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Xu K, Fei W, Gao W, Fan C, Li Y, Hong Y, Cui R. SOD3 regulates FLT1 to affect bone metabolism by promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis through PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 212:65-79. [PMID: 38141889 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that seriously affects the quality of life and longevity of the elderly, so exploring the mechanism of osteoporosis is crucial for drug development and treatment. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are stem cells with multiple differentiation potentials in bone marrow, and changing their differentiation direction can change bone mass. As an extracellular superoxide dismutase, Superoxide Dismutase 3 (SOD3) has been proved to play an important role in multiple organs, but the detailed mechanism of action in bone metabolism is still unclear. In this study, the results of clinical serum samples ELISA and single cell sequencing chip analysis proved that the expression of SOD3 was positively correlated with bone mass, and SOD3 was mainly expressed in osteoblasts and adipocytes and rarely expressed in osteoblasts in BMSCs. In vitro experiments showed that SOD3 can promote osteogenesis and inhibit adipogenesis. Compared with WT mice, the mice that were knocked out of SOD3 had a significant decrease in bone mineral density and significant changes in related parameters. The results of HE and IHC staining suggested that knocking out SOD3 would lead to fat accumulation in the bone marrow cavity and weakened osteogenesis. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that SOD3 affects bone metabolism by promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis. The results of transcriptome sequencing and revalidation showed that SOD3 can affect the expression of FLT1. Through in vitro experiments, we proved that FLT1 can also promote osteogenesis and inhibit adipogenesis. In addition, through the repeated experiments, the interaction between the two molecules (SOD3 and FLT1) was verified again. Finally, it was verified by WB that SOD3 regulates FLT1 to affect bone metabolism through PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Shanghai, China; Center of Community-Based Health Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wenchao Fei
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Shanghai, China; Center of Community-Based Health Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wenxue Gao
- Medical Services Section, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Changxiu Fan
- Department of Stomatology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yinghua Li
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Shanghai, China; Center of Community-Based Health Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yang Hong
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Shanghai, China; Center of Community-Based Health Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ran Cui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Liu H, Jiang Y, Lu J, Peng C, Ling Z, Chen Y, Chen D, Tong R, Zheng S, Wu J. m 6A-modification regulated circ-CCT3 acts as the sponge of miR-378a-3p to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2204772. [PMID: 37092305 PMCID: PMC10128399 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2204772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Circular RNA (circRNA) plays a critical role in tumour progression. Circ-CCT3, a particularly abundant circRNA, was proposed to be involved in tumorigenesis. However, the role of circ-CCT3 in hepatocellular carcinoma remains elusive.Methods: Here, circ-CCT3 (a circRNA derived from exons 3, 4 and 5 of the CCT3 gene, hsa_circ_0004680) was identified by circRNA microarray and validated by qRT-PCR. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) was performed to confirm the binding between ALKBH5 along with METTL3 and circ-CCT3. Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) was used to detect the N6-methyladenosine (m 2A) levels of circ-CCT3. CircRNAs in vivo precipitation, luciferase reporter assay, biotin-coupled microRNA capture, and fluorescence in situ hybridization were conducted to assess the interaction between circ-CCT3 and miR-378a-3p. The functions of circ-CCT3 in HCC were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.Results: We demonstrated that circ-CCT3 was highly expressed in HCC which indicated the poor prognosis. Circ-CCT3 expression served as an independent risk factor for overall survival in patients with HCC. Knocking-down of circ-CCT3 inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of HCC cells, and angiogenesis of HUVEC. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 and METTL3 could bind and regulate m A-modification of circ-CCT3. Further, circ-CCT3 upregulated the expression of FLT-1 by sponging miR-378a-3p.Conclusions: Circ-CCT3 was significantly up-regulated in HCC and promoted liver cancer development via miR-378a-3p-FLT1 axis. It was also found that circ-CCT3 was under m A-modification mediated by ALKBH5 and METTL3. Our study highlights circ-CCT3 as a potential therapeutic target of HCC treatment, which provides a novel understanding on mechanisms of circRNAs in HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yifan Jiang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiahua Lu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chuanhui Peng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhenan Ling
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yunhao Chen
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Diyu Chen
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Rongliang Tong
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Zhang H, Zhang Y, Xu K, Wang L, Zhou X, Yang M, Xie J, Li H. Inhibition of FLT1 Attenuates Neurodevelopmental Abnormalities and Cognitive Impairment in Offspring Caused by Maternal Prenatal Stress. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12010-023-04774-6. [PMID: 37979086 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04774-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1) has been shown to regulate processes such as angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and cognitive impairment. However, the role of FLT1 in prenatal stress (PS) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of FLT1 in PS mothers and their offspring. Wire mesh restrainers were used to construct PS rat model. The levels of FLT1, IL-1β, IL-6, and ROS in clinical samples and rat samples were detected by qRT-PCR, ELisa kit, and DCFH-DA fluorescence kit. Morris water maze assay and forced swimming assay were used to test the cognitive function of offspring young rats. The apoptosis level of hippocampal neurons and the expression of NMDARs were detected by MTT assay, TUNEL assay, and Western blot. The results showed that FLT1 was upregulated in PS mothers and positively correlated with PS degree. The level of FLT1 was elevated in PS model rats. Knockdown of FLT1 reduced maternal ROS and MDA levels and increased SOD levels in PS rats. Knockdown of FLT1 also reduced the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and cortisol in PS rats. Inhibition of FTL1 alleviated cognitive impairment in PS offspring pups. Inhibition of FTL1 reduced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and increased the expression of NMDARs in PS progeny. In conclusions, we demonstrated that knockdown of FLT1 inhibits maternal oxidative stress, inflammation, and cortisol secretion in PS rats. In addition, knockdown of FLT1 also alleviated cognitive dysfunction and neurodevelopmental abnormalities in PS offspring pups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Division of Neonatology, NO.277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yudan Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Division of Neonatology, NO.277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kaixuan Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lawen Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mingge Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiangli Xie
- Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Division of Neonatology, NO.277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
- Division of Neonatology, The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, 710003, China.
