1
|
Kind S, Castillo CP, Schlichter R, Gorbokon N, Lennartz M, Hornsteiner LS, Dwertmann Rico S, Reiswich V, Viehweger F, Kluth M, Hube-Magg C, Bernreuther C, Büscheck F, Clauditz TS, Fraune C, Hinsch A, Krech T, Lebok P, Steurer S, Burandt E, Minner S, Marx AH, Simon R, Wilczak W, Sauter G, Menz A, Jacobsen F. KLK7 expression in human tumors: a tissue microarray study on 13,447 tumors. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:794. [PMID: 38961454 PMCID: PMC11221178 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12552-8] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kallikrein-related peptidase 7 (KLK7) is a chymotrypsin-like serine protease which is essential for the desquamation of corneocytes and thus plays a pivotal role in maintaining skin homeostasis. In cancer, KLK7 overexpression was suggested to represent a route for metastasis through cleavage of cell junction and extracellular matrix proteins of cancer cells. METHODS To comprehensively determine KLK7 protein expression in normal and neoplastic tissues, a tissue microarray containing 13,447 samples from 147 different tumor types and subtypes as well as 608 samples of 76 different normal tissue types was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS KLK7 positivity was found in 64 of 147 tumor categories, including 17 tumor categories with at least one strongly positive case. The highest rate of KLK7 positivity was found in squamous cell carcinomas from various sites of origin (positive in 18.1%-63.8%), ovarian and endometrium cancers (4.8%-56.2%), salivary gland tumors (4.8%-13.7%), bilio-pancreatic adenocarcinomas (20.0%-40.4%), and adenocarcinomas of the upper gastrointestinal tract (3.3%-12.5%). KLK7 positivity was linked to nodal metastasis (p = 0.0005), blood vessel infiltration (p = 0.0037), and lymph vessel infiltration (p < 0.0001) in colorectal adenocarcinoma, nodal metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (p = 0.0382), advanced pathological tumor stage in papillary thyroid cancer (p = 0.0132), and low grade of malignancy in a cohort of 719 squamous cell carcinomas from 11 different sites of origin (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These data provide a comprehensive overview on KLK7 expression in normal and neoplastic human tissues. The prognostic relevance of KLK7 expression and the possible role of KLK7 as a drug target need to be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Kind
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Carolina Palacios Castillo
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Ria Schlichter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Natalia Gorbokon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Maximilian Lennartz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Lisa S Hornsteiner
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dwertmann Rico
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Viktor Reiswich
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Florian Viehweger
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Martina Kluth
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Claudia Hube-Magg
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Christian Bernreuther
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Franziska Büscheck
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Till S Clauditz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Christoph Fraune
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Andrea Hinsch
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Till Krech
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Clinical Center Osnabrueck, Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Patrick Lebok
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Clinical Center Osnabrueck, Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Stefan Steurer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Eike Burandt
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Sarah Minner
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Andreas H Marx
- Department of Pathology, Academic Hospital Fuerth, Fuerth, Germany
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany.
| | - Waldemar Wilczak
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Guido Sauter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Anne Menz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Frank Jacobsen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pan H, Lu X, Ye D, Feng Y, Wan J, Ye J. The molecular mechanism of thrombospondin family members in cardiovascular diseases. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1337586. [PMID: 38516004 PMCID: PMC10954798 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1337586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases have been identified as vital factors in global morbidity and mortality in recent years. The available evidence suggests that various cytokines and pathological proteins participate in these complicated and changeable diseases. The thrombospondin (TSP) family is a series of conserved, multidomain calcium-binding glycoproteins that cause cell-matrix and cell-cell effects via interactions with other extracellular matrix components and cell surface receptors. The TSP family has five members that can be divided into two groups (Group A and Group B) based on their different structures. TSP-1, TSP-2, and TSP-4 are the most studied proteins. Among recent studies and findings, we investigated the functions of several family members, especially TSP-5. We review the basic concepts of TSPs and summarize the relevant molecular mechanisms and cell interactions in the cardiovascular system. Targeting TSPs in CVD and other diseases has a remarkable therapeutic benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Pan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiyi Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongqi Feng
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu FF, Zheng F, Chen Y, Wang Y, Ma SB, Ding W, Zhang LS, Guo JZ, Zheng CB, Shen B. Role of thrombospondin-1 in high-salt-induced mesenteric artery endothelial impairment in rats. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:545-557. [PMID: 37932403 PMCID: PMC10834453 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01181-9] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The matrix glycoprotein thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) modulates nitric oxide (NO) signaling in endothelial cells. A high-salt diet induces deficiencies of NO production and bioavailability, thereby leading to endothelial dysfunction. In this study we investigated the changes of THBS1 expression and its pathological role in the dysfunction of mesenteric artery endothelial cells (MAECs) induced by a high-salt diet. Wild-type rats, and wild-type and Thbs1-/- mice were fed chow containing 8% w/w NaCl for 4 weeks. We showed that a high salt diet significantly increased THBS1 expression and secretion in plasma and MAECs, and damaged endothelium-dependent vasodilation of mesenteric resistance arteries in wild-type animals, but not in Thbs1-/- mice. In rat MAECs, we demonstrated that a high salt environment (10-40 mM) dose-dependently increased THBS1 expression accompanied by suppressed endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and phospho-eNOS S1177 production as well as NO release. Blockade of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) activity by a TGF-β1 inhibitor SB 431542 reversed THBS1 up-regulation, rescued the eNOS decrease, enhanced phospho-eNOS S1177 expression, and inhibited Smad4 translocation to the nucleus. By conducting dual-luciferase reporter experiments in HEK293T cells, we demonstrated that Smad4, a transcription promoter, upregulated Thbs1 transcription. We conclude that THBS1 contributes to endothelial dysfunction in a high-salt environment and may be a potential target for treatment of high-salt-induced endothelium dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fang Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Fan Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lu'an People's Hospital, Lu'an Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an, 237000, China
