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Li H, Pinette M, Smith G, Goolia M, Handel K, Nebroski M, Lung O, Pickering BS. Distinguishing host responses, extensive viral dissemination and long-term viral RNA persistence in domestic sheep experimentally infected with Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus Kosovo Hoti. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2302103. [PMID: 38189080 PMCID: PMC10810640 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2302103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne, risk group 4 pathogen that often causes a severe haemorrhagic disease in humans (CCHF) with high case fatality rates. The virus is believed to be maintained in a tick-vertebrate-tick ecological cycle involving numerous wild and domestic animal species; however the biology of CCHFV infection in these animals remains poorly understood. Here, we experimentally infect domestic sheep with CCHFV Kosovo Hoti, a clinical isolate representing high pathogenicity to humans and increasingly utilized in current research. In the absence of prominent clinical signs, the infection leads to an acute viremia and coinciding viral shedding, fever and markers for potential impairment in liver and kidney functions. A number of host responses distinguish the subclinical infection in sheep versus fatal infection in humans. These include an early reduction of neutrophil recruitment and its chemoattractant, IL-8, in the blood stream of infected sheep, whereas neutrophil infiltration and elevated IL-8 are features of fatal CCHFV infections reported in immunodeficient mice and humans. Several inflammatory cytokines that correlate with poor disease outcomes in humans and have potential to cause vascular dysfunction, a primary hallmark of severe CCHF, are down-regulated or restricted from increasing in sheep. Of particular interest, the detection of CCHFV RNA (including full-length genome) in a variety of sheep tissues long after the acute phase of infection indicates a widespread viral dissemination in the host and suggests a potentially long-term persisting impact of CCHFV infection. These findings reveal previously unrecognized aspects of CCHFV biology in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhao Li
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Mathieu Pinette
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Greg Smith
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Melissa Goolia
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Katherine Handel
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Michelle Nebroski
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Oliver Lung
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Bradley S. Pickering
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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2
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Lei J, Wang L, Yang C, Li D, Zhang J, Ma J, Zhang P, Li Q, Zhang J. Dasatinib and erianin co-loaded ion-responsive in-situ hydrogel for effective treatment of corneal neovascularization. J Control Release 2024; 376:94-107. [PMID: 39368709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.10.001] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
Corneal neovasularization (CNV) is one of the leading causes for visual impairment. Dasatinib is a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which can inhibit both platelet derived growth factor receptor and Src family kinases. Erianin exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects. In this study, dasatinib and erianin were found to synergically inhibit the proliferation, migration and tube formation of Ea.hy926 cells, the three most important cellular processes of CNV. Next, dasatinib and erianin were co-encapsulated in nanostructured lipid carriers (dasa-eri-NLC), which increased the solubility of dasatinib by about 1790 times, increased the solubility of erianin by about 3 times. To improve its retention time on the ocular surface, dasa-eri-NLC was mixed with gellan gum (dasa-eri-NLC-gel), which achieved a sol-gel transformation when got in contact with tears. The dasa-eri-NLC-gel exhibited good rheological properties with shear thinning properties, extended the ocular residence time by more than 6 times, sustained the drug release, improved the corneal permeability of drug and exhibited good biocompatibility. Finally, the in vivo anti-CNV effect was evaluated in an alkaline burned mouse model of CNV, in which, the dasa-eri-NLC-gel significantly impeded the development and pathological changes of CNV, inhibited the expression of TNF-α, VEGF-A, HIF-1α, Src, pSrc in the cornea. In summary, dasa-eri-NLC-gel safely and efficiently delivered dasatinib and erianin to the cornea and exhibited significantly anti-CNV effect via inhibiting various angiogenesis related cytokines or factors. Dasa-eri-NLC-gel showed a great promise for the treatment of CNV and our study laid a solid foundation for future clinical transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dongdong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiaxue Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jia Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingqing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Jiye Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
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3
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Frampton E, Som P, Hill B, Yu A, Naval-Sanchez M, Nefzger CM, Noordstra I, Gordon E, Schimmel L. Endothelial c-Src Mediates Neovascular Tuft Formation in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024:S0002-9440(24)00355-9. [PMID: 39332676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
Vascular retinopathy, characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, frequently results in vision impairment or loss. Neovascular tufts, a distinctive pathologic feature of this condition, are highly leaky blood vessel structures, exacerbating secondary complications. Despite their clinical significance, the mechanisms underlying tuft development are not fully elucidated, posing challenges for effective management and treatment of vascular retinopathy. This study investigates the role of c-Src in neovascular tuft formation. Although c-Src has been acknowledged as a pivotal regulator in developmental angiogenesis within the retinal vasculature, its specific role in governing pathologic retinal angiogenesis remains to be fully understood. The oxygen-induced retinopathy model was used for neovascular tuft formation in both Cre-mediated vascular-specific c-Src knockout mice and wild-type littermates. High-resolution imaging and analysis of isolated retinas were conducted. c-Src depletion demonstrated a significant reduction in neovascular tufts within the oxygen-induced retinopathy model. This decrease in tuft formation was observed independently of any alterations in cell death, cell proliferation, or cell adhesion, and the absence of c-Src did not impact tuft pericyte coverage and junctional morphology. These findings underline the critical role of c-Src in the pathogenesis of neovascular tufts in vascular retinopathy. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involving c-Src may offer valuable insights for the development of targeted therapies aimed at mitigating vision-threatening complications associated with retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Frampton
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Priyanka Som
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brittany Hill
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alexander Yu
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marina Naval-Sanchez
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chistian M Nefzger
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ivar Noordstra
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emma Gordon
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lilian Schimmel
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Sjöbom U, Öhrfelt A, Pivodic A, Nilsson AK, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Hellström W, Danielsson H, Gränse L, Sävman K, Wackernagel D, Hansen-Pupp I, Ley D, Hellström A, Löfqvist C. Neurofilament light chain associates with IVH and ROP in extremely preterm infants. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03587-5. [PMID: 39317698 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is known for indicating adult brain injury, but the role of NfL in extremely preterm infants is less studied. This study examines the relationship between NfL and neurovascular morbidities in these infants. METHODS A secondary analysis of the Mega Donna Mega trial was conducted on preterm infants <28 weeks gestational age (GA). The study measured NfL levels and proteomic profiles related to the blood-brain barrier in serum from birth to term-equivalent age, investigating the association of NfL with GA, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and blood-brain barrier proteins. RESULTS Higher NfL levels were seen in the first month in infants with severe IVH and for those born <25 weeks GA (independent of ROP or IVH). Additionally, infants born at 25-27 weeks GA with high NfL were at increased risk of developing severe ROP (independent of IVH). NfL was significantly associated with the proteins CDH5, ITGB1, and JAM-A during the first month. CONCLUSION NfL surges after birth in extremely preterm infants, particularly in those with severe IVH and ROP, and in the most immature infants regardless of IVH or ROP severity. These findings suggest NfL as a potential predictor of neonatal morbidities, warranting further validation studies. IMPACT STATEMENT This study shows that higher NfL levels are related to neurovascular morbidities in extremely preterm infants. The degree of immaturity seems important as infants born <25 weeks gestational age exhibited high postnatal serum NfL levels irrespective of neurovascular morbidities. Our findings suggest a potential link between NfL and neurovascular morbidities possibly affected by a more permeable blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrika Sjöbom
- Learning and Leadership for Health Care Professionals, Institute of Health and Care Science at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Annika Öhrfelt
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Aldina Pivodic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders K Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, and Department of Neurology, Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, University of Science and Technology of China and First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, PR China
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College of London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College of London, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - William Hellström
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanna Danielsson
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sach's Children's and Youth Hospital, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lotta Gränse
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Sävman
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Neonatology, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dirk Wackernagel
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ingrid Hansen-Pupp
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Pediatrics, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - David Ley
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Pediatrics, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ann Hellström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Chatarina Löfqvist
- Learning and Leadership for Health Care Professionals, Institute of Health and Care Science at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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5
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Kioko M, Mwangi S, Pance A, Ochola-Oyier LI, Kariuki S, Newton C, Bejon P, Rayner JC, Abdi AI. The mRNA content of plasma extracellular vesicles provides a window into molecular processes in the brain during cerebral malaria. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl2256. [PMID: 39151016 PMCID: PMC11328904 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl2256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/18/2024]
Abstract
The impact of cerebral malaria on the transcriptional profiles of cerebral tissues is difficult to study using noninvasive approaches. We isolated plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) from patients with cerebral malaria and community controls and sequenced their mRNA content. Deconvolution analysis revealed that EVs from cerebral malaria are enriched in transcripts of brain origin. We ordered the patients with cerebral malaria based on their EV-transcriptional profiles from cross-sectionally collected samples and inferred disease trajectory while using healthy community controls as a starting point. We found that neuronal transcripts in plasma EVs decreased with disease trajectory, whereas transcripts from glial, endothelial, and immune cells increased. Disease trajectory correlated positively with severity indicators like death and was associated with increased VEGFA-VEGFR and glutamatergic signaling, as well as platelet and neutrophil activation. These data suggest that brain tissue responses in cerebral malaria can be studied noninvasively using EVs circulating in peripheral blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwikali Kioko
- Bioscience Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Shaban Mwangi
- Bioscience Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Alena Pance
- Pathogens and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- School of Life and Medical Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Lynette Isabella Ochola-Oyier
- Bioscience Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Symon Kariuki
- Bioscience Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Charles Newton
- Bioscience Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Philip Bejon
- Bioscience Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian C Rayner
- Cambridge Institute of Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Abdirahman I Abdi
- Bioscience Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Pwani University Biosciences Research Centre, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
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6
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Shan KZ, Le T, Liang P, Dong P, Lowry AJ, Kremmyda P, Claesson-Welsh L, Yang H. TMEM16F scramblase regulates angiogenesis via endothelial intracellular signaling. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261566. [PMID: 38940198 PMCID: PMC11273297 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261566] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
TMEM16F (also known as ANO6), a Ca2+-activated lipid scramblase (CaPLSase) that dynamically disrupts lipid asymmetry, plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes, such as blood coagulation, neurodegeneration, cell-cell fusion and viral infection. However, the mechanisms through which it regulates these processes remain largely elusive. Using endothelial cell-mediated angiogenesis as a model, here we report a previously unknown intracellular signaling function of TMEM16F. We demonstrate that TMEM16F deficiency impairs developmental retinal angiogenesis in mice and disrupts angiogenic processes in vitro. Biochemical analyses indicate that the absence of TMEM16F enhances the plasma membrane association of activated Src kinase. This in turn increases VE-cadherin phosphorylation and downregulation, accompanied by suppressed angiogenesis. Our findings not only highlight the role of intracellular signaling by TMEM16F in endothelial cells but also open new avenues for exploring the regulatory mechanisms for membrane lipid asymmetry and their implications in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zoe Shan
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Trieu Le
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Pengfei Liang
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ping Dong
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Augustus J. Lowry
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Polina Kremmyda
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Rudbeck, Beijer and SciLifeLab Laboratory, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden
| | - Lena Claesson-Welsh
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Rudbeck, Beijer and SciLifeLab Laboratory, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden
| | - Huanghe Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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7
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Essebier P, Keyser M, Yordanov T, Hill B, Yu A, Noordstra I, Yap AS, Stehbens SJ, Lagendijk AK, Schimmel L, Gordon EJ. c-Src-induced vascular malformations require localised matrix degradation at focal adhesions. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs262101. [PMID: 38881365 PMCID: PMC11267457 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.262101] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells lining the blood vessel wall communicate intricately with the surrounding extracellular matrix, translating mechanical cues into biochemical signals. Moreover, vessels require the capability to enzymatically degrade the matrix surrounding them, to facilitate vascular expansion. c-Src plays a key role in blood vessel growth, with its loss in the endothelium reducing vessel sprouting and focal adhesion signalling. Here, we show that constitutive activation of c-Src in endothelial cells results in rapid vascular expansion, operating independently of growth factor stimulation or fluid shear stress forces. This is driven by an increase in focal adhesion signalling and size, with enhancement of localised secretion of matrix metalloproteinases responsible for extracellular matrix remodelling. Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase activity results in a robust rescue of the vascular expansion elicited by heightened c-Src activity. This supports the premise that moderating focal adhesion-related events and matrix degradation can counteract abnormal vascular expansion, with implications for pathologies driven by unusual vascular morphologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Essebier