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4
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Domokos A, Varga Z, Jambrovics K, Caballero-Sánchez N, Szabo E, Nagy G, Scholtz B, Halasz L, Varadi E, Bene KP, Mazlo A, Bacsi A, Jeney V, Szebeni GJ, Nagy L, Czimmerer Z. The transcriptional control of the VEGFA-VEGFR1 ( FLT1) axis in alternatively polarized murine and human macrophages. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1168635. [PMID: 37215144 PMCID: PMC10192733 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1168635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Macrophages significantly contribute to the regulation of vessel formation under physiological and pathological conditions. Although the angiogenesis-regulating role of alternatively polarized macrophages is quite controversial, a growing number of evidence shows that they can participate in the later phases of angiogenesis, including vessel sprouting and remodeling or regression. However, the epigenetic and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms controlling this angiogenesis-modulating program are not fully understood. Results Here we show that IL-4 can coordinately regulate the VEGFA-VEGFR1 (FLT1) axis via simultaneously inhibiting the proangiogenic Vegfa and inducing the antiangiogenic Flt1 expression in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages, which leads to the attenuated proangiogenic activity of alternatively polarized macrophages. The IL-4-activated STAT6 and IL-4-STAT6 signaling pathway-induced EGR2 transcription factors play a direct role in the transcriptional regulation of the Vegfa-Flt1 axis. We demonstrated that this phenomenon is not restricted to the murine bone marrow-derived macrophages, but can also be observed in different murine tissue-resident macrophages ex vivo and parasites-elicited macrophages in vivo with minor cell type-specific differences. Furthermore, IL-4 exposure can modulate the hypoxic response of genes in both murine and human macrophages leading to a blunted Vegfa/VEGFA and synergistically induced Flt1/FLT1 expression. Discussion Our findings establish that the IL-4-activated epigenetic and transcriptional program can determine angiogenesis-regulating properties in alternatively polarized macrophages under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apolka Domokos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsofia Varga
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Eotvos Lorand Research Network, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Karoly Jambrovics
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Noemí Caballero-Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Eniko Szabo
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre Eotvos Lorand Research Network, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gergely Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Beata Scholtz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Halasz
- Departments of Medicine and Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
| | - Eszter Varadi
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Eotvos Lorand Research Network, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School in Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztian P. Bene
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anett Mazlo
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Bacsi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- ELKH-DE Allergology Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viktoria Jeney
- MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gabor J. Szebeni
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre Eotvos Lorand Research Network, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Departments of Medicine and Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
| | - Zsolt Czimmerer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Eotvos Lorand Research Network, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Immunology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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5
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Mrozikiewicz AE, Kurzawińska G, Ożarowski M, Walczak M, Ożegowska K, Jędrzejczak P. Polymorphic Variants of Genes Encoding Angiogenesis-Related Factors in Infertile Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054267. [PMID: 36901702 PMCID: PMC10001634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a global health issue affecting a significant number of infertile women who undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Extensive vasculogenesis and angiogenesis occur in both maternal and fetal placental tissues, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family molecules and their receptors are potent angiogenic mediators in the placenta. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding angiogenesis-related factors were selected and genotyped in 247 women who had undergone the ART procedure and 120 healthy controls. Genotyping was conducted by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). A variant of the kinase insertion domain receptor (KDR) gene (rs2071559) was associated with an increased risk of infertility after adjusting for age and BMI (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.45-0.91, p = 0.013 in a log-additive model). Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) rs699947 was associated with an increased risk of recurrent implantation failures under a dominant (OR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.11-4.94, padj. = 0.022) and a log-additive model (OR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.43-0.99, padj. = 0.038). Variants of the KDR gene (rs1870377, rs2071559) in the whole group were in linkage equilibrium (D' = 0.25, r2 = 0.025). Gene-gene interaction analysis showed the strongest interactions between the KDR gene SNPs rs2071559-rs1870377 (p = 0.004) and KDR rs1870377-VEGFA rs699947 (p = 0.030). Our study revealed that the KDR gene rs2071559 variant may be associated with infertility and rs699947 VEGFA with an increased risk of recurrent implantation failures in infertile ART treated Polish women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra E. Mrozikiewicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Women’s Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Polna 33, 60-535 Poznan, Poland
- Chair and Department of Cell Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 5D, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Grażyna Kurzawińska
- Division of Perinatology and Womens Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Polna 33, 60-535 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marcin Ożarowski
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants—National Research Institute, Wojska Polskiego 71B, 60-630 Poznan, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Michał Walczak
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Ożegowska
- Department of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Polna 33, 60-535 Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Jędrzejczak
- Chair and Department of Cell Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 5D, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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Kremer V, Oppelaar JJ, Gimbel T, Koziarek S, Ganzevoort W, van Pampus MG, van den Born BJ, Vogt L, de Groot C, Boon RA. Neuro-oncological Ventral Antigen 2 Regulates Splicing of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 and Is Required for Endothelial Function. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:678-689. [PMID: 35927413 PMCID: PMC9988812 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01044-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE) affects 2-8% of pregnancies and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. The maternal clinical syndrome (defined by hypertension, proteinuria, and organ dysfunction) is the result of endothelial dysfunction. The endothelial response to increased levels of soluble FMS-like Tyrosine Kinase 1 (sFLT1) is thought to play a central role. sFLT1 is released from multiple tissues and binds VEGF with high affinity and antagonizes VEGF. Expression of soluble variants of sFLT1 is a result of alternative splicing; however, the mechanism is incompletely understood. We hypothesize that neuro-oncological ventral antigen 2 (NOVA2) contributes to this. NOVA2 was inhibited in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and multiple cellular functions were assessed. NOVA2 and FLT1 expression in the placenta of PE, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and normotensive controls was measured by RT-qPCR. Loss of NOVA2 in HUVECs resulted in significantly increased levels of sFLT1, but did not affect expression of membrane-bound FLT1. NOVA2 protein was shown to directly interact with FLT1 mRNA. Loss of NOVA2 was also accompanied by impaired endothelial functions such as sprouting. We were able to restore sprouting capacity by exogenous VEGF. We did not observe statistically significant regulation of NOVA2 or sFLT1 in the placenta. However, we observed a negative correlation between sFLT1 and NOVA2 expression levels. In conclusion, NOVA2 was found to regulate FLT1 splicing in the endothelium. Loss of NOVA2 resulted in impaired endothelial function, at least partially dependent on VEGF. In PE patients, we observed a negative correlation between NOVA2 and sFLT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle Kremer
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Chemistry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Microcirculation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jetta J Oppelaar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theresa Gimbel
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research DZHK, Partner Site Frankfurt Rhein/Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Koziarek
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research DZHK, Partner Site Frankfurt Rhein/Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wessel Ganzevoort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bert-Jan van den Born
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis and Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liffert Vogt
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Microcirculation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christianne de Groot
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier A Boon
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research DZHK, Partner Site Frankfurt Rhein/Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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7
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Yoshizawa H, Nishizawa H, Inagaki H, Hitachi K, Ohwaki A, Sakabe Y, Ito M, Tsuchida K, Sekiya T, Fujii T, Kurahashi H. Characterization of the MG828507 lncRNA Located Upstream of the FLT1 Gene as an Etiology for Pre-Eclampsia. J Clin Med 2022; 11:4603. [PMID: 35956218 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: FLT1 is one of the significantly overexpressed genes found in a pre-eclamptic placenta and is involved with the etiology of this disease. Methods: We conducted genome-wide expression profiling by RNA-seq of placentas from women with pre-eclampsia and those with normotensive pregnancy. Results: We identified a lncRNA gene, MG828507, located ~80 kb upstream of the FLT1 gene in a head-to-head orientation, which was overexpressed in the pre-eclamptic placenta. MG828507 and FLT1 are located within the same topologically associated domain in the genome. The MG828507 mRNA level correlated with that of the FLT1 in placentas from pre-eclamptic women as well as in samples from uncomplicated pregnancies. However, neither the overexpression nor knockdown of MG828507 affected the expression of FLT1. Analysis of pre-eclampsia-linking genetic variants at this locus suggested that the placental genotype of one variant was associated with the expression of MG828507. The MG828507 transcript level was not found to be associated with maternal blood pressure, but showed a relationship with birth and placental weights, suggesting that this lncRNA might be one of the pivotal placental factors in pre-eclampsia. Conclusion: Further characterization of the MG828507 gene may elucidate the etiological roles of the MG828507 and FLT1 genes in pre-eclampsia in a genomic context.
