajkowska
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
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Valipour A, Namdar Ahmad Abad H, Vatanchian M, Arezumand R. Designing and Developing Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Sandwich Kit for Measuring Placental Growth Factor Concentration. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2023; 42:3-8. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1089/mab.2022.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Valipour
- Department of Advanced Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hasan Namdar Ahmad Abad
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mehran Vatanchian
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Roghaye Arezumand
- Department of Advanced Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
- Department of Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
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Valipour A, Namdar Ahmad Abad H, Vatanchian M, Arezumand R. Designing and Developing Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Sandwich Kit for Measuring Placental Growth Factor Concentration. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2023; 42:3-8. [PMID: 36779992 DOI: 10.1089/mab.2022.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF) is an angiogenic factor belonging to vascular endothelial growth factor family. This factor is mainly expressed in the placenta and have important role in blood supply to embryonic tissues and fetal. According to accumulated data after 10th week of gestational age the expression of PlGF is increased. The peak of this factor is seen in the 30th week of pregnancy. The abnormal expression of PlGF have been seen in some diseases such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, cancer, and atherosclerotic lesions. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys. As noted the level of PlGF decreased in preeclampsia is, therefore, timely and accurate measurement of this factor could help in diagnosing preeclampsia. In this study, we worked on development of sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for measurement of PlGF, to this end, bivalent single-domain monoclonal antibody with high affinity binding was used as detection antibody and rabbit polyclonal antibody with strong signal to PlGF was used as capture antibody. Both types of antibodies were produced in the laboratory. Therefore, this study showed that the designed kit can measure PlGF up to 7.5 pg/mL. Intra-assay accuracy was <10% and interassay accuracy was <15%. The ELISA sandwich kit had the appropriate sensitivity and accuracy in measuring human PlGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Valipour
- Department of Advanced Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hasan Namdar Ahmad Abad
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mehran Vatanchian
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Roghaye Arezumand
- Department of Advanced Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.,Department of Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
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The Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) D16F7 Monoclonal Antibody Inhibits Melanoma Adhesion to Soluble VEGFR-1 and Tissue Invasion in Response to Placenta Growth Factor. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225578. [PMID: 36428669 PMCID: PMC9688925 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Placenta growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family involved in tumor-associated angiogenesis and melanoma invasion of the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) through activation of membrane VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR-1). A soluble VEGFR-1 (sVEGFR-1) form is released in the ECM, where it sequesters proangiogenic factors and stimulates endothelial or tumor cell adhesion and chemotaxis through interaction with α5β1 integrin. The anti-VEGFR-1 monoclonal antibody (D16F7 mAb) inhibits VEGF-A or PlGF-mediated signal transduction without affecting ligand interaction, thus preserving sVEGFR-1 decoy function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether D16F7 mAb hampers melanoma spread by in vitro analysis of cell adhesion to sVEGFR-1, ECM invasion, transmigration through an endothelial cell monolayer and in vivo evaluation of tumor infiltrative potential in a syngeneic murine model. Results indicate that D16F7 mAb significantly inhibits melanoma adhesion to sVEGFR-1 and ECM invasion, as well as transmigration in response to PlGF. Moreover, treatment of melanoma-bearing mice with the anti-VEGFR-1 mAb not only inhibits tumor growth but also induces a significant reduction in bone infiltration associated with a decrease in PlGF-positive melanoma cells. Furthermore, D16F7 mAb reduces PlGF production by melanoma cells. Therefore, blockade of PLGF/VEGFR-1 signaling represents a suitable strategy to counteract the metastatic potential of melanoma.
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PD-L1-directed PlGF/VEGF blockade synergizes with chemotherapy by targeting CD141 + cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6292. [PMID: 36272973 PMCID: PMC9588060 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33991-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor 5-year overall survival rate. Patients with PDAC display limited benefits after undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy modalities. Herein, we reveal that chemotherapy upregulates placental growth factor (PlGF), which directly activates cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to induce fibrosis-associated collagen deposition in PDAC. Patients with poor prognosis have high PIGF/VEGF expression and an increased number of PIGF/VEGF receptor-expressing CAFs, associated with enhanced collagen deposition. We also develop a multi-paratopic VEGF decoy receptor (Ate-Grab) by fusing the single-chain Fv of atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) to VEGF-Grab to target PD-L1-expressing CAFs. Ate-Grab exerts anti-tumor and anti-fibrotic effects in PDAC models via the PD-L1-directed PlGF/VEGF blockade. Furthermore, Ate-Grab synergizes with gemcitabine by relieving desmoplasia. Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies that a CD141+ CAF population is reduced upon Ate-Grab and gemcitabine combination treatment. Overall, our results elucidate the mechanism underlying chemotherapy-induced fibrosis in PDAC and highlight a combinatorial therapeutic strategy for desmoplastic cancers.
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McFarland AJ, Ray PR, Bhai S, Levine BD, Price TJ. RNA sequencing on muscle biopsy from a 5-week bed rest study reveals the effect of exercise and potential interactions with dorsal root ganglion neurons. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15176. [PMID: 35133080 PMCID: PMC8823189 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Sedentary lifestyle, chronic disease, or microgravity can cause muscle deconditioning that then has an impact on other physiological systems. An example is the nervous system, which is adversely affected by decreased physical activity resulting in increased incidence of neurological problems such as chronic pain. We sought to better understand how this might occur by conducting RNA sequencing experiments on muscle biopsies from human volunteers in a 5-week bed-rest study with an exercise intervention arm. We also used a computational method for examining ligand-receptor interactions between muscle and human dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, the latter of which play a key role in nociception and are generators of signals responsible for chronic pain. We identified 1352 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in bed rest subjects without an exercise intervention but only 132 DEGs in subjects with the intervention. Among 591 upregulated muscle genes in the no intervention arm, 26 of these were ligands that have receptors that are expressed by human DRG neurons. We detected a specific splice variant of one of these ligands, placental growth factor (PGF), in deconditioned muscle that binds to neuropilin 1, a receptor that is highly expressed in DRG neurons and known to promote neuropathic pain. We conclude that exercise intervention protects muscle from deconditioning transcriptomic changes, and prevents changes in the expression of ligands that might sensitize DRG neurons, or act on other cell types throughout the body. Our work creates a set of actionable hypotheses to better understand how deconditioned muscle may influence the function of sensory neurons that innervate the entire body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia J. McFarland
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain StudiesUniversity of Texas at DallasDallasTexasUSA
| | - Pradipta R. Ray
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain StudiesUniversity of Texas at DallasDallasTexasUSA
| | - Salman Bhai
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental MedicineTexas Health Presbyterian Hospital DallasDallasTexasUSA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at DallasDallasTexasUSA
| | - Benjamin D. Levine
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental MedicineTexas Health Presbyterian Hospital DallasDallasTexasUSA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at DallasDallasTexasUSA
| | - Theodore J. Price
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain StudiesUniversity of Texas at DallasDallasTexasUSA
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13
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Ao L, Gao H, Jia L, Liu S, Guo J, Liu B, Dong Q. Matrine inhibits synovial angiogenesis in collagen-induced arthritis rats by regulating HIF-VEGF-Ang and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Mol Immunol 2021; 141:13-20. [PMID: 34781187 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Matrine (Mat) is an alkaloid of tetracycline quinazine, and previous studies have demonstrated its specific effect on relieving rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the effect of Mat on joint synovial angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of RA has not been elucidated. In this study, body weight, joint swelling, arthritis index (AI) score, histopathological changes, immunohistochemical, and western blot- were used in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats to detect pro-inflammatory factors and, - expression levels of key cytokines and proteins along the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-angiopoietin (Ang) axis and VEGF-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) / protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. In vitro experiments were conducted to observe the effect of Mat on the proliferation, migration and lumen formation of RA-fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results showed that Mat reduced the degree of paw swelling and AI score in CIA rats, joint synovial tissue proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and neovascularization; moreover, it down-regulated the expression levels of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β, interferon-γ, and pro-angiogenic factors VEGF, placental growth factor, HIF-α, Ang-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, and phosphorylation-Akt in the ankle joint of CIA rats. In addition, the in vitro experiments showed that Mat inhibited the proliferation and migration of RA-FLS and inhibited the proliferation and lumen formation of HUVECs. Therefore, Mat exerts an anti-angiogenesis effect by regulating the HIF-VEGF-Ang axis and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This inhibits the pathogenesis and improve the symptoms of RA, and may be offered as a candidate drug for the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Ao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010110, China
| | - Han Gao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Chifeng Hospital of Mongolian Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chifeng, 024000, China
| | - Lifen Jia
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010110, China
| | - Shimin Liu
- Department of Urology, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huhhot, 010110, China
| | - Jie Guo
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010110, China
| | - Bingzhen Liu
- Department of TCM Rheumatology, Huhhot Hospital of Mongolian Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huhhot, 010110, China
| | - Qiumei Dong
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010110, China.
