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Finding EJT, Faulkner A, Nash L, Wheeler-Jones CPD. Equine Endothelial Cells Show Pro-Angiogenic Behaviours in Response to Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 but Not Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6017. [PMID: 38892205 PMCID: PMC11172845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors which control endothelial cell (EC) function and angiogenesis is crucial for developing the horse as a disease model, but equine ECs remain poorly studied. In this study, we have optimised methods for the isolation and culture of equine aortic endothelial cells (EAoECs) and characterised their angiogenic functions in vitro. Mechanical dissociation, followed by magnetic purification using an anti-VE-cadherin antibody, resulted in EC-enriched cultures suitable for further study. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) increased the EAoEC proliferation rate and stimulated scratch wound closure and tube formation by EAoECs on the extracellular matrix. Pharmacological inhibitors of FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) (SU5402) or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) (PD184352) blocked FGF2-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation and functional responses, suggesting that these are dependent on FGFR1/MEK-ERK signalling. In marked contrast, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) had no effect on EAoEC proliferation, migration, or tubulogenesis and did not promote ERK1/2 phosphorylation, indicating a lack of sensitivity to this classical pro-angiogenic growth factor. Gene expression analysis showed that unlike human ECs, FGFR1 is expressed by EAoECs at a much higher level than both VEGF receptor (VEGFR)1 and VEGFR2. These results suggest a predominant role for FGF2 versus VEGF-A in controlling the angiogenic functions of equine ECs. Collectively, our novel data provide a sound basis for studying angiogenic processes in horses and lay the foundations for comparative studies of EC biology in horses versus humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J. T. Finding
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK; (A.F.); (L.N.); (C.P.D.W.-J.)
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Shi X, Seidle KA, Simms KJ, Dong F, Chilian WM, Zhang P. Endothelial progenitor cells in the host defense response. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 241:108315. [PMID: 36436689 PMCID: PMC9944665 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Extensive injury of endothelial cells in blood vasculature, especially in the microcirculatory system, frequently occurs in hosts suffering from sepsis and the accompanied systemic inflammation. Pathological factors, including toxic components derived from invading microbes, oxidative stress associated with tissue ischemia/reperfusion, and vessel active mediators generated during the inflammatory response, are known to play important roles in mediating endothelial injury. Collapse of microcirculation and tissue edema developed from the failure of endothelial barrier function in vital organ systems, including the lung, brain, and kidney, are detrimental, which often predict fatal outcomes. The host body possesses a substantial capacity for maintaining vascular homeostasis and repairing endothelial damage. Bone marrow and vascular wall niches house endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). In response to septic challenges, EPCs in their niche environment are rapidly activated for proliferation and angiogenic differentiation. In the meantime, release of EPCs from their niches into the blood stream and homing of these vascular precursors to tissue sites of injury are markedly increased. The recruited EPCs actively participate in host defense against endothelial injury and repair of damage in blood vasculature via direct differentiation into endothelial cells for re-endothelialization as well as production of vessel active mediators to exert paracrine and autocrine effects on angiogenesis/vasculogenesis. In recent years, investigations on significance of EPCs in host defense and molecular signaling mechanisms underlying regulation of the EPC response have achieved substantial progress, which promotes exploration of vascular precursor cell-based approaches for effective prevention and treatment of sepsis-induced vascular injury as well as vital organ system failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Shi
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Medicine, Rootstown, OH 44272, United States of America
| | - Kelly A Seidle
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Medicine, Rootstown, OH 44272, United States of America
| | - Kevin J Simms
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Medicine, Rootstown, OH 44272, United States of America
| | - Feng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Medicine, Rootstown, OH 44272, United States of America
| | - William M Chilian
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Medicine, Rootstown, OH 44272, United States of America
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Medicine, Rootstown, OH 44272, United States of America.
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Reyner CL, Winter RL, Maneval KL, Boone LH, Wooldridge AA. Effect of recombinant equine interleukin-1β on function of equine endothelial colony-forming cells in vitro. Am J Vet Res 2021; 82:318-325. [PMID: 33764832 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.82.4.318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of recombinant equine IL-1β on function of equine endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) in vitro. SAMPLE ECFCs derived from peripheral blood samples of 3 healthy adult geldings. PROCEDURES Function testing was performed to assess in vitro wound healing, tubule formation, cell adhesion, and uptake of 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3' tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate-labeled acetylated low-density lipoprotein (DiI-Ac-LDL) by cultured ECFCs. Cell proliferation was determined by 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide assay. Effects on function test results of different concentrations and exposure times of recombinant equine IL-1β were assessed. RESULTS Challenge of cultured ECFCs with IL-1β for 48 hours inhibited tubule formation. Continuous challenge (54 hours) with IL-1β in the wound healing assay reduced gap closure. The IL-1β exposure did not significantly affect ECFC adhesion, DiI-Ac-LDL uptake, or ECFC proliferation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results suggested a role for IL-1β in the inhibition of ECFC function in vitro. Functional changes in ECFCs following challenge with IL-1β did not appear to be due to changes in cell proliferative capacity. These findings have implications for designing microenvironments for and optimizing therapeutic effects of ECFCs used to treat ischemic diseases in horses.