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Blánquez-Martínez D, Díaz-Villamarín X, García-Rodríguez S, Antúnez-Rodríguez A, Pozo-Agundo A, Martínez-González LJ, Muñoz-Ávila JI, Dávila-Fajardo CL. Genetic Polymorphisms in VEGFR Coding Genes ( FLT1/ KDR) on Ranibizumab Response in High Myopia and Choroidal Neovascularization Patients. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081555. [PMID: 35893809 PMCID: PMC9330346 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A severe form of myopia defined as pathologic/high myopia is the main cause of visual impairment and one of the most frequent causes of blindness worldwide. It is characterized by at least 6 diopters or axial length (AL) of eyeball > 26 mm and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in 5 to 10% of cases. Ranibizumab is a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody fragment targeted against human vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) used in the treatment of CNV. It acts by preventing VEGF-A from interacting with its receptors (VEGFR-1 and -2) encoded by the FLT1 and KDR genes. Several studies found that the KDR and FLT1 genotypes may represent predictive determinants of efficacy in ranibizumab-treated neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VEGFR coding genes with the response rate to ranibizumab in patients with high myopia and CNV. In the association study of genotypes in FLT1 with the response to ranibizumab, we found a significant association between two FLT1 variants (rs9582036, rs7993418) with ranibizumab efficacy at the 12-month follow-up. About the KDR gene, we found that two KDR variants (rs2305948, rs2071559) are associated with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement and KDR (rs2239702) is associated with lower rates of BCVA worsening considering a 12-month follow-up period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xando Díaz-Villamarín
- Pharmacology Department, University of Granada (UGR), 18016 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Sonia García-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.Granada), 18016 Granada, Spain; (S.G.-R.); (A.A.-R.); (A.P.-A.)
- Genomics Unit, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government (GENYO), 18016 Granada, Spain;
| | - Alba Antúnez-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.Granada), 18016 Granada, Spain; (S.G.-R.); (A.A.-R.); (A.P.-A.)
- Genomics Unit, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government (GENYO), 18016 Granada, Spain;
| | - Ana Pozo-Agundo
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.Granada), 18016 Granada, Spain; (S.G.-R.); (A.A.-R.); (A.P.-A.)
- Genomics Unit, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government (GENYO), 18016 Granada, Spain;
| | - Luis Javier Martínez-González
- Genomics Unit, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government (GENYO), 18016 Granada, Spain;
| | - José Ignacio Muñoz-Ávila
- Ophthalmology Department, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.Granada), Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain;
| | - Cristina Lucía Dávila-Fajardo
- Pharmacy Department, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.Granada), Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18016 Granada, Spain;
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9
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Koutlas IG, Oetting WS, Burns GM, Gopalakrishnan R, Antonescu CR. Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies Somatic Variants in an Oral Composite Hemangioendothelioma Characterized by YAP1-MAML2 Fusion. Head Neck Pathol 2022; 16:849-56. [PMID: 34791601 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-021-01393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Composite hemangioendothelioma (CHE) is considered a borderline malignant vascular tumor defined by an admixture of distinct vascular neoplastic components. A 21-year-old female is presented herein with a 1 cm painless mandibular vestibular mass of less than a year duration. The infiltrating tumor was characterized by dilated vascular channels lined by endothelial cells with bland ovoid or round nuclei exhibiting, occasionally, hobnail/matchstick-like arrangement. Intravascular cell proliferations with hyaline globular deposits were also present. Additionally, lobular spindle and epithelioid cell aggregates, as well as slit-like spaces exhibiting a retiform or angiosarcomatous morphology were observed. Intracytoplasmic signet-ring or lipoblast-like vacuolization was also noted. Mitotic activity was exceptionally rare. Vascular spaces and the stroma featured lymphocytes and plasma cells. Neoplastic cells were positive for CD31, CD34, D2-40 and ERG, negative for CAMTA1 and synaptophysin, while type IV collagen highlighted the plasmalemma of most vessels and hyaline globules. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed gene rearrangements in both YAP1 and MAML2 genes, in keeping with a YAP1-MAML2 fusion. Whole exome sequencing (WES) identified three missense mutations FLT1 [p.R1016G], PIK3CA [p.H1047L], and C11orf42 [p.A304P] and a mitochondrial frameshift insertion MT-ND4 [c.1107_1108insC; p.P370fs]. These WES results suggest that FLT1 and/or PIK3CA variants may contribute to tumor growth/transformation while the MT-ND4 variant may relate to proliferation, angiogenesis and/or inhibition of apoptosis.
