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Yang YC, Ho KH, Pan KF, Hua KT, Tung MC, Ku CC, Chen JQ, Hsiao M, Chen CL, Lee WJ, Chien MH. ESM1 facilitates the EGFR/HER3-triggered epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and progression of gastric cancer via modulating interplay between Akt and angiopoietin-2 signaling. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:4819-4837. [PMID: 39309430 PMCID: PMC11414391 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.100276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) poses global challenges due to its difficult early diagnosis and drug resistance, necessitating the identification of early detection markers and understanding of oncogenic pathways for effective GC therapy. Endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM1), a secreted glycoprotein, is elevated in various cancers, but its role in GC remains controversial. In our study, ESM1 was elevated in GC tissues, and its concentration was correlated with progression and poorer patient prognosis in independent cohorts. Functionally, ESM1 expression promoted proliferation, anoikis resistance, and motility of GC cells, as well as tumor growth in PDOs and in GC xenograft models. Mechanistically, ESM1 expression triggered the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of GC cells by enhancing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/human EGFR 3 (HER3) association and activating the EGFR/HER3-Akt pathway. Additionally, angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) was found to be highly correlated with ESM1 and interplayed with Akt to induce the EMT and cancer progression. Use of a signal peptide deletion mutant (ESM1-19del) showed that the secreted form of ESM1 is crucial for its protumorigenic effects by activating the EGFR/HER3-Akt/ANGPT2 pathway to promote the EMT. Patients with high levels of both ESM1 and ANGPT2 had the poorest prognoses. Furthermore, therapeutic peptides successfully inhibited ESM1's induction of the aforementioned signals and motility of GC cells. ESM1's oncogenic role in GC involves activating the EGFR/HER3-Akt/ANGPT2 pathway, presenting a potential therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chieh Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ko-Hao Ho
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ke-Fan Pan
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Tai Hua
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Min-Che Tung
- Department of Surgery, Tungs' Taichung Metro Harbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Ku
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ji-Qing Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Long Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, Taipei Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jiunn Lee
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsien Chien
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Pulmonary Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital Taipei, Taiwan
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2
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Pomella S, Melaiu O, Dri M, Martelli M, Gargari M, Barillari G. Effects of Angiogenic Factors on the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Their Impact on the Onset and Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Overview. Cells 2024; 13:1294. [PMID: 39120324 PMCID: PMC11311310 DOI: 10.3390/cells13151294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
High levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 and angiopoietin (ANG)-2 are found in tissues from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). As might be expected, VEGF, FGF-2, and ANG-2 overexpression parallels the development of new blood and lymphatic vessels that nourish the growing OPMDs or OSCCs and provide the latter with metastatic routes. Notably, VEGF, FGF-2, and ANG-2 are also linked to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a trans-differentiation process that respectively promotes or exasperates the invasiveness of normal and neoplastic oral epithelial cells. Here, we have summarized published work regarding the impact that the interplay among VEGF, FGF-2, ANG-2, vessel generation, and EMT has on oral carcinogenesis. Results from the reviewed studies indicate that VEGF, FGF-2, and ANG-2 spark either protein kinase B (AKT) or mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), two signaling pathways that can promote both EMT and new vessels' formation in OPMDs and OSCCs. Since EMT and vessel generation are key to the onset and progression of OSCC, as well as to its radio- and chemo-resistance, these data encourage including AKT or MAPK inhibitors and/or antiangiogenic drugs in the treatment of this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pomella
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 00133 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (O.M.); (M.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Ombretta Melaiu
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 00133 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (O.M.); (M.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Maria Dri
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mirko Martelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 00133 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (O.M.); (M.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Marco Gargari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 00133 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (O.M.); (M.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 00133 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (O.M.); (M.M.); (M.G.)
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3
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Meder L, Orschel CI, Otto CJ, Koker M, Brägelmann J, Ercanoglu MS, Dähling S, Compes A, Selenz C, Nill M, Dietlein F, Florin A, Eich ML, Borchmann S, Odenthal M, Blazquez R, Hilberg F, Klein F, Hallek M, Büttner R, Reinhardt HC, Ullrich RT. Blocking the angiopoietin-2-dependent integrin β-1 signaling axis abrogates small cell lung cancer invasion and metastasis. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e166402. [PMID: 38775153 PMCID: PMC11141935 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.166402] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most aggressive lung cancer entity with an extremely limited therapeutic outcome. Most patients are diagnosed at an extensive stage. However, the molecular mechanisms driving SCLC invasion and metastasis remain largely elusive. We used an autochthonous SCLC mouse model and matched samples from patients with primary and metastatic SCLC to investigate the molecular characteristics of tumor metastasis. We demonstrate that tumor cell invasion and liver metastasis in SCLC are triggered by an Angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2)/Integrin β-1-dependent pathway in tumor cells, mediated by focal adhesion kinase/Src kinase signaling. Strikingly, CRISPR-Cas9 KO of Integrin β-1 or blocking Integrin β-1 signaling by an anti-ANG-2 treatment abrogates liver metastasis formation in vivo. Interestingly, analysis of a unique collection of matched samples from patients with primary and metastatic SCLC confirmed a strong increase of Integrin β-1 in liver metastasis in comparison with the primary tumor. We further show that ANG-2 blockade combined with PD-1-targeted by anti-PD-1 treatment displays synergistic treatment effects in SCLC. Together, our data demonstrate a fundamental role of ANG-2/Integrin β-1 signaling in SCLC cells for tumor cell invasion and liver metastasis and provide a potentially new effective treatment strategy for patients with SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Meder
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Erlangen, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology and
| | - Charlotte Isabelle Orschel
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology and
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christoph Julius Otto
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology and
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mirjam Koker
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Brägelmann
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology and
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Translational Genomics and
| | - Meryem S. Ercanoglu
- Institute of Virology, Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sabrina Dähling
- Institute of Virology, Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anik Compes
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology and
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carolin Selenz
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marieke Nill
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Felix Dietlein
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Faber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexandra Florin
- Institute for Pathology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marie-Lisa Eich
- Institute for Pathology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sven Borchmann
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Else Kröner Forschungskolleg Clonal Evolution in Cancer, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Hodgkin Study Group, Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Margarete Odenthal
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Pathology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Raquel Blazquez
- University Hospital Regensburg, Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Frank Hilberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Klein
- Institute of Virology, Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Pathology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - H. Christian Reinhardt
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen, Germany
| | - Roland T. Ullrich
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology and
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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4