| | - Shao-Bo Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Weng Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Le-Sha Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ji-Zheng Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chang-Bo Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Bing Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Oliveira RHDM, Annex BH, Popel AS. Endothelial cells signaling and patterning under hypoxia: a mechanistic integrative computational model including the Notch-Dll4 pathway. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1351753. [PMID: 38455844 PMCID: PMC10917925 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1351753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Several signaling pathways are activated during hypoxia to promote angiogenesis, leading to endothelial cell patterning, interaction, and downstream signaling. Understanding the mechanistic signaling differences between endothelial cells under normoxia and hypoxia and their response to different stimuli can guide therapies to modulate angiogenesis. We present a novel mechanistic model of interacting endothelial cells, including the main pathways involved in angiogenesis. Methods: We calibrate and fit the model parameters based on well-established modeling techniques that include structural and practical parameter identifiability, uncertainty quantification, and global sensitivity. Results: Our results indicate that the main pathways involved in patterning tip and stalk endothelial cells under hypoxia differ, and the time under hypoxia interferes with how different stimuli affect patterning. Additionally, our simulations indicate that Notch signaling might regulate vascular permeability and establish different Nitric Oxide release patterns for tip/stalk cells. Following simulations with various stimuli, our model suggests that factors such as time under hypoxia and oxygen availability must be considered for EC pattern control. Discussion: This project provides insights into the signaling and patterning of endothelial cells under various oxygen levels and stimulation by VEGFA and is our first integrative approach toward achieving EC control as a method for improving angiogenesis. Overall, our model provides a computational framework that can be built on to test angiogenesis-related therapies by modulation of different pathways, such as the Notch pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian H. Annex
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Aleksander S. Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guo Y, Wang Y, Liu H, Jiang X, Lei S. High glucose environment induces NEDD4 deficiency that impairs angiogenesis and diabetic wound healing. J Dermatol Sci 2023; 112:148-157. [PMID: 37932175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2023.09.007] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healing of diabetic wounds, characterized by impaired angiogenesis, remains a clinical challenge. E3 ligase have been identified as potential therapeutic targets of wound healing. OBJECTIVE We assessed the role of E3 ligase NEDD4 in the context of angiogenesis and diabetic wound healing. METHODS The mRNA expression levels of NEDD4, TSP1 and VEGF were determined by real-time PCR. Western blotting was used to evaluate the protein expression of NEDD4, TSP1 and VEGF. The ubiquitination of TSP1 was evaluated by immunoprecipitation. MTT assay, wound healing assay and tube formation assay were performed to assess the proliferation, migration and angiogenic functions of endothelial cells. The epigenetic modification in the promoter of NEDD4 was confirmed using BSP assay and ChIP-qPCR assay. The role of NEDD4 in wound healing was further verified in diabetic mouse model. RESULTS NEDD4 promotes proliferation, migration and tube formation of endothelial cells. It binds to and ubiquitinates TSP1, which lead to TSP1 degradation and thus increased VEGF expression. The inhibitory effect of NEDD4 silencing on the angiogenesis ability of endothelial cells can be restored by TSP1 knockdown. NEDD4 is reduced in diabetic patients, which may due to hypermethylation of NEDD4 promoter mediated via DNMT1 under high glucose condition. Furthermore, inhibition of NEDD4 represses wound healing in diabetic mouse model. CONCLUSION NEDD4 might promote angiogenesis and wound healing by inhibiting TSP1 via ubiquitination in diabetic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Haiwei Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Xulei Jiang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Shaorong Lei
- Department of Plastic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang Z, Zhu P, Liao B, You H, Cai Y. Effects and action mechanisms of individual cytokines contained in PRP on osteoarthritis. J Orthop Surg Res 2023; 18:713. [PMID: 37735688 PMCID: PMC10515001 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is defined as a degenerative joint disease that can affect all tissues of the joint, including the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, ligaments capsule, and synovial membrane. The conventional nonoperative treatments are ineffective for cartilage repair and induce only symptomatic relief. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a platelet concentrate derived from autologous whole blood with a high concentration of platelets, which can exert anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects by releasing multiple growth factors and cytokines. Recent studies have shown that PRP exhibits clinical benefits in patients with OA. However, high operational and equipment requirements greatly limit the application of PRP to OA treatment. Past studies have indicated that high-concentration PRP growth factors and cytokines may be applied as a commercial replacement for PRP. We reviewed the relevant articles to summarize the feasibility and mechanisms of PRP-based growth factors in OA. The available evidence suggests that transforming growth factor-α and β, platelet-derived growth factors, epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, and connective tissue growth factors might benefit OA, while vascular endothelial growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, angiopoietin-1, and stromal cell derived factor-1α might induce negative effects on OA. The effects of fibroblast growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, platelet factor 4, and keratinocyte growth factor on OA remain uncertain. Thus, it can be concluded that not all cytokines released by PRP are beneficial, although the therapeutic action of PRP has a valuable potential to improve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengchao Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengfei Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, China
- Department of Cardiovascular, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bokai Liao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo You
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No.1095, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Yu Cai
- Department of Rehabilitation, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Hanzheng Street No.473, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Montero E, Isenberg JS. The TSP1-CD47-SIRPα interactome: an immune triangle for the checkpoint era. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:2879-2888. [PMID: 37217603 PMCID: PMC10412679 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03465-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The use of treatments, such as programmed death protein 1 (PD1) or cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) antibodies, that loosen the natural checks upon immune cell activity to enhance cancer killing have shifted clinical practice and outcomes for the better. Accordingly, the number of antibodies and engineered proteins that interact with the ligand-receptor components of immune checkpoints continue to increase along with their use. It is tempting to view these molecular pathways simply from an immune inhibitory perspective. But this should be resisted. Checkpoint molecules can have other cardinal functions relevant to the development and use of blocking moieties. Cell receptor CD47 is an example of this. CD47 is found on the surface of all human cells. Within the checkpoint paradigm, non-immune cell CD47 signals through immune cell surface signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) to limit the activity of the latter, the so-called trans signal. Even so, CD47 interacts with other cell surface and soluble molecules to regulate biogas and redox signaling, mitochondria and metabolism, self-renewal factors and multipotency, and blood flow. Further, the pedigree of checkpoint CD47 is more intricate than supposed. High-affinity interaction with soluble thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) and low-affinity interaction with same-cell SIRPα, the so-called cis signal, and non-SIRPα ectodomains on the cell membrane suggests that multiple immune checkpoints converge at and through CD47. Appreciation of this may provide latitude for pathway-specific targeting and intelligent therapeutic effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Montero