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Rieger J, Kaessmeyer S, Al Masri S, Hünigen H, Plendl J. Endothelial cells and angiogenesis in the horse in health and disease-A review. Anat Histol Embryol 2020; 49:656-678. [PMID: 32639627 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The cardiovascular system is the first functional organ in the embryo, and its blood vessels form a widespread conductive network within the organism. Blood vessels develop de novo, by the differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells (vasculogenesis) or by angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels from existing ones. This review presents an overview of the current knowledge on physiological and pathological angiogenesis in the horse including studies on equine endothelial cells. Principal study fields in equine angiogenesis research were identified: equine endothelial progenitor cells; equine endothelial cells and angiogenesis (heterogeneity, markers and assessment); endothelial regulatory molecules in equine angiogenesis; angiogenesis research in equine reproduction (ovary, uterus, placenta and conceptus, testis); angiogenesis research in pathological conditions (tumours, ocular pathologies, equine wound healing, musculoskeletal system and laminitis). The review also includes a table that summarizes in vitro studies on equine endothelial cells, either describing the isolation procedure or using previously isolated endothelial cells. A particular challenge of the review was that results published are fragmentary and sometimes even contradictory, raising more questions than they answer. In conclusion, angiogenesis is a major factor in several diseases frequently occurring in horses, but relatively few studies focus on angiogenesis in the horse. The challenge for the future is therefore to continue exploring new therapeutic angiogenesis strategies for horses to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Rieger
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Kaessmeyer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Salah Al Masri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hana Hünigen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Plendl
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Winter RL, Tian Y, Caldwell FJ, Seeto WJ, Koehler JW, Pascoe DA, Fan S, Gaillard P, Lipke EA, Wooldridge AA. Cell engraftment, vascularization, and inflammation after treatment of equine distal limb wounds with endothelial colony forming cells encapsulated within hydrogel microspheres. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:43. [PMID: 32019556 PMCID: PMC7001230 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-2269-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) may be useful therapeutically in conditions with poor blood supply, such as distal limb wounds in the horse. Encapsulation of ECFCs into injectable hydrogel microspheres may ensure cell survival and cell localization to improve neovascularization and healing. Autologous ECFCs were isolated from 6 horses, labeled with quantum nanodots (QD), and a subset were encapsulated in poly(ethylene) glycol fibrinogen microspheres (PEG-Fb MS). Full-thickness dermal wounds were created on each distal limb and injected with empty PEG-Fb MS, serum, ECFCs, or ECFCs encapsulated into PEG- Fb MS (ECFC/MS). Analysis included wound surface area (WSA), granulation tissue scoring (GS), thermography, collagen density staining, and immunohistochemical staining for endothelial and inflammatory cells. The purpose of this study was to track cell location and evaluate wound vascularization and inflammatory response after injection of ECFC/MS or naked ECFCs in equine distal limb wounds. RESULTS ECFCs were found near and within newly formed blood vessels up to 3 weeks after injection. ECFC and ECFC/MS groups had the greatest blood vessel quantity at week 1 in the wound periphery. Wounds treated with ECFCs and ECFC/MS had the lowest density of neutrophils and macrophages at week 4. There were no significant effects of ECFC or ECFC/MS treatment on other measured parameters. CONCLUSIONS Injection of microsphere encapsulated ECFCs was practical for clinical use and well-tolerated. The positive ECFC treatment effects on blood vessel density and wound inflammation warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph L Winter
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Fred J Caldwell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Wen J Seeto
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Jey W Koehler
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - David A Pascoe
- School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Shirley Fan
- Department of Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth A Lipke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Anne A Wooldridge
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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Seeto WJ, Tian Y, Pradhan S, Kerscher P, Lipke EA. Rapid Production of Cell-Laden Microspheres Using a Flexible Microfluidic Encapsulation Platform. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1902058. [PMID: 31468632 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201902058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study establishes a novel microfluidic platform for rapid encapsulation of cells at high densities in photocrosslinkable microspherical hydrogels including poly(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate, poly(ethylene glycol)-fibrinogen, and gelatin methacrylate. Cell-laden hydrogel microspheres are advantageous for many applications from drug screening to regenerative medicine. Employing microfluidic systems is considered the most efficient method for scale-up production of uniform microspheres. However, existing platforms have been constrained by traditional microfabrication techniques for device fabrication, restricting microsphere diameter to below 200 µm and making iterative design changes time-consuming and costly. Using a new molding technique, the microfluidic device employs a modified T-junction design with readily adjustable channel sizes, enabling production of highly uniform microspheres with cell densities (10-60 million cells mL-1 ) and a wide range of diameters (300-1100 µm), which are critical for realizing downstream applications, through rapid photocrosslinking (≈1 s per microsphere). Multiple cell types are encapsulated at rates of up to 1 million cells per min, are evenly distributed throughout the microspheres, and maintain high viability and appropriate cellular activities in long-term culture. This microfluidic encapsulation platform is a valuable and readily adoptable tool for numerous applications, including supporting injectable cell therapy, bioreactor-based cell expansion and differentiation, and high throughput tissue sphere-based drug testing assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen J Seeto