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14
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Peng X, Zhang Z, Mo Y, Liu J, Wang S, Liu H. Bioinformatics Analysis of Choriocarcinoma-Related MicroRNA-Transcription Factor-Target Gene Regulatory Networks and Validation of Key miRNAs. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:3903-3919. [PMID: 34234459 PMCID: PMC8254590 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s311291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of the current research was to construct a miRNA-transcription factor (TF)-target gene regulatory network in order to investigate the mechanism underlying choriocarcinoma and to verify the network through the overexpression or silencing of hub miRNAs in vitro. Materials and Methods A mRNA expression dataset and two miRNA expression datasets were analysed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEMs) between normal cells and choriocarcinoma cells. The top 400 upregulated and downregulated DEGs were identified as candidate DEGs, which were then mapped to construct protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and select hub genes. Moreover, the DGIdb database was utilized to select candidate drugs for hub genes. Moreover, DEM target genes were predicted through the miRWalk2.0 database and overlaid with candidate DEGs to identify the differentially expressed target genes (DETGs). Furthermore, we established miRNA-TF-target gene regulatory networks and performed functional enrichment analysis of hub DEMs. Finally, we transfected mimics or inhibitors of hub DEMs into choriocarcinoma cells and assessed cell proliferation and migration to verify the vital role of hub DEMs in choriocarcinoma. Results A total of 140 DEMs and 400 candidate DEGs were screened from choriocarcinoma cells and normal cells. A PPI network of 400 candidate DEGs was established. Twenty-nine hub genes and 99 associated small molecules were identified to provide potential target drugs for choriocarcinoma treatment. We obtained 70 DETGs of DEMs derived from the intersection between predicted miRNA target genes and candidate DEGs. Subsequently, 3 hub DEMs were selected, and miRNA-TF-target gene regulatory networks containing 4 TFs, 3 TFs and 3 TFs for each network were constructed. The RT-PCR results confirmed that miR-29b-3p was highly expressed and that miR-519c-3p and miR-520a-5p were expressed at low levels in choriocarcinoma cells. The overexpression or silencing results suggested that 3 dysregulated hub DEMs jointly accelerated the proliferation and migration of choriocarcinoma. Conclusion Association of miRNA-TF-target gene regulatory networks may help us explore the underlying mechanism and provide potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of choriocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Peng
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqun Mo
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Junliang Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Huining Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
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15
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Raoul JL, Heymann MF, Dumont F, Morel A, Senellart H, Bertucci F. Case Report: Grade 2 Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor With Progression of One Metastasis After Pregnancy to Grade 3 Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: One Case Cured by Resection With Genomic Characterization of the Two Components. Front Oncol 2021; 11:646992. [PMID: 33954111 PMCID: PMC8092117 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.646992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal and spatial tumor heterogeneity can be observed in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. We report the case of a young woman with long term stabilization of a G2 metastatic pancreatic NET that, after pregnancy, suddenly progressed into one single liver metastasis corresponding to a transformation into G3 large-cell neuroendocrine cancer. The patient underwent liver resection (the progressive and one dormant metastasis). With a 45 months follow-up the patient is without evolutive disease. Exome sequencing of the two metastases revealed completely different genomic signatures and gene alterations: the dormant metastasis was MSS without any gene alteration; the poorly differentiated tumor was MSI, with gain of many mutations including MEN1, BCL2, MLH1 and TP53 corresponding to a mutational signature 11. Could temozolomide play a role in this transformation?
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Luc Raoul
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint-Herblain, France
| | | | - Frédéric Dumont
- Department of Surgery, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint-Herblain, France
| | - Alain Morel
- Department of Oncopharmacology, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Angers, France
| | - Hélène Senellart
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint-Herblain, France
| | - François Bertucci
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, CRCM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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16
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Ainiwaer Z, Maisaidi R, Liu J, Han L, Husaiyin S, Lu J, Niyazi M. Genetic polymorphisms of PGF and TNFAIP2 genes related to cervical cancer risk among Uygur females from China. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 21:212. [PMID: 33109108 PMCID: PMC7590450 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-020-01144-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PGF and TNFAIP2 are important angiogenic factors, which were abnormal expression in cervical cancer (CC). However, there is currently no report investigating the relationship of PGF and TNFAIP2 gene polymorphisms to CC risk. METHODS We conducted a case-control study of 342 CC patients and 498 cancer-free controls in a Chinese Uygur female population. Three SNPs (PGF rs8019391, PGF rs2268615, and TNFAIP2 rs710100) were selected and genotyped to assess the possible association of PGF and TNFAIP2 polymorphisms with CC susceptibility. Logistic regression analysis adjusted by age was used. RESULTS PGF rs2268615 (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.04-1.86, p = 0.024) and TNFAIP2 rs710100 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI =1.07-1.95, p = 0.018) polymorphisms were associated with the increased risk of CC. Moreover, T allele of PGF rs8019391 was highly represented in patients with stage III-IV compared with stage I-II (OR = 2.17, p = 4.58 × 10- 4). MDR analysis revealed a positive interaction between the SNPs. CONCLUSION Our data indicated that PGF rs2268615, and TNFAIP2 rs710100 polymorphisms might be risk factors for CC susceptibility, which contributed to the increased risk of CC. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zumurelaiti Ainiwaer
- Department of Gynecology, Xinjiang Medical University, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No 91 Tianqi Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830001, China
| | - Reyilanmu Maisaidi
- Department of Gynecology, Xinjiang Medical University, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No 91 Tianqi Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830001, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Xinjiang Medical University, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No 91 Tianqi Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830001, China
| | - Lili Han
- Department of Gynecology, Xinjiang Medical University, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No 91 Tianqi Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830001, China.
| | - Sulaiya Husaiyin
- Department of Gynecology, Xinjiang Medical University, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No 91 Tianqi Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830001, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Gynecology, Xinjiang Medical University, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No 91 Tianqi Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830001, China
| | - Mayinuer Niyazi
- Department of Gynecology, Xinjiang Medical University, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No 91 Tianqi Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830001, China
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17
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Aplin JD, Myers JE, Timms K, Westwood M. Tracking placental development in health and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2020; 16:479-494. [PMID: 32601352 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-020-0372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction arise from disorders of placental development and have some shared mechanistic features. Initiation is often rooted in the maldevelopment of a maternal-placental blood supply capable of providing for the growth requirements of the fetus in later pregnancy, without exerting undue stress on maternal body systems. Here, we review normal development of a placental bed with a safe and adequate blood supply and a villous placenta-blood interface from which nutrients and oxygen can be extracted for the growing fetus. We consider disease mechanisms that are intrinsic to the maternal environment, the placenta or the interaction between the two. Systemic signalling from the endocrine placenta targets the maternal endothelium and multiple organs to adjust metabolism for an optimal pregnancy and later lactation. This signalling capacity is skewed when placental damage occurs and can deliver a dangerous pathogenic stimulus. We discuss the placental secretome including glycoproteins, microRNAs and extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers of disease. Angiomodulatory mediators, currently the only effective biomarkers, are discussed alongside non-invasive imaging approaches to the prediction of disease risk. Identifying the signs of impending pathology early enough to intervene and ameliorate disease in later pregnancy remains a complex and challenging objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jenny E Myers
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Kate Timms
- Lydia Becker Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Melissa Westwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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18
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Sobral LM, Hicks HM, Parrish JK, McCann TS, Hsieh J, Goodspeed A, Costello JC, Black JC, Jedlicka P. KDM3A/Ets1 epigenetic axis contributes to PAX3/FOXO1-driven and independent disease-promoting gene expression in fusion-positive Rhabdomyosarcoma. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:2471-2486. [PMID: 32697014 PMCID: PMC7530783 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children and young adults. RMS exists as two major disease subtypes, oncofusion-negative RMS (FN-RMS) and oncofusion-positive RMS (FP-RMS). FP-RMS is characterized by recurrent PAX3/7-FOXO1 driver oncofusions and is a biologically and clinically aggressive disease. Recent studies have revealed FP-RMS to have a strong epigenetic basis. Epigenetic mechanisms represent potential new therapeutic vulnerabilities in FP-RMS, but their complex details remain to be defined. We previously identified a new disease-promoting epigenetic axis in RMS, involving the chromatin factor KDM3A and the Ets1 transcription factor. In the present study, we define the KDM3A and Ets1 FP-RMS transcriptomes and show that these interface with the recently characterized PAX3/FOXO1-driven gene expression program. KDM3A and Ets1 positively control numerous known and candidate novel PAX3/FOXO1-induced RMS-promoting genes, including subsets under control of PAX3/FOXO1-associated superenhancers (SE), such as MEST. Interestingly, KDM3A and Ets1 also positively control a number of known and candidate novel FP-RMS-promoting, but not PAX3/FOXO1-dependent, genes. Epistatically, Ets1 is downstream of, and exerts disease-promoting effects similar to, both KDM3A and PAX3/FOXO1. MEST also manifests disease-promoting properties in FP-RMS, and KDM3A and Ets1 each impacts activation of the PAX3/FOXO1-associated MEST SE. Taken together, our studies show that the KDM3A/Ets1 epigenetic axis plays an important role in disease promotion in FP-RMS, and provide insight into potential new ways to target aggressive phenotypes in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lays M Sobral
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Hannah M Hicks
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Janet K Parrish
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tyler S McCann
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Joseph Hsieh
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Andrew Goodspeed
- Department of Pharmacology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Bioinformatics Shared Resource, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - James C Costello
- Department of Pharmacology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Bioinformatics Shared Resource, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Joshua C Black
- Department of Pharmacology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Paul Jedlicka
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
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19
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Sebastian A, Hum NR, Martin KA, Gilmore SF, Peran I, Byers SW, Wheeler EK, Coleman MA, Loots GG. Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Tumor-Derived Fibroblasts and Normal Tissue-Resident Fibroblasts Reveals Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051307. [PMID: 32455670 PMCID: PMC7281266 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a prominent stromal cell type in solid tumors and molecules secreted by CAFs play an important role in tumor progression and metastasis. CAFs coexist as heterogeneous populations with potentially different biological functions. Although CAFs are a major component of the breast cancer stroma, molecular and phenotypic heterogeneity of CAFs in breast cancer is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated CAF heterogeneity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) using a syngeneic mouse model, BALB/c-derived 4T1 mammary tumors. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we identified six CAF subpopulations in 4T1 tumors including: 1) myofibroblastic CAFs, enriched for α-smooth muscle actin and several other contractile proteins; 2) ‘inflammatory’ CAFs with elevated expression of inflammatory cytokines; and 3) a CAF subpopulation expressing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II proteins that are generally expressed in antigen-presenting cells. Comparison of 4T1-derived CAFs to CAFs from pancreatic cancer revealed that these three CAF subpopulations exist in both tumor types. Interestingly, cells with inflammatory and MHC class II-expressing CAF profiles were also detected in normal breast/pancreas tissue, suggesting that these phenotypes are not tumor microenvironment-induced. This work enhances our understanding of CAF heterogeneity, and specifically targeting these CAF subpopulations could be an effective therapeutic approach for treating highly aggressive TNBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimy Sebastian
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; (A.S.); (N.R.H.); (K.A.M.); (S.F.G.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Nicholas R. Hum
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; (A.S.); (N.R.H.); (K.A.M.); (S.F.G.); (M.A.C.)