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia4072
| | - Mikaela Keyser
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia4072
| | - Teodor Yordanov
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia4072
| | - Brittany Hill
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia4072
| | - Alexander Yu
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia4072
| | - Ivar Noordstra
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia4072
| | - Alpha S. Yap
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia4072
| | - Samantha J. Stehbens
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia4072
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia4072
| | - Anne K. Lagendijk
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia4072
| | - Lilian Schimmel
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia4072
| | - Emma J. Gordon
- Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia4072
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8
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Sun Y, Hao M, Wu H, Zhang C, Wei D, Li S, Song Z, Tao Y. Unveiling the role of CaMKII in retinal degeneration: from biological mechanism to therapeutic strategies. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:59. [PMID: 38725013 PMCID: PMC11084033 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01236-2] [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: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a family of broad substrate specificity serine (Ser)/threonine (Thr) protein kinases that play a crucial role in the Ca2+-dependent signaling pathways. Its significance as an intracellular Ca2+ sensor has garnered abundant research interest in the domain of neurodegeneration. Accumulating evidences suggest that CaMKII is implicated in the pathology of degenerative retinopathies such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and glaucoma optic neuropathy. CaMKII can induce the aberrant proliferation of retinal blood vessels, influence the synaptic signaling, and exert dual effects on the survival of retinal ganglion cells and pigment epithelial cells. Researchers have put forth multiple therapeutic agents, encompassing small molecules, peptides, and nucleotides that possess the capability to modulate CaMKII activity. Due to its broad range isoforms and splice variants therapeutic strategies seek to inhibit specifically the CaMKII are confronted with considerable challenges. Therefore, it becomes crucial to discern the detrimental and advantageous aspects of CaMKII, thereby facilitating the development of efficacious treatment. In this review, we summarize recent research findings on the cellular and molecular biology of CaMKII, with special emphasis on its metabolic and regulatory mechanisms. We delve into the involvement of CaMKII in the retinal signal transduction pathways and discuss the correlation between CaMKII and calcium overload. Furthermore, we elaborate the therapeutic trials targeting CaMKII, and introduce recent developments in the zone of CaMKII inhibitors. These findings would enrich our knowledge of CaMKII, and shed light on the development of a therapeutic target for degenerative retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Mengyu Hao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chengzhi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Siyu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zongming Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
| | - Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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9
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Choi YJ, An J, Kim JH, Lee SB, Lee BS, Eom CY, Lee H, Kwon N, Kim IS, Park KS, Park S, Shin JW, Yun S. Mexenone protects mice from LPS-induced sepsis by EC barrier stabilization. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302628. [PMID: 38723000 PMCID: PMC11081322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels permit the selective passage of molecules and immune cells between tissues and circulation. Uncontrolled inflammatory responses from an infection can increase vascular permeability and edema, which can occasionally lead to fatal organ failure. We identified mexenone as a vascular permeability blocker by testing 2,910 compounds in the Clinically Applied Compound Library using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vascular permeability assay. Mexenone suppressed the LPS-induced downregulation of junctional proteins and phosphorylation of VE-cadherin in Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cells (BAECs). The injection of mexenone 1 hr before LPS administration completely blocked LPS-induced lung vascular permeability and acute lung injury in mice after 18hr. Our results suggest that mexenone-induced endothelial cell (EC) barrier stabilization could be effective in treating sepsis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Ji Choi
- In Vivo Research Center (IVRC), UCRF, UNIST, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Jimin An
- Department of Biotechnology, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Ji Hye Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Sa Bin Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Bo Seok Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Chae Young Eom
- Department of Biotechnology, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Hyohi Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Nayeong Kwon
- Department of Biotechnology, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Il Shin Kim
- In Vivo Research Center (IVRC), UCRF, UNIST, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Kyoung-Su Park
- In Vivo Research Center (IVRC), UCRF, UNIST, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Sooah Park
- In Vivo Research Center (IVRC), UCRF, UNIST, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Jung-Woog Shin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Sanguk Yun
- Department of Biotechnology, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
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10
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Zheng L, Yang Y, Liu J, Zhao T, Zhang X, Chen L. Identification of Key Immune Infiltration Related Genes Involved in Aortic Dissection Using Bioinformatic Analyses and Experimental Verification. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:2119-2135. [PMID: 38595338 PMCID: PMC11003470 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s434993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Immune microenvironment plays an important role in aortic dissection (AD). Therefore, novel immune biomarkers may facilitate AD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This study aimed at mining key immune-related genes and relevant mechanisms involved in AD pathogenesis. Patients and Methods Key immune cells in AD were identified by ssGESA algorithm. Next, genes associated with key immune cells were screened by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Then hub immune genes were picked from protein-protein interaction network of overlapped genes from differential expression and WGCNA analyses by cytohubba plug-in. Their diagnostic potential was evaluated in two independent cohorts from GEO database. In addition, the expressions of hub immune genes were determined by quantitative RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting in dissected and normal aortic tissues. Results Activated B cells, CD56dim natural killer cells, eosinophils, gamma delta T cells, immature B cells, natural killer cells and type 17 T helper cells were identified as key immune cells in AD. Thereafter, a gene module significantly correlated with key immune cells were found by WGCNA method. Subsequently, KDR, IGF1, NOS3, PECAM1, GAPDH, FLT1, DLL4, CDH5, VWF, and TEK were identified as hub immune cell related genes by PPI network analysis, which may be potential diagnostic markers for AD, as evidenced by ROC curves. Moreover, the decreased expression of VWF in AD was validated at both mRNA and protein levels, and its expression was significantly positive correlated with the marker of smooth muscle cells, ACTA2, in AD. Further immunofluorescent results showed that VWF was colocalized with ACTA2 in aortic tissues. Conclusion We identified key immune cells and hub immune cell-related genes involved in AD. Moreover, we found that VWF was co-expressed with the smooth muscle cell marker ACTA2, indicating the important role of VWF in smooth muscle cell loss in AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zheng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yusi Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianliang Zhao
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lihua Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Brash JT, Diez-Pinel G, Colletto C, Castellan RF, Fantin A, Ruhrberg C. The BulkECexplorer compiles endothelial bulk transcriptomes to predict functional versus leaky transcription. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2024; 3:460-473. [PMID: 38708406 PMCID: PMC7615926 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-024-00436-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Transcriptomic data can be mined to understand the molecular activity of cell types. Yet, functional genes may remain undetected in RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments for technical reasons, such as insufficient read depth or gene dropout. Conversely, RNA-seq experiments may detect lowly expressed mRNAs thought to be biologically irrelevant products of leaky transcription. To represent a cell type's functional transcriptome more accurately, we propose compiling many bulk RNA-seq datasets into a compendium and applying established classification models to predict whether detected transcripts are likely products of active or leaky transcription. Here, we present the BulkECexplorer (bulk RNA-seq endothelial cell explorer) compendium of 240 bulk RNA-seq datasets from five vascular endothelial cell subtypes. This resource reports transcript counts for genes of interest and predicts whether detected transcripts are likely the products of active or leaky gene expression. Beyond its usefulness for vascular biology research, this resource provides a blueprint for developing analogous tools for other cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T. Brash
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Chiara Colletto
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Fantin
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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12
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Tomkins-Netzer O, Niederer R, Greenwood J, Fabian ID, Serlin Y, Friedman A, Lightman S. Mechanisms of blood-retinal barrier disruption related to intraocular inflammation and malignancy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 99:101245. [PMID: 38242492 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101245] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Blood-retinal barrier (BRB) disruption is a common accompaniment of intermediate, posterior and panuveitis causing leakage into the retina and macular oedema resulting in vision loss. It is much less common in anterior uveitis or in patients with intraocular lymphoma who may have marked signs of intraocular inflammation. New drugs used for chemotherapy (cytarabine, immune checkpoint inhibitors, BRAF inhibitors, EGFR inhibitors, bispecific anti-EGFR inhibitors, MET receptor inhibitors and Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors) can also cause different types of uveitis and BRB disruption. As malignant disease itself can cause uveitis, particularly from breast, lung and gastrointestinal tract cancers, it can be clinically difficult to sort out the cause of BRB disruption. Immunosuppression due to malignant disease and/or chemotherapy can lead to infection which can also cause BRB disruption and intraocular infection. In this paper we address the pathophysiology of BRB disruption related to intraocular inflammation and malignancy, methods for estimating the extent and effect of the disruption and examine why some types of intraocular inflammation and malignancy cause BRB disruption and others do not. Understanding this may help sort and manage these patients, as well as devise future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Tomkins-Netzer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Centre, Haifa, Israel; Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Rachael Niederer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Te Whatu Ora, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - John Greenwood
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ido Didi Fabian
- The Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Centre, Tel Hashomer, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yonatan Serlin
- Department of Medical Neuroscience and the Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Alon Friedman
- Department of Medical Neuroscience and the Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine, Halifax, NS, Canada; Departments of Physiology and Cell Biology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Zlotowski Centre for Neuroscience, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Sue Lightman
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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13
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Tang X, Cui K, Wu P, Hu A, Fan M, Lu X, Yang F, Lin J, Yu S, Xu Y, Liang X. Acrizanib as a Novel Therapeutic Agent for Fundus Neovascularization via Inhibitory Phosphorylation of VEGFR2. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:1. [PMID: 38165719 PMCID: PMC10768700 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.1.1] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of acrizanib, a small molecule inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), on physiological angiogenesis and pathological neovascularization in the eye and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We investigated the potential role of acrizanib in physiological angiogenesis using C57BL/6J newborn mice, and pathological angiogenesis using the mouse oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) models. Moreover, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used as an in vitro model for studying the molecular mechanism underlying acrizanib's antiangiogenic effects. Results The intravitreal injection of acrizanib did not show a considerable impact on physiological angiogenesis and retinal thickness, indicating a potentially favorable safety profile. In the mouse models of OIR and CNV, acrizanib showed promising results in reducing pathological neovascularization, inflammation, and vascular leakage, indicating its potential efficacy against pathological angiogenesis. Consistent with in vivo results, acrizanib blunted angiogenic events in VEGF-treated HUVECs such as proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Furthermore, acrizanib inhibited the multisite phosphorylation of VEGFR2 to varying degrees and the activation of its downstream signal pathways in VEGF-treated HUVECs. Conclusions This study suggested the potential efficacy and safety of acrizanib in suppressing fundus neovascularization. Acrizanib functioned through inhibiting multiple phosphorylation sites of VEGFR2 in endothelial cells to different degrees. Translational Relevance These results indicated that acrizanib might hold promise as a potential candidate for the treatment of ocular vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaixuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andina Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Matthew Fan
- Yale College, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Xi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengmei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jicheng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Jun JH, Kim JS, Palomera LF, Jo DG. Dysregulation of histone deacetylases in ocular diseases. Arch Pharm Res 2024; 47:20-39. [PMID: 38151648 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01482-x] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Ocular diseases are a growing global concern and have a significant impact on the quality of life. Cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy are the most prevalent ocular diseases. Their prevalence and the global market size are also increasing. However, the available pharmacotherapy is currently limited. These diseases share common pathophysiological features, including neovascularization, inflammation, and/or neurodegeneration. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a class of enzymes that catalyze the removal of acetyl groups from lysine residues of histone and nonhistone proteins. HDACs are crucial for regulating various cellular processes, such as gene expression, protein stability, localization, and function. They have also been studied in various research fields, including cancer, inflammatory diseases, neurological disorders, and vascular diseases. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between HDACs and ocular diseases, to identify a new strategy for pharmacotherapy. This review article explores the role of HDACs in ocular diseases, specifically focusing on diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinopathy of prematurity, as well as optic nerve disorders, such as glaucoma and optic neuropathy. Additionally, we explore the interplay between HDACs and key regulators of fibrosis and angiogenesis, such as TGF-β and VEGF, highlighting the potential of targeting HDAC as novel therapeutic strategies for ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hyun Jun
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, CKD Research Institute, Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Co., Yongin, 16995, Korea
| | - Jun-Sik Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Leon F Palomera
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Dong-Gyu Jo
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06351, Korea.