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Morozova E, Kariagina A, Busch C, Schwartz RC. Benzophenone-3 alters expression of genes encoding vascularization and epithelial-mesenchymal transition functions during Trp53-null mammary tumorigenesis. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 186:114540. [PMID: 38387520 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Benzophenone-3 (also referred to as oxybenzone) is a putative endocrine disrupting chemical and common ingredient in sunscreens and other personal care products. We previously showed that benzophenone-3 was promotional for epithelial tumorigenesis in mice fed adult high-fat diet, while protective against the incidence of more aggressive spindle cell tumors in the same treatment group. In this study, we show that benzophenone-3 reduces epithelial to mesenchymal transition in the epithelial tumors of these mice. This reduction in epithelial to mesenchymal transition is associated with altered expression of several genes involved in regulation of angiogenesis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Among the genes altered in expression, Timp1 is of particular interest because benzophenone-3 suppressed both migration and Timp1 expression in a mammary tumor cell line that displays epithelial to mesenchymal transition characteristics. These alterations in gene expression plausibly stabilize the vasculature of epithelial carcinomas and contribute to benzophenone-3 promotion of epithelial tumors, while at the same time suppress epithelial to mesenchymal transition and suppress incidence of spindle cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Morozova
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Anastasia Kariagina
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Calista Busch
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Richard C Schwartz
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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5
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Romanzi A, Milosa F, Marcelli G, Critelli RM, Lasagni S, Gigante I, Dituri F, Schepis F, Cadamuro M, Giannelli G, Fabris L, Villa E. Angiopoietin-2 and the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Promote Migration and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma- and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma-Derived Spheroids. Biomedicines 2023; 12:87. [PMID: 38255193 PMCID: PMC10813100 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggressive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) overexpressing Angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) (a protein linked with angiogenesis, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)), shares 95% of up-regulated genes and a similar poor prognosis with the proliferative subgroup of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). We analyzed the pro-invasive effect of ANG-2 and its regulator vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on HCC and CCA spheroids to uncover posUsible common ways of response. Four cell lines were used: Hep3B and HepG2 (HCC), HuCC-T1 (iCCA), and EGI-1 (extrahepatic CCA). We treated the spheroids with recombinant human (rh) ANG-2 and/or VEGF and then observed the changes at the baseline, after 24 h, and again after 48 h. Proangiogenic stimuli increased migration and invasion capability in HCC- and iCCA-derived spheroids and were associated with a modification in EMT phenotypic markers (a decrease in E-cadherin and an increase in N-cadherin and Vimentin), especially at the migration front. Inhibitors targeting ANG-2 (Trebananib) and the VEGF (Bevacizumab) effectively blocked the migration ability of spheroids that had been stimulated with rh-ANG-2 and rh-VEGF. Overall, our findings highlight the critical role played by ANG-2 and the VEGF in enhancing the ability of HCC- and iCCA-derived spheroids to migrate and invade, which are key processes in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Romanzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Clinical and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (S.L.)
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Fabiola Milosa
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Gemma Marcelli
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Rosina Maria Critelli
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Simone Lasagni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Clinical and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (S.L.)
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Isabella Gigante
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (I.G.); (F.D.); (G.G.)
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (I.G.); (F.D.); (G.G.)
| | - Filippo Schepis
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Massimiliano Cadamuro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (L.F.)
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (I.G.); (F.D.); (G.G.)
| | - Luca Fabris
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (L.F.)
| | - Erica Villa
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
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6
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Roos-Mattila M, Kaprio T, Mustonen H, Hagström J, Saharinen P, Haglund C, Seppänen H. The possible dual role of Ang-2 in the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18725. [PMID: 37907568 PMCID: PMC10618172 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) features a dense desmoplastic stroma, which raises the intratumoral interstitial pressure leading to vascular collapse and hypoxia, inducing angiogenesis. Vascular growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), increase in PDAC. A high VEGF and a high circulating Ang-2 associate with shorter survival in PDAC. In addition to the circulatory Ang-2, PDAC endothelial and epithelial cells express Ang-2. No correlation between tumor epithelial nor endothelial cell Ang-2 expression and survival has been published. We aimed to examine Ang-2 expression and survival. This study comprised PDAC surgical patients at Helsinki University Hospital in 2000-2013. Ang-2 immunohistochemistry staining was completed on 168 PDAC patient samples. Circulating Ang-2 levels were measured using ELISA in the sera of 196 patients. Ang-2 levels were assessed against clinical data and patient outcomes. A low tumor epithelial Ang-2 expression predicted shorter disease-specific survival (DSS) compared with a high expression (p = 0.003). A high serum Ang-2 associated with shorter DSS compared with a low circulating Ang-2 (p = 0.016). Ang-2 seemingly plays a dual role in PDAC survival. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms causing tumor cell Ang-2 expression and its positive association with survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda Roos-Mattila
- Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN, Digital Cancer Precision Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuomas Kaprio
- Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- iCAN, Digital Cancer Precision Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Pathology, Haartmaninkatu 3 (PB 21), University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Harri Mustonen
- Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN, Digital Cancer Precision Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Hagström
- Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN, Digital Cancer Precision Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Pipsa Saharinen
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN, Digital Cancer Precision Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caj Haglund
- Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN, Digital Cancer Precision Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Seppänen
- Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN, Digital Cancer Precision Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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7
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Kozłowski M, Borzyszkowska D, Mirko J, Turoń-Skrzypińska A, Piotrowska K, Tołoczko-Grabarek A, Kwiatkowski S, Tarnowski M, Rotter I, Cymbaluk-Płoska A. Preoperative Serum Levels of PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, EGF and ANG-2 in the Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4815. [PMID: 37835508 PMCID: PMC10571811 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194815] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: It is relevant to find new diagnostic biomarkers for endometrial cancer. This study aimed to investigate whether PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, EGF and ANG-2 could be considered new useful markers for diagnosis and survival of endometrial cancer. (2) Methods: A total of 93 women diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC) and 66 patients with non-cancerous endometrial lesions (NCEL) were included in this study. (3) Results: Median serum levels of PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, EGF and ANG-2 were significantly higher in the EC group compared to the NCEL group (for PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α and ANG-2, p = 0.0000; for EGF, p = 0.0186). The cut-off level of PDGF-AB was set at 127.69 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 87.1% and a specificity of 66.67% (AUC = 0.78, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of PDGF-BB was set at 207.86 ng/L with a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 75.76% (AUC = 0.85, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of TGF-α was set at 33.85 ng/L with a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 75.76% (AUC = 0.82, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of EGF was set at 934.76 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 83.87% and a specificity of 28.79% (AUC = 0.61, p = 0.018472). The cut-off level of ANG-2 was set at 3120.68 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 72.04% and a specificity of 93.94% (AUC = 0.87, p < 0.000001). (4) Conlusion: It was concluded that all the proteins studied could be potential diagnostic markers in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Kozłowski
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland (A.C.-P.)