- Department of Diabetes Immunology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Isenberg
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
- Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang Y, Popel AS, Bazzazi H. Combining Multikinase Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Targeting the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Cluster of Differentiation 47 Signaling Pathways Is Predicted to Increase the Efficacy of Antiangiogenic Combination Therapies. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:710-726. [PMID: 37200806 PMCID: PMC10186363 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00008] [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: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a critical step in tumor growth, development, and invasion. Nascent tumor cells secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that significantly remodels the tumor microenvironment through interaction with multiple receptors on vascular endothelial cells, including type 2 VEGF receptor (VEGFR2). The complex pathways initiated by VEGF binding to VEGFR2 lead to enhanced proliferation, survival, and motility of vascular endothelial cells and formation of a new vascular network, enabling tumor growth. Antiangiogenic therapies that inhibit VEGF signaling pathways were among the first drugs that targeted stroma rather than tumor cells. Despite improvements in progression-free survival and higher response rates relative to chemotherapy in some types of solid tumors, the impact on overall survival (OS) has been limited, with the majority of tumors eventually relapsing due to resistance or activation of alternate angiogenic pathways. Here, we developed a molecularly detailed computational model of endothelial cell signaling and angiogenesis-driven tumor growth to investigate combination therapies targeting different nodes of the endothelial VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway. Simulations predicted a strong threshold-like behavior in extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation relative to phosphorylated VEGFR2 levels, as continuous inhibition of at least 95% of receptors was necessary to abrogate phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2). Combinations with mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK) and spingosine-1-phosphate inhibitors were found to be effective in overcoming the ERK1/2 activation threshold and abolishing activation of the pathway. Modeling results also identified a mechanism of resistance whereby tumor cells could reduce pERK1/2 sensitivity to inhibitors of VEGFR2 by upregulation of Raf, MEK, and sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), thus highlighting the need for deeper investigation of the dynamics of the crosstalk between VEGFR2 and SphK1 pathways. Inhibition of VEGFR2 phosphorylation was found to be more effective at blocking protein kinase B, also known as AKT, activation; however, to effectively abolish AKT activation, simulations identified Axl autophosphorylation or the Src kinase domain as potent targets. Simulations also supported activating cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) on endothelial cells as an effective combination partner with tyrosine kinase inhibitors to inhibit angiogenesis signaling and tumor growth. Virtual patient simulations supported the effectiveness of CD47 agonism in combination with inhibitors of VEGFR2 and SphK1 pathways. Overall, the rule-based system model developed here provides new insights, generates novel hypothesis, and makes predictions regarding combinations that may enhance the OS with currently approved antiangiogenic therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Aleksander S. Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Hojjat Bazzazi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Oliveira RHM, Annex BH, Popel AS. Endothelial cells signaling and patterning under hypoxia: a mechanistic integrative computational model including the Notch-Dll4 pathway. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.03.539270. [PMID: 37205581 PMCID: PMC10187169 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Several signaling pathways are activated during hypoxia to promote angiogenesis, leading to endothelial cell patterning, interaction, and downstream signaling. Understanding the mechanistic signaling differences between normoxia and hypoxia can guide therapies to modulate angiogenesis. We present a novel mechanistic model of interacting endothelial cells, including the main pathways involved in angiogenesis. We calibrate and fit the model parameters based on well-established modeling techniques. Our results indicate that the main pathways involved in the patterning of tip and stalk endothelial cells under hypoxia differ, and the time under hypoxia affects how a reaction affects patterning. Interestingly, the interaction of receptors with Neuropilin1 is also relevant for cell patterning. Our simulations under different oxygen concentrations indicate time- and oxygen-availability-dependent responses for the two cells. Following simulations with various stimuli, our model suggests that factors such as period under hypoxia and oxygen availability must be considered for pattern control. This project provides insights into the signaling and patterning of endothelial cells under hypoxia, contributing to studies in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Hannah M Oliveira
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Brian H Annex
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ding DY, Gan XJ, Zhang JN, Hou GJ, Tao QF, Sun DP, Li W, Yang Y, Ding WB, Yu J, Liu L, Yang F, Zhou WP, Yuan SX. Serum thrombospondin-1 serves as a novel biomarker and agonist of gemcitabine-based chemotherapy in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:907-917. [PMID: 36526676 PMCID: PMC9977883 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-02101-0] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, the first-line treatment for advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is gemcitabine combined with cisplatin, but a considerable portion of ICC patients exhibit resistance to gemcitabine. Therefore, finding sensitisers for gemcitabine chemotherapy in ICC patients and predicting molecular markers for chemotherapy efficacy have become urgent needs. METHODS In this study, PDX models were established to conduct gemcitabine susceptibility tests. The selected PDX tissues of the chemotherapy-sensitive group and drug-resistant group were subjected to transcriptome sequencing and protein chip technology to identify the key genes. Sixty-one ICC patients treated with gemcitabine chemotherapy were recruited for clinical follow-up validation. RESULTS We found that thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) can predict gemcitabine chemosensitivity in ICC patients. The expression level of TSP1 could reflect the sensitivity of ICC patients to gemcitabine chemotherapy. Functional experiments further confirmed that TSP1 can increase the efficacy of gemcitabine chemotherapy for ICC. A mechanism study showed that TSP1 may affect the intake of oleic acid by binding to the CD36 receptor. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we found a key molecule-TSP1-that can predict and improve the sensitivity of ICC patients to gemcitabine chemotherapy, which is of great significance for the treatment of advanced cholangiocarcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Yang Ding