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
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15
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Shi YH, Li JQ, Min-Xu, Wang YY, Wang TH, Zuo ZF, Liu XZ. Bioinformatics-based Study on the Effects of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Aging Retina. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:1497-1513. [PMID: 38204243 DOI: 10.2174/011574888x277276231215110316] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal aging is one of the common public health problems caused by population aging and has become an important cause of acquired vision loss in adults. The aim of this study was to determine the role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) in delaying retinal ganglion cell (RGC) aging and part of the network of molecular mechanisms involved. METHODS A retinal ganglion cell senescence model was established in vitro and treated with UCMSC. Successful establishment of the senescence system was demonstrated using β- galactosidase staining. The ameliorative effect of MSC on senescence was demonstrated using CCK8 cell viability and Annexin V-PI apoptosis staining. The relevant targets of RGC, MSC, and senescence were mainly obtained by searching the GeneCards database. The protein interaction network among the relevant targets was constructed using the String database and Cytoscape, and 10 key target genes were calculated based on the MCC algorithm, based on which Gene ontologies (GO) enrichment and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment were performed. Changes in relevant target genes were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and the mechanism of action of UCMSC was determined by RNA interference. RESULTS β-galactosidase staining showed that UCMSC significantly reduced the positive results of RGC. The retinal aging process was alleviated. The bioinformatics screen yielded 201 shared genes. 10 key genes were selected by the MCC algorithm, including vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), albumin (ALB), interleukin- 6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), tumor protein P53 (TP53), insulin (INS), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), epidermal growth factor (EGF), interleukin-1β (IL1B), and enrichment to related transferase activity and kinase activity regulated biological processes involved in oxidative stress and inflammation related pathways. In addition, PCR results showed that all the above molecules were altered in expression after UCMSC involvement. CONCLUSION This experiment demonstrated the role of UCMSC in delaying retinal ganglion cell senescence and further elucidated that UCMSC may be associated with the activation of VEGFA, TP53, ALB, GAPDH, IL6, IL1B, MMP9 genes and the inhibition of INS, EGF, and TNF in delaying retinal senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hui Shi
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cognitive and Perceptive Dysfunction, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
| | - Jun-Qi Li
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cognitive and Perceptive Dysfunction, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
| | - Min-Xu
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cognitive and Perceptive Dysfunction, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
| | - Yu-Ying Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cognitive and Perceptive Dysfunction, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
| | - Ting-Hua Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cognitive and Perceptive Dysfunction, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Zhong-Fu Zuo
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cognitive and Perceptive Dysfunction, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xue-Zheng Liu
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cognitive and Perceptive Dysfunction, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
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16
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Du G, Yan Y, Gao JF, Guo CY, Shen X, Lei XW. Therapeutic effect of folic acid combined with decitabine on diabetic mice. Int J Ophthalmol 2023; 16:1766-1772. [PMID: 38028519 PMCID: PMC10626348 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2023.11.05] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effect of folic acid combined with decitabine on diabetic mice. METHODS The diabetic model of db/db mice were randomly divided into model group, folic acid group, decitabine group, folic acid combined with decitabine group, and C57 mice as normal control group. The density of retinal blood vessels and retinal thickness were detected by fundus photography and optical coherence tomography, respectively. Pathological changes of retina were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The homocysteine (Hcy) in serum was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptosis in retinal tissue. Evans blue dye was used to detect the permeability of retinal blood vessels. The platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) protein were detected by Western blot. The 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and 4-hydroxynonanine (4-HNE) were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The density of retinal blood vessels, retinal thickness, retinal vascular permeability and the proportion of apoptotic cells of retinal tissue in the model group increased significantly than control group (P<0.05). The Hcy in serum and the levels of CD31, VEGFR, 3-NT, and 4-HNE in retinal tissue increased significantly in the model group (P<0.01). Folic acid and decitabine both reversed these changes significantly, and the combination of the folic acid and decitabine worked best. CONCLUSION The combination of folic acid and decitabine has a more significant protective effect on the retina in diabetic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Du
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yong Yan
- Huining Second People's Hospital, Baiyin 730700, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jun-Feng Gao
- The Fourth People's Hospital of Tianshui, Tianshui 741000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Chun-Yan Guo
- Dingxi People's Hospital, Dingxi 743000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xiao Shen
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xun-Wen Lei
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
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17
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Rudraraju M, Shan S, Liu F, Tyler J, Caldwell RB, Somanath PR, Narayanan SP. Pharmacological Modulation of β-Catenin Preserves Endothelial Barrier Integrity and Mitigates Retinal Vascular Permeability and Inflammation. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7145. [PMID: 38002758 PMCID: PMC10672253 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227145] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Compromised blood-retinal barrier (BRB) integrity is a significant factor in ocular diseases like uveitis and retinopathies, leading to pathological vascular permeability and retinal edema. Adherens and tight junction (AJ and TJ) dysregulation due to retinal inflammation plays a pivotal role in BRB disruption. We investigated the potential of ICG001, which inhibits β-catenin-mediated transcription, in stabilizing cell junctions and preventing BRB leakage. In vitro studies using human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) showed that ICG001 treatment improved β-Catenin distribution within AJs post lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment and enhanced monolayer barrier resistance. The in vivo experiments involved a mouse model of LPS-induced ocular inflammation. LPS treatment resulted in increased albumin leakage from retinal vessels, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Plasmalemmal Vesicle-Associated Protein (PLVAP) expression, as well as microglia and macroglia activation. ICG001 treatment (i.p.) effectively mitigated albumin leakage, reduced VEGF and PLVAP expression, and reduced the number of activated microglia/macrophages. Furthermore, ICG001 treatment suppressed the surge in inflammatory cytokine synthesis induced by LPS. These findings highlight the potential of interventions targeting β-Catenin to enhance cell junction stability and improve compromised barrier integrity in various ocular inflammatory diseases, offering hope for better management and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Rudraraju
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Research and Development, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Shengshuai Shan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Research and Development, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Research and Development, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Jennifer Tyler
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Ruth B. Caldwell
- Research and Development, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Payaningal R. Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Research and Development, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - S. Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Research and Development, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Wang Y, Halawa M, Chatterjee A, Eshwaran R, Qiu Y, Wibowo YC, Pan J, Wieland T, Feng Y. Sufficient Cav-1 levels in the endothelium are critical for the maintenance of the neurovascular unit in the retina. Mol Med 2023; 29:152. [PMID: 37923999 PMCID: PMC10623831 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00749-9] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is a pivotal protein in the plasma membrane. Studies on homozygous Cav-1 deficient mice revealed that Cav-1 is essential for endothelial function and angiogenesis in the retina. However, whether a reduction in Cav-1 content hampers the neurovascular unit (NVU) in the retina is unclear. Thus, this study examines the NVU in the retinas of heterozygous Cav-1 deficient (Cav-1+/-) mice and analyzes possible underlying mechanisms. METHODS The vascular, glial and neuronal components in the retina were evaluated using retinal morphometry, whole mount retinal immunofluorescence staining, histological analysis and optical coherence tomography. In addition, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence staining, subcellular fractionation, biotin labeling of cell surface proteins, and proximity ligation assay were employed to detect expression and localization of proteins in the retina or endothelial cells (ECs) upon knockdown of Cav-1 with Cav-1 siRNA. RESULTS Cav-1+/- retinas showed a significant reduction in pericyte coverage along with an increase in acellular capillaries compared to controls at 8 months of age, but not at 1 month. A significant loss and obvious morphological abnormalities of smooth muscle cells were observed in 8-month-old Cav-1+/- retinal arterioles. Macroglial and microglial cells were activated in the Cav-1+/- retinas. A transient significant delay in retinal angiogenesis was detected in Cav-1+/- retinas at p5, which was however no longer detectable at p10. The Cav-1+/- retinas displayed increased vascular permeability and a notable reduction in VEGFR2 content at 8 months. In vitro, siRNA-mediated knockdown experiments in ECs revealed that the loss of Cav-1 in ECs resulted in decreased levels of VEGFR2, VE-Cadherin and their interaction at the plasma membrane as well. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that a sufficient Cav-1 level over 50% of its normal abundance is vital for the proper localization of VEGFR2 and VE-cadherin, likely in a complex, at the plasma membrane, which is essential for the maintenance of normal NVU in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Wang
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13-17, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mahmoud Halawa
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13-17, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anupriya Chatterjee
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13-17, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rachana Eshwaran
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13-17, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yi Qiu
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13-17, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yohanes Cakrapradipta Wibowo
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13-17, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jianyuan Pan
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13-17, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Wieland
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13-17, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yuxi Feng
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13-17, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
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19
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Pérez-Gutiérrez L, Ferrara N. Biology and therapeutic targeting of vascular endothelial growth factor A. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:816-834. [PMID: 37491579 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00631-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The formation of new blood vessels, called angiogenesis, is an essential pathophysiological process in which several families of regulators have been implicated. Among these, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA; also known as VEGF) and its two tyrosine kinase receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, represent a key signalling pathway mediating physiological angiogenesis and are also major therapeutic targets. VEGFA is a member of the gene family that includes VEGFB, VEGFC, VEGFD and placental growth factor (PLGF). Three decades after its initial isolation and cloning, VEGFA is arguably the most extensively investigated signalling system in angiogenesis. Although many mediators of angiogenesis have been identified, including members of the FGF family, angiopoietins, TGFβ and sphingosine 1-phosphate, all current FDA-approved anti-angiogenic drugs target the VEGF pathway. Anti-VEGF agents are widely used in oncology and, in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, are now the standard of care in multiple malignancies. Anti-VEGF drugs have also revolutionized the treatment of neovascular eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and ischaemic retinal disorders. In this Review, we emphasize the molecular, structural and cellular basis of VEGFA action as well as recent findings illustrating unexpected interactions with other pathways and provocative reports on the role of VEGFA in regenerative medicine. We also discuss clinical and translational aspects of VEGFA. Given the crucial role that VEGFA plays in regulating angiogenesis in health and disease, this molecule is largely the focus of this Review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pérez-Gutiérrez
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Napoleone Ferrara
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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20
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Lee Q, Chan WC, Qu X, Sun Y, Abdelkarim H, Le J, Saqib U, Sun MY, Kruse K, Banerjee A, Hitchinson B, Geyer M, Huang F, Guaiquil V, Mutso AA, Sanders M, Rosenblatt MI, Maienschein-Cline M, Lawrence MS, Gaponenko V, Malik AB, Komarova YA. End binding-3 inhibitor activates regenerative program in age-related macular degeneration. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101223. [PMID: 37794584 PMCID: PMC10591057 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101223] [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: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), characterized by leaky neovessels emanating from the choroid, is a main cause of blindness. As current treatments for wet AMD require regular intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) biologics, there is a need for the development of less invasive treatments. Here, we designed an allosteric inhibitor of end binding-3 (EB3) protein, termed EBIN, which reduces the effects of environmental stresses on endothelial cells by limiting pathological calcium signaling. Delivery of EBIN via eye drops in mouse and non-human primate (NHP) models of wet AMD prevents both neovascular leakage and choroidal neovascularization. EBIN reverses the epigenetic changes induced by environmental stresses, allowing an activation of a regenerative program within metabolic-active endothelial cells comprising choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesions. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of EBIN in preventing the degenerative processes underlying wet AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinn Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Wan Ching Chan