| | - Dominika Borzyszkowska
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland (A.C.-P.)
| | - Justyna Mirko
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland (A.C.-P.)
| | - Agnieszka Turoń-Skrzypińska
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Physiotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Piotrowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstancow Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Sebastian Kwiatkowski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Maciej Tarnowski
- Department of Physiology in Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 54, 70-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Iwona Rotter
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Physiotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland (A.C.-P.)
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8
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Katsi V, Papakonstantinou I, Tsioufis K. Atherosclerosis, Diabetes Mellitus, and Cancer: Common Epidemiology, Shared Mechanisms, and Future Management. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11786. [PMID: 37511551 PMCID: PMC10381022 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411786] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The involvement of cardiovascular disease in cancer onset and development represents a contemporary interest in basic science. It has been recognized, from the most recent research, that metabolic syndrome-related conditions, ranging from atherosclerosis to diabetes, elicit many pathways regulating lipid metabolism and lipid signaling that are also linked to the same framework of multiple potential mechanisms for inducing cancer. Otherwise, dyslipidemia and endothelial cell dysfunction in atherosclerosis may present common or even interdependent changes, similar to oncogenic molecules elevated in many forms of cancer. However, whether endothelial cell dysfunction in atherosclerotic disease provides signals that promote the pre-clinical onset and proliferation of malignant cells is an issue that requires further understanding, even though more questions are presented with every answer. Here, we highlight the molecular mechanisms that point to a causal link between lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis in metabolic syndrome-related atherosclerotic disease with the development of cancer. The knowledge of these breakthrough mechanisms may pave the way for the application of new therapeutic targets and for implementing interventions in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Katsi
- Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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9
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Kazakova A, Sudarskikh T, Kovalev O, Kzhyshkowska J, Larionova I. Interaction of tumor‑associated macrophages with stromal and immune components in solid tumors: Research progress (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 62:32. [PMID: 36660926 PMCID: PMC9851132 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor‑associated macrophages (TAMs) are crucial cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which belong to the innate immune system and regulate primary tumor growth, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling and metastasis. The review discusses current knowledge of essential cell‑cell interactions of TAMs within the TME of solid tumors. It summarizes the mechanisms of stromal cell (including cancer‑associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells)‑mediated monocyte recruitment and regulation of differentiation, as well as pro‑tumor and antitumor polarization of TAMs. Additionally, it focuses on the perivascular TAM subpopulations that regulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. It describes the possible mechanisms of reciprocal interactions of TAMs with other immune cells responsible for immunosuppression. Finally, it highlights the perspectives for novel therapeutic approaches to use combined cellular targets that include TAMs and other stromal and immune cells in the TME. The collected data demonstrated the importance of understanding cell‑cell interactions in the TME to prevent distant metastasis and reduce the risk of tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kazakova
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russian Federation
| | - Tatiana Sudarskikh
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russian Federation
| | - Oleg Kovalev
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russian Federation
| | - Julia Kzhyshkowska
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russian Federation
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Irina Larionova
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russian Federation
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russian Federation
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10
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Baseline Ang-2 Serum Levels as a Predictive Factor for Survival in NSCLC and SCLC. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12122092. [PMID: 36556457 PMCID: PMC9786126 DOI: 10.3390/life12122092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) has been implicated in the development of several types of cancer, including lung malignancy. In the present study, we examined the impact of Ang-2 serum concentration on the development, dissemination, and 5-year overall survival of NSCLC and SCLC. A total of 99 patients with lung cancer were tested. The OS of NSCLC and SCLC patients was estimated using Kaplan−Meier curves and compared through log-rank test. The median serum level of Ang-2 at baseline in both NSCLC and SCLC patients was significantly higher than that of controls (p < 0.0001). The Ang-2 serum concentration was not related to metastasis, neither in NSCLC nor in SCLC cases. The OS was found to be significantly shorter for stage IIIβ NSCLC patients with a high baseline Ang-2 serum concentration (p = 0.012), while Cox regression analysis showed that Ang-2 is a significant independent factor for poor prognosis for stage IIIβ NSCLC (hazard ratio = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.05−8.40, p = 0.04). The concentration of Ang-2 has no impact on the prognosis of SCLC. Ang-2 could be considered as a significant molecular marker that enables the prediction of NSCLC and SCLC development, and is involved in the poor prognosis of stage IIIβ NSCLC.
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11
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Circulating proteins as predictive and prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer. Clin Proteomics 2022; 19:25. [PMID: 35818030 PMCID: PMC9275040 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-022-09362-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and among the leading causes of cancer death in women. It is a heterogeneous group of tumours with numerous morphological and molecular subtypes, making predictions of disease evolution and patient outcomes difficult. Therefore, biomarkers are needed to help clinicians choose the best treatment for each patient. For the last years, studies have increasingly focused on biomarkers obtainable by liquid biopsy. Circulating proteins (from serum or plasma) can be used for inexpensive and minimally invasive determination of disease risk, early diagnosis, treatment adjusting, prognostication and disease progression monitoring. We provide here a review of the main published studies on serum proteins in breast cancer and elaborate on the potential of circulating proteins to be predictive and/or prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer.