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10
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Chi Z, Sun Y, Yu Z, Zhou F, Wang H, Zhang M. Pseudogene fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 pseudogene 1 ( FLT1P1) cooperates with RNA binding protein dyskeratosis congenita 1 (DKC1) to restrain trophoblast cell proliferation and angiogenesis by targeting fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1) in preeclampsia. Bioengineered 2021; 12:8885-8897. [PMID: 34699328 PMCID: PMC8806956 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1988366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In preeclampsia (PE), preexistent maternal endothelial dysfunction leads to impaired placentation and vascular maladaptation. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to participate in the placentation process. LncRNA fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 pseudogene 1 (FLT1P1) was previously reported to be upregulated in PE. In this study, we verified the effect of FLT1P1 and its cognate gene FLT1 on trophoblast cell proliferation and angiogenesis by using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, tube formation assay, and western blot analysis. Their binding to RNA binding protein dyskeratosis congenita 1 (DKC1) was validated by conducting RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pulldown assays. In this study, knockdown of FLT1P1 or FLT1 was found to promote cell proliferation and angiogenesis in trophoblasts. In addition, FLT1P1 recruited DKC1 to stabilize FLT1. Importantly, silencing FLT1P1 or DKC1 decreased the stability of FLT1. Rescue assays revealed that FLT1 overexpression reversed the effect of silenced FLT1P1. Overall, FLT1P1 cooperates with DKC1 to restrain trophoblast cell proliferation and angiogenesis by targeting FLT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjing Chi
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanlan Sun
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhou Yu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fenmei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hairong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Muling Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
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11
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Mohammad Rezaei F, Hashemzadeh S, Ravanbakhsh Gavgani R, Hosseinpour Feizi M, Pouladi N, Samadi Kafil H, Rostamizadeh L, Kholghi Oskooei V, Taheri M, Sakhinia E. Dysregulated KDR and FLT1 Gene Expression in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 8:244-252. [PMID: 32274396 PMCID: PMC7103086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly-diagnosed malignancies throughout the world and the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths globally. Angiogenesis and the resultant tumor neovascularization is a well-known cancer hallmark. Here we investigated the expression of FLT1 and KDR, the influential genes in angiogenesis regulation, in CRC patients. METHODS We assessed FLT1 and KDR mRNA expression in 47 CRC samples and matched adjacent noncancerous tissues (ANCT) by quantitative real-time PCR. The Spearmen correlation coefficient and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also examined. RESULTS Both genes were expressed at significantly greater levels in CRC tissues than in ANCT (p < 0.05). A significant association was found between KDR expression and disease stage and lymph status in CRC patients. Furthermore, the Spearman correlation demonstrated a moderate correlation between FLT1 and KDR expression in CRC samples. Finally, ROC curve analysis demonstrated that FLT1 had the greatest sensitivity (85.1%), while the greatest specificity was achieved by a combination of the two genes. CONCLUSION The dysregulated FLT1 and KDR expression, in addition to the observed correlation and ROC curve results, indicate the critical importance of angiogenesis among the cancer pathways in CRC. These data can broaden our current knowledge of angiogenesis in CRC to improve disease diagnosis and patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Mohammad Rezaei
- Department of Medical Genetic, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Shahryar Hashemzadeh
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- General and Vascular Surgery Department of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | | | | | - Nasser Pouladi
- Department of Biology, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Hossein Samadi Kafil
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Leila Rostamizadeh
- Department of Medical Genetic, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Kholghi Oskooei
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ebrahim Sakhinia
- Tabriz Genetic Analysis Center (TGAC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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12
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Han L, Husaiyin S, Ma C, Wang L, Niyazi M. TNFAIP8L1 and FLT1 polymorphisms alter the susceptibility to cervical cancer amongst uyghur females in China. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20191155. [PMID: 31289124 DOI: 10.1042/BSR20191155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
TNFAIP8L1 and FLT1 play critical roles in the occurrence and development of tumors, but no in-depth studies have been carried out in cervical cancer. The present study aims to research the correlation between polymorphisms of these two genes and the risk of cervical cancer in the Uygur women. The study involved 342 cervical cancer patients and 498 healthy women. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the TNFAIP8L1 gene and the FLT1 gene were selected and genotyped. Odds ratio and 95% CIs were calculated by logistic regression analysis to evaluate the correlation between SNPs and cervical cancer risk. The alleles rs9917028-A (P=0.032), rs10426502-A (P=0.007), and rs1060555-G (P=0.026) of TNFAIP8L1 were associated with a decreased risk of cervical cancer. In the multiple genetic models, these three SNPs were also associated with the risk of cervical cancer. The stratified analysis showed that TNFAIP8L1-rs10426502, -rs1060555, and FLT1-rs9513111 were associated with a decreased risk of cervical cancer amongst people older than 43 years. Moreover, the haplotypes AG (P=0.007) and GC (P=0.026) of linkage disequilibrium block rs10426502|rs1060555 in TNFAIP8L1 were significantly associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. Our results suggested that the relationships between TNFAIP8L1 and FLT1 polymorphisms and the risk of cervical cancer amongst Uyghur females.
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13
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Zhang Y, Li J, Zhao Y, Wang C, Zhang L. Identification of rare variants of allergic rhinitis based on whole genome sequencing and gene expression profiling: A preliminary investigation in four families. World Allergy Organ J 2019; 12:100038. [PMID: 31236190 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2019.100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the success of genome-wide association studies for allergic rhinitis (AR), no definitive causal variants have been identified, and a substantial portion of the heritability of the disease is yet to be discovered. Methods Four families, each with at least 1 parent and one child suffering from dust mite (DM) AR, were recruited, and whole-genome sequencing was performed on samples from 9 eligible individuals from these families. Conjoint analysis was performed for existing gene expression profiling data in the literature and the whole genome sequencing data obtained for these individuals; for presence of family-specific variants segregating with AR and the pathways involved. Similar analyses were also performed with data obtained for 96 sporadic house dust mite (HDM) AR patients and 96 healthy controls. Results Three rare variants in three genes (FLT1_c.603A > T; VEGFB_c.322A > C; and ITGA2_c.502+1G > A), which are involved in Focal Adhesion pathway, were identified in affected, but not unaffected, subjects in two families. VEGFB_c.322A > C and/or ITGA2_c.502+1G > A were further detected in all DM AR patients but not in any healthy individuals in 1 family; which was further investigated for members. The 3 identified variants were not found in any of the sporadic DM AR patients or healthy controls. Conclusion Despite the relatively small sample size, this study has identified several potentially functional rare variants in AR candidate genes, and it provides a platform for future work in larger numbers of families and sporadic individuals for a better understanding of the genetic basis of AR.