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Xinyan Qu
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Le
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Uzma Saqib
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Mitchell Y Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Kevin Kruse
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Avik Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ben Hitchinson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Melissa Geyer
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Fei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Victor Guaiquil
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Amelia A Mutso
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Mark I Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | | | - Vadim Gaponenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Asrar B Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Yulia A Komarova
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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21
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Sjöberg E, Melssen M, Richards M, Ding Y, Chanoca C, Chen D, Nwadozi E, Pal S, Love DT, Ninchoji T, Shibuya M, Simons M, Dimberg A, Claesson-Welsh L. Endothelial VEGFR2-PLCγ signaling regulates vascular permeability and antitumor immunity through eNOS/Src. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e161366. [PMID: 37651195 PMCID: PMC10575733 DOI: 10.1172/jci161366] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ) is essential for vascular development; however, its role in healthy, mature, or pathological vessels is unexplored. Here, we show that PLCγ was prominently expressed in vessels of several human cancer forms, notably in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). High PLCγ expression in clear cell RCC correlated with angiogenic activity and poor prognosis, while low expression correlated with immune cell activation. PLCγ was induced downstream of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) phosphosite Y1173 (pY1173). Heterozygous Vegfr2Y1173F/+ mice or mice lacking endothelial PLCγ (Plcg1iECKO) exhibited a stabilized endothelial barrier and diminished vascular leakage. Barrier stabilization was accompanied by decreased expression of immunosuppressive cytokines, reduced infiltration of B cells, helper T cells and regulatory T cells, and improved response to chemo- and immunotherapy. Mechanistically, pY1173/PLCγ signaling induced Ca2+/protein kinase C-dependent activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), required for tyrosine nitration and activation of Src. Src-induced phosphorylation of VE-cadherin at Y685 was accompanied by disintegration of endothelial junctions. This pY1173/PLCγ/eNOS/Src pathway was detected in both healthy and tumor vessels in Vegfr2Y1173F/+ mice, which displayed decreased activation of PLCγ and eNOS and suppressed vascular leakage. Thus, we believe that we have identified a clinically relevant endothelial PLCγ pathway downstream of VEGFR2 pY1173, which destabilizes the endothelial barrier and results in loss of antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Sjöberg
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Beijer and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marit Melssen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Beijer and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mark Richards
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Beijer and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yindi Ding
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Beijer and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Catarina Chanoca
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Beijer and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dongying Chen
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Emmanuel Nwadozi
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Beijer and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sagnik Pal
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Beijer and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dominic T. Love
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Beijer and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Takeshi Ninchoji
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Beijer and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Masabumi Shibuya
- Institute of Physiology and Medicine, Jobu University, Takasaki, Gunma, Japan
| | - Michael Simons
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Anna Dimberg
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Beijer and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lena Claesson-Welsh
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Beijer and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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22
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Bora K, Kushwah N, Maurya M, Pavlovich MC, Wang Z, Chen J. Assessment of Inner Blood-Retinal Barrier: Animal Models and Methods. Cells 2023; 12:2443. [PMID: 37887287 PMCID: PMC10605292 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper functioning of the neural retina relies on the unique retinal environment regulated by the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), which restricts the passage of solutes, fluids, and toxic substances. BRB impairment occurs in many retinal vascular diseases and the breakdown of BRB significantly contributes to disease pathology. Understanding the different molecular constituents and signaling pathways involved in BRB development and maintenance is therefore crucial in developing treatment modalities. This review summarizes the major molecular signaling pathways involved in inner BRB (iBRB) formation and maintenance, and representative animal models of eye diseases with retinal vascular leakage. Studies on Wnt/β-catenin signaling are highlighted, which is critical for retinal and brain vascular angiogenesis and barriergenesis. Moreover, multiple in vivo and in vitro methods for the detection and analysis of vascular leakage are described, along with their advantages and limitations. These pre-clinical animal models and methods for assessing iBRB provide valuable experimental tools in delineating the molecular mechanisms of retinal vascular diseases and evaluating therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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23
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Ge MX, Niu WX, Bao YY, Lu ZN, He HW. Sclareol attenuates liver fibrosis through SENP1-mediated VEGFR2 SUMOylation and inhibition of downstream STAT3 signaling. Phytother Res 2023; 37:3898-3912. [PMID: 37132081 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7845] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a key global health care burden. Sclareol, isolated from Salvia sclarea, possesses various biological activities. Its effect on liver fibrosis remains unknown. This study was proposed to evaluate the antifibrotic activity of sclareol (SCL) and explore its underlying mechanisms. Stimulated hepatic stellate cells served as an in vitro liver fibrosis model. The expression of fibrotic markers was assessed by western blot and real-time PCR. Two classical animal models, bile duct-ligated rats and carbon tetrachloride-treated mice, were utilized for the in vivo experiments. The liver function and fibrosis degree were determined by serum biochemical and histopathological analyses. VEGFR2 SUMOylation was analyzed using coimmunoprecipitation assay. Our results indicated that SCL treatment restricted the profibrotic propensity of activated HSCs. In fibrotic rodents, SCL administration alleviated hepatic injury and reduced collagen accumulation. Mechanistic studies indicated that SCL downregulated the protein level of SENP1 and enhanced VEGFR2 SUMOylation in LX-2 cells, which affected its intracellular trafficking. Blockade of the interaction between VEGFR2 and STAT3 was observed, resulting in the suppression of downstream STAT3 phosphorylation. Our findings demonstrated that SCL has therapeutic efficacy against liver fibrosis through mediating VEGFR2 SUMOylation, suggesting that SCL may be a potential candidate compound for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao-Xu Ge
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wei-Xiao Niu
- Medical Department, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yun-Yang Bao
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-Ning Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Wei He
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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24
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Qiu F, Jiang B, Lin Y, Li H, Li D, Luo M, Hui H, Miao H, Zhang Y. Dual Pigment Epithelium-derived Factor and Hepatocyte Growth Factor Overexpression: A New Therapy for Pulmonary Hypertension. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 69:87-98. [PMID: 37094101 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0459oc] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disease characterized by advanced pulmonary vasculature remodeling that is thought to be curable only through lung transplantation. The application of angiogenic hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is reported to be protective in PH through its anti-vascular remodeling effect, but excessive HGF-mediated immature neovascularization is not conducive to the restoration of pulmonary perfusion because of apparent vascular leakage. As a canonical antiangiogenic molecule, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) inhibits angiogenesis and reduces vascular permeability in a variety of diseases. However, the effect of PEDF on HGF-based PH treatment remains to be determined. In this study, monocrotaline-induced PH rats and endothelial cells isolated from rat and human PH lung tissues were used. We assessed PH progression, right cardiac function, and pulmonary perfusion in HGF- and/or PEDF-treated rats with PH. Additionally, the receptor and mechanism responsible for the role of PEDF in HGF-based PH therapy were investigated. In this study, we found that HGF and PEDF jointly prevent PH development and improve right cardiac function in rats with PH. Moreover, PEDF delivery increases the pulmonary perfusion in PH lungs and inhibits immature angiogenesis and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin junction disintegration induced by HGF without affecting the therapeutic inhibition of pulmonary vascular remodeling by HGF. Mechanistically, PEDF targets VE growth factor receptor 2 and suppresses its phosphorylation at Y951 and Y1175 but not Y1214. Finally, VE growth factor receptor 2/VE protein tyrosine phosphatase/VE-cadherin complex formation and Akt and Erk1/2 inactivation were observed in rat and human PH lung endothelial cells. Collectively, our data indicate that PEDF additively enhances the efficacy of HGF against PH, which may provide new insights into treatment strategies for clinical PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery and
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery and
| | - Yangui Lin
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery and
| | - Huaming Li
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery and
| | - Dan Li
- Community Health Center, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery and
| | | | - Haoran Miao
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery and
| | - Yiqian Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery and
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25
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Yan H, Wu J, Yan H. iRHOM2 regulates inflammation and endothelial barrier permeability via CX3CL1. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:319. [PMID: 37273752 PMCID: PMC10236134 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12018] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is associated with increased lung inflammation and lung permeability. The present study aimed to determine the role of inactive rhomboid-like protein 2 (iRHOM2) in ALI in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell model. Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVECs) were transfected with small interfering RNA targeting iRHOM2 and C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) overexpression plasmids and treated with LPS. Cell viability was detected using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, while levels of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and p65 were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Apoptosis levels were measured using a TUNEL assay. Endothelial barrier permeability was detected, followed by analysis of zonula occludens-1, vascular endothelial-cadherin and occludin by immunofluorescence staining or western blotting. The interaction of iRHOM2 and CX3CL1 was analyzed using an immune-coprecipitation assay. Through bioinformatics analysis, it was found that CX3CL1 was upregulated in the LPS group compared with the control. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis demonstrated that the TNF signaling pathway affected by iRHOM2 and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, including CX3CL1, served a key role in ALI. HPMVECs treated with LPS exhibited a decrease in cell viability and an increase in inflammation, apoptosis and endothelial barrier permeability, while these effects were reversed by iRHOM2 silencing. However, CX3CL1 overexpression inhibited the effects of iRHOM2 silencing on LPS-treated HPMVECs. The present study demonstrated a novel role of iRHOM2 as a regulator that affects inflammation, apoptosis and endothelial barrier permeability; this was associated with CX3CL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyuan Yan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, P.R. China
| | - Junsong Wu
- Medical College, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810016, P.R. China
| | - Huilian Yan
- Fenyang College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030604, P.R. China
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26
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Colé N, Thoele J, Ullmer C, Foxton RH. Real-time measurements of vascular permeability in the mouse eye using vitreous fluorophotometry. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9226. [PMID: 37286795 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36202-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Breakdown of blood-retinal barrier integrity underpins pathological changes in numerous ocular diseases, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Whilst anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies have revolutionised disease treatment, novel therapies are still required to meet patients' unmet needs. To help develop new treatments, robust methods are needed to measure changes in vascular permeability in ocular tissues in animal models. We present here a method for detecting vascular permeability using fluorophotometry, which enables real-time measurements of fluorescent dye accumulation in different compartments of the mouse eye. We applied this method in several mouse models with different increased vascular leakage, including models of uveitis, diabetic retinopathy and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Furthermore, in the JR5558 mouse model of CNV, we observed with anti-VEGF post-treatment a longitudinal reduction in permeability, in the same animal eyes. We conclude fluorophotometry is a useful method for measuring vascular permeability in the mouse eye, and can be used over multiple time points, without the need to sacrifice the animal. This method has the potential to be used in both basic research for studying the progression and factors underlying disease, but also for drug discovery and development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Colé