- School of Natural Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Kelly A. Martin
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; (A.S.); (N.R.H.); (K.A.M.); (S.F.G.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Sean F. Gilmore
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; (A.S.); (N.R.H.); (K.A.M.); (S.F.G.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Ivana Peran
- Georgetown-Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (I.P.); (S.W.B.)
| | - Stephen W. Byers
- Georgetown-Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (I.P.); (S.W.B.)
| | - Elizabeth K. Wheeler
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA;
| | - Matthew A. Coleman
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; (A.S.); (N.R.H.); (K.A.M.); (S.F.G.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Gabriela G. Loots
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; (A.S.); (N.R.H.); (K.A.M.); (S.F.G.); (M.A.C.)
- School of Natural Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-925-423-0923
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20
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Pasquier J, Ghiabi P, Chouchane L, Razzouk K, Rafii S, Rafii A. Angiocrine endothelium: from physiology to cancer. J Transl Med 2020; 18:52. [PMID: 32014047 PMCID: PMC6998193 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02244-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of cancer as a cell-autonomous disease has been challenged by the wealth of knowledge gathered in the past decades on the importance of tumor microenvironment (TM) in cancer progression and metastasis. The significance of endothelial cells (ECs) in this scenario was initially attributed to their role in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis that is critical for tumor initiation and growth. Nevertheless, the identification of endothelial-derived angiocrine factors illustrated an alternative non-angiogenic function of ECs contributing to both physiological and pathological tissue development. Gene expression profiling studies have demonstrated distinctive expression patterns in tumor-associated endothelial cells that imply a bilateral crosstalk between tumor and its endothelium. Recently, some of the molecular determinants of this reciprocal interaction have been identified which are considered as potential targets for developing novel anti-angiocrine therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Pasquier
- Nice Breast Institute, 57 bld de la Californie, 06000, Nice, France.
- Stem Cell & Microenvironment Laboratory, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Pegah Ghiabi
- Stem Cell & Microenvironment Laboratory, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lotfi Chouchane
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Laboratory of Genetic Medicine and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kais Razzouk
- Nice Breast Institute, 57 bld de la Californie, 06000, Nice, France
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Arash Rafii
- Nice Breast Institute, 57 bld de la Californie, 06000, Nice, France
- Stem Cell & Microenvironment Laboratory, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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21
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Zhang J, Shi J, Ma H, Liu L, He L, Qin C, Zhang D, Guo Y, Gong R. The placental growth factor attenuates intimal hyperplasia in vein grafts by improving endothelial dysfunction. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 868:172856. [PMID: 31836533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Saphenous vein grafts (SVG) patency is limited by intimal hyperplasia (IH) caused by endothelial dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the effect of placental growth factor (PlGF) on the endothelial function of SVG. In rat models of external jugular vein-carotid artery graft treated with PlGF or saline hydrogel, PlGF inhibited vein graft IH (day 28: 12.0 ± 1.9 vs. 61.7 ± 13.1 μm, P < 0.001), promoted microvessel proliferation (day 14: 33.3% 3+ vs. 50.0% 2+, P = 0.03), and increased nitric oxide (NO) production (P < 0.05 on days 1/3/5) and NO synthase (NOS) expression by immunohistochemistry. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured under hypoxia and treated or not with PlGF, PlGF restored the survival (50 ng/ml PlGF, 48 h: 91.7 ± 0.6% vs. 84.9 ± 0.5%, P < 0.01), migration (by Matrigel assay), and tube formation ability (junctions, tubules, and tubule total length; all P < 0.01) of HUVECs after hypoxia. PlGF increased NO production through increased eNOS expression (P < 0.05), without changes in iNOS expression. The mRNA expression of eNOS decreased after the addition of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 (P < 0.05). PlGF promoted the protein expression of eNOS by up-regulating AKT, and the AKT and eNOS protein levels were decreased after adding LY294002 (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, PlGF is a candidate for the inhibition of IH in SVG after coronary artery bypass graft. The effects of PlGF are mediated by the upregulation of the eNOS mRNA and protein through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. PlGF promotes the secretion of NO by endothelial cells and thereby reduces the occurrence and development of IH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Jun Shi
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hao Ma
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Lulu Liu
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Li He
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Chaoyi Qin
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Dengshen Zhang
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yingqiang Guo
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Renrong Gong
- Anesthesia Surgery Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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22
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Atzori MG, Ceci C, Ruffini F, Trapani M, Barbaccia ML, Tentori L, D'Atri S, Lacal PM, Graziani G. Role of VEGFR-1 in melanoma acquired resistance to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:465-475. [PMID: 31758648 PMCID: PMC6933379 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1 (VEGFR‐1) is a tyrosine kinase receptor frequently expressed in melanoma. Its activation by VEGF‐A or placental growth factor (PlGF) promotes tumour cell survival, migration and invasiveness. Moreover, VEGFR‐1 stimulation contributes to pathological angiogenesis and induces recruitment of tumour‐associated macrophages. Since melanoma acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) has been associated with activation of pro‐angiogenic pathways, we have investigated VEGFR‐1 involvement in vemurafenib resistance. Results indicate that human melanoma cells rendered resistant to vemurafenib secrete greater amounts of VEGF‐A and express higher VEGFR‐1 levels compared with their BRAFi‐sensitive counterparts. Transient VEGFR‐1 silencing in susceptible melanoma cells delays resistance development, whereas in resistant cells it increases sensitivity to the BRAFi. Consistently, enforced VEGFR‐1 expression, by stable gene transfection in receptor‐negative melanoma cells, markedly reduces sensitivity to vemurafenib. Moreover, melanoma cells expressing VEGFR‐1 are more invasive than VEGFR‐1 deficient cells and receptor blockade by a specific monoclonal antibody (D16F7 mAb) reduces extracellular matrix invasion triggered by VEGF‐A and PlGF. These data suggest that VEGFR‐1 up‐regulation might contribute to melanoma progression and spreading after acquisition of a drug‐resistant phenotype. Thus, VEGFR‐1 inhibition with D16F7 mAb might be a suitable adjunct therapy for VEGFR‐1 positive tumours with acquired resistance to vemurafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Ceci
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Trapani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Lucio Tentori
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Associations of microRNAs, Angiogenesis-Regulating Factors and CFH Y402H Polymorphism-An Attempt to Search for Systemic Biomarkers in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225750. [PMID: 31731799 PMCID: PMC6887747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains the leading cause of blindness in elderly people, but the pathophysiology of this disease is still largely unknown. We investigated the systemic expression of angiogenesis-regulating growth factors and selected miRNAs known to regulate angiogenesis in AMD patients. We also focused on possible correlations of their expression with the presence of CFH Y402H or ARMS A69S risk variants. A total of 354 AMD patients and 121 controls were enrolled in this study. The levels of angiogenesis-regulating factors were analyzed in plasma samples using Luminex technology. The expression of selected miRNAs was analyzed in peripheral blood plasma using real-time qPCR. The genetic analysis was performed with an Illumina NextSeq500 system. AMD was an independent factor associated with lower levels of angiogenin (β = −0.29, p < 0.001), endostatin (β = −0.18, p < 0.001), FGF-basic (β = −0.18, p < 0.001), PlGF (β = −0.24, p < 0.001), miRNA-21-3p (β = −0.13, p = 0.01) and miRNA-155-5p (β = −0.16, p = 0.002); and with higher levels of FGF-acidic (β = 0.11, p = 0.03), miRNA-23a-3p (β = 0.17, p < 0.001), miRNA-126-5p (β = 0.13, p = 0.009), miRNA-16-5p (β = 0.40, p < 0.001), miRNA-17-3p (β = 0.13, p = 0.01), miRNA-17-5p (β = 0.17, p < 0.001), miRNA-223-3p (β = 0.15, p = 0.004), and miRNA-93 (β = 0.11, p = 0.04). The expression of analyzed miRNA molecules significantly correlated with the levels of tested angiogenesis-regulating factors and clinical parameters in AMD patients, whereas such correlations were not observed in controls. We also found an association between the CFH Y402H polymorphism and miRNA profiles, whereby TT homozygotes showed evidently higher expression of miRNA-16-5p than CC homozygotes or TC heterozygotes (p = 0.0007). Our results suggest that the balance between systemic pro- and anti-angiogenic factors and miRNAs is vital in multifactorial AMD pathogenesis.