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Jie Gan
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Ning Zhang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Jun Hou
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Fei Tao
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Da-Peng Sun
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Li
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Bin Ding
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Liu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fu Yang
- The Department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wei-Ping Zhou
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
| | - Sheng-Xian Yuan
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Otsuka T, Masuda T, Takahashi Y, Suzuki A, Uemura A, Arakawa R, Okabe T, Naito A. Effect of triamcinolone acetonide on retinal inflammation and angiogenesis induced by pericyte depletion in mouse. J Pharmacol Sci 2023; 151:28-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|
12
|
Gao L, He Z, Wu Y. Advances in Anti-metabolic Disease Treatments Targeting CD47. Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:3720-3728. [PMID: 36201266 DOI: 10.2174/1381612828666221006123144] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic disorders include a cluster of conditions that result from hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity, and hepatic steatosis, which cause the dysfunction of immune cells and innate cells, such as macrophages, natural killer cells, vascular endothelial cells, hepatocytes, and human kidney tubular epithelial cells. Besides targeting the derangements in lipid metabolism, therapeutic modulations to regulate abnormal responses in the immune system and innate cell dysfunctions may prove to be promising strategies in the management of metabolic diseases. In recent years, several targets have been explored for the CD47 molecule (CD47), a glycosylated protein, which was originally reported to transmit an anti-phagocytic signal known as "don't eat me" in the atherosclerotic environment, hindering the efferocytosis of immune cells and promoting arterial plaque accumulation. Subsequently, the role of CD47 has been explored in obesity, fatty liver, and lipotoxic nephropathy, and its utility as a therapeutic target has been investigated using anti-CD47 antibodies or inhibitors of the THBS1/CD47 axis and the CD47/SIRPα signaling pathway. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action of CD47 in different cell types during metabolic diseases and the clinical research progress to date, providing a reference for the comprehensive targeting of CD47 to treat metabolic diseases and the devising of potential improvements to possible side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Department of Nephropathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.,Center for Scientific Research of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Zhe He
- Department of Nephropathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Yonggui Wu
- Department of Nephropathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.,Center for Scientific Research of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cai Y, Zang GY, Huang Y, Sun Z, Zhang LL, Qian YJ, Yuan W, Wang ZQ. Advances in neovascularization after diabetic ischemia. World J Diabetes 2022; 13:926-939. [PMID: 36437864 PMCID: PMC9693741 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v13.i11.926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
With the high incidence of diabetes around the world, ischemic complications cause a serious influence on people’s production and living. Neovascularization plays a significant role in its development. Therefore, neovascularization after diabetic ischemia has aroused attention and has become a hot spot in recent years. Neovascularization is divided into angiogenesis represented by atherosclerosis and arteriogenesis characterized by coronary collateral circulation. When mononuclear macrophages successively migrate to the ischemia anoxic zone after ischemia or hypoxia, they induce the secretion of cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia-inducible factor, activate signaling pathways such as classic Wnt and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathways, trigger oxidative stress response, activate endothelial progenitor cells or enter the glycolysis or lactic acid process and promote the formation of new blood vessels, remodeling them into mature blood vessels and restoring blood supply. However, the hypoglycemic condition has different impacts on neovascularization. Consequently, this review aimed to introduce the mechanisms of neovascularization after diabetic ischemia, increase our un-derstanding of diabetic ischemic complications and their therapies and provide more treatment options for clinical practice and effectively relieve patients’ pain. It is believed that in the near future, neovascularization will bring more benefits and hope to patients with diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guang-Yao Zang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li-Li Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yong-Jiang Qian
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhong-Qun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212000, Jiangsu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kołat D, Kałuzińska Ż, Bednarek AK, Płuciennik E. Determination of WWOX Function in Modulating Cellular Pathways Activated by AP-2α and AP-2γ Transcription Factors in Bladder Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091382. [PMID: 35563688 PMCID: PMC9106060 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the invention of high-throughput sequencing, cancer research focused on investigating disease-related alterations, often inadvertently omitting tumor heterogeneity. This research was intended to limit the impact of heterogeneity on conclusions related to WWOX/AP-2α/AP-2γ in bladder cancer which differently influenced carcinogenesis. The study examined the signaling pathways regulated by WWOX-dependent AP-2 targets in cell lines as biological replicates using high-throughput sequencing. RT-112, HT-1376 and CAL-29 cell lines were subjected to two stable lentiviral transductions. Following CAGE-seq and differential expression analysis, the most important genes were identified and functionally annotated. Western blot was performed to validate the selected observations. The role of genes in biological processes was assessed and networks were visualized. Ultimately, principal component analysis was performed. The studied genes were found to be implicated in MAPK, Wnt, Ras, PI3K-Akt or Rap1 signaling. Data from pathways were collected, explaining the differences/similarities between phenotypes. FGFR3, STAT6, EFNA1, GSK3B, PIK3CB and SOS1 were successfully validated at the protein level. Afterwards, a definitive network was built using 173 genes. Principal component analysis revealed that the various expression of these genes explains the phenotypes. In conclusion, the current study certified that the signaling pathways regulated by WWOX and AP-2α have more in common than that regulated by AP-2γ. This is because WWOX acts as an EMT inhibitor, AP-2γ as an EMT enhancer while AP-2α as a MET inducer. Therefore, the relevance of AP-2γ in targeted therapy is now more evident. Some of the differently regulated genes can find application in bladder cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
15
|
Rad LM, Yumashev AV, Hussen BM, Jamad HH, Ghafouri-Fard S, Taheri M, Rostami S, Niazi V, Hajiesmaeili M. Therapeutic Potential of Microvesicles in Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine of Ocular Diseases With an Especial Focus on Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Microvesicles. Front Genet 2022; 13:847679. [PMID: 35422841 PMCID: PMC9001951 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.847679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