- Ophthalmology Discovery, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Janina Thoele
- Ophthalmology Discovery, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- Ophthalmology Discovery, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Richard H Foxton
- Ophthalmology Discovery, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
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27
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Gjølberg TT, Wik JA, Johannessen H, Krüger S, Bassi N, Christopoulos PF, Bern M, Foss S, Petrovski G, Moe MC, Haraldsen G, Fosse JH, Skålhegg BS, Andersen JT, Sundlisæter E. Antibody blockade of Jagged1 attenuates choroidal neovascularization. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3109. [PMID: 37253747 PMCID: PMC10229650 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38563-w] [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: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based blocking of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) reduces choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and retinal edema, rescuing vision in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). However, poor response and resistance to anti-VEGF treatment occurs. We report that targeting the Notch ligand Jagged1 by a monoclonal antibody reduces neovascular lesion size, number of activated phagocytes and inflammatory markers and vascular leakage in an experimental CNV mouse model. Additionally, we demonstrate that Jagged1 is expressed in mouse and human eyes, and that Jagged1 expression is independent of VEGF signaling in human endothelial cells. When anti-Jagged1 was combined with anti-VEGF in mice, the decrease in lesion size exceeded that of either antibody alone. The therapeutic effect was solely dependent on blocking, as engineering antibodies to abolish effector functions did not impair the therapeutic effect. Targeting of Jagged1 alone or in combination with anti-VEGF may thus be an attractive strategy to attenuate CNV-bearing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torleif Tollefsrud Gjølberg
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Center of Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0450, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jonas Aakre Wik
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Nutrition, Division of Molecular Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanna Johannessen
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stig Krüger
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nicola Bassi
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Malin Bern
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stian Foss
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Center of Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0450, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten C Moe
- Center of Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0450, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guttorm Haraldsen
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johanna Hol Fosse
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørn Steen Skålhegg
- Department of Nutrition, Division of Molecular Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Eirik Sundlisæter
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, 0372, Oslo, Norway.
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28
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Hashimoto Y, Greene C, Munnich A, Campbell M. The CLDN5 gene at the blood-brain barrier in health and disease. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:22. [PMID: 36978081 PMCID: PMC10044825 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The CLDN5 gene encodes claudin-5 (CLDN-5) that is expressed in endothelial cells and forms tight junctions which limit the passive diffusions of ions and solutes. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), composed of brain microvascular endothelial cells and associated pericytes and end-feet of astrocytes, is a physical and biological barrier to maintain the brain microenvironment. The expression of CLDN-5 is tightly regulated in the BBB by other junctional proteins in endothelial cells and by supports from pericytes and astrocytes. The most recent literature clearly shows a compromised BBB with a decline in CLDN-5 expression increasing the risks of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, epilepsy, brain calcification and dementia. The purpose of this review is to summarize the known diseases associated with CLDN-5 expression and function. In the first part of this review, we highlight the recent understanding of how other junctional proteins as well as pericytes and astrocytes maintain CLDN-5 expression in brain endothelial cells. We detail some drugs that can enhance these supports and are being developed or currently in use to treat diseases associated with CLDN-5 decline. We then summarise mutagenesis-based studies which have facilitated a better understanding of the physiological role of the CLDN-5 protein at the BBB and have demonstrated the functional consequences of a recently identified pathogenic CLDN-5 missense mutation from patients with alternating hemiplegia of childhood. This mutation is the first gain-of-function mutation identified in the CLDN gene family with all others representing loss-of-function mutations resulting in mis-localization of CLDN protein and/or attenuated barrier function. Finally, we summarize recent reports about the dosage-dependent effect of CLDN-5 expression on the development of neurological diseases in mice and discuss what cellular supports for CLDN-5 regulation are compromised in the BBB in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Hashimoto
- Trinity College Dublin, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Dublin, D02 VF25, Ireland.
| | - Chris Greene
- Trinity College Dublin, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Dublin, D02 VF25, Ireland
| | - Arnold Munnich
- Institut Imagine, INSERM UMR1163, Université Paris Cité, Paris, F-75015, France
- Departments of Pediatric Neurology and Medical Genetics, Hospital Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris Cité, Paris, F-75015, France
| | - Matthew Campbell
- Trinity College Dublin, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Dublin, D02 VF25, Ireland.
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29
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Cho HD, Nhàn NTT, Zhou C, Tu K, Nguyen T, Sarich NA, Yamada KH. KIF13B mediates VEGFR2 recycling to modulate vascular permeability. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:91. [PMID: 36928770 PMCID: PMC10165967 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04752-5] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Excessive vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) signaling induces vascular leakage and angiogenesis in diseases. VEGFR2 trafficking to the cell surface, mediated by kinesin-3 family protein KIF13B, is essential to respond to VEGF-A when inducing angiogenesis. However, the precise mechanism of how KIF13B regulates VEGF-induced signaling and its effects on endothelial permeability is largely unknown. Here we show that KIF13B-mediated recycling of internalized VEGFR2 through Rab11-positive recycling vesicle regulates endothelial permeability. Phosphorylated VEGFR2 at the cell-cell junction was internalized and associated with KIF13B in Rab5-positive early endosomes. KIF13B mediated VEGFR2 recycling through Rab11-positive recycling vesicle. Inhibition of the function of KIF13B attenuated phosphorylation of VEGFR2 at Y951, SRC at Y416, and VE-cadherin at Y685, which are necessary for endothelial permeability. Failure of VEGFR2 trafficking to the cell surface induced accumulation and degradation of VEGFR2 in lysosomes. Furthermore, in the animal model of the blinding eye disease wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), inhibition of KIF13B-mediated VEGFR2 trafficking also mitigated vascular leakage. Thus, the present results identify the fundamental role of VEGFR2 recycling to the cell surface in mediating vascular permeability, which suggests a promising strategy for mitigating vascular leakage associated with inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Dong Cho
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Sunchon National University, Sunchon, 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhàn
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Christopher Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Kayeman Tu
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Tara Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Nicolene A Sarich
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Kaori H Yamada
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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30
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Lenin R, Jha KA, Gentry J, Shrestha A, Culp EV, Vaithianathan T, Gangaraju R. Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Visual Deficits in Diabetic tie2-TNF Transgenic Mice via TGR5 Signaling. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2023; 39:159-174. [PMID: 36791327 PMCID: PMC10081728 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2022.0117] [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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study evaluated if tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) alleviates pro-inflammatory and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated visual deficits in diabetic tie2-TNF transgenic mice via Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) receptor signaling. Methods: Adult tie2-TNF transgenic or age-matched C57BL/6J (wildtype, WT) mice were made diabetic and treated subcutaneously with TUDCA. After 4 weeks, visual function, vascular permeability, immunohistology, and molecular analyses were assessed. Human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) silenced for TGR5, followed by TNF and high glucose (HG) stress-mediated endothelial permeability, and transendothelial migration of activated leukocytes were assessed with TUDCA in vitro. Results: Compared with WT mice, tie2-TNF mice showed a decreased visual function correlated with a decrease in protein kinase C α (PKCα) in rod bipolar cells, and increased vascular permeability was further exacerbated in diabetic-tie2-TNF mice. Conversely, TUDCA alleviated these changes in diabetic mice. An increase in inflammation and ER stress in retina coincided with an increase in TGR5 expression in diabetic tie2-TNF mice that decreased with TUDCA. In vitro, HRECs exposed to TNF+HG demonstrated >2-fold increase in TGR5 expression, a 3-fold increase in leukocyte transmigration with a concomitant increase in permeability. Although TUDCA reversed these effects, HRECs silenced for TGR5 and challenged with TUDCA or TGR5 agonist failed to reverse the TNF+HG induced effects. Conclusions: Our data suggest that TUDCA will serve as an excellent therapeutic agent for diabetic complications addressing both vascular and neurodegenerative changes in the retina. Perturbation of the TGR5 receptor in the retina might play a role in linking retinal ER stress to neurovascular dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raji Lenin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kumar Abhiram Jha
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jordy Gentry
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Abhishek Shrestha
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Erielle V. Culp
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Thirumalini Vaithianathan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rajashekhar Gangaraju
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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31
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Duan N, Mei L, Hu L, Yin X, Wei X, Li Y, Li Q, Zhao G, Zhou Q, Du Z. Biomimetic, Injectable, and Self-Healing Hydrogels with Sustained Release of Ranibizumab to Treat Retinal Neovascularization. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:6371-6384. [PMID: 36700786 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c17626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Retinal neovascularization (RNV) is a typical feature of ischemic retinal diseases that can lead to traction retinal detachment and even blindness in patients, in which the vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) plays a pivotal role. However, most anti-VEGF drugs currently used for treating RNV, such as ranibizumab, need frequent and repeated intravitreal injections due to their short intravitreal half-life, which increases the incidence of complications. Herein, a hydrogel intravitreal drug delivery system (DDS) is prepared by a dynamic Schiff base reaction between aminated hyaluronic acid and aldehyde-functionalized Pluronic 127 for sustained release of ranibizumab. The prepared hydrogel system named HP@Ran exhibits excellent injectability, self-healing ability, structural stability, cytocompatibility, and blood compatibility. According to an in vitro drug release study, the hydrogel system continuously releases the model drug bovine serum albumin for more than 56 days. Importantly, in an in vivo rabbit persistent RNV model, the HP@Ran hydrogel system continuously releases pharmacologically active ranibizumab for more than 7 weeks and also exhibits superior anti-angiogenic efficacy over ranibizumab treatment by decreasing vascular leakage and neovascularization at 12 weeks. Thus, the developed HP@Ran hydrogel system possesses great potential for intravitreal DDS for the treatment of RNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Li Mei
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Liting Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Xiaoni Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Xiangyang Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Qinghua Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Qihui Zhou
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao266071, China
- Tianjin Enterprise Key Laboratory for Application Research of Hyaluronic Acid, Tianjin300038, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Tissue Repair Materials, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang325000, China
| | - Zhaodong Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
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32
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Vaseghi S, Mostafavijabbari A, Alizadeh MS, Ghaffarzadegan R, Kholghi G, Zarrindast MR. Intricate role of sleep deprivation in modulating depression: focusing on BDNF, VEGF, serotonin, cortisol, and TNF-α. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:195-219. [PMID: 36399239 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01124-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this review article, we aimed to discuss intricate roles of SD in modulating depression in preclinical and clinical studies. Decades of research have shown the inconsistent effects of SD on depression, focusing on SD duration. However, inconsistent role of SD seems to be more complicated, and SD duration cannot be the only one factor. Regarding this issue, we chose some important factors involved in the effects of SD on cognitive functions and mood including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), serotonin, cortisol, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). It was concluded that SD has a wide-range of inconsistent effects on BDNF, VEGF, serotonin, and cortisol levels. It was noted that BDNF diurnal rhythm is significantly involved in the modulatory role of SD in depression. Furthermore, the important role of VEGF in blood-brain barrier permeability which is involved in modulating depression was discussed. It was also noted that there is a negative correlation between cortisol and BDNF that modulates depression. Eventually, it was concluded that TNF-α regulates sleep/wake cycle and is involved in the vulnerability to cognitive and behavioral impairments following SD. TNF-α also increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier which is accompanied by depressive behavior. In sum, it was suggested that future studies should focus on these mechanisms/factors to better investigate the reasons behind intricate roles of SD in modulating depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salar Vaseghi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran.