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24
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Ma Q, Gu JT, Wang B, Feng J, Yang L, Kang XW, Duan P, Sun X, Liu PJ, Wang JC. PlGF signaling and macrophage repolarization contribute to the anti-neoplastic effect of metformin. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 863:172696. [PMID: 31562866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF) related signaling pathway has been shown to have close relationship with the progression of cancers. Metformin has been reported to have an inhibitory effect on PlGF expression in a breast cancer model. However, little is known about whether the anti-neoplastic activity of metformin is contributed by its inhibitory effect on PlGF expression. Protein, mRNA and secretion levels of PlGF were tested and the proliferation of cancer cells was determined. After treatment of metformin, BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 tumors were sacrificed and immunohistochemistry staining of the tumor sections was obtained. Baseline expression of autocrine PlGF varied between different breast cancer cell lines, while the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) was comparable between cell lines. Other clinical data showed that the expression of PlGF other than VEGFR-1 had a prognostic value for patients with breast cancers. Metformin significantly decreased the secretion and mRNA levels of PlGF, which greatly contributed to its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of breast cancer cells with high P1GF expression. The unresponsiveness of tumor cells with low PlGF expression to genetic silencing was reversed by the supplementation of exogenous PlGF. Systemic metformin administration apparently inhibited the in vivo growth of 4T1 carcinoma, which was accompanied by the repolarization of macrophages from M2 to M1. These findings indicated that both autocrine and paracrine PlGF signaling and macrophage repolarization are involved in the progression of breast cancer, which could be targeted by metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Ma
- Department of peripheral vascular diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Jing-Tao Gu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Bo Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Jun Feng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Wei Kang
- Education Administration Office, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Peng Duan
- Emergency Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Pei-Jun Liu
- Center for Translational Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Ji-Chang Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China; Center for Translational Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
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25
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Albonici L, Giganti MG, Modesti A, Manzari V, Bei R. Multifaceted Role of the Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) in the Antitumor Immune Response and Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20122970. [PMID: 31216652 PMCID: PMC6627047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The sharing of molecules function that affects both tumor growth and neoangiogenesis with cells of the immune system creates a mutual interplay that impairs the host’s immune response against tumor progression. Increasing evidence shows that tumors are able to create an immunosuppressive microenvironment by recruiting specific immune cells. Moreover, molecules produced by tumor and inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment create an immunosuppressive milieu able to inhibit the development of an efficient immune response against cancer cells and thus fostering tumor growth and progression. In addition, the immunoediting could select cancer cells that are less immunogenic or more resistant to lysis. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding the immunomodulatory effects and cancer progression of the angiogenic growth factor namely placental growth factor (PlGF) and address the biological complex effects of this cytokine. Different pathways of the innate and adaptive immune response in which, directly or indirectly, PlGF is involved in promoting tumor immune escape and metastasis will be described. PlGF is important for building up vascular structures and functions. Although PlGF effects on vascular and tumor growth have been widely summarized, its functions in modulating the immune intra-tumoral microenvironment have been less highlighted. In agreement with PlGF functions, different antitumor strategies can be envisioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Albonici
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Gabriella Giganti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Manzari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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26
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Abdelazeem KNM, Droppova B, Sukkar B, Al-Maghout T, Pelzl L, Zacharopoulou N, Ali Hassan NH, Abdel-Fattah KI, Stournaras C, Lang F. Upregulation of Orai1 and STIM1 expression as well as store-operated Ca 2+ entry in ovary carcinoma cells by placental growth factor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 512:467-472. [PMID: 30902388 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF) is produced by tumor cells and stimulates tumor growth and metastasis in part by upregulation of hypoxia inducible factor HIF1α. Orchestration of tumor cell proliferation and migration involves oscillations of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i). The [Ca2+]i oscillations could be accomplished by triggering of intracellular Ca2+ release followed by store-operated Ca2+-entry (SOCE). Mechanisms accomplishing SOCE include the pore-forming ion channel unit Orai1 and its regulator STIM1. The present study explored whether PlGF influences the expression of Orai1 and STIM1, as well as SOCE and whether this effect impacts on HIF1α expression. To this end, ovary carcinoma cells were cultured for 24 h without and with PlGF (10 ng/ml). Orai1, STIM1 and HIF1α transcript levels were quantified utilizing RT-PCR and Orai1, STIM1 and HIF1α protein levels by Western blotting. [Ca2+]i was estimated from Fura-2-fluorescence and SOCE from increase of [Ca2+]i following Ca2+ re-addition after Ca2+-store depletion with extracellular Ca2+ removal and sarcoendoplasmatic Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor thapsigargin (1 μM). As a result, exposure of ovary carcinoma cells to PlGF was followed by a significant increase of Orai1 as well as STIM1 transcript and protein levels. PlGF significantly increased store-operated Ca2+-entry following re-addition of extracellular Ca2+, an effect virtually abrogated by Orai1 inhibitor MRS1845 (10 μM). PlGF further increased HIF1α transcript and protein levels, an effect again significantly blunted by MRS1845 (10 μM). In conclusion, PlGF upregulates expression of both, Orai1 and STIM1 thus enhancing store-operated Ca2+-entry with subsequent upregulation of HIF1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid N M Abdelazeem
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Eberhard Karls,University, Tübingen, Germany; Radiation Biology Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Barbora Droppova
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Eberhard Karls,University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Basma Sukkar
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Eberhard Karls,University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tamer Al-Maghout
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Eberhard Karls,University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lisann Pelzl
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Eberhard Karls,University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nefeli Zacharopoulou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Kamal I Abdel-Fattah
- Radiation Biology Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Christos Stournaras
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Florian Lang
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Eberhard Karls,University, Tübingen, Germany.
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27
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Apolipoprotein(a) Kringles for Gene Therapy of Colon Cancer. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-018-0352-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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28
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Caporale A, Martin AD, Capasso D, Focà G, Sandomenico A, D'Andrea LD, Grieco P, Ruvo M, Doti N. Short
PlGF
‐derived peptides bind
VEGFR
‐1 and
VEGFR
‐2 in vitro and on the surface of endothelial cells. J Pept Sci 2019; 25:e3146. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Caporale
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini—CNR and CIRPEB Naples Italy
| | - Aaron D. Martin
- SensiQ Technologies, Inc. 800 Research Pkwy Oklahoma City OK 73104 USA
| | - Dominga Capasso
- Dipartimento di FarmaciaUniversità degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II” Naples Italy
| | - Giuseppina Focà
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini—CNR and CIRPEB Naples Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Grieco
- Dipartimento di FarmaciaUniversità degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II” Naples Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini—CNR and CIRPEB Naples Italy
| | - Nuzianna Doti
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini—CNR and CIRPEB Naples Italy
- Dipartimento di FarmaciaUniversità degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II” Naples Italy
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29
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Tasev D, Dekker-Vroling L, van Wijhe M, Broxterman HJ, Koolwijk P, van Hinsbergh VWM. Hypoxia Impairs Initial Outgrowth of Endothelial Colony Forming Cells and Reduces Their Proliferative and Sprouting Potential. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 5:356. [PMID: 30619865 PMCID: PMC6306419 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular homeostasis and regeneration in ischemic tissue relies on intrinsic competence of the tissue to rapidly recruit endothelial cells for vascularization. The mononuclear cell (MNC) fraction of blood contains circulating progenitors committed to endothelial lineage. These progenitors give rise to endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) that actively participate in neovascularization of ischemic tissue. To evaluate if the initial clonal outgrowth of ECFCs from cord (CB) and peripheral blood (PB) was stimulated by hypoxic conditions, MNCs obtained from CB and PB were subjected to 20 and 1% O2 cell culture conditions. Clonal outgrowth was followed during a 30 day incubation period. Hypoxia impaired the initial outgrowth of ECFC colonies from CB and also reduced their number that were developing from PB MNCs. Three days of oxygenation (20% O2) prior to hypoxia could overcome the initial CB-ECFC outgrowth. Once proliferating and subcultured the CB-ECFCs growth was only modestly affected by hypoxia; proliferation of PB-ECFCs was reduced to a similar extent (18-30% reduction). Early passages of subcultured CB- and PB-ECFCs contained only viable cells and few if any senescent cells. Tube formation by subcultured PB-ECFCs was also markedly inhibited by continuous exposure to 1% O2. Gene expression profiles point to regulation of the cell cycle and metabolism as major altered gene clusters. Finally we discuss our counterintuitive observations in the context of the important role that hypoxia has in promoting neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitar Tasev
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Laura Dekker-Vroling
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michiel van Wijhe
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henk J Broxterman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pieter Koolwijk
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Victor W M van Hinsbergh
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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30
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Lacal PM, Graziani G. Therapeutic implication of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) targeting in cancer cells and tumor microenvironment by competitive and non-competitive inhibitors. Pharmacol Res 2018; 136:97-107. [PMID: 30170190 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) is a tyrosine kinase receptor for VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor (PlGF) ligands that is expressed in endothelial, myelomonocytic and tumor cells. VEGF-B and PlGF exclusively bind to VEGFR-1, whereas VEGF-A also binds to VEGFR-2. At variance with VEGFR-2, VEGFR-1 does not play a relevant role in physiological angiogenesis in the adult, while it is important in tumor-associated angiogenesis. VEGFR-1 and PlGF are expressed in a variety of tumors, promote invasiveness and contribute to resistance to anti-VEGF-A therapy. The currently approved antiangiogenic therapies for the treatment of a variety of solid tumors hamper VEGF-A signaling mediated by both VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-1 [i.e., the monoclonal antibody (mAb) anti-VEGF-A bevacizumab, the chimeric molecule aflibercept and several small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors] or exclusively by VEGFR-2 (i.e., the mAb anti-VEGFR-2 ramucirumab). However, molecules that interfere with VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 signaling determine severe adverse effects due to inhibition of physiological angiogenesis and their efficacy is hampered by tumor infiltration of protumoral myeloid cells. Blockade of VEGFR-1 may exert anti-tumor activity by multiple mechanisms: a) inhibition of tumor-associated angiogenesis; b) reduction of myeloid progenitor mobilization and tumor infiltration by VEGFR-1 expressing M2 macrophages, which contribute to tumor progression and spreading; c) inhibition of invasiveness, vasculogenic mimicry and survival of VEGFR-1 positive tumor cells. As a consequence of these properties, molecules targeting VEGFR-1 are expected to produce less adverse effects and to counteract resistance towards anti-VEGF-A therapies. More interestingly, selective VEGFR-1 inhibition might enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we will examine the experimental evidence available so far that supports targeting VEGFR-1 signal transduction pathway for cancer treatment by competitive inhibitors that prevent growth factor interaction with the receptor and non-competitive inhibitors that hamper receptor activation without affecting ligand binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Miguel Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, Via Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy.