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14
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Abstract
Pregnancy is an immunological challenge to the mother. The fetal tissues including the placenta must be protected from activation of the maternal immune system. On the other hand, the placental tissue sheds into the maternal circulation and must be adequately identified and phagocytized by the maternal immune system. During a healthy pregnancy, numerous immunosuppressive processes take place that allow the allograft fetus to thrive under exposure to humoral and cellular components of the maternal immune system. Breakdown of immune tolerance may result in sterile inflammation and cause adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, a vascular disease of the pregnancy with unpredictable course and symptoms from several organs. Immunological incompatibility between mother and fetus is strongly indicated in preeclampsia. Recently, genetic factors linking immunological pathways to predisposition to preeclampsia have been identified. In this mini-review genetic variation in immunological factors are discussed in the context of preeclampsia. Specifically, we explore immunogenetic and immunomodulary mechanisms contributing to loss of tolerance, inflammation, and autoimmunity in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Inkeri Lokki
- Research Programs Unit, Immunobiology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Hannele Laivuori
- Medical and Clinical genetics, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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15
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Amin-Beidokhti M, Gholami M, Abedin-Do A, Pirjani R, Sadeghi H, Karamoddin F, Yassaee VR, Mirfakhraie R. An intron variant in the FLT1 gene increases the risk of preeclampsia in Iranian women. Clin Exp Hypertens 2018; 41:697-701. [PMID: 30409050 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2018.1539097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that affects pregnancy, mother, and fetus. Pathogenesis of preeclampsia could be associated with the angiogenesis pathways. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family is one of the important factors for normal pregnancy and angiogenesis. Genetic variations in the gene family members may play a role in the etiology of preeclampsia. We investigated the possible association between VEGFA gene rs3025039, and VEGFR1 (FLT1) gene rs722503 polymorphisms and preeclampsia in a sample of Iranian patients. Methods: Genotyping was performed in 395 women, including, 204 pre-eclamptic pregnant women and 191 healthy normotensive pregnant women by using the PCR-RFLP method. Results: The rs722503 polymorphism was associated with preeclampsia under the dominant model (P = 0.04, OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.03-2.27). No significant difference was observed for the rs3025039 alleles and genotypes in the studied groups. Conclusions: Based on our study, rs722503 polymorphism in the FLT1 gene may play an important role in susceptibility to preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Amin-Beidokhti
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Gholami
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Atieh Abedin-Do
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reihaneh Pirjani
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Arash Women Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Reza Yassaee
- Genomic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mirfakhraie
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Ji S, Xin H, Li Y, Su EJ. FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 ( FLT1) is a key regulator of fetoplacental endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. Placenta 2018; 70:7-14. [PMID: 30316329 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetoplacental angiogenesis plays a vital role in pregnancy outcome. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is one major regulator of angiogenesis. It primarily binds to FMS-like tyrosine kinase (FLT1) and kinase insert domain receptor (KDR). In most vascular beds, KDR appears to be the main mediator of angiogenesis. However, the role of both receptors within the human placenta remains unknown. METHODS Human fetoplacental ECs were isolated/cultured from placentas of full-term, uncomplicated pregnancies after scheduled Cesarean section. Cells were subjected to RNA interference of either FLT1 or KDR followed by MTT, wound scratch, and tube formation assays. ECs were serum-starved after RNA interference and treated with VEGFA (60 ng/ml), then subjected to western blot to investigate FLT1 or KDR-mediated signaling. All experiments were performed in triplicate utilizing ECs from at least three separate subjects. One-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc testing was utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS Significant knock-down of FLT1 and KDR was confirmed by qPCR (p < 0.01) and WB (p < 0.0001). KDR knock-down decreased EC metabolic activity (p < 0.01), and FLT1 ablation unexpectedly increased EC proliferation (p < 0.01). There was no difference in apoptosis regardless of FLT-1 or KDR knock-down. FLT1 knock-down significantly impaired wound scratch closure (p < 0.0001) and tube formation (p < 0.001). Surprisingly, KDR effects on EC metabolism had no effect on migration, although KDR was important in VEGFA-stimulated Akt and ERK activation. In contrast, FLT1 effects on EC motility were Akt and ERK-independent. CONCLUSION Human fetoplacental EC migration is primarily regulated by FLT1 but not KDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhan Ji
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Hong Xin
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Yingchun Li
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Emily J Su
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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17
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Capossela S, Bertolo A, Gunasekera K, Pötzel T, Baur M, Stoyanov JV. VEGF vascularization pathway in human intervertebral disc does not change during the disc degeneration process. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:333. [PMID: 29784013 PMCID: PMC5963106 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3441-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective During degeneration of the intervertebral disc ingrowth of blood vessels and nerves into the disc are associated with back pain. Vascular endothelial growth factors promote vasculogenesis by binding to the membrane vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1, while shorter soluble forms of this receptor can inhibit vascularization. We hypothesized that membrane and soluble receptor forms might change between stages of intervertebral disc degeneration. Results Expression of soluble and membrane forms of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 in human degenerated intervertebral discs and healthy bovine caudal discs was assessed by qRT-PCR and immunoblot. Comparative microarray meta-analysis across disc degeneration grades showed that membrane and soluble forms of this receptor, together with other components of classic vascularization pathways, are constitutively expressed across human disc degeneration stages. Contrary to our hypothesis, we observed that expression of the classic vascularization pathway is stable across degeneration stages and we assume that soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 does not contribute to prevent disc degeneration. However, we observed increased expression levels of genes involved in alternative vascularization signalling pathways in severely degenerated discs, suggesting that abnormal vascularization is part of the pathological progression of disc degeneration. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3441-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Capossela
- Biomedical Laboratories, Swiss Paraplegic Research, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Bertolo
- Biomedical Laboratories, Swiss Paraplegic Research, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Kapila Gunasekera
- Biomedical Laboratories, Swiss Paraplegic Research, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | | | - Martin Baur
- Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland.,Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Jivko V Stoyanov
- Biomedical Laboratories, Swiss Paraplegic Research, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland.