| | | | - Mohammad-Sadegh Alizadeh
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ghaffarzadegan
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Gita Kholghi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zhou W, Liu K, Zeng L, He J, Gao X, Gu X, Chen X, Jing Li J, Wang M, Wu D, Cai Z, Claesson-Welsh L, Ju R, Wang J, Zhang F, Chen Y. Targeting VEGF-A/VEGFR2 Y949 Signaling-Mediated Vascular Permeability Alleviates Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension. Circulation 2022; 146:1855-1881. [PMID: 36384284 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.061900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with increased expression of VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A) and its receptor, VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor 2), but whether and how activation of VEGF-A signal participates in the pathogenesis of PH is unclear. METHODS VEGF-A/VEGFR2 signal activation and VEGFR2 Y949-dependent vascular leak were investigated in lung samples from patients with PH and mice exposed to hypoxia. To study their mechanistic roles in hypoxic PH, we examined right ventricle systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary vasculopathy in mutant mice carrying knock-in of phenylalanine that replaced the tyrosine at residual 949 of VEGFR2 (Vefgr2Y949F) and mice with conditional endothelial deletion of Vegfr2 after chronic hypoxia exposure. RESULTS We show that PH leads to excessive pulmonary vascular leak in both patients and hypoxic mice, and this is because of an overactivated VEGF-A/VEGFR2 Y949 signaling axis. In the context of hypoxic PH, activation of Yes1 and c-Src and subsequent VE-cadherin phosphorylation in endothelial cells are involved in VEGFR2 Y949-induced vascular permeability. Abolishing VEGFR2 Y949 signaling by Vefgr2Y949F point mutation was sufficient to prevent pulmonary vascular permeability and inhibit macrophage infiltration and Rac1 activation in smooth muscle cells under hypoxia exposure, thereby leading to alleviated PH manifestations, including muscularization of distal pulmonary arterioles, elevated right ventricle systolic pressure, and right ventricular hypertrophy. It is important that we found that VEGFR2 Y949 signaling in myeloid cells including macrophages was trivial and dispensable for hypoxia-induced vascular abnormalities and PH. In contrast with selective blockage of VEGFR2 Y949 signaling, disruption of the entire VEGFR2 signaling by conditional endothelial deletion of Vegfr2 promotes the development of PH. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the notion that VEGF-A/VEGFR2 Y949-dependent vascular permeability is an important determinant in the pathogenesis of PH and might serve as an attractive therapeutic target pathway for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibin Zhou
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., J.H., M.W., D.W., J.W., Y.C.).,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., K.L., L.Z., X. Gao, X. Gu, X.C., J.J.L., R.J., F.Z.).,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., J.H., J.W., Y.C.)
| | - Keli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., K.L., L.Z., X. Gao, X. Gu, X.C., J.J.L., R.J., F.Z.)
| | - Lei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., K.L., L.Z., X. Gao, X. Gu, X.C., J.J.L., R.J., F.Z.)
| | - Jiaqi He
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., J.H., M.W., D.W., J.W., Y.C.).,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., J.H., J.W., Y.C.)
| | - Xinbo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., K.L., L.Z., X. Gao, X. Gu, X.C., J.J.L., R.J., F.Z.)
| | - Xinyu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., K.L., L.Z., X. Gao, X. Gu, X.C., J.J.L., R.J., F.Z.)
| | - Xun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., K.L., L.Z., X. Gao, X. Gu, X.C., J.J.L., R.J., F.Z.)
| | - Jing Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., K.L., L.Z., X. Gao, X. Gu, X.C., J.J.L., R.J., F.Z.)
| | - Minghui Wang
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., J.H., M.W., D.W., J.W., Y.C.)
| | - Duoguang Wu
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., J.H., M.W., D.W., J.W., Y.C.)
| | - Zhixiong Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Shantou Central Hospital, China (Z.C.)
| | - Lena Claesson-Welsh
- Rudbeck, SciLifeLab and Beijer Laboratories, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (L.C.-W.)
| | - Rong Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., K.L., L.Z., X. Gao, X. Gu, X.C., J.J.L., R.J., F.Z.)
| | - Jingfeng Wang
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., J.H., M.W., D.W., J.W., Y.C.).,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., J.H., J.W., Y.C.)
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., K.L., L.Z., X. Gao, X. Gu, X.C., J.J.L., R.J., F.Z.)
| | - Yangxin Chen
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., J.H., M.W., D.W., J.W., Y.C.).,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou, China (W.Z., J.H., J.W., Y.C.)
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34
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Jin Y, Ding Y, Richards M, Kaakinen M, Giese W, Baumann E, Szymborska A, Rosa A, Nordling S, Schimmel L, Akmeriç EB, Pena A, Nwadozi E, Jamalpour M, Holstein K, Sáinz-Jaspeado M, Bernabeu MO, Welsh M, Gordon E, Franco CA, Vestweber D, Eklund L, Gerhardt H, Claesson-Welsh L. Tyrosine-protein kinase Yes controls endothelial junctional plasticity and barrier integrity by regulating VE-cadherin phosphorylation and endocytosis. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:1156-1173. [PMID: 37936984 PMCID: PMC7615285 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00172-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin in endothelial adherens junctions is an essential component of the vascular barrier, critical for tissue homeostasis and implicated in diseases such as cancer and retinopathies. Inhibitors of Src cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase have been applied to suppress VE-cadherin tyrosine phosphorylation and prevent excessive leakage, edema and high interstitial pressure. Here we show that the Src-related Yes tyrosine kinase, rather than Src, is localized at endothelial cell (EC) junctions where it becomes activated in a flow-dependent manner. EC-specific Yes1 deletion suppresses VE-cadherin phosphorylation and arrests VE-cadherin at EC junctions. This is accompanied by loss of EC collective migration and exaggerated agonist-induced macromolecular leakage. Overexpression of Yes1 causes ectopic VE-cadherin phosphorylation, while vascular leakage is unaffected. In contrast, in EC-specific Src-deficiency, VE-cadherin internalization is maintained, and leakage is suppressed. In conclusion, Yes-mediated phosphorylation regulates constitutive VE-cadherin turnover, thereby maintaining endothelial junction plasticity and vascular integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jin
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Rudbeck, Beijer and SciLifeLab Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yindi Ding
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Rudbeck, Beijer and SciLifeLab Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mark Richards
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Rudbeck, Beijer and SciLifeLab Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mika Kaakinen
- Oulu Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Wolfgang Giese
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Baumann
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Szymborska
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany
| | - André Rosa
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany
| | - Sofia Nordling
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Rudbeck, Beijer and SciLifeLab Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lilian Schimmel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD, Australia
| | - Emir Bora Akmeriç
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreia Pena
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular - Joao lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Emmanuel Nwadozi
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Rudbeck, Beijer and SciLifeLab Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Jamalpour
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Katrin Holstein
- Department of Vascular Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Miguel Sáinz-Jaspeado
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Rudbeck, Beijer and SciLifeLab Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Miguel O. Bernabeu
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, UK
- The Bayes Centre, The University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael Welsh
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Gordon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD, Australia
| | - Claudio A. Franco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular - Joao lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Católica Medical School, Católica Biomedical Research Centre, Portugal
| | - Dietmar Vestweber
- Department of Vascular Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Lauri Eklund
- Oulu Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Holger Gerhardt
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lena Claesson-Welsh
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Rudbeck, Beijer and SciLifeLab Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
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35
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Simons M, Toomre D. YES to Junctions, No to Src. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:1116-1118. [PMID: 36938496 PMCID: PMC10021110 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00185-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of the endothelial barrier function is critical to physiological function of the vasculature, which must dynamically change in a number of physiologic and pathologic settings. A new study emphasizes the complex relationship between VE-cadherin phosphorylation , the critical role of YES in this process, and the vascular leak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Simons
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Derek Toomre
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
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36
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Wu Y, Zou H. Research Progress on Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Diabetic Retinopathy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2250. [PMID: 36421435 PMCID: PMC9686704 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is one of the most important microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus, which can lead to blindness in severe cases. Mitochondria are energy-producing organelles in eukaryotic cells, which participate in metabolism and signal transduction, and regulate cell growth, differentiation, aging, and death. Metabolic changes of retinal cells and epigenetic changes of mitochondria-related genes under high glucose can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and induce mitochondrial pathway apoptosis. In addition, mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics also change adaptively. These mechanisms may be related to the occurrence and progression of DR, and also provide valuable clues for the prevention and treatment of DR. This article reviews the mechanism of DR induced by mitochondrial dysfunction, and the prospects for related treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Wu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Haidong Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
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37