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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31
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Natale G, Bocci G. Does metronomic chemotherapy induce tumor angiogenic dormancy? A review of available preclinical and clinical data. Cancer Lett 2018; 432:28-37. [PMID: 29885517 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor dormancy is the ability of cancer cells to survive in a non-proliferating state. This condition can depend on three main mechanisms: cell cycle arrest (quiescence or cell dormancy), immunosurveillance (immunologic dormancy), or lack of functional blood vessels (angiogenic dormancy). In particular, under angiogenic dormancy, cancer cell proliferation is counterbalanced by apoptosis owing to poor vascularization, impeding tumor mass expansion beyond a microscopic size, with an asymptomatic and non-metastatic state. Tumor vasculogenic or non-angiogenic switch is essential to promote escape from tumor dormancy, leading to tumor mass proliferation and metastasis. In avascular lesions angiogenesis process results blocked from the equilibrium between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), respectively. The angiogenic switch mainly depends on the disruption of this balance, in favor of pro-angiogenic factors, and on the recruitment of circulating endothelial progenitors (CEPs) that promote the formation of new blood vessels. Metronomic chemotherapy, the regular intake of doses able to sustain low but active concentrations of chemotherapeutic drugs during protracted time periods, is an encouraging therapeutic approach that has shown to upregulate anti-angiogenic factors such as TSP-1 and decline pro-angiogenic factors such as VEGF, suppressing the proangiogenic cells such as CEPs. In this perspective, metronomic chemotherapy may be one of the available therapeutic approaches capable to modulate favorably the angiogenic tumor dormancy, but further research is essential to better define this particular characteristic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Natale
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, and Museo di Anatomia Umana ''Filippo Civinini'', Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Guido Bocci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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32
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Chiu YH, Yang MR, Wang LJ, Chen MH, Chang GD, Chen H. New insights into the regulation of placental growth factor gene expression by the transcription factors GCM1 and DLX3 in human placenta. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9801-9811. [PMID: 29743241 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of placental growth factor (PGF) is closely associated with placental perfusion in early pregnancy. PGF is primarily expressed in placental trophoblasts, and its expression decreases in preeclampsia, associated with placental hypoxia. The transcription factors glial cells missing 1 (GCM1) and metal-regulatory transcription factor 1 (MTF1) have been implicated in the regulation of PGF gene expression through regulatory elements upstream and downstream of the PGF transcription start site, respectively. Here, we clarified the mechanism underlying placenta-specific PGF expression. We demonstrate that GCM1 up-regulates PGF expression through three downstream GCM1-binding sites (GBSs) but not a previously reported upstream GBS. Interestingly, we also found that these downstream GBSs also harbor metal-response elements for MTF1. Surprisingly, however, we observed that MTF1 is unlikely to regulate PGF expression in the placenta because knockdown or overexpression of GCM1, but not MTF1, dramatically decreased PGF expression or reversed the suppression of PGF expression under hypoxia, respectively. We also demonstrate that another transcription factor, Distal-less homeobox 3 (DLX3), interacts with the DNA-binding domain and the first transactivation domain of GCM1 and that this interaction inhibits GCM1-mediated PGF expression. Moreover, the GCM1-DLX3 interaction interfered with CREB-binding protein-mediated GCM1 acetylation and activation. In summary, we have identified several GBSs in the PGF promoter that are highly responsive to GCM1, have demonstrated that MTF1 does not significantly regulate PGF expression in placental cells, and provide evidence that DLX3 inhibits GCM1-mediated PGF expression. Our findings revise the mechanism for GCM1- and DLX3-mediated regulation of PGF gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Ho Chiu
- From the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan and
| | - Ming-Ren Yang
- Graduate Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Jie Wang
- From the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan and
| | - Ming-Hon Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Geen-Dong Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Hungwen Chen
- From the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan and .,Graduate Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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33
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Li H, Jin Y, Hu Y, Jiang L, Liu F, Zhang Y, Hao Y, Chen S, Wu X, Liu Y. The PLGF/c-MYC/miR-19a axis promotes metastasis and stemness in gallbladder cancer. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:1532-1544. [PMID: 29575299 PMCID: PMC5980328 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common malignant tumor of the biliary tract system. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a vital role in the process of tumor metastasis. Mesenchymal-like cells can serve as a source of cancer stem cells, which can confer the EMT phenotype. Placental growth factor (PLGF) belongs to the vascular endothelial growth factor family and plays a vital role in cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms about the influence of PLGF on EMT in GBC remain unknown. Here we show that PLGF expression levels were higher in GBC tissues than in normal adjacent tissues and were associated with poor prognosis in GBC patients. Exogenous PLGF enhanced the migration, invasion, and tumorsphere formation of GBC cells. Conversely, knockdown of PLGF decreased the aggressive phenotype of GBC cells. Mechanistically, exogenous PLGF upregulated microRNA-19a (miR-19a) expression through the activation of c-MYC. Moreover, Spearman's correlation analysis showed a positive pairwise correlation among PLGF, c-MYC, and miR-19a expression in GBC tissues. Taken together, these results suggest that PLGF promotes EMT and tumorsphere formation through inducing miR-19a expression by upregulating c-MYC. Thus, PLGF could be a promising molecular therapeutic target for GBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaifeng Li
- Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunpeng Jin
- Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunping Hu
- Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fatao Liu
- Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijian Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajuan Hao
- Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shili Chen
- Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangsong Wu
- Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingbin Liu
- Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Graziani G, Ruffini F, Tentori L, Scimeca M, Dorio AS, Atzori MG, Failla CM, Morea V, Bonanno E, D'Atri S, Lacal PM. Antitumor activity of a novel anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 monoclonal antibody that does not interfere with ligand binding. Oncotarget 2018; 7:72868-72885. [PMID: 27655684 PMCID: PMC5341950 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) is a tyrosine kinase transmembrane receptor that has also a soluble isoform containing most of the extracellular ligand binding domain (sVEGFR-1). VEGF-A binds to both VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-1, whereas placenta growth factor (PlGF) interacts exclusively with VEGFR-1. In this study we generated an anti-VEGFR-1 mAb (D16F7) by immunizing BALB/C mice with a peptide that we had previously reported to inhibit angiogenesis and endothelial cell migration induced by PlGF. D16F7 did not affect binding of VEGF-A or PlGF to VEGFR-1, thus allowing sVEGFR-1 to act as decoy receptor for these growth factors, but it hampered receptor homodimerization and activation. D16F7 inhibited both the chemotactic response of human endothelial, myelomonocytic and melanoma cells to VEGFR-1 ligands and vasculogenic mimicry by tumor cells. Moreover, D16F7 exerted in vivo antiangiogenic effects in a matrigel plug assay. Importantly, D16F7 inhibited tumor growth and was well tolerated by B6D2F1 mice injected with syngeneic B16F10 melanoma cells. The antitumor effect was associated with melanoma cell apoptosis, vascular abnormalities and decrease of both monocyte/macrophage infiltration and myeloid progenitor mobilization. For all the above, D16F7 may be exploited in the therapy of metastatic melanoma and other tumors or pathological conditions involving VEGFR-1 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Ruffini
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucio Tentori
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa S Dorio
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cristina M Failla
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Morea
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania D'Atri
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pedro M Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Skoda M, Stangret A, Szukiewicz D. Fractalkine and placental growth factor: A duet of inflammation and angiogenesis in cardiovascular disorders. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2018; 39:116-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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36
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Atzori MG, Tentori L, Ruffini F, Ceci C, Bonanno E, Scimeca M, Lacal PM, Graziani G. The Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 Monoclonal Antibody D16F7 Inhibits Glioma Growth and Angiogenesis In Vivo. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 364:77-86. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.244434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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37