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12
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Liu N, Liu M, Fu S, Wang J, Tang H, Isah AD, Chen D, Wang X. Ang2-Targeted Combination Therapy for Cancer Treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:949553. [PMID: 35874764 PMCID: PMC9305611 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.949553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), a member of the angiopoietin family, is widely involved in the process of vascular physiology, bone physiology, adipose tissue physiology and the occurrence and development of inflammation, cardiac hypertrophy, rheumatoid, tumor and other diseases under pathological conditions. Proliferation and metastasis of cancer largely depend on angiogenesis. Therefore, anti-angiogenesis has become the target of tumor therapy. Due to the Ang2 plays a key role in promoting angiogenesis and stability in vascular physiology, the imbalance of its expression is an important condition for the occurrence and development of cancer. It has been proved that blocking Ang2 can inhibit the growth, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. In recent years, research has been constantly supplemented. We focus on the mechanisms that regulate the expression of Ang2 mRNA and protein levels in different cancers, contributing to a better understanding of how Ang2 exerts different effects in different cancers and stages, as well as facilitating more specific targeting of relevant molecules in cancer therapy. At the same time, the importance of Ang2 in cancer growth, metastasis, prognosis and combination therapy is pointed out. And finally, we will discuss the current investigations and future challenges of combining Ang2 inhibition with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy to increase its efficacy in cancer patients. This review provides a theoretical reference for the development of new targets and effective combination therapy strategies for cancer treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Deyu Chen
- *Correspondence: Xu wang, ; Deyu Chen,
| | - Xu Wang
- *Correspondence: Xu wang, ; Deyu Chen,
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13
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Karabid NM, Wiedemann T, Gulde S, Mohr H, Segaran RC, Geppert J, Rohm M, Vitale G, Gaudenzi G, Dicitore A, Ankerst DP, Chen Y, Braren R, Kaissis G, Schilling F, Schillmaier M, Eisenhofer G, Herzig S, Roncaroli F, Honegger JB, Pellegata NS. Angpt2/Tie2 autostimulatory loop controls tumorigenesis. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e14364. [PMID: 35266635 PMCID: PMC9081903 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive nonfunctioning (NF) pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are non‐resectable neoplasms associated with frequent relapses and significant comorbidities. As the current therapies of NF‐PitNETs often fail, new therapeutic targets are needed. The observation that circulating angiopoietin‐2 (ANGPT2) is elevated in patients with NF‐PitNET and correlates with tumor aggressiveness prompted us to investigate the ANGPT2/TIE2 axis in NF‐PitNETs in the GH3 PitNET cell line, primary human NF‐PitNET cells, xenografts in zebrafish and mice, and in MENX rats, the only autochthonous NF‐PitNET model. We show that PitNET cells express a functional TIE2 receptor and secrete bioactive ANGPT2, which promotes, besides angiogenesis, tumor cell growth in an autocrine and paracrine fashion. ANGPT2 stimulation of TIE2 in tumor cells activates downstream cell proliferation signals, as previously demonstrated in endothelial cells (ECs). Tie2 gene deletion blunts PitNETs growth in xenograft models, and pharmacological inhibition of Angpt2/Tie2 signaling antagonizes PitNETs in primary cell cultures, tumor xenografts in mice, and in MENX rats. Thus, the ANGPT2/TIE2 axis provides an exploitable therapeutic target in NF‐PitNETs and possibly in other tumors expressing ANGPT2/TIE2. The ability of tumor cells to coopt angiogenic signals classically viewed as EC‐specific expands our view on the microenvironmental cues that are essential for tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninelia Minaskan Karabid
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Wiedemann
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Gulde
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermine Mohr
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Renu Chandra Segaran
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Geppert
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Rohm
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Giovanni Vitale
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Laboratory of Geriatric and Oncologic Neuroendocrinology Research, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Germano Gaudenzi
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Laboratory of Geriatric and Oncologic Neuroendocrinology Research, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dicitore
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Yiyao Chen
- Department of Mathematics, Technical University Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Rickmer Braren
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Kaissis
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Schilling
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias Schillmaier
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan Herzig
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Federico Roncaroli
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jürgen B Honegger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Natalia S Pellegata
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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14
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Tsakogiannis D, Nikolakopoulou A, Zagouri F, Stratakos G, Syrigos K, Zografos E, Koulouris N, Bletsa G. Update Overview of the Role of Angiopoietins in Lung Cancer. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:medicina57111191. [PMID: 34833409 PMCID: PMC8625006 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57111191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a biological process that involves the formation of new blood vessels from the existing vasculature, and it plays a fundamental role in the development and progression of several types of cancer, including lung cancer. The angiopoietin/Tie2 ligand/receptor system orchestrates vascular integrity. In particular, Angiopoietin-1 activates the endothelial cell (EC)-specific receptor tyrosine kinase, Tie2, which is essential for preserving endothelial quiescence. On the other hand, Angiopoietin-2 acts as an inhibitor of the Angiopoietin-1/Tie2 signaling pathways, thus facilitating the destabilization of quiescent endothelium in cases of inflammation and cancer. Clinical studies have proven that high levels of Angiopoietin-2 indicate the development of non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC), while high levels of Angiopoietin-2 are strongly related to tumor angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, metastasis, and poor prognosis. Interestingly, the association of Angiopoietin-2 levels with the type of surgical approach makes Angiopoietin-2 a valuable factor in selecting the most suitable therapeutic strategy for lung cancer patients. The role of the Angiopoietin-1 and Angiopoietin-4 levels in NSCLC development requires further investigation. The present review focuses on the clinical impact of the Angiopoietin-1, Angiopoietin-2, and Angiopoietin-4 levels in patients diagnosed with NSCLC, emphasizing the interaction between them, and how they affect the development, progression, and metastasis of lung disease. Finally, it estimates the role of angiopoietins levels in the effective therapy of lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asimina Nikolakopoulou
- Intensive Care Unit, 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.N.); (G.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Flora Zagouri
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (F.Z.); (E.Z.)
| | - Grigorios Stratakos
- Intensive Care Unit, 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.N.); (G.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Konstantinos Syrigos
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Eleni Zografos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (F.Z.); (E.Z.)