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Ai X, Yu P, Luo L, Sun J, Tao H, Wang X, Meng X. Berberis dictyophylla F. inhibits angiogenesis and apoptosis of diabetic retinopathy via suppressing HIF-1α/VEGF/DLL-4/Notch-1 pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 296:115453. [PMID: 35697191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Xiao Bopi (XBP, སྐྱེར་བའི་བར་ཤུན།), as a classical Tibetan medicinal plant in China, which derived from the stem bark of Berberis dictyophylla F., has the function of "clearing heat and decreasing mKhris-pa". And it traditionally is utilized to treat the diabetes mellitus and its complications, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study aimed to explore the microvascular protection of water extract of XBP against the spontaneous retinal damage of db/db mice. Meanwhile, the underlying mechanisms of XBP on angiogenesis and apoptosis were further interpreted. MATERIALS AND METHODS We firstly used high-performance liquid chromatography to detected the representative chemical ingredients in the water extract of XBP. The DR model of db/db mice was then randomly divided into five groups: model group, calcium dobesilate (0.23 g/kg) group, and the water extract of XBP (0.375, 0.75 and 1.5 g/kg, respectively) groups. After 8 weeks of continuous administration, the parameters including body weight, fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test were measured. The pathological changes and abnormal angiogenesis of the retina were detected by optical coherence tomography, HE, periodic acid-Schiff staining and transmission electron microscopy. Simultaneously, molecular docking was used to predict the potential connections between representative ingredients in XBP and angiogenesis/apoptosis-related proteins. The level of angiogenesis-related proteins and gene hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth (VEGF), delta-like ligand 4 (DLL-4) and Notch-1 were estimated by immunofluorescence analyses and real time-PCR. Further, TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to investigate the apoptotic phenomenon and the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Apaf-1, Cyto-c and cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 in the retina. RESULTS Phytochemical analysis revealed that magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine and berberine were principally representative ingredients in XBP. The results demonstrated that XBP effectively increased glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, whereas no effect on body weight of DR mice. Moreover, retinal thickening, pathological and retinal ultrastructure changes in DR mice were evidently ameliorated by XBP. The molecular docking results demonstrated that the main components of XBP and the protein of angiogenesis and apoptosis had a potential bind. XBP restrained the gene and protein levels of HIF-1α, VEGF, DLL-4 and Notch-1 in retina. Additionally, the TUNEL-positive cell rate and the down-regulated proteins of Bax, Apaf-1, Cyto-c, cleaved Caspase-3 and cleaved Caspase 9 and increased Bcl-2 level were revised by XBP. CONCLUSIONS To sum up, the results suggested that XBP against DR could attribute to alleviating angiogenesis and apoptosis by suppressing the HIF-1α/VEGF/DLL-4/Notch-1 pathway. This evidence sheds a new light on the potential mechanisms of XBP in the treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Peiling Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Liuling Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jiayi Sun
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Honglin Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Xianli Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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38
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Lee D, Nakai A, Miwa Y, Tomita Y, Kunimi H, Chen J, Ikeda SI, Tsubota K, Negishi K, Kurihara T. Retinal degeneration induced in a mouse model of ischemia-reperfusion injury and its management by pemafibrate treatment. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22497. [PMID: 35969144 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200455rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common cause of visual impairment. To date, no effective treatment is available for retinal I/R injury. In addition, the precise pathological mechanisms still need to be established. Recently, pemafibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) modulator, was shown to be a promising drug for retinal ischemia. However, the role of pemafibrate in preventing retinal I/R injury has not been documented. Here, we investigated how retinal degeneration occurs in a mouse model of retinal I/R injury by elevation of intraocular pressure and examined whether pemafibrate could be beneficial against retinal degeneration. Adult mice were orally administered pemafibrate (0.5 mg/kg/day) for 4 days, followed by retinal I/R injury. The mice were continuously administered pemafibrate once every day until the end of the experiments. Retinal functional changes were measured using electroretinography. Retina, liver, and serum samples were used for western blotting, quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, or enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Retinal degeneration induced by retinal inflammation was prevented by pemafibrate administration. Pemafibrate administration increased the hepatic PPARα target gene expression and serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21, a neuroprotective molecule in the eye. The expression of hypoxia-response and pro-and anti-apoptotic/inflammatory genes increased in the retina following retinal I/R injury; however, these changes were modulated by pemafibrate administration. In conclusion, pemafibrate is a promising preventive drug for ischemic retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deokho Lee
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayaka Nakai
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Miwa
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Aichi Animal Eye Clinic, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yohei Tomita
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hiromitsu Kunimi
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junhan Chen
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Ikeda
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kazuno Negishi
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihide Kurihara
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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39
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Yang C, Zhao Q, Li S, Pu L, Yu L, Liu Y, Lai X. Effects of Lycium barbarum L. Polysaccharides on Vascular Retinopathy: An Insight Review. Molecules 2022; 27:5628. [PMID: 36080395 PMCID: PMC9457721 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular retinopathy is a pathological change in the retina caused by ocular or systemic vascular diseases that can lead to blurred vision and the risk of blindness. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are extracted from the fruit of traditional Chinese medicine, L. barbarum. They have strong biological activities, including immune regulation, antioxidation, and neuroprotection, and have been shown to improve vision in numerous studies. At present, there is no systematic literature review of LBPs on vascular retinal prevention and treatment. We review the structural characterization and extraction methods of LBPs, focus on the mechanism and pharmacokinetics of LBPs in improving vascular retinopathy, and discuss the future clinical application and lack of work. LBPs are involved in the regulation of VEGF, Rho/ROCK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Nrf2/HO-1, AGEs/RAGE signaling pathways, which can alleviate the occurrence and development of vascular retinal diseases in an inflammatory response, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and neuroprotection. LBPs are mainly absorbed by the small intestine and stomach and excreted through urine and feces. Their low bioavailability in vivo has led to the development of novel dosage forms, including multicompartment delivery systems and scaffolds. Data from the literature confirm the medicinal potential of LBPs as a new direction for the prevention and complementary treatment of vascular retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Yang
- Department of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shiling Li
- Department of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Lili Pu
- Department of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Liqiong Yu
- Department of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yaqin Liu
- Department of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xianrong Lai
- Department of Ethnic Medicine, College of Ethnomedicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
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40
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Elevated Plasma Levels of C1qTNF1 Protein in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Glucose Disturbances. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154391. [PMID: 35956011 PMCID: PMC9369205 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, research has provided increasing evidence for the importance of inflammatory etiology in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis. This study assessed the profile of inflammatory cytokines in the serum of patients with AMD and coexisting glucose disturbances (GD). This prospective population-based cohort study addressed the determinants and occurrence of cardiovascular, neurological, ophthalmic, psychiatric, and endocrine diseases in residents of Bialystok, Poland. To make the group homogenous in terms of inflammatory markers, we analyzed only subjects with glucose disturbances (GD: diabetes or prediabetes). Four hundred fifty-six patients aged 50–80 were included. In the group of patients without macular degenerative changes, those with GD accounted for 71.7%, while among those with AMD, GD accounted for 89.45%. Increased serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines were observed in both AMD and GD groups. C1qTNF1 concentration was statistically significantly higher in the group of patients with AMD, with comparable levels of concentrations of other proinflammatory cytokines. C1qTNF1 may act as a key mediator in the integration of lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses in macrophages. Moreover, C1qTNF1 levels are increased after exposure to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), which plays a key role in atherosclerotic plaque formation and is also a major component of the drusen observed in AMD. C1qTNF1 may, therefore, prove to be a link between the accumulation of oxLDL and the induction of local inflammation in the development of AMD with concomitant GD.
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41
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Richards M, Nwadozi E, Pal S, Martinsson P, Kaakinen M, Gloger M, Sjöberg E, Koltowska K, Betsholtz C, Eklund L, Nordling S, Claesson-Welsh L. Claudin5 protects the peripheral endothelial barrier in an organ and vessel type-specific manner. eLife 2022; 11:78517. [PMID: 35861713 PMCID: PMC9348850 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctional and leaky blood vessels resulting from disruption of the endothelial cell (EC) barrier accompanies numerous diseases. The EC barrier is established through endothelial cell tight and adherens junctions. However, the expression pattern and precise contribution of different junctional proteins to the EC barrier is poorly understood. Here, we focus on organs with continuous endothelium to identify structural and functional in vivo characteristics of the EC barrier. Assembly of multiple single-cell RNAseq datasets into a single integrated database revealed the variability and commonalities of EC barrier patterning. Across tissues, Claudin5 exhibited diminishing expression along the arteriovenous axis, correlating with EC barrier integrity. Functional analysis identified tissue-specific differences in leakage properties and response to the leakage agonist histamine. Loss of Claudin5 enhanced histamine-induced leakage in an organotypic and vessel type-specific manner in an inducible, EC-specific, knock-out mouse. Mechanistically, Claudin5 loss left junction ultrastructure unaffected but altered its composition, with concomitant loss of zonula occludens-1 and upregulation of VE-Cadherin expression. These findings uncover the organ-specific organisation of the EC barrier and distinct importance of Claudin5 in different vascular beds, providing insights to modify EC barrier stability in a targeted, organ-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Richards
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emmanuel Nwadozi
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sagnik Pal
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Martinsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mika Kaakinen
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marleen Gloger
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elin Sjöberg
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Katarzyna Koltowska
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christer Betsholtz
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lauri Eklund
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sofia Nordling
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lena Claesson-Welsh
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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42
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The Role of Connexin in Ophthalmic Neovascularization and the Interaction between Connexin and Proangiogenic Factors. J Ophthalmol 2022; 2022:8105229. [PMID: 35783340 PMCID: PMC9242797 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8105229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of new blood vessels is an important physiological process that occurs during development. When the body is injured, new blood vessel formation helps the body recuperate by supplying more oxygen and nutrients. However, this mechanism can have a negative effect. In ophthalmologic diseases, such as corneal new blood vessels, neonatal vascular glaucoma, and diabetes retinopathy, the formation of new blood vessels has become a critical component in patient survival. Connexin is a protein that regulates the cellular and molecular material carried by cells. It has been demonstrated that it is widely expressed in vascular endothelial cells, where it forms a slit connection between adjacent cells to promote cell-cell communication via hemichannels, as well as substance exchange into intracellular environments. Numerous studies have demonstrated that connexin in vascular endothelial cells plays an important role in angiogenesis and vascular leakage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect between the angiogenesis-associated factor and the connexin. It also reveals the effect of connexin on ophthalmic neovascularization.