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Santalahti K, Havulinna A, Maksimow M, Zeller T, Blankenberg S, Vehtari A, Joensuu H, Jalkanen S, Salomaa V, Salmi M. Plasma levels of hepatocyte growth factor and placental growth factor predict mortality in a general population: a prospective cohort study. J Intern Med 2017; 282:340-352. [PMID: 28682476 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating levels of growth factors involved in leucocyte production and angiogenesis could be indicative of underlying aberrations of tissue homeostasis and therefore be utilized as predictors of risk for all-cause cardiovascular disease (CVD) or cancer mortality. METHODS Baseline plasma levels of a range of growth factors were measured in two cohorts of the population-based FINRISK study (1997 Discovery cohort, N = 8444, aged 25-74; 2002 Replication cohort, N = 2951, aged 51-74 years) using a multiplexed bead array methodology and ELISA. Participants were followed up by linking them to registry data. RESULTS In the Discovery cohort (653 deaths; 216 CVD-related, 231 cancer-related), fully adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression models showed that increased plasma hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) were associated with higher risk of 10-year mortality (HR, 1.29 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18-1.41] and HR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.14-1.32], respectively). In the Replication cohort (259 deaths; 83 CVD-related, 90 cancer-related), baseline HGF levels also predicted all-cause mortality (HR, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.08-1.32]; PlGF data not available). By including HGF levels in a CVD mortality model, 9% of all CVD deaths were correctly reclassified in the Discovery cohort (categorical net reclassification improvement [NRI] for events, P = 4.0 × 10-4 ). Moreover, adding HGF to all-cause and CVD mortality models resulted in an overall clinical NRI of 0.10-0.18 in the Discovery cohort and meta-analyses (P < 0.05 for all tests). CONCLUSION Blood levels of HGF and PlGF may serve as new biomarkers for predicting increased risk of death in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Santalahti
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - A Havulinna
- Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Maksimow
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - T Zeller
- Clinic for General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK eV), Partner Site Hamburg/Lübeck/Kiel/Hamburg, Germany
| | - S Blankenberg
- Clinic for General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK eV), Partner Site Hamburg/Lübeck/Kiel/Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Vehtari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Computational Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - H Joensuu
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Jalkanen
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - V Salomaa
- Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Salmi
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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38
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Nejabati HR, Latifi Z, Ghasemnejad T, Fattahi A, Nouri M. Placental growth factor (PlGF) as an angiogenic/inflammatory switcher: lesson from early pregnancy losses. Gynecol Endocrinol 2017; 33:668-674. [PMID: 28447504 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1318375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF) is an angiogenic factor which belongs to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family. In addition to the angiogenic function of PlGF, in some conditions such as preeclampsia and early pregnancy losses, it can induce inflammatory reactions which could be accompanied with reduced angiogenesis. Hence, it is crucial to investigate inflammatory and angiogenic switching states and understand underlying mechanisms. PlGF is expressed in endometrium, placenta and trophoblast cells and is involved in maturation of uterine NK cells. Up-regulation of PlGF directs VEGF to VEGFR-2 and reinforces angiogenesis. However, when VEGF/VEGFR-2 signaling pathway is impaired, PlGF may shift to severe inflammation and cause tissue damages which could lead to early pregnancy losses. Downregulation of PlGF has also been reported in pregnancy complications. In this review, we discussed the role of PlGF in embryo implantation failure and early pregnancy loss and also possible mechanisms regarding the role of PlGF in angiogenic/inflammatory switching in early pregnancy losses. Furthermore, we summarized the effects of various compounds on PlGF expression and briefly talked about its therapeutic potential that may be an opportunity for prevention of pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Nejabati
- a Women's Reproductive Health Research Center
- b Department of Clinical Biochemistry , Faculty of Medicine , and
| | - Zeinab Latifi
- b Department of Clinical Biochemistry , Faculty of Medicine , and
| | | | - Amir Fattahi
- a Women's Reproductive Health Research Center
- c Department of Reproductive Biology , Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- c Department of Reproductive Biology , Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
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39
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Wu WB, Xu YY, Cheng WW, Yuan B, Zhao JR, Wang YL, Zhang HJ. Decreased PGF may contribute to trophoblast dysfunction in fetal growth restriction. Reproduction 2017; 154:319-329. [PMID: 28676532 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) threatens perinatal health and is correlated with increased incidence of fetal original adult diseases. Most cases of FGR were idiopathic, which were supposed to be associated with placental abnormality. Decreased circulating placental growth factor (PGF) was recognized as an indication of placental deficiency in FGR. In this study, the epigenetic regulation of PGF in FGR placentas and the involvement of PGF in modulation of trophoblast activity were investigated. The expression level of PGF in placental tissues was determined by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and ELISA. DNA methylation profile of PGF gene was analyzed by bisulfite sequencing. Trophoblastic cell lines were treated with ZM-306416, an inhibitor of PGF receptor FLT1, to observe the effect of PGF/FLT1 signaling on cell proliferation and migration. We demonstrated that PGF was downregulated in placentas from FGR pregnancies compared with normal controls. The villous expression of PGF was positively correlated with placental and fetal weight. The CpG island inside PGF promoter was hypomethylated without obvious difference in both normal and FGR placentas. However, the higher DNA methylation at another CpG island downstream exon 7 of PGF was demonstrated in FGR placentas. Additionally, we found FLT1 was expressed in trophoblast cells. Inhibition of PGF/FLT1 signaling by a selective inhibitor impaired trophoblast proliferation and migration. In conclusion, our data suggested that the PGF expression was dysregulated, and disrupted PGF/FLT1 signaling in trophoblast might contribute to placenta dysfunction in FGR. Thus, our results support the significant role of PGF in the pathogenesis of FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Bin Wu
- Departments of Pathology and Bio-Bank, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue-Ying Xu
- Departments of Pathology and Bio-Bank, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Wei Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Yuan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineer, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiu-Ru Zhao
- Departments of Pathology and Bio-Bank, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Lin Wang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center & Fetal Medicine Unit, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Juan Zhang
- Departments of Pathology and Bio-Bank, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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40
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Sun X, Liu X. Cancer metastasis: enactment of the script for human reproductive drama. Cancer Cell Int 2017; 17:51. [PMID: 28469531 PMCID: PMC5414196 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-017-0421-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on compelling evidence from many biological disciplines, we put forth a hypothesis for cancer metastasis. In the hypothesis, the metastatic cascade is depicted as human reproduction in miniature. Illustrated in a reproductive light, the staggering resemblance of cancer metastasis to human reproduction becomes evident despite some ostensible dis-similarities. In parallel to the appearance of primordial germ cells during early embryogenesis, the cancer reproductive saga starts with the separation of metastasis initiating cells (MICs) from cancer initiating cells when the primary cancer is still in its infancy. Prime MICs embark on a journey to the host bone marrow where they undergo further development and regulation. Migrating MICs are guided by the same CXCR4/CYCL12 axis as used in the migration of primordial germ cells to the genital ridge. Like the ovary, the host bone marrow features immune privileges, coolness, hypoxia and acidity which are essential for stemness maintenance and regulation. Opportune activation of the MICs via fusion with bone marrow stem cells triggers a frenzy of cellular proliferation and sets them on the move again. This scenario is akin to oocyte fertilization in the Fallopian tube and its subsequent journey towards the decidum. Just as the human reproductive process is plagued with undesirable outcomes so is the cancer metastasis highly inefficient. The climax of the cancer metastatic drama (colonization) is reached when proliferating MIC clusters attempt to settle down on decidum-like premetastatic sites. Successfully colonized clusters blossom into overt macrometastases only after the execution of sophisticated immunomodulation, angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. Similarly, the implanted blastomere needs to orchestrate these feats before flourishing into a new life. What is more, the cancer reproductive drama seems to be directed by a primordial hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis. Pursuing this reproductive trail could lead to new frontiers and breakthroughs in cancer research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xichun Sun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGuire Holmes Veteran Affairs Medical Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249 USA.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Hunan, China