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18
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Guillem V, Calabuig M, Brunet S, Esteve J, Escoda L, Gallardo D, Ribera JM, Queipo de Llano MP, Arnan M, Pedro C, Amigo ML, Martí-Tutusaus JM, García-Guiñón A, Bargay J, Sampol A, Salamero O, Font L, Talarn C, Hoyos M, Díaz-Beyá M, Garrido A, Navarro B, Nomdédeu J, Sierra J, Tormo M. Bone marrow VEGFC expression is associated with multilineage dysplasia and several prognostic markers in adult acute myeloid leukemia, but not with survival. Leuk Lymphoma 2018; 59:2383-2393. [PMID: 29345176 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2017.1422858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) stimulates leukemia cell proliferation and survival, and promotes angiogenesis. We studied VEGFC expression in bone marrow samples from 353 adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and its relationship with several clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular variables. We also studied the expression of 84 genes involved in VEGF signaling in 24 patients. We found that VEGFC expression was higher in AML patients with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) than in patients with non-AML-MRC. We also found an association between VEGFC expression and the patient cytogenetic risk group, with those with a worse prognosis having higher VEGFC expression levels. No correlation was observed between VEGFC expression and survival or complete remission. VEGFC expression strongly correlated with expression of the VEGF receptors FLT1, KDR, and NRP1. Thus, in this series, VEGFC expression was increased in AML-MRC and in subgroups with a poorer prognosis, but has no impact on survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicent Guillem
- a Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , Hospital Clínico Universitario INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute , Valencia , Spain
| | - Marisa Calabuig
- a Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , Hospital Clínico Universitario INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute , Valencia , Spain
| | - Salut Brunet
- b Department of Hematology , Hospital de Sant Pau, IIB Sant Pau and Jose Carreras Leukemia Research Institutes, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona , Spain
| | - Jordi Esteve
- c Department of Hematology , Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Lourdes Escoda
- d Department of Hematology , Hospital Universitari Joan XIII , Tarragona , Spain
| | - David Gallardo
- e Department of Hematology , ICO Girona, Hospital Josep Trueta, IDIBGI Foundation , Girona , Spain
| | - Josep-Maria Ribera
- f Department of Hematology , ICO Badalona - Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona , Badalona , Spain
| | | | - Montserrat Arnan
- h Department of Hematology , ICO - Hospital Duran i Reynals , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Carme Pedro
- i Department of Hematology , Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar , Barcelona , Spain
| | - María Luz Amigo
- j Department of Hematology , Hospital Morales Meseguer , Murcia , Spain
| | | | - Antoni García-Guiñón
- l Department of Hematology , Hospital Universitari Arnau de Villanova , Lleida , Spain
| | - Joan Bargay
- m Department of Hematology , Hospital Son Llatzer , Mallorca , Spain
| | - Antonia Sampol
- n Department of Hematology , University Hospital Son Espases, Instituto IDISPA , Palma de Mallorca , Spain
| | - Olga Salamero
- o Department of Hematology , Hospital Vall d'Hebron , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Llorenç Font
- p Department of Hematology , Hospital Verge de la Cinta , Tortosa , Spain
| | - Carme Talarn
- c Department of Hematology , Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Montserrat Hoyos
- b Department of Hematology , Hospital de Sant Pau, IIB Sant Pau and Jose Carreras Leukemia Research Institutes, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona , Spain
| | - Marina Díaz-Beyá
- c Department of Hematology , Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Ana Garrido
- b Department of Hematology , Hospital de Sant Pau, IIB Sant Pau and Jose Carreras Leukemia Research Institutes, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona , Spain
| | - Blanca Navarro
- a Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , Hospital Clínico Universitario INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute , Valencia , Spain
| | - Josep Nomdédeu
- b Department of Hematology , Hospital de Sant Pau, IIB Sant Pau and Jose Carreras Leukemia Research Institutes, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona , Spain
| | - Jordi Sierra
- b Department of Hematology , Hospital de Sant Pau, IIB Sant Pau and Jose Carreras Leukemia Research Institutes, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona , Spain
| | - Mar Tormo
- a Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , Hospital Clínico Universitario INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute , Valencia , Spain
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Song Y, Liu Z, Han Y, Gao W, Hao J, Zhong X, Wang D, Li Z. DNA methylation-mediated silencing of FLT1 in parthenogenetic porcine placentas. Placenta 2017; 58:86-89. [PMID: 28962701 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.08.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Studies show that perturbed expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family genes is related to abnormal development of parthenogenetic (PA) placenta. In this study, the methylation status of VEGF family genes were compared between PA and normal placentas using bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP). Results showed no significant difference in the methylation of VEGF-A differentially methylated region (DMR), placental growth factor (PIGF) DMR, and kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) DMR, whereas FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1) DMR was hypermethylated in PA placentas. These results suggested that abnormal methylation of FLT1 DMR might trigger the developmental failure of porcine PA placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Song
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Yang Han
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Jindong Hao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhong
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China.
| | - Zhanjun Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China.
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20
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Chirco KR, Lewis CJ, Scheetz TE, Johnston RM, Tucker BA, Stone EM, Fingert JH, Mullins RF. Evaluation of s FLT1 protein levels in human eyes with the FLT1 rs9943922 polymorphism. Ophthalmic Genet 2017; 39:68-72. [PMID: 28949775 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2017.1369550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a devastating disease characterized by central vision impairment in individuals with advanced age. Neovascular AMD is a form of end-stage disease in which choroidal vessel outgrowth occurs beneath the retina. While many hypotheses have been raised as to what triggers the formation of pathological choroidal neovascular membranes, the exact mechanism for their initiation remains unresolved. Polymorphisms in the FLT1 gene have previously been associated with neovascular AMD risk, including the rs9943922 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Here, we aimed to determine the association between the high-risk FLT1 genotype and FLT1 protein levels in human retina or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid tissue. METHODS Retina and RPE/choroid tissue from 10 human donor eyes was selected from a collection of eyes genotyped for the rs9943922 SNP. Differences in soluble and membrane bound FLT1 protein levels were assessed for retina versus RPE/choroid donor tissue using ELISA and Western blotting analyses. Genotype-associated changes in FLT1 protein levels were also evaluated. RESULTS We found soluble FLT1 levels in the RPE/choroid tissue to be approximately three times higher than that of the retina (p < 0.001), while both samples have similar levels of the membrane bound form. When tissue with the rs9943922 SNP was compared with controls, no significant genotypic differences in FLT1 protein levels were observed. CONCLUSIONS Based on these data, we conclude that the rs9943922 SNP in the FLT1 gene does not result in a large difference in FLT1 protein levels, regardless of whether it is the soluble or the membrane bound form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen R Chirco
- a The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , The University of Iowa , Iowa City , Iowa , USA
| | - Carly J Lewis
- a The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , The University of Iowa , Iowa City , Iowa , USA
| | - Todd E Scheetz
- a The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , The University of Iowa , Iowa City , Iowa , USA
| | - Rebecca M Johnston
- a The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , The University of Iowa , Iowa City , Iowa , USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- a The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , The University of Iowa , Iowa City , Iowa , USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- a The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , The University of Iowa , Iowa City , Iowa , USA
| | - John H Fingert
- a The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , The University of Iowa , Iowa City , Iowa , USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- a The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , The University of Iowa , Iowa City , Iowa , USA
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21
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Staels W, Heremans Y, Leuckx G, Van Gassen N, Salinno C, De Groef S, Cools M, Keshet E, Dor Y, Heimberg H, De Leu N. Conditional islet hypovascularisation does not preclude beta cell expansion during pregnancy in mice. Diabetologia 2017; 60:1051-1056. [PMID: 28299380 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-017-4243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Endothelial-endocrine cell interactions and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A signalling are deemed essential for maternal islet vascularisation, glucose control and beta cell expansion during mouse pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess whether pregnancy-associated beta cell expansion was affected under conditions of islet hypovascularisation. METHODS Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1), a VEGF-A decoy receptor, was conditionally overexpressed in maternal mouse beta cells from 1.5 to 14.5 days post coitum. Islet vascularisation, glycaemic control, beta cell proliferation, individual beta cell size and total beta cell volume were assessed in both pregnant mice and non-pregnant littermates. RESULTS Conditional overexpression of sFLT1 in beta cells resulted in islet hypovascularisation and glucose intolerance in both pregnant and non-pregnant mice. In contrast to non-pregnant littermates, glucose intolerance in pregnant mice was transient. sFLT1 overexpression did not affect pregnancy-associated changes in beta cell proliferation, individual beta cell size or total beta cell volume. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Reduced intra-islet VEGF-A signalling results in maternal islet hypovascularisation and impaired glycaemic control but does not preclude beta cell expansion during mouse pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem Staels
- Beta Cell Neogenesis (BENE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yves Heremans
- Beta Cell Neogenesis (BENE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gunter Leuckx
- Beta Cell Neogenesis (BENE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Naomi Van Gassen
- Beta Cell Neogenesis (BENE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ciro Salinno
- Beta Cell Neogenesis (BENE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sofie De Groef
- Beta Cell Neogenesis (BENE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Martine Cools
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eli Keshet
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yuval Dor
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Harry Heimberg
- Beta Cell Neogenesis (BENE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Nico De Leu
- Beta Cell Neogenesis (BENE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
- Department of Endocrinology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
- Department of Endocrinology, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis Aalst, Aalst, Belgium.