These days, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), because of immunomodulatory and pro-angiogenic abilities, are known as inevitable factors in regenerative medicine and cell therapy in different diseases such as ocular disorder. Moreover, researchers have indicated that exosome possess an essential potential in the therapeutic application of ocular disease. MSC-derived exosome (MSC-DE) have been identified as efficient as MSCs for treatment of eye injuries due to their small size and rapid diffusion all over the eye. MSC-DEs easily transfer their ingredients such as miRNAs, proteins, and cytokines to the inner layer in the eye and increase the reconstruction of the injured area. Furthermore, MSC-DEs deliver their immunomodulatory cargos in inflamed sites and inhibit immune cell migration, resulting in improvement of autoimmune uveitis. Interestingly, therapeutic effects were shown only in animal models that received MSC-DE. In this review, we summarized the therapeutic potential of MSCs and MSC-DE in cell therapy and regenerative medicine of ocular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Moallemi Rad
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Alexey V Yumashev
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq.,Center of Research and Strategic Studies, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Hazha Hadayat Jamad
- Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Samaneh Rostami
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciecnes, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Vahid Niazi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Hajiesmaeili
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Critical Care Quality Improvement Research Center, Loghman Hakin Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang Y, Wang H, Oliveira RHM, Zhao C, Popel AS. Systems biology of angiogenesis signaling: Computational models and omics. WIREs Mech Dis 2021; 14:e1550. [PMID: 34970866 PMCID: PMC9243197 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a highly regulated multiscale process that involves a plethora of cells, their cellular signal transduction, activation, proliferation, differentiation, as well as their intercellular communication. The coordinated execution and integration of such complex signaling programs is critical for physiological angiogenesis to take place in normal growth, development, exercise, and wound healing, while its dysregulation is critically linked to many major human diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and ocular disorders; it is also crucial in regenerative medicine. Although huge efforts have been devoted to drug development for these diseases by investigation of angiogenesis‐targeted therapies, only a few therapeutics and targets have proved effective in humans due to the innate multiscale complexity and nonlinearity in the process of angiogenic signaling. As a promising approach that can help better address this challenge, systems biology modeling allows the integration of knowledge across studies and scales and provides a powerful means to mechanistically elucidate and connect the individual molecular and cellular signaling components that function in concert to regulate angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize and discuss how systems biology modeling studies, at the pathway‐, cell‐, tissue‐, and whole body‐levels, have advanced our understanding of signaling in angiogenesis and thereby delivered new translational insights for human diseases. This article is categorized under:Cardiovascular Diseases > Computational Models Cancer > Computational Models
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hanwen Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebeca Hannah M Oliveira
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chen Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Song M, Finley SD. Mechanistic characterization of endothelial sprouting mediated by pro-angiogenic signaling. Microcirculation 2021; 29:e12744. [PMID: 34890488 PMCID: PMC9285777 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12744] [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: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective We aim to quantitatively characterize the crosstalk between VEGF‐ and FGF‐mediated angiogenic signaling and endothelial sprouting, to gain mechanistic insights and identify novel therapeutic strategies. Methods We constructed an experimentally validated hybrid agent‐based mathematical model that characterizes endothelial sprouting driven by FGF‐ and VEGF‐mediated signaling. We predicted the total sprout length, number of sprouts, and average length by the mono‐ and co‐stimulation of FGF and VEGF. Results The experimentally fitted and validated model predicts that FGF induces stronger angiogenic responses in the long‐term compared with VEGF stimulation. Also, FGF plays a dominant role in the combination effects in endothelial sprouting. Moreover, the model suggests that ERK and Akt pathways and cellular responses contribute differently to the sprouting process. Last, the model predicts that the strategies to modulate endothelial sprouting are context‐dependent, and our model can identify potential effective pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic targets under different conditions and study their efficacy. Conclusions The model provides detailed mechanistic insight into VEGF and FGF interactions in sprouting angiogenesis. More broadly, this model can be utilized to identify targets that influence angiogenic signaling leading to endothelial sprouting and to study the effects of pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stacey D Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yao M, Ganguly S, Shin JHS, Elbayoumi T. Efficient Ex Vivo Screening of Agents Targeting Thrombospondin1-Induced Vascular Dysfunction Using a Digital Multiwire Myograph System. Methods Protoc 2021; 4:mps4040074. [PMID: 34698263 PMCID: PMC8544428 DOI: 10.3390/mps4040074] [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: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeostasis of vascular tone is intricately and delicately maintained systemically and locally, by autonomic nerves and hormones in the blood and by intimal vasoactive substances, respectively. The balance can be acutely or chronically interrupted secondary to many alterations, especially under pathological conditions. Excessive matricellular glycoprotein thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) levels in circulation have been found to play an important role in ischemia-reperfusion injuries of different organs, by acutely suppressing vasorelaxation and chronically remodeling vascular bed. Our laboratory has been interested in identifying new drug moieties, which can selectively and effectively counteract TSP1-induced vascular dysfunction, in order to address associated clinical complications. Preliminary studies using computational docking and molecular models revealed potential drug candidates for further evaluation via vascular functional bioassay to prove the antagonism using an ex vivo vascular model. Herein, we described an efficient screening method for the identification of active drug candidates, by adapting a multiwire myograph system to perform a protocol with different treatments, in the presence of pathological levels of TSP1. We discussed the promising pharmacological evaluation results and suggested suitable modification for versatile applications. We also described the necessity of pre-determination of optimal resting tension to obtain the maximal response, if the experimental test model is different from those with determined optimal resting tension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly Yao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy-Glendale, Midwestern University, Cholla Hall 216, 19555 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308, USA;
- College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Science Hall, 19555 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
- Correspondence: (M.Y.); (T.E.)