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Shantanu Pradhan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Petra Kerscher
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Lipke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
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Winter RL, Seeto WJ, Tian Y, Caldwell FJ, Lipke EA, Wooldridge AA. Growth and function of equine endothelial colony forming cells labeled with semiconductor quantum dots. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:247. [PMID: 30139355 PMCID: PMC6107939 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1572-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to neovascularization and vascular repair in vivo and are attractive for clinical use in ischemic disease. Tracking of stem and progenitor cells is essential to determine engraftment after administration. Semiconductor quantum dots (QD) are promising for cell labeling due to their ease of uptake by many cell lines and their continued presence after many cell generations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate function and growth of equine EPCs after QD labeling. Additionally, this study evaluated the duration of QD label retention and mechanisms of QD label loss. RESULTS Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) from adult horses (N = 3) were employed for this study, with QD labeled and unlabeled ECFCs tested from each horse. Cell proliferation of ECFCs labeled with QD at 20 nM was quantified by comparing the number of cell doublings per day (NCD) and the population doubling time (PDT) in labeled and unlabeled cells. Function of labeled and unlabeled ECFCs was assessed by comparing uptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein (DiO-Ac-LDL) and tubule formation on growth factor containing matrix. Cell proliferation was not impacted by QD labeling; both NCD (p = 0. 95) and PDT (P = 0. 91) did not differ between unlabeled and QD labeled cells. Function of ECFCs assessed by DiO-Ac-LDL and tubule formation was also not different between unlabeled and QD labeled cells (P = 0. 33 and P = 0. 52, respectively). ECFCs retained their QD labeling over 7 passages with both 5 nM and 20 nM label concentrations. Reduction in label intensity was observed over time, and the mechanism was determined to be cell division. CONCLUSIONS Equine ECFCs are effectively labeled with QD, and QD concentrations up to 20 nM do not affect cell growth or function. QD label loss is a result of cell division. The use of QD labeling with equine EPCs may be an ideal way to track engraftment of EPCs for in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph L Winter
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Wen J Seeto
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Fred J Caldwell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Lipke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Anne A Wooldridge
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA.
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Seeto WJ, Tian Y, Winter RL, Caldwell FJ, Wooldridge AA, Lipke EA. Encapsulation of Equine Endothelial Colony Forming Cells in Highly Uniform, Injectable Hydrogel Microspheres for Local Cell Delivery. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2017; 23:815-825. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2017.0233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wen J. Seeto
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Randolph L. Winter
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Fred J. Caldwell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Anne A. Wooldridge
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
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Sharpe AN, Seeto WJ, Winter RL, Zhong Q, Lipke EA, Wooldridge AA. Isolation of endothelial colony-forming cells from blood samples collected from the jugular and cephalic veins of healthy adult horses. Am J Vet Res 2017; 77:1157-65. [PMID: 27668588 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.77.10.1157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate optimal isolation of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) from peripheral blood of horses. SAMPLE Jugular and cephalic venous blood samples from 17 adult horses. PROCEDURES Each blood sample was divided; isolation was performed with whole blood adherence (WBA) and density gradient centrifugation (DGC). Isolated cells were characterized by uptake of 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate-labeled acetylated low-density lipoprotein (DiI-Ac-LDL), vascular tubule formation, and expression of endothelial (CD34, CD105, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, and von Willebrand factor) and hematopoietic (CD14) cell markers by use of indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and flow cytometry. RESULTS Colonies with cobblestone morphology were isolated from 15 of 17 horses. Blood collected from the cephalic vein yielded colonies significantly more often (14/17 horses) than did blood collected from the jugular vein (8/17 horses). Of 14 cephalic blood samples with colonies, 13 were obtained with DGC and 8 with WBA. Of 8 jugular blood samples with colonies, 8 were obtained with DGC and 4 with WBA. Colony frequency (colonies per milliliter of blood) was significantly higher for cephalic blood samples and samples isolated with DGC. Cells formed vascular tubules, had uptake of DiI-Ac-LDL, and expressed endothelial markers by use of IFA and flow cytometry, which confirmed their identity as ECFCs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Maximum yield of ECFCs was obtained for blood samples collected from both the jugular and cephalic veins and use of DGC to isolate cells. Consistent yield of ECFCs from peripheral blood of horses will enable studies to evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic uses.
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