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43
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Luxen M, van Meurs M, Molema G. Unlocking the Untapped Potential of Endothelial Kinase and Phosphatase Involvement in Sepsis for Drug Treatment Design. Front Immunol 2022; 13:867625. [PMID: 35634305 PMCID: PMC9136877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.867625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a devastating clinical condition that can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Despite advancements in our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying sepsis and sepsis-associated multiple organ failure, no effective therapeutic treatment to directly counteract it has yet been established. The endothelium is considered to play an important role in sepsis. This review highlights a number of signal transduction pathways involved in endothelial inflammatory activation and dysregulated endothelial barrier function in response to sepsis conditions. Within these pathways – NF-κB, Rac1/RhoA GTPases, AP-1, APC/S1P, Angpt/Tie2, and VEGF/VEGFR2 – we focus on the role of kinases and phosphatases as potential druggable targets for therapeutic intervention. Animal studies and clinical trials that have been conducted for this purpose are discussed, highlighting reasons why they might not have resulted in the expected outcomes, and which lessons can be learned from this. Lastly, opportunities and challenges that sepsis and sepsis-associated multiple organ failure research are currently facing are presented, including recommendations on improved experimental design to increase the translational power of preclinical research to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs Luxen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Medical Biology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Critical Care, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Matthijs Luxen,
| | - Matijs van Meurs
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Medical Biology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Critical Care, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Grietje Molema
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Medical Biology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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44
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Corti F, Ristori E, Rivera-Molina F, Toomre D, Zhang J, Mihailovic J, Zhuang ZW, Simons M. Syndecan-2 selectively regulates VEGF-induced vascular permeability. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:518-528. [PMID: 36212522 PMCID: PMC9544384 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00064-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)- driven increase in vascular permeability is a key feature of many disease states associated with inflammation and ischemic injury, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality in these settings. Despite its importance, no specific regulators that preferentially control VEGF-dependent increase in permeability versus its other biological activities, have been identified. Here we report that a proteoglycan Syndecan-2 (Sdc2) regulates the interaction between a transmembrane phosphatase DEP1 and VEGFR2 by controlling cell surface levels of DEP1. In the absence of Sdc2 or the presence of an antibody that blocks Sdc2-DEP1 interaction, increased plasma membrane DEP1 levels promote selective dephosphorylation of the VEGFR2 Y951 site that is involved in permeability control. Either an endothelial-specific Sdc2 deletion or a treatment with an anti-Sdc2 antibody result in a highly significant reduction in stroke size due to a decrease in intracerebral edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Corti
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - E Ristori
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - F Rivera-Molina
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - D Toomre
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - J Zhang
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - J Mihailovic
- Department of Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Z W Zhuang
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - M Simons
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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45
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De Rossi G, Da Vitoria Lobo ME, Greenwood J, Moss SE. LRG1 as a novel therapeutic target in eye disease. Eye (Lond) 2022; 36:328-340. [PMID: 34987199 PMCID: PMC8807626 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01807-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal and choroidal diseases are major causes of blindness and visual impairment in the developed world and on the rise due to an ageing population and diabetes epidemic. Standard of care is centred around blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), but despite having halved the number of patients losing sight, a high rate of patient non-response and loss of efficacy over time are key challenges. Dysregulation of vascular homoeostasis, coupled with fibrosis and inflammation, are major culprits driving sight-threatening eye diseases. Improving our knowledge of these pathological processes should inform the development of new drugs to address the current clinical challenges for patients. Leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) is an emerging key player in vascular dysfunction, inflammation and fibrosis. Under physiological conditions, LRG1 is constitutively expressed by the liver and granulocytes, but little is known about its normal biological function. In pathological scenarios, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD), its expression is ectopically upregulated and it acquires a much better understood pathogenic role. Context-dependent modulation of the transforming growth-factor β (TGFβ) pathway is one of the main activities of LRG1, but additional roles have recently been emerging. This review aims to highlight the clinical and pre-clinical evidence for the pathogenic contribution of LRG1 to vascular retinopathies, as well as extrapolate from other diseases, functions which may be relevant to eye disease. Finally, we will provide a current update on the development of anti-LRG1 therapies for the treatment of nvAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia De Rossi
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
| | | | - John Greenwood
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Stephen E Moss
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
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46
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Miller B, Sewell-Loftin MK. Mechanoregulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 in Angiogenesis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:804934. [PMID: 35087885 PMCID: PMC8787114 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.804934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelial cells that compose the vascular system in the body display a wide range of mechanotransductive behaviors and responses to biomechanical stimuli, which act in concert to control overall blood vessel structure and function. Such mechanosensitive activities allow blood vessels to constrict, dilate, grow, or remodel as needed during development as well as normal physiological functions, and the same processes can be dysregulated in various disease states. Mechanotransduction represents cellular responses to mechanical forces, translating such factors into chemical or electrical signals which alter the activation of various cell signaling pathways. Understanding how biomechanical forces drive vascular growth in healthy and diseased tissues could create new therapeutic strategies that would either enhance or halt these processes to assist with treatments of different diseases. In the cardiovascular system, new blood vessel formation from preexisting vasculature, in a process known as angiogenesis, is driven by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) binding to VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) which promotes blood vessel development. However, physical forces such as shear stress, matrix stiffness, and interstitial flow are also major drivers and effectors of angiogenesis, and new research suggests that mechanical forces may regulate VEGFR-2 phosphorylation. In fact, VEGFR-2 activation has been linked to known mechanobiological agents including ERK/MAPK, c-Src, Rho/ROCK, and YAP/TAZ. In vascular disease states, endothelial cells can be subjected to altered mechanical stimuli which affect the pathways that control angiogenesis. Both normalizing and arresting angiogenesis associated with tumor growth have been strategies for anti-cancer treatments. In the field of regenerative medicine, harnessing biomechanical regulation of angiogenesis could enhance vascularization strategies for treating a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including ischemia or permit development of novel tissue engineering scaffolds. This review will focus on the impact of VEGFR-2 mechanosignaling in endothelial cells (ECs) and its interaction with other mechanotransductive pathways, as well as presenting a discussion on the relationship between VEGFR-2 activation and biomechanical forces in the extracellular matrix (ECM) that can help treat diseases with dysfunctional vascular growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronte Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Mary Kathryn Sewell-Loftin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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HIV-1 Tat and Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans Orchestrate the Setup of in Cis and in Trans Cell-Surface Interactions Functional to Lymphocyte Trans-Endothelial Migration. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247488. [PMID: 34946571 PMCID: PMC8705413 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 transactivating factor Tat is released by infected cells. Extracellular Tat homodimerizes and engages several receptors, including integrins, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) syndecan-1 expressed on various cells. By means of experimental cell models recapitulating the processes of lymphocyte trans-endothelial migration, here, we demonstrate that upon association with syndecan-1 expressed on lymphocytes, Tat triggers simultaneously the in cis activation of lymphocytes themselves and the in trans activation of endothelial cells (ECs). This "two-way" activation eventually induces lymphocyte adhesion and spreading onto the substrate and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin reorganization at the EC junctions, with consequent endothelial permeabilization, leading to an increased extravasation of Tat-presenting lymphocytes. By means of a panel of biochemical activation assays and specific synthetic inhibitors, we demonstrate that during the above-mentioned processes, syndecan-1, integrins, FAK, src and ERK1/2 engagement and activation are needed in the lymphocytes, while VEGFR2, integrin, src and ERK1/2 are needed in the endothelium. In conclusion, the Tat/syndecan-1 complex plays a central role in orchestrating the setup of the various in cis and in trans multimeric complexes at the EC/lymphocyte interface. Thus, by means of computational molecular modelling, docking and dynamics, we also provide a characterization at an atomic level of the binding modes of the Tat/heparin interaction, with heparin herein used as a structural analogue of the heparan sulfate chains of syndecan-1.
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Plastino F, Pesce NA, André H. MicroRNAs and the HIF/VEGF axis in ocular neovascular diseases. Acta Ophthalmol 2021; 99:e1255-e1262. [PMID: 33729690 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ocular neovascular diseases, such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and neovascular age-related macular degeneration, are the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. The hypoxia-inducible factors and vascular endothelial growth factors are key molecular promoters of ocular neovascularization. Moreover, the role of microRNAs as regulators of angiogenesis has been expanding, particularly hypoxia-associated microRNA; hypoxamiRs. This review provides a summary of hypoxamiRs that directly and specifically target HIF1A and VEGF mRNAs, thus critically involved in the regulation of ocular neovascular pathologies. The discussed microRNAs highlight putative diagnostic markers and therapeutic agents in choroidal and retinal angiogenic diseases, including proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Plastino
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences Division of Eye and Vision St. Erik Eye Hospital Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Noemi Anna Pesce
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences Division of Eye and Vision St. Erik Eye Hospital Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences Division of Eye and Vision St. Erik Eye Hospital Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
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Wang L, Astone M, Alam SK, Zhu Z, Pei W, Frank DA, Burgess SM, Hoeppner LH. Suppressing STAT3 activity protects the endothelial barrier from VEGF-mediated vascular permeability. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:272222. [PMID: 34542605 PMCID: PMC8592016 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular permeability triggered by inflammation or ischemia promotes edema, exacerbates disease progression and impairs tissue recovery. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent inducer of vascular permeability. VEGF plays an integral role in regulating vascular barrier function physiologically and in pathologies, including cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, retinal conditions and COVID-19-associated pulmonary edema, sepsis and acute lung injury. Understanding temporal molecular regulation of VEGF-induced vascular permeability will facilitate developing therapeutics to inhibit vascular permeability, while preserving tissue-restorative angiogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that VEGF signals through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to promote vascular permeability. We show that genetic STAT3 ablation reduces vascular permeability in STAT3-deficient endothelium of mice and VEGF-inducible zebrafish crossed with CRISPR/Cas9-generated Stat3 knockout zebrafish. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression is transcriptionally regulated by STAT3, and VEGF-dependent STAT3 activation is regulated by JAK2. Pyrimethamine, an FDA-approved antimicrobial agent that inhibits STAT3-dependent transcription, substantially reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability in zebrafish, mouse and human endothelium. Collectively, our findings suggest that VEGF/VEGFR-2/JAK2/STAT3 signaling regulates vascular barrier integrity, and inhibition of STAT3-dependent activity reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: Genetic STAT3 ablation in mice and VEGF-inducible zebrafish reveals that VEGF signals through STAT3 to promote vascular permeability. Pyrimethamine reduces VEGF-induced permeability in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Matteo Astone
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Sk Kayum Alam
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Zhu Zhu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Wuhong Pei
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - David A Frank
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shawn M Burgess
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Luke H Hoeppner
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Shirakura K, Okada Y. Vascular Leakage Prevention by Roundabout 4 under Pathological Conditions. Biol Pharm Bull 2021; 44:1365-1370. [PMID: 34602544 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular permeability is regulated mainly by the endothelial barrier and controls vascular homeostasis, proper vessel development, and immune cell trafficking. Several molecules are involved in regulating endothelial barrier function. Roundabout 4 (Robo4) is a single-pass transmembrane protein that is specifically expressed in vascular endothelial cells. Robo4 is an important regulator of vascular leakage and angiogenesis, especially under pathological conditions. The role of Robo4 in preventing vascular leakage has been studied in various disease models, including animal models of retinopathy, tumors, diabetes, and endotoxemia. The involvement of Robo4 in vascular endothelial growth factor and inflammation-mediated signaling pathways has been well studied, and recent evidence suggests that Robo4 modulates endothelial barrier function via distinct mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the role of Robo4 in endothelial barrier function and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoshiaki Okada
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
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