| | - Samayita Ganguly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy-Glendale, Midwestern University, Cholla Hall 216, 19555 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308, USA;
| | - Jane Hae Soo Shin
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale Hall, 19555 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308, USA;
| | - Tamer Elbayoumi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy-Glendale, Midwestern University, Cholla Hall 216, 19555 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308, USA;
- College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Science Hall, 19555 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
- Correspondence: (M.Y.); (T.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhang Y, Kontos CD, Annex BH, Popel AS. A systems biology model of junctional localization and downstream signaling of the Ang-Tie signaling pathway. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2021; 7:34. [PMID: 34417472 PMCID: PMC8379279 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-021-00194-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ang–Tie signaling pathway is an important vascular signaling pathway regulating vascular growth and stability. Dysregulation in the pathway is associated with vascular dysfunction and numerous diseases that involve abnormal vascular permeability and endothelial cell inflammation. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the Ang–Tie pathway has been limited due to the complex reaction network formed by the ligands, receptors, and molecular regulatory mechanisms. In this study, we developed a mechanistic computational model of the Ang–Tie signaling pathway validated against experimental data. The model captures and reproduces the experimentally observed junctional localization and downstream signaling of the Ang–Tie signaling axis, as well as the time-dependent role of receptor Tie1. The model predicts that Tie1 modulates Tie2’s response to the context-dependent agonist Ang2 by junctional interactions. Furthermore, modulation of Tie1’s junctional localization, inhibition of Tie2 extracellular domain cleavage, and inhibition of VE-PTP are identified as potential molecular strategies for potentiating Ang2’s agonistic activity and rescuing Tie2 signaling in inflammatory endothelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Christopher D Kontos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Brian H Annex
- Department of Medicine and the Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Adak S, Magdalene D, Deshmukh S, Das D, Jaganathan BG. A Review on Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of Retinal Diseases. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1154-1173. [PMID: 33410097 PMCID: PMC7787584 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10090-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have been studied extensively for the treatment of several retinal diseases. The therapeutic potential of MSCs lies in its ability to differentiate into multiple lineages and secretome enriched with immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic and neurotrophic factors. Several studies have reported the role of MSCs in repair and regeneration of the damaged retina where the secreted factors from MSCs prevent retinal degeneration, improve retinal morphology and function. MSCs also donate mitochondria to rescue the function of retinal cells and exosomes secreted by MSCs were found to have anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Based on several promising results obtained from the preclinical studies, several clinical trials were initiated to explore the potential advantages of MSCs for the treatment of retinal diseases. This review summarizes the various properties of MSCs that help to repair and restore the damaged retinal cells and its potential for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjucta Adak
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Damaris Magdalene
- Department of Strabismus, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Saurabh Deshmukh
- Department of Strabismus, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Dipankar Das
- Department of Pathology, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Bithiah Grace Jaganathan
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sové RJ, Jafarnejad M, Zhao C, Wang H, Ma H, Popel AS. QSP-IO: A Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Toolbox for Mechanistic Multiscale Modeling for Immuno-Oncology Applications. CPT-PHARMACOMETRICS & SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 9:484-497. [PMID: 32618119 PMCID: PMC7499194 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shown great potential in the treatment of cancer; however, only a fraction of patients respond to treatment, and many experience autoimmune‐related side effects. The pharmaceutical industry has relied on mathematical models to study the behavior of candidate drugs and more recently, complex, whole‐body, quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models have become increasingly popular for discovery and development. QSP modeling has the potential to discover novel predictive biomarkers as well as test the efficacy of treatment plans and combination therapies through virtual clinical trials. In this work, we present a QSP modeling platform for immuno‐oncology (IO) that incorporates detailed mechanisms for important immune interactions. This modular platform allows for the construction of QSP models of IO with varying degrees of complexity based on the research questions. Finally, we demonstrate the use of the platform through two example applications of immune checkpoint therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Sové
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mohammad Jafarnejad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chen Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hanwen Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Huilin Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wu Q, Finley SD. Mathematical Model Predicts Effective Strategies to Inhibit VEGF-eNOS Signaling. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9051255. [PMID: 32357492 PMCID: PMC7287924 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051255] [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: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling pathway in endothelial cells has multiple physiological significances. It produces nitric oxide (NO), an important vasodilator, and enables a long-term proliferative response, contributing to angiogenesis. This signaling pathway is mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a pro-angiogenic species that is often targeted to inhibit tumor angiogenesis. However, inhibiting VEGF-mediated eNOS signaling can lead to complications such as hypertension. Therefore, it is important to understand the dynamics of eNOS signaling in the context of angiogenesis inhibitors. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) is an important angiogenic inhibitor that, through interaction with its receptor CD47, has been shown to redundantly inhibit eNOS signaling. However, the exact mechanisms of TSP1's inhibitory effects on this pathway remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we established a molecular-detailed mechanistic model to describe VEGF-mediated eNOS signaling, and we used the model to identify the potential intracellular targets of TSP1. In addition, we applied the predictive model to investigate the effects of several approaches to selectively target eNOS signaling in cells experiencing high VEGF levels present in the tumor microenvironment. This work generates insights for pharmacologic targets and therapeutic strategies to inhibit tumor angiogenesis signaling while avoiding potential side effects in normal vasoregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