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22
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Zhang SD, Leung KL, McCrudden CM, Kwok HF. The Prognostic Significance of Combining VEGFA, FLT1 and KDR mRNA Expressions in Brain Tumors. J Cancer 2015; 6:812-8. [PMID: 26284131 PMCID: PMC4532977 DOI: 10.7150/jca.11975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells require angiogenesis to deliver nutrients and oxygen to support their fast growth and metabolism. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway plays an important role in promoting angiogenesis, including tumor-induced angiogenesis. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the benefit of targeting VEGF in the treatment of glioblastoma. However, the prognostic significance of the expression of VEGFA and its receptors VEGFR1 (FLT1) and VEGFR2 (KDR) are still largely elusive. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of these three factors, alone or in combination, in glioma patients. Gene mRNA expression was extracted from three independent brain tumor cohorts totaling 242 patients and the association between gene expression and survival was tested. We found that when VEGFA, FLT1 and KDR expressions were considered alone, only VEGFA demonstrated a significant association with patient survival. Patients with high expression of both VEGFA and either receptor had significantly worse survival than patients expressing both factors at a low level. Importantly, we found that those patients whose tumors overexpressed all three genes had a significantly shorter survival compared to those patients with a low level expression of these genes. Our results suggest that a high level expression of VEGFA and its receptors, both FLT1 and KDR, may be required for brain tumor progression, and that these three factors should be considered together as a prognostic indicator for brain tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Dong Zhang
- 2. Center for Cancer Research & Cell Biology and School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Ka Lai Leung
- 1. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Macau SAR ; 2. Center for Cancer Research & Cell Biology and School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Cian M McCrudden
- 2. Center for Cancer Research & Cell Biology and School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- 1. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Macau SAR ; 2. Center for Cancer Research & Cell Biology and School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL, Belfast, United Kingdom ; 3. Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, CB2 0RE, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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23
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Zhang SD, McCrudden CM, Meng C, Lin Y, Kwok HF. The significance of combining VEGFA, FLT1, and KDR expressions in colon cancer patient prognosis and predicting response to bevacizumab. Onco Targets Ther 2015; 8:835-43. [PMID: 25926745 PMCID: PMC4403689 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s80518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting angiogenesis through inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway has been successful in the treatment of late stage colorectal cancer. However, not all patients benefit from inhibition of VEGF. Ras status is a powerful biomarker for response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy; however, an appropriate biomarker for response to anti-VEGF therapy is yet to be identified. VEGF and its receptors, FLT1 and KDR, play a crucial role in colon cancer progression; individually, these factors have been shown to be prognostic in colon cancer; however, expression of none of these factors alone was predictive of tumor response to anti-VEGF therapy. In the present study, we analyzed the expression levels of VEGFA, FLT1, and KDR in two independent colon cancer datasets and found that high expression levels of all three factors afforded a very poor prognosis. The observation was further confirmed in another independent colon cancer dataset, wherein high levels of expression of this three-gene signature was predictive of poor prognosis in patients with proficient mismatch repair a wild-type KRas status, or mutant p53 status. Most importantly, this signature also predicted tumor response to bevacizumab, an antibody targeting VEGFA, in a cohort of bevacizumab-treated patients. Since bevacizumab has been proven to be an important drug in the treatment of advanced stage colon cancer, our results suggest that the three-gene signature approach is valuable in terms of its prognostic value, and that it should be further evaluated in a prospective clinical trial to investigate its predictive value to anti-VEGF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Dong Zhang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Macau, Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China ; Center for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chen Meng
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Macau, Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China ; School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom
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24
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Owen LA, Morrison MA, Ahn J, Woo SJ, Sato H, Robinson R, Morgan DJ, Zacharaki F, Simeonova M, Uehara H, Chakravarthy U, Hogg RE, Ambati BK, Kotoula M, Baehr W, Haider NB, Silvestri G, Miller JW, Tsironi EE, Farrer LA, Kim IK, Park KH, DeAngelis MM. FLT1 genetic variation predisposes to neovascular AMD in ethnically diverse populations and alters systemic FLT1 expression. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:3543-54. [PMID: 24812550 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-14047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Current understanding of the genetic risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is not sufficiently predictive of the clinical course. The VEGF pathway is a key therapeutic target for treatment of neovascular AMD; however, risk attributable to genetic variation within pathway genes is unclear. We sought to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with AMD within the VEGF pathway. METHODS Using a tagSNP, direct sequencing and meta-analysis approach within four ethnically diverse cohorts, we identified genetic risk present in FLT1, though not within other VEGF pathway genes KDR, VEGFA, or VASH1. We used ChIP and ELISA in functional analysis. RESULTS The FLT1 SNPs rs9943922, rs9508034, rs2281827, rs7324510, and rs9513115 were significantly associated with increased risk of neovascular AMD. Each association was more significant after meta-analysis than in any one of the four cohorts. All associations were novel, within noncoding regions of FLT1 that do not tag for coding variants in linkage disequilibrium. Analysis of soluble FLT1 demonstrated higher expression in unaffected individuals homozygous for the FLT1 risk alleles rs9943922 (P = 0.0086) and rs7324510 (P = 0.0057). In silico analysis suggests that these variants change predicted splice sites and RNA secondary structure, and have been identified in other neovascular pathologies. These data were supported further by murine chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrating that FLT1 is a target of Nr2e3, a nuclear receptor gene implicated in regulating an AMD pathway. CONCLUSIONS Although exact variant functions are not known, these data demonstrate relevancy across ethnically diverse genetic backgrounds within our study and, therefore, hold potential for global efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah A Owen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Margaux A Morrison
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Jeeyun Ahn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Joon Woo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hajime Sato
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Rosann Robinson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Denise J Morgan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Fani Zacharaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Thessaly, School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Marina Simeonova