| | - Nikolaos Koulouris
- Intensive Care Unit, 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.N.); (G.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Garyfalia Bletsa
- Research Center, Hellenic Anticancer Institute, 10680 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence: or ; Tel./Fax: +30-21-03643723
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15
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Akwii RG, Mikelis CM. Targeting the Angiopoietin/Tie Pathway: Prospects for Treatment of Retinal and Respiratory Disorders. Drugs 2021; 81:1731-1749. [PMID: 34586603 PMCID: PMC8479497 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01605-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic approaches have significantly advanced the treatment of vascular-related pathologies. The ephemeral outcome and known side effects of the current vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-based anti-angiogenic treatments have intensified research on other growth factors. The angiopoietin/Tie (Ang/Tie) family has an established role in vascular physiology and regulates angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and inflammatory responses. The Ang/Tie family consists of angiopoietins 1-4, their receptors, tie1 and 2 and the vascular endothelial-protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP). Modulation of Tie2 activation has provided a promising outcome in preclinical models and has led to clinical trials of Ang/Tie-targeting drug candidates for retinal disorders. Although less is known about the role of Ang/Tie in pulmonary disorders, several studies have revealed great potential of the Ang/Tie family members as drug targets for pulmonary vascular disorders as well. In this review, we summarize the functions of the Ang/Tie pathway in retinal and pulmonary vascular physiology and relevant disorders and highlight promising drug candidates targeting this pathway currently being or expected to be under clinical evaluation for retinal and pulmonary vascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racheal Grace Akwii
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1406 S. Coulter St., Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Constantinos M Mikelis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1406 S. Coulter St., Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA.
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16
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Purinergic P2Y2 and P2X4 Receptors Are Involved in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastatic Potential of Gastric Cancer Derived Cell Lines. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13081234. [PMID: 34452195 PMCID: PMC8398939 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a major health concern worldwide, presenting a complex pathophysiology that has hindered many therapeutic efforts so far. In this context, purinergic signaling emerges as a promising pathway for intervention due to its known role in cancer cell proliferation and migration. In this work, we explored in more detail the role of purinergic signaling in GC with several experimental approaches. First, we measured extracellular ATP concentrations on GC-derived cell lines (AGS, MKN-45, and MKN-74), finding higher levels of extracellular ATP than those obtained for the non-tumoral gastric cell line GES-1. Next, we established the P2Y2 and P2X4 receptors (P2Y2R and P2X4R) expression profile on these cells and evaluated their role on cell proliferation and migration after applying overexpression and knockdown strategies. In general, a P2Y2R overexpression and P2X4R downregulation pattern were observed on GC cell lines, and when these patterns were modified, concomitant changes in cell viability were observed. These modifications on gene expression also modified transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), showing that higher P2Y2R levels decreased TEER, and high P2X4R expression had the opposite effect, suggesting that P2Y2R and P2X4R activation could promote and suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), respectively. These effects were confirmed after treating AGS cells with UTP, a P2Y2R-agonist that modified the expression patterns towards mesenchymal markers. To further characterize the effects of P2Y2R activation on EMT, we used cDNA microarrays and observed that UTP induced important transcriptional changes on several cell processes like cell proliferation induction, apoptosis inhibition, cell differentiation induction, and cell adhesion reduction. These results suggest that purinergic signaling plays a complex role in GC pathophysiology, and changes in purinergic balance can trigger tumorigenesis in non-tumoral gastric cells.
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17
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In Uveal Melanoma, Angiopoietin-2 but Not Angiopoietin-1 Is Increased in High-Risk Tumors, Providing a Potential Druggable Target. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13163986. [PMID: 34439141 PMCID: PMC8391938 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13163986] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) metastasize haematogeneously, and tumor blood vessel density is an important prognostic factor. We hypothesized that proangiogenic factors such as angiopoietin-1 (ANG-1) and angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2), two targetable cytokines, might play a role in tumor development and metastatic behavior. mRNA levels of ANG-1 and ANG-2 were determined in 64 tumors using an Illumina HT-12 v4 mRNA chip and compared to clinical, pathologic, and genetic tumor parameters. Tissue expression was also determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Samples of aqueous humor were collected from 83 UM-containing enucleated eyes and protein levels that were determined in a multiplex proximity extension assay. High tissue gene expression of ANG-2, but not of ANG-1, was associated with high tumor thickness, high largest basal diameter, involvement of the ciliary body, and with UM-related death (ANG-2 mRNA p < 0.001; ANG-2 aqueous protein p < 0.001). The presence of the ANG-2 protein in aqueous humor correlated with its mRNA expression in the tumor (r = 0.309, p = 0.03). IHC showed that ANG-2 was expressed in macrophages as well as tumor cells. The presence of ANG-2 in the tumor and in aqueous humor, especially in high-risk tumors, make ANG-2 a potential targetable cytokine in uveal melanoma.
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18
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Hou H, Ning F, Zhang JY, Lu Q, Zhang M, Wu P, Chen M, Lash GE. Angiopoietin 2 stimulates trophoblast invasion via a mechanism associated with JNK signaling. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6149311. [PMID: 33629098 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Extravillous trophoblast cell (EVT) invasion is tightly controlled, and its dysregulation can lead to altered spiral artery remodeling and contribute to a number of different pregnancy complications. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is expressed by trophoblast cells and various cells in the decidua, and trophoblast cells express its receptor, Tie2. Ang-2 has been shown to play roles in tumor progression and metastasis but it is not known if it also regulates EVT invasion. Here, we show that both the HTR-8/SVneo cell line and primary isolates of human EVT expressed various integrins and the Tie2 receptor, and Ang-2 stimulated their migration and/or invasion. Ang-2 increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9, altered the cytoskeleton of HTR-8/SVneo cells and also induced phosphorylation of Tie2, JNK and c-Jun. Inhibition of p-JNK (using SP600125) blocked the Ang-2 induced invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells. In addition, inhibition of Tie2 (pexmetinib) and integrin signaling (RGDS and ATN-161) also blocked Ang-2-induced invasion. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Ang-2 can stimulate EVT invasion via a mechanism associated with activation of both the Tie2 receptor and integrins, which appear to work through different pathways; Tie2 through the JNK/c-JUN pathway and integrins through an as yet unidentified pathway(s). We therefore propose that any alterations in Ang-2 expression in the decidua would lead to an imbalance in pro- and anti-invasive factors, disrupting regulation of EVT invasion and spiral artery remodeling and thereby contribute to the etiology of several complications of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huomei Hou