| | - Stacey D. Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-213-740-8788
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
An S. Nitric Oxide in Dental Pulp Tissue: From Molecular Understanding to Clinical Application in Regenerative Endodontic Procedures. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2020; 26:327-347. [PMID: 32131706 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2019.0316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), which is synthesized by the enzyme NO synthase (NOS), is a versatile endogenous molecule with multiple biological effects on many tissues and organs. In dental pulp tissue, NO has been found to play multifaceted roles in regulating physiological activities, inflammation processes, and tissue repair events, such as cell proliferation, neuronal degeneration, angiogenesis, and odontoblastic differentiation. However, there is a deficiency of detailed discussion on the NO-mediated interactions between inflammation and reparative/regenerative responses in wounded dental pulp tissue, which is a central determinant of ultimate clinical outcomes. Thus, the purpose of this review is to outline the current molecular understanding on the roles of Janus-faced molecule NO in dental pulp physiology, inflammation, and reparative activities. Based on this knowledge, advanced physicochemical techniques designed to manipulate the therapeutic potential of NOS and NO production in endodontic regeneration procedures are further discussed. Impact statement The interaction between inflammation and reparative/regenerative responses is very important for regenerative endodontic procedures, which are biologically based approaches intended to replace damaged tissues. Inside dental pulp tissue, endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is generated mainly by immunocompetent cells and dental pulp cells and mediates not only inflammatory/immune activities but also signaling cascades that regulate tissue repair and reconstruction, indicating its involvement in both tissue destruction and regeneration. Thus, it is feasible that NO acts as one of the indicators and modulators in dental pulp repair or regeneration under physiological and pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaofeng An
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang Y, Kontos CD, Annex BH, Popel AS. Angiopoietin-Tie Signaling Pathway in Endothelial Cells: A Computational Model. iScience 2019; 20:497-511. [PMID: 31655061 PMCID: PMC6806670 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The angiopoietin-Tie signaling pathway is an important vascular signaling pathway involved in angiogenesis, vascular stability, and quiescence. Dysregulation in the pathway is linked to the impairments in vascular function associated with many diseases, including cancer, ocular diseases, systemic inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. The present study uses a computational signaling pathway model validated against experimental data to quantitatively study various mechanistic aspects of the angiopoietin-Tie signaling pathway, including receptor activation, trafficking, turnover, and molecular mechanisms of its regulation. The model provides mechanistic insights into the controversial role of Ang2 and its regulators vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) and Tie1 and predicts synergistic effects of inhibition of VE-PTP, Tie1, and Tie2 cleavage on enhancing the vascular protective actions of Tie2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Christopher D Kontos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Brian H Annex
- Department of Medicine and the Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Jafarnejad M, Sové RJ, Danilova L, Mirando AC, Zhang Y, Yarchoan M, Tran PT, Pandey NB, Fertig EJ, Popel AS. Mechanistically detailed systems biology modeling of the HGF/Met pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2019; 5:29. [PMID: 31452933 PMCID: PMC6697704 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-019-0107-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling through its receptor Met has been implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression. Met interaction with integrins is shown to modulate the downstream signaling to Akt and ERK (extracellular-regulated kinase). In this study, we developed a mechanistically detailed systems biology model of HGF/Met signaling pathway that incorporated specific interactions with integrins to investigate the efficacy of integrin-binding peptide, AXT050, as monotherapy and in combination with other therapeutics targeting this pathway. Here we report that the modeled dynamics of the response to AXT050 revealed that receptor trafficking is sufficient to explain the effect of Met-integrin interactions on HGF signaling. Furthermore, the model predicted patient-specific synergy and antagonism of efficacy and potency for combination of AXT050 with sorafenib, cabozantinib, and rilotumumab. Overall, the model provides a valuable framework for studying the efficacy of drugs targeting receptor tyrosine kinase interaction with integrins, and identification of synergistic drug combinations for the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Jafarnejad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Richard J. Sové
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Ludmila Danilova
- Department of Oncology, Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Adam C. Mirando
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Phuoc T. Tran
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular and Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Department of Urology, The Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Niranjan B. Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Elana J. Fertig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
- Department of Oncology, Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Aleksander S. Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang Y, Zhu W, Yu H, Yu J, Zhang M, Pan X, Gao X, Wang Q, Sun H. P2Y4/TSP-1/TGF-β1/pSmad2/3 pathway contributes to acute generalized seizures induced by kainic acid. Brain Res Bull 2019; 149:106-119. [PMID: 31005663 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is accompanied by angiogenesis and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. The transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/phosphorylated small mothers against decapentaplegic 2 and 3 (pSmad2/3)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, activated by thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), which is further regulated by Y type P2 purinergic receptor activity, may participate in angiogenesis. We sought to investigate the relationship between the P2R/TSP-1/TGF-β1/pSmad2/3/VEGF pathway, angiogenesis, and BBB damage in a kainic acid (KA) model of acute generalized seizure. Our results demonstrated that KA-induced seizures were accompanied by angiogenesis and BBB damage. In addition, expression of TSP-1, TGF-β1, and pSmad2/3 was increased. Rats treated with pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2', 4'-disulfonic acid, a broad P2 receptor antagonist, or Reactive Blue 2, a potent P2Y4 receptor antagonist, showed significant attenuation of TSP-1 expression and Smad2/3 phosphorylation levels. Furthermore, angiogenesis, BBB damage, and acute seizure severity were also reduced. The inhibition of TSP-1 expression by siRNA or TGF-β1 activation by Leu-Ser-Lys-Leu (LSKL) treatment prevented KA-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3, angiogenesis, BBB damage, and acute seizures. Our results strongly indicate that the P2Y4/TSP-1/TGF-β1/pSmad2/3/VEGF pathway plays an essential role in seizure pathophysiology and angiogenesis. Therapeutic interventions targeting this pathway may offer new treatment options for acute seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Haiying Yu
- Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Mengdi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xiaohong Pan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xue Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Qiaoyun Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Hongliu Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Current Trends and Future Perspective of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Exosomes in Corneal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20122853. [PMID: 31212734 PMCID: PMC6627168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The corneal functions (transparency, refractivity and mechanical strength) deteriorate in many corneal diseases but can be restored after corneal transplantation (penetrating and lamellar keratoplasties). However, the global shortage of transplantable donor corneas remains significant and patients are subject to life-long risk of immune response and graft rejection. Various studies have shown the differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into various corneal cell types. With the unique properties of immunomodulation, anti-angiogenesis and anti-inflammation, they offer the advantages in corneal reconstruction. These effects are widely mediated by MSC differentiation and paracrine signaling via exosomes. Besides the cell-free nature of exosomes in circumventing the problems of cell-fate control and tumorigenesis, the vesicle content can be genetically modified for optimal therapeutic affinity. The pharmacology and toxicology, xeno-free processing with sustained delivery, scale-up production in compliant to Good Manufacturing Practice regulations, and cost-effectiveness are the current foci of research. Routes of administration via injection, topical and/or engineered bioscaffolds are also explored for its applicability in treating corneal diseases.
Collapse
|
28
|
Chen Y, Niu W, Chao YC, He Z, Ding R, Wu F, Liang C. Alagebrium targets the miR-27b/TSP-1 signaling pathway to rescue N ε-carboxymethyl-lysine-induced endothelial dysfunction. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:1569-1580. [PMID: 30972183 PMCID: PMC6456531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML), a major isoform of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), plays a crucial role in the functional damage of diabetes mellitus. However, it is not clear whether ALT-711 (alagebrium), an inhibitor of AGEs, is capable to rescue CML-induced poor angiogenesis, as well as the underlying mechanism. MicroRNA-27b (miR-27b) promotes angiogenesis through down-regulation of anti-angiogenic protein thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1). Here, we used diabetic mice with hindlimb ischemia to investigate whether miR-27b/TSP-1 signaling is involved in the pathology of critical limb ischemia (CLI) in diabetes mellitus. We additionally examined the effect of ALT-711 on the tube formation of endothelial cells treated with CML-BSA. Compared with control group, the lower blood flow recovery was observed in the ischemic lower limbs of diabetic mice, with decreased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and miR-27b and increased TSP-1 expression. CML-BSA reduced the tube formation ability of endothelial cells, decreased VEGF and miR-27b expression, and increased TSP-1 expression, whereas this trend was reversed by ALT-711. The miR-27b mimic promoted tube formation, increased VEGF expression, and decreased TSP-1 expression, whereas these effects were abolished by TSP-1 overexpression. Moreover, miR-27b silencing suppressed ALT-711-induced promotion of tube formation under CML-BSA treatment, with reduced VEGF and augmented TSP-1 expression. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that ALT-711 can rescue CML-induced functional angiogenesis damage via miR-27b/TSP-1 signaling cascades. These results indicate new therapeutic strategies for diabetes patients with CLI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihong Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical UniversityNo. 415, Fengyang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Wenhao Niu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical UniversityNo. 415, Fengyang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Yu-Chieh Chao
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityNo. 1630, Dongfang Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Zhiqing He
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical UniversityNo. 415, Fengyang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Ru Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical UniversityNo. 415, Fengyang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical UniversityNo. 415, Fengyang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Chun Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical UniversityNo. 415, Fengyang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200003, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bazzazi H, Zhang Y, Jafarnejad M, Popel AS. Computational modeling of synergistic interaction between αVβ3 integrin and VEGFR2 in endothelial cells: Implications for the mechanism of action of angiogenesis-modulating integrin-binding peptides. J Theor Biol 2018; 455:212-221. [PMID: 30036530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cooperation between VEGFR2 and integrin αVβ3 is critical for neovascularization in wound healing, cardiovascular ischemic diseases, ocular diseases, and tumor angiogenesis. In the present study, we developed a rule-based computational model to investigate the potential mechanism by which the Src-induced integrin association with VEGFR2 enhances VEGFR2 activation. Simulations demonstrated that the main function of integrin is to reduce the degradation of VEGFR2 and hence stabilize the activation signal. In addition, receptor synthesis rate and recruitment from internal compartment were found to be sensitive determinants of the activation state of VEGFR2. The model was then applied to simulate the effect of integrin-binding peptides such as tumstatin and cilengitide on VEGFR2 signaling. Further, computational modeling proposed potential molecular mechanisms for the angiogenesis-modulating activity of other integrin-binding peptides. The model highlights the complexity of the crosstalk between αVβ3 integrin and VEGFR2 and the necessity of utilizing models to elucidate potential mechanisms in angiogenesis-modulating peptide therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hojjat Bazzazi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
| | - Mohammad Jafarnejad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| |
Collapse
|