| | - Xiwu Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGuire Holmes Veteran Affairs Medical Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249 USA.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Hunan, China
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41
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Al Kahtani E, Xu Z, Al Rashaed S, Wu L, Mahale A, Tian J, Abboud EB, Ghazi NG, Kozak I, Gupta V, Arevalo JF, Duh EJ. Vitreous levels of placental growth factor correlate with activity of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and are not influenced by bevacizumab treatment. Eye (Lond) 2016; 31:529-536. [PMID: 27886182 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2016.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PurposePlacental growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the VEGF family that plays an important role in experimental models of diabetic retinopathy and retinal neovascularization. We aimed to investigate whether vitreous levels of PlGF correlated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) status, VEGF levels, and bevacizumab treatment. We also analysed PDR membranes to confirm the presence of the PlGF receptor, FLT1, in endothelial cells.MethodsThis was a case-control study: undiluted vitreous fluid samples were obtained from 28 active PDR patients without preoperative bevacizumab treatment, 21 active PDR patients with preoperative bevacizumab treatment, 18 inactive PDR patients, and 21 control patients. PlGF and VEGF levels in samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemistry for FLT1 was performed on human PDR membranes.ResultsCompared to control, vitreous PlGF levels were higher in both active PDR without bevacizumab (P<0.0001) and with bevacizumab (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in PlGF between active PDR patients without and with bevacizumab (P=0.56). Compared to active PDR, PlGF levels were significantly reduced in inactive PDR (P=0.004). PlGF levels were highly correlated with VEGF levels in active PDR. VEGFR1 was expressed in endothelial cells in human PDR membranes.ConclusionThe strong correlation of PlGF levels with PDR disease status and expression of FLT1 in human PDR membranes suggest that PlGF has a pathogenic role in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Therapeutic targeting of PlGF with agents like aflibercept may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Al Kahtani
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Z Xu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - S Al Rashaed
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - L Wu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A Mahale
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - J Tian
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - E B Abboud
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - N G Ghazi
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - I Kozak
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - V Gupta
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - J F Arevalo
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - E J Duh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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42
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Targeting the angio-proteostasis network: Combining the forces against cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 167:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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43
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kuchnio
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Dewerchin
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
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44
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Arezumand R, Mahdian R, Zeinali S, Hassanzadeh-Ghassabeh G, Mansouri K, Khanahmad H, Namvar-Asl N, Rahimi H, Behdani M, Cohan RA, Eavazalipour M, Ramazani A, Muyldermans S. Identification and characterization of a novel nanobody against human placental growth factor to modulate angiogenesis. Mol Immunol 2016; 78:183-192. [PMID: 27648860 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF), a member of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) family, is considered as an important antigen associated with pathological conditions such as cancer cell growth, and metastasis. PlGF-targeting via nanobody (Nb) therefore could be beneficial to modulate these pathologies. In this work, phage-display and computational approach was employed to develop a high affinity PlGF-specific Nb. An Nb library was constructed against human recombinant PlGF (rPlGF). After panning on immobilized rPlGF the periplasmic-extract (PE) of individual colonies were screened by ELISA (PE-ELISA). The 3D structures of selected Nbs were then homology modeled and energy minimized using the AMBER force field. Binding score calculations were also assessed to reveal possible Nb-PlGF interactions. Via ELISA-based affinity/specificity determinations, the best-qualified Nb was further evaluated by proliferation, migration, 3D capillary formation, invasion assays and on Chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. An immune library of 1.5×107 individual Nb clones was constructed. By PE-ELISA 12 clones with strong signals were selected. Three out of 12 sequenced Nbs (Nb-C13, Nb-C18 and Nb-C62) showed high binding scores ranging between -378.7 and -461kcal/mol. Compared to a control Nb, Nb-C18 significantly inhibited proliferation, migration and the 3D-capillary formation of HUVEC cells (p<0.05) with an EC50 of 35nM, 42nM and 24nM and invasion of MDA-MB231was significantly suppressed (p<0.05) with an EC50 of57nM. The result of the CAM assay shows that Nb-C18 could inhibit the vascular formation in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane. This Nb can be used as anti-angiogenesis agent in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roghaye Arezumand
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Science, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasture Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mahdian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasture Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sirous Zeinali
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasture Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gholamreza Hassanzadeh-Ghassabeh
- Vrije University Brussel, Research group Cellular & Molecular Immunology, Brussels, Belgium; VIB, Nanobody Service Facility, Vrije University Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kamran Mansouri
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Hossein Khanahmad
- Department of Molecular Biology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nabiollah Namvar-Asl
- Laboratory of Animal Sciences, Production and Research Complex for Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamzeh Rahimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasture Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasture Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ahangari Cohan
- Department of Pilot Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Eavazalipour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Ali Ramazani
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Vrije University Brussel, Research group Cellular & Molecular Immunology, Brussels, Belgium; VIB, Department of Structural Biology, Vrije University Brussel, Belgium
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Vilsmaier T, Rack B, Janni W, Jeschke U, Weissenbacher T. Angiogenic cytokines and their influence on circulating tumour cells in sera of patients with the primary diagnosis of breast cancer before treatment. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:547. [PMID: 27464822 PMCID: PMC4964055 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2612-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) have been found to be a prognostic marker for reduced disease free survival, breast cancer–specific survival, and overall survival before the start of systemic treatment. Methods A total of 200 patients’ sera were included in this study, 100 patients being CTC positive and 100 patients being CTC negative. Matching criteria were histo-pathological grading, lymph node metastasis, hormone receptor status, TNM classification and survived breast cancer patients vs. deceased tumor associated patients. A multi cytokine/chemokine array was used to screen the sera for the angiogenic markers. Results Statistical significant correlation was exposed for sFlt1 values in regard to the CTC-Status. CTC negative patients displayed increased sFlt1 expression opposed to CTC positive breast cancer patients. Furthermore, significant enhanced PIGF values were also disclosed in CTC negative patients compared to patients being CTC positive. Analyzing the living patient collective we found significant differences in sFlt1 and PlGF values in regard to CTC negative and CTC positive patients. Conclusion Both vascular markers showed enhanced expression in the CTC negative patient collective. To continue, the collective graded G2 showed significantly enhanced sFlt1 expressions amongst patients with no CTCs. Moreover, the patient collective with no lymph node metastasis and CTC negativity indicated statistically significant increased sFlt1 values. A functional interaction of sFlt1 and PlGF was found, suggesting that their overexpression in tumour cells inhibits CTCs entering the peripheral blood. Furthermore, in regard to CTC negativity, sFlt1 and PlGF values may potentially serve as predictive markers. Trial registration The TRN of this study is NCT02181101 and the date of registration was the 4th of June 2014. The study was retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Vilsmaier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Brigitte Rack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Janni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany.