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fen Ning
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joy Yue Zhang
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinsheng Lu
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peihuang Wu
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miaojuan Chen
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gendie E Lash
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
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19
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Yang H, Kuo YH, Smith ZI, Spangler J. Targeting cancer metastasis with antibody therapeutics. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 13:e1698. [PMID: 33463090 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, the spread of disease from a primary to a distal site through the circulatory or lymphatic systems, accounts for over 90% of all cancer related deaths. Despite significant progress in the field of cancer therapy in recent years, mortality rates remain dramatically higher for patients with metastatic disease versus those with local or regional disease. Although there is clearly an urgent need to develop drugs that inhibit cancer spread, the overwhelming majority of anticancer therapies that have been developed to date are designed to inhibit tumor growth but fail to address the key stages of the metastatic process: invasion, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, and colonization. There is growing interest in engineering targeted therapeutics, such as antibody drugs, that inhibit various steps in the metastatic cascade. We present an overview of antibody therapeutic approaches, both in the pipeline and in the clinic, that disrupt the essential mechanisms that underlie cancer metastasis. These therapies include classes of antibodies that indirectly target metastasis, including anti-integrin, anticadherin, and immune checkpoint blocking antibodies, as well as monoclonal and bispecific antibodies that are specifically designed to interrupt disease dissemination. Although few antimetastatic antibodies have achieved clinical success to date, there are many promising candidates in various stages of development, and novel targets and approaches are constantly emerging. Collectively, these efforts will enrich our understanding of the molecular drivers of metastasis, and the new strategies that arise promise to have a profound impact on the future of cancer therapeutic development. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Yang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yun-Huai Kuo
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zion I Smith
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jamie Spangler
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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High expression of Tie-2 predicts poor prognosis in primary high grade serous ovarian cancer. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241484. [PMID: 33151982 PMCID: PMC7644024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antiangiogenic therapy, although part of standard treatment in ovarian cancer, has variable efficacy. Furthermore, little is known about the prognostic biomarkers and factors influencing angiogenesis in cancer tissue. We evaluated the expression of angiopoietin-2 and two endothelial tyrosine kinase receptors, Tie-1 and Tie-2, and assessed their value in the prediction of survival in patients with malignant epithelial ovarian cancer. We also compared the expression of these factors between primary high grade serous tumors and their distant metastasis. Materials and methods We evaluated 86 women with primary epithelial ovarian cancer. Matched distal omental metastasis were investigated in 18.6% cases (N = 16). The expression levels of angiogenic factors were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 306 specimens and by qRT-PCR in 111 samples. Results A high epithelial expression level of Tie-2 is a significant prognostic factor in primary high grade serous ovarian cancer. It predicted significantly shorter overall survival both in univariate (p<0.001) and multivariate survival analyses (p = 0.022). Low angiopoietin-2 expression levels in primary ovarian tumors were significantly associated with shorter overall survival (p = 0.015) in the univariate survival analysis. A low expression of angiopoietin-2 was also significantly related to high grade tumors, size of residual tumor after primary surgery and the recurrence of cancer (p = 0.008; p = 0.012; p = 0.018) in the whole study population. The expression of angiopoietin-2 and Tie-2 was stronger in distal omental metastasis than in primary high grade serous tumors in matched-pair analysis (p = 0.001; p = 0.002). Conclusions The angiogenic factor, angiopoietin-2, and its receptor Tie-2 seem to be significant prognostic factors in primary epithelial ovarian cancer. Their expression levels are also increased in metastatic lesions in comparison with primary tumors.
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Terlikowska KM, Dobrzycka B, Terlikowski R, Sienkiewicz A, Kinalski M, Terlikowski SJ. Clinical value of selected markers of angiogenesis, inflammation, insulin resistance and obesity in type 1 endometrial cancer. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:921. [PMID: 32977765 PMCID: PMC7519537 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07415-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is a well-known fact show that the risk of developing endometrial cancer (type 1 EC) is strongly associated with obesity. In this study, selected markers, such as obesity, insulin resistance, angiogenesis and inflammation markers related to EC type 1 progression and patients’ survival data were analyzed. Methods To measure levels of adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin and C-peptide in 176 preoperative serum samples, the immunoassay technique (EMIT) has been applied. Results Angiopoietin-2 levels increase with age (P = 0.005), FIGO stage (p = 0.042), myometrial invasion (P = 0.009) and LVSI (P < 0.001). The CRP levels increase with age (P = 0.01), as well as the advancement of the FIGO stage (P < 0.001), higher tumor grade (P = 0.012), and myometrial invasion (P < 0.001). A positive correlation between serum Ang-2 and CRP levels was demonstrated (r = 0.44; p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with high CRP levels in serum and Ang-2 presented a worse outcome (P = 0.03 and P = 0.015, respectively). Cox regression analysis of individual predictors revealed that high serum levels of Ang-2, CRP, advanced clinical FIGO stage (P < 0.001, respectively), old age (P = 0.013) were all significant overall survival predictors. By means of multivariate analysis, their predictive significance was confirmed. Conclusion Our study provides evidence that serum levels of Ang-2 and CRP may serve as predictors for assessment of the clinical stage of type 1 EC and are significantly associated with poor prognosis. It is likely that angiogenesis and inflammation associated with obesity have a significant impact on EC type 1 progression and survival rate of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna M Terlikowska
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, Szpitalna 37 Street, 15-295, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Bozena Dobrzycka
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A Street, 15-089, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Robert Terlikowski
- Department of Rehabilitation, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A Street, 15-089, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Anna Sienkiewicz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A Street, 15-089, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Maciej Kinalski
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Independent Public Healthcare Facility Regional Complex Jan Sniadecki Hospital, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 26 Street, 15-950, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Slawomir J Terlikowski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Maternity Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Szpitalna 37 Street, 15-295, Bialystok, Poland.
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Chen J, Rong X, Liu X, Zheng D, Rong X, Chen F, Zhao P, Liu F, Ruan J. FOXC2 is a prognostic biomarker and contributes to the growth and invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:196. [PMID: 32508532 PMCID: PMC7249675 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01265-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Forkhead box C2 (FOXC2) is a crucial factor involving in various cancers. However, its functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. Here, we explored the role of FOXC2 in the progression of HCC and its potential mechanisms. Methods FOXC2 expression in HCC tissue and cells were detected by immunohistochemistry or western blot and real-time PCR. CCK8, wound healing and transwell assay were used to measure cell growth and invasion. Tumor formation experiment was carried out to assess the tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Regulation of FOXC2 on Ang-2 was validated by luciferase assay and complementary experiments. Results Increased FOXC2 expression was found to be associated positively with more aggressive clinicopathologic features. HCC patients with higher FOXC2 expression had significantly shorter overall survival. FOXC2 expression was indentified as an independent risk factor for resectable HCC. Increased FOXC2 expression accelerated the migration and invasion of HCC cells, accompanied by enhanced Ang-2 expression. Likewise, FOXC2 knockdown yielded opposite results. Moreover, FOXC2 stimulated the activation of the Ang-2 promoter. Suppression of Ang-2 expression hindered the FOXC2-mediated EMT processs, cell migration and invasion of HCC. Conclusions FOXC2 is a novel prognostic predictor for HCC and may facilitate the growth and invasion through Ang-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Hepatology Unit and Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000 People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiang Rong
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Dayong Zheng
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Rong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Fengsheng Chen
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiye Liu
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Hepatology Unit and Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000 People's Republic of China.,Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
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Xie JY, Wei JX, Lv LH, Han QF, Yang WB, Li GL, Wang PX, Wu SB, Duan JX, Zhuo WF, Liu PQ, Min J. Angiopoietin-2 induces angiogenesis via exosomes in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:46. [PMID: 32183816 PMCID: PMC7077328 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is a highly vascularized solid tumor. Angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) has been described as an attractive target for antiangiogenic therapy. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles secreted by most cell types and contribute to cell-to-cell communication by delivering functional cargo to recipient cells. The expression of ANGPT2 in tumor-derived exosomes remains unknown. Methods We detected the ANGPT2 expression in HCC-derived exosomes by immunoblotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunogold labeling, then observed exosomal ANGPT2 internalization and recycling by confocal laser scanning microscopy, co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. We used two HCC cell lines (Hep3B and MHCC97H) to overexpress ANGPT2 by lentivirus infection or knockdown ANGPT2 by the CRISPR/Cas system, then isolated exosomes to coculture with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and observed the angiogenesis by Matrigel microtubule formation assay, transwell migration assay, wound healing assay, cell counting kit-8 assay, immunoblotting and in vivo tumorigenesis assay. Results We found that HCC-derived exosomes carried ANGPT2 and delivered it into HUVECs by exosome endocytosis, this delivery led to a notable increase in angiogenesis by a Tie2-independent pathway. Concomitantly, we observed that HCC cell-secreted exosomal ANGPT2 was recycled by recipient HUVECs and might be reused. In addition, the CRISPR-Cas systems to knock down ANGPT2 significantly inhibited the angiogenesis induced by HCC cell-secreted exosomal ANGPT2, and obviously suppressed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition activation in HCC. Conclusions Taken together, these results reveal a novel pathway of tumor angiogenesis induced by HCC cell-secreted exosomal ANGPT2 that is different from the classic ANGPT2/Tie2 pathway. This way may be a potential therapeutic target for antiangiogenic therapy. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yan Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jin-Xing Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Li-Hong Lv
- Clinical Trial Institution of Pharmaceuticals, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Qing-Fang Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1, Jianshedong Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Wei-Bang Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Guo-Lin Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Pan-Xia Wang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shao-Bin Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jin-Xin Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Wen-Feng Zhuo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Pei-Qing Liu
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jun Min
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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Yu X, Ye F. Role of Angiopoietins in Development of Cancer and Neoplasia Associated with Viral Infection. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020457. [PMID: 32085414 PMCID: PMC7072744 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiopoietin/tyrosine protein kinase receptor Tie-2 signaling in endothelial cells plays an essential role in angiogenesis and wound healing. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) is crucial for blood vessel maturation while angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), in collaboration with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), initiates angiogenesis by destabilizing existing blood vessels. In healthy people, the Ang-1 level is sustained while Ang-2 expression is restricted. In cancer patients, Ang-2 level is elevated, which correlates with poor prognosis. Ang-2 not only drives tumor angiogenesis but also attracts infiltration of myeloid cells. The latter rapidly differentiate into tumor stromal cells that foster tumor angiogenesis and progression, and weaken the host’s anti-tumor immunity. Moreover, through integrin signaling, Ang-2 induces expression of matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs) to promote tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Many oncogenic viruses induce expression of Ang-2 to promote development of neoplasia associated with viral infection. Multiple Ang-2 inhibitors exhibit remarkable anti-tumor activities, further highlighting the importance of Ang-2 in cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
- Correspondence: (X.Y.); (F.Y.); Tel.: +086-27-88661237 (X.Y.); +216-368-8892 (F.Y.)
| | - Fengchun Ye
- Department of Molecular Biology & Microbiology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Correspondence: (X.Y.); (F.Y.); Tel.: +086-27-88661237 (X.Y.); +216-368-8892 (F.Y.)