| | - Tobias Weissenbacher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany
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Lange C, Storkebaum E, de Almodóvar CR, Dewerchin M, Carmeliet P. Vascular endothelial growth factor: a neurovascular target in neurological diseases. Nat Rev Neurol 2016; 12:439-54. [PMID: 27364743 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2016.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Brain function critically relies on blood vessels to supply oxygen and nutrients, to establish a barrier for neurotoxic substances, and to clear waste products. The archetypal vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF, arose in evolution as a signal affecting neural cells, but was later co-opted by blood vessels to regulate vascular function. Consequently, VEGF represents an attractive target to modulate brain function at the neurovascular interface. On the one hand, VEGF is neuroprotective, through direct effects on neural cells and their progenitors and indirect effects on brain perfusion. In accordance, preclinical studies show beneficial effects of VEGF administration in neurodegenerative diseases, peripheral neuropathies and epilepsy. On the other hand, pathologically elevated VEGF levels enhance vessel permeability and leakage, and disrupt blood-brain barrier integrity, as in demyelinating diseases, for which blockade of VEGF may be beneficial. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the role and therapeutic potential of VEGF in neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lange
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Vesalius Research Center, Department of Oncology (KU Leuven) and Vesalius Research Center (VIB), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N4, Herestraat 49 - 912, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Erik Storkebaum
- Molecular Neurogenetics Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Roentgenstrasse 20, D-48149 Muenster, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Muenster, Roentgenstrasse 20, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Mieke Dewerchin
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Vesalius Research Center, Department of Oncology (KU Leuven) and Vesalius Research Center (VIB), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N4, Herestraat 49 - 912, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Vesalius Research Center, Department of Oncology (KU Leuven) and Vesalius Research Center (VIB), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N4, Herestraat 49 - 912, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Sridharan V, Margalit DN, Lynch SA, Severgnini M, Hodi FS, Haddad RI, Tishler RB, Schoenfeld JD. Effects of definitive chemoradiation on circulating immunologic angiogenic cytokines in head and neck cancer patients. J Immunother Cancer 2016; 4:32. [PMID: 27330805 PMCID: PMC4915184 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-016-0138-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preclinical studies suggest a synergistic effect between radiation, immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy, although the mechanisms are unclear. Angiogenic cytokines are known to affect the immune system, and their levels may be associated with response to immunotherapy. Here, we assess changes in circulating VEGF, as well as angiogenic cytokines angiopoietin-1 and -2 (Ang1, Ang2), and placental growth factor (PLGF) that occur during definitive chemo-radiotherapy in HNSCC patients. Methods We prospectively collected blood samples from patients receiving definitive radiation with or without chemotherapy. Serum Ang1, Ang2, VEGF, and PLGF were measured via cytokine assays. Results The majority of patients had advanced stage, node positive HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer, and received radiation to a median dose of 70 Gy with concurrent cisplatin. Over the course of treatment, serum VEGF and Ang1 levels decreased in 20/24 (84 %, p < 0.0001) and 21/24 (88 %, p < 0.0001) patients, respectively, and Ang2 and PLGF levels increased in 20/24 (83 %, p < 0.0001) patients. Conclusions We find significant changes in angiogenic cytokines in the majority of HNSCC patients over the course of chemoradiation. Decreases in VEGF caused by radiation may represent one mechanism of potential synergy with immunotherapy. Increases in Ang2 and PLGF are interesting given their link to tumor associated angiogenesis and poor prognosis. Additional studies are needed to explore synergies between anti-angiogenic treatments, immunotherapy, and chemoradiation in HNSCC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40425-016-0138-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishwajith Sridharan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Center, 450 Brookline Ave, DA L2-57, Boston, MA 02114 USA ; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Danielle N Margalit
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Center, 450 Brookline Ave, DA L2-57, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Stephanie A Lynch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Center, 450 Brookline Ave, DA L2-57, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Mariano Severgnini
- Center for Immuno-oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA
| | - F Stephen Hodi
- Center for Immuno-oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA ; Department of Medical Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Robert I Haddad
- Department of Medical Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Roy B Tishler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Center, 450 Brookline Ave, DA L2-57, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Jonathan D Schoenfeld
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Center, 450 Brookline Ave, DA L2-57, Boston, MA 02114 USA
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Luna RL, Kay VR, Rätsep MT, Khalaj K, Bidarimath M, Peterson N, Carmeliet P, Jin A, Croy BA. Placental growth factor deficiency is associated with impaired cerebral vascular development in mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:130-42. [PMID: 26646502 PMCID: PMC4733225 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY HYPOTHESIS Placental growth factor (PGF) is expressed in the developing mouse brain and contributes to vascularization and vessel patterning. STUDY FINDING PGF is dynamically expressed in fetal mouse brain, particularly forebrain, and is essential for normal cerebrovascular development. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PGF rises in maternal plasma over normal human and mouse pregnancy but is low in many women with the acute onset hypertensive syndrome, pre-eclampsia (PE). Little is known about the expression of PGF in the fetus during PE. Pgf (-/-) mice appear normal but recently cerebral vascular defects were documented in adult Pgf (-/-) mice. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS Here, temporal-spatial expression of PGF is mapped in normal fetal mouse brains and cerebral vasculature development is compared between normal and congenic Pgf (-/-) fetuses to assess the actions of PGF during cerebrovascular development. Pgf/PGF, Vegfa/VEGF, Vegf receptor (Vegfr)1 and Vegfr2 expression were examined in the brains of embryonic day (E)12.5, 14.5, 16.5 and 18.5 C57BL/6 (B6) mice using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. The cerebral vasculature was compared between Pgf (-/-) and B6 embryonic and adult brains using whole mount techniques. Vulnerability to cerebral ischemia was investigated using a left common carotid ligation assay. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Pgf/PGF and Vegfr1 are highly expressed in E12.5-14.5 forebrain relative to VEGF and Vegfr2. Vegfa/VEGF is relatively more abundant in hindbrain (HB). PGF and VEGF expression were similar in midbrain. Delayed HB vascularization was seen at E10.5 and 11.5 in Pgf (-/-) brains. At E14.5, Pgf (-/-) circle of Willis showed unilateral hypoplasia and fewer collateral vessels, defects that persisted post-natally. Functionally, adult Pgf (-/-) mice experienced cerebral ischemia after left common carotid arterial occlusion while B6 mice did not. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Since Pgf (-/-) mice were used, consequences of complete absence of maternal and fetal PGF were defined. Therefore, the effects of maternal versus fetal PGF deficiency on cerebrovascular development cannot be separated. However, as PGF was strongly expressed in the developing brain at all timepoints, we suggest that local PGF has a more important role than distant maternal or placental sources. Full PGF loss is not expected in PE pregnancies, predicting that the effects of PGF deficiency identified in this model will be more severe than any effects in PE-offspring. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These studies provoke the question of whether PGF expression is decreased and cerebral vascular maldevelopment occurs in fetuses who experience a preeclamptic gestation. These individuals have already been reported to have elevated risk for stroke and cognitive impairments. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by awards from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Canada Research Chairs Program and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation to B.A.C. and by training awards from the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq), Brazil to R.L.L.; Queen's University to V.R.K. and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to M.T.R. The work of P.C. is supported by the Belgian Science Policy BELSPO-IUAP7/03, Structural funding by the Flemish Government-Methusalem funding, and the Flemish Science Fund-FWO grants. There were no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayana Leal Luna
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada Federal University of Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife, Pernambuco 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Vanessa R Kay
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Matthew T Rätsep
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Kasra Khalaj
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Mallikarjun Bidarimath
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Nichole Peterson
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, Department of Oncology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Albert Jin
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - B Anne Croy
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
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Pagani E, Ruffini F, Antonini Cappellini GC, Scoppola A, Fortes C, Marchetti P, Graziani G, D'Atri S, Lacal PM. Placenta growth factor and neuropilin-1 collaborate in promoting melanoma aggressiveness. Int J Oncol 2016; 48:1581-9. [PMID: 26846845 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, which shares with VEGF-A the tyrosine kinase receptor VEGFR-1 and the co-receptor neuropilin-1 (NRP-1). In melanoma models, PlGF enhances tumour growth and neovessel formation, whereas NRP-1 promotes the metastatic process. Increased secretion of PlGF and expression of NRP-1 have also been involved in intrinsic or acquired resistance to anti‑angiogenic therapies. In this study we investigated whether PlGF and NRP-1 cooperate in promoting melanoma aggressiveness independently of VEGFR-1. For this purpose, the melanoma cell clones M14-N, expressing NRP-1 and lacking VEGFR-1, and M14-C, devoid of both receptors, were used. M14-N cells are characterized by an invasive phenotype and vasculogenic mimicry, whereas M14-C cells possess a negligible invasive capacity. The results indicated that M14-N cells secrete higher levels of PlGF than M14-C cells and that PlGF is involved in the invasion of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and vasculogenic mimicry of M14-N cells. In fact, neutralizing antibodies against PlGF reverted ECM invasion in response to PlGF and markedly reduced the formation of tubule-like structures. Moreover, M14-N cells migrated in response to PlGF and chemotaxis was specifically abrogated by anti-NRP-1 antibodies, demonstrating that PlGF directly activates NRP-1 in the absence of VEGFR-1. We also compared the levels of PlGF in the plasma of patients affected by metastatic melanoma with those of healthy donors and evaluated whether PlGF levels could be affected by a bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy regimen. Melanoma patients showed a 20-fold increase in plasma PlGF and the bevacizumab-containing regimen induced a reduction of VEGF-A and in a further increase of PlGF. In conclusion, our studies suggest that the activation of NRP-1 by PlGF directly contributes to melanoma aggressiveness and represents a potential compensatory pro-angiogenic mechanism that may contribute to the resistance to therapies targeting VEGF-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pagani
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, 'Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata'- IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Ruffini
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, 'Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata'- IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Scoppola
- Department of Oncology and Dermatological Oncology, 'Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata'- IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Fortes
- Epidemiology Unit, 'Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata'- IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Marchetti
- Department of Oncology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania D'Atri
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, 'Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata'- IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pedro Miguel Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, 'Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata'- IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Redzovic A, Gulic T, Laskarin G, Eminovic S, Haller H, Rukavina D. Heat-Shock Proteins 70 Induce Pro-Inflammatory Maturation Program in Decidual CD1a(+) Dendritic Cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 74:38-53. [PMID: 25737151 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The aim of the study was to assess possible binding of a mixture of constitutive Hsc70 and inducible Hsp70 forms (HSP70) to Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and CD91 receptors on decidual CD1a(+) dendritic cells (DCs) and their influence on DCs maturation status. METHOD OF STUDY Immunohistology and immunofluorescence of paraffin-embedded first trimetester and term pregnancy decidua were performed together with flow cytometry detection of antigens in DCs after stimulation of decidual mononuclear cells with HSP70. RESULTS Hsc70 and Hsp70 labeling revealed intracellular and nuclear staining in trophoblast cells. The numbers of Hsc70(+) and Hsp70(+) cells of decidual tissue were higher in early pregnancy decidua than in decidua at term. HSP70 binds CD91 and TLR4 receptors on CD1a(+) DCs and increased the expression of CD83, HLA-DR, CD80, and CD86, but decreased CC receptor (CCR) 5. HSP70 increased CC ligand (CCL) 3 and CCL22. HSP70 in the concentration of 1 μg/mL increased the percentage of interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-15-expressing cells over the cells expressing IL-4. CONCLUSION HSP70 binds CD91 and TLR4 on decidual CD1a(+) DCs, causes their maturation, and increases IL-15 in the context of Th1 cytokine/chemokine domination, which could support immune response harmful for ongoing pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnela Redzovic
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Tamara Gulic
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Gordana Laskarin
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Senija Eminovic
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Herman Haller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Daniel Rukavina
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Department of Clinical and Transplantation Immunology and Molecular Medicine in Rijeka, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Rijeka, Croatia
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