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Nicolini G, Forini F, Kusmic C, Iervasi G, Balzan S. Angiopoietin 2 signal complexity in cardiovascular disease and cancer. Life Sci 2019; 239:117080. [PMID: 31756341 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The angiopoietin signal transduction system is a complex of vascular-specific kinase pathways that plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and maintenance of vascular homeostasis. Angiopoietin1 (Ang1) and 2 (Ang2), the ligand proteins of the pathway, belong to a family of glycoproteins that signal primarily through the transmembrane Tyrosine-kinase-2 receptor. Despite a considerable sequence homology, Ang1 and Ang2 manifest antagonistic effects in pathophysiological conditions. While Ang1 promotes the activation of survival pathways and the stabilization of the normal mature vessels, Ang2 can either favor vessel destabilization and leakage or promote abnormal EC proliferation in a context-dependent manner. Altered Ang1/Ang2 balance has been reported in various pathological conditions in association with inflammation and deregulated angiogenesis. In particular, increased Ang2 levels have been documented in human cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD), including ischemic myocardial injury, heart failure and other cardiovascular complications secondary to diabetes, chronic renal damage and hypertension. Despite the obvious phenotypic differences, CVD and cancer share some common Ang2-dependent etiopathological mechanisms such as inflammation, epithelial (or endothelial) to mesenchymal transition, and adverse vascular network remodeling. Interestingly, both cancer and CVD are negatively affected by thyroid hormone dyshomeostasis. This review provides an overview of the complex Ang2-dependent signaling involved in CVD and cancer, as well as a survey of the related clinical literature. Moreover, on the basis of recent molecular acquisitions in an experimental model of post ischemic cardiac disease, the putative novel role of the thyroid hormone in the regulation of Ang1/Ang2 balance is also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Forini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Claudia Kusmic
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Iervasi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Silvana Balzan
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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26
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Wong CW, Cheung N, Ho C, Barathi V, Storm G, Wong TT. Characterisation of the inflammatory cytokine and growth factor profile in a rabbit model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15419. [PMID: 31659187 PMCID: PMC6817814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51633-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To clarify the mechanisms and their temporal relationship in the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), we measured vitreous levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in a rabbit model of PVR. PVR was surgically induced in 11 rabbit eyes by vitrectomy, retinotomy, cryotherapy and injection of platelet-rich plasma at baseline. Severity of PVR was assessed on dilated fundal examination with indirect binocular ophthalmoscopy and graded based on the revised experimental PVR classification. Severe PVR was defined as stage 5 or worse. Vitreous concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 β), tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF-β), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), C reactive protein; (CRP), placental growth factor (PlGF), platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) at weeks 2, 3 and 4 were compared to baseline and correlations between the cytokines with PVR severity were assessed. Four weeks after PVR induction, 5 eyes (45.5%) had developed severe PVR. IL-8 was raised at 2 weeks post PVR induction (1.46 ± 0.48 pg/ml vs 0.53 ± 0.25 pg/ml, p = 0.04) and remained significantly elevated at week 4 (2.6 ± 3.1 pg/ml, p = 0.03). CRP was significantly raised at week 4 (34.8 ± 12.0 pg/ml vs 13.0 ± 13.1 pg/ml, p < 0.001). Among the growth factors, PDGF-BB was the earliest to show significantly elevated levels, at 3 weeks (50.4 ± 19.0 pg/ml vs 6.2 ± 10.1 pg/ml) and remained elevated at week 4 (p = 0.002), while PlGF (11.2 ± 7.7 pg/ml vs 5.3 ± 3.8 pg/ml, p = 0.002) and Ang2 (13617.0 ± 8170.2 pg/ml vs 38593.8 ± 8313.4, p = 0.02) were significantly raised at week 4. IFN-γ (p = 0.03), PDGF-BB (p = 0.02) and VEGF (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with PVR severity. We demonstrated that inflammatory cytokines IL-6, -8, elevation post PVR induction is followed by elevated levels of fibroproliferative growth factors, Ang2, PlGF, VEGF and PDGF-BB in the development of PVR. These findings will guide future studies targeting appropriate therapeutic strategies for the treatment of PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee Wai Wong
- Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), 11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore, 168751, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, 11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore, 168751, Singapore.,Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke NUS Medical School, 8 College Rd, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Ning Cheung
- Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), 11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore, 168751, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, 11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore, 168751, Singapore.,Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke NUS Medical School, 8 College Rd, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Candice Ho
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, 11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore, 168751, Singapore
| | - Veluchamy Barathi
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, 11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore, 168751, Singapore.,Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke NUS Medical School, 8 College Rd, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Gert Storm
- Department Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department Biomaterials Science & Technology (BST), Section Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, PO Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Tina T Wong
- Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), 11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore, 168751, Singapore. .,Singapore Eye Research Institute, 11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore, 168751, Singapore. .,School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), Nanyang Technological University, 11 Faculty Avenue, Singapore, 639977, Singapore. .,Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke NUS Medical School, 8 College Rd, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
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Akwii RG, Sajib MS, Zahra FT, Mikelis CM. Role of Angiopoietin-2 in Vascular Physiology and Pathophysiology. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050471. [PMID: 31108880 PMCID: PMC6562915 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiopoietins 1–4 (Ang1–4) represent an important family of growth factors, whose activities are mediated through the tyrosine kinase receptors, Tie1 and Tie2. The best characterized are angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang2). Ang1 is a potent angiogenic growth factor signaling through Tie2, whereas Ang2 was initially identified as a vascular disruptive agent with antagonistic activity through the same receptor. Recent data demonstrates that Ang2 has context-dependent agonist activities. Ang2 plays important roles in physiological processes and the deregulation of its expression is characteristic of several diseases. In this review, we summarize the activity of Ang2 on blood and lymphatic endothelial cells, its significance in human physiology and disease, and provide a current view of the molecular signaling pathways regulated by Ang2 in endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racheal G Akwii
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
| | - Md S Sajib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
| | - Fatema T Zahra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
| | - Constantinos M Mikelis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
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28
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Bowler E, Oltean S. Alternative Splicing in Angiogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2067. [PMID: 31027366 PMCID: PMC6540211 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA allows the generation of multiple splice isoforms from a given gene, which can have distinct functions. In fact, splice isoforms can have opposing functions and there are many instances whereby a splice isoform acts as an inhibitor of canonical isoform function, thereby adding an additional layer of regulation to important processes. Angiogenesis is an important process that is governed by alternative splicing mechanisms. This review focuses on the alternative spliced isoforms of key genes that are involved in the angiogenesis process; VEGF-A, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, NRP-1, FGFRs, Vasohibin-1, Vasohibin-2, HIF-1α, Angiopoietin-1 and Angiopoietin-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Bowler
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK.
| | - Sebastian Oltean
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK.
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华 欣, 朱 晓. [Research Advances of Ang-2 in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2018; 21:868-874. [PMID: 30454550 PMCID: PMC6247002 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2018.11.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the malignant tumors with highest mortality in the world, it is still a difficult problem in clinical field. Its occurrence and development are closely associated with tumor angiogenesis. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is an important angiogenesis factor that has involved in many researches and it has been confirmed that the expression of Ang-2 is significantly up-regulated in tissues and blood of NSCLC. Meanwhile, Ang-2 is related to malignant biological behavior of cancer cells, making it a potential biological marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of NSCLC. At present, researches on Ang-2 how to promote the progression of NSCLC around the world are focused on Ang-2 regulating the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of NSCLC. This paper summarized and estimated the studies and literature reports of regulatory mechanisms of Ang-2 in NSCLC, hopefully it could help looking for targeted drug treatment of Ang-2 in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- 欣 华
- 210000 南京,东南大学医学院Medical College of Southeast University, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - 晓莉 朱
- 210000 南京,东南大学附属中大医院呼吸科Department of Respiration, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing 210000, China
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