- Retina Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Hironori Uehara
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Usha Chakravarthy
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth E Hogg
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Balamurali K Ambati
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Maria Kotoula
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Thessaly, School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Wolfgang Baehr
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Neena B Haider
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Giuliana Silvestri
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Joan W Miller
- Retina Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Evangelia E Tsironi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Thessaly, School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Lindsay A Farrer
- Departments of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Ophthalmology, Neurology, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Ivana K Kim
- Retina Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Kyu Hyung Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Margaret M DeAngelis
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
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Ahmadova Z, Yagublu V, Förg T, Hajiyeva Y, Jesenofsky R, Hafner M, Keese M. Fluorescent resonance energy transfer imaging of VEGFR dimerization. Anticancer Res 2014; 34:2123-2133. [PMID: 24778014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1/FLT1) and 2 (VEGFR2/KDR) involves receptor dimerization. Formation of VEGFR dimer has so far not been visualized in single intact cells. In the present study we describe different optical assays which can be used to observe dimerization of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BIFC) assays confirmed homo,- and heterodimerization of transfected receptors. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) techniques in living and fixed CHO-K1 cells allowed observation of VEGFR1 homodimer,- and VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 heterodimer formation after ligand stimulation. After inhibition of ligand binding by the VEGFA JH121 antibody VEGFR1 homodimerization was completely abolished. Under the same conditions, cells transfected by VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 maintained relevant receptor heterodimerization. These techniques to monitor VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 homo- and heterodimerization in living and fixed cells may help in the search for new angiogenesis-directed inhibitors of VEGFR dimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhala Ahmadova
- Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
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26
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Slattery ML, John EM, Torres-Mejia G, Lundgreen A, Lewinger JP, Stern MC, Hines L, Baumgartner KB, Giuliano AR, Wolff RK. Angiogenesis genes, dietary oxidative balance and breast cancer risk and progression: the Breast Cancer Health Disparities Study. Int J Cancer 2013; 134:629-44. [PMID: 23832257 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is essential for tumor development and progression. Genetic variation in angiogenesis-related genes may influence breast carcinogenesis. We evaluated dietary factors associated with oxidative balance, DDIT4 (one SNP), FLT1 (35 SNPs), HIF1A (four SNPs), KDR (19 SNPs), MPO (one SNP), NOS2A (15 SNPs), TEK (40 SNPs) and VEGFA (eight SNPs) and breast cancer risk among Hispanic (2,111 cases and 2,597 controls) and non-Hispanic white (1,481 cases and 1,586 controls) women in the Breast Cancer Health Disparities Study. Adaptive rank truncated product (ARTP) analysis was used to determine gene and pathway significance with breast cancer. TEK was associated with breast cancer overall (pARTP = 0.03) and with breast cancer survival (pARTP = 0.01). KDR was of borderline significance overall (pARTP = 0.07), although significantly associated with breast cancer in both low and intermediate Native American (NA) ancestry groups (pARTP = 0.02) and estrogen receptor (ER)+/progesterone receptor (PR)- tumor phenotype (pARTP = 0.008). Both VEGFA and NOS2A were associated with ER-/PR- tumor phenotype (pARTP = 0.01 and pARTP = 0.04, respectively). FLT1 was associated with breast cancer survival among those with low NA ancestry (pARTP = 0.009). With respect to diet, having a higher dietary oxidative balance score (DOBS) was significantly associated with lower breast cancer risk [odds ratio (OR) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64-0.84], with the strongest associations observed for women with the highest NA ancestry (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.30-0.65). We observed few interactions between DOBS and angiogenesis-related genes. Our data suggest that dietary factors and genetic variation in angiogenesis-related genes contribute to breast cancer carcinogenesis.
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27
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Dorjgochoo T, Zheng Y, Gao YT, Ma X, Long J, Bao P, Zhang B, Wen W, Lu W, Zheng W, Shu XO, Beeghly-Fadiel A. No association between genetic variants in angiogenesis and inflammation pathway genes and breast cancer survival among Chinese women. Cancer Epidemiol 2013; 37:619-24. [PMID: 23850146 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis and inflammation are implicated in breast cancer prognosis; however, the role of individual germline variation in related genes is unknown. METHODS A two-stage candidate pathway association study was conducted among 6983 Chinese women. Stage 1 included 2884 women followed for a median of 5.7 years; Stage 2 included 4099 women followed for a median of 4.0 years. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the effects of genetic variants on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Stage 1 included genotyping of 506 variants in 22 genes; analysis was conducted for 370 common variants. Nominally significant associations with DFS and/or OS were found for 20 loci in ten genes in Stage 1; variants in 19 loci were successfully genotyped and evaluated in Stage 2. In analyses of both study stages combined, nominally significant associations were found for nine variants in seven genes; none of these associations surpassed a significance threshold level corrected for the total number of variants evaluated in this study. CONCLUSIONS No association with survival was found for 370 common variants in 22 angiogenesis and inflammation pathway genes among Chinese women with breast cancer. IMPACT Our data do not support a large role for common genetic variation in 22 genes in breast cancer prognosis; research on angiogenesis and inflammation genes should focus on common variation in other genes, rare host variants, or tumor alterations.
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Slattery ML, Lundgreen A, Wolff RK. VEGFA, FLT1, KDR and colorectal cancer: assessment of disease risk, tumor molecular phenotype, and survival. Mol Carcinog 2013; 53 Suppl 1:E140-50. [PMID: 23794399 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is essential for tumor progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) and its receptors 1 (FLT1) and 2 (KDR), have been identified as major mediators of this process. We hypothesized that genetic variation in FLT1 (38 SNPs), KDR (22 SNPS), and VEGFA (11 SNPs) would be associated with colon and rectal cancer development and survival. Data from a case-control study of 1555 colon cancer cases and 1956 controls and 754 rectal cancer cases and 959 controls were used. An adaptive rank truncation product (ARTP), based on 10,000 permutations, was used to determine the statistical significance of the candidate genes and angiogenesis pathway. Based on ARTP results, FLT1 was significantly associated with risk of colon cancer (P(ARTP) = 0.045) and VEGFA was significantly associated with rectal cancer (P(ARTP) = 0.036). After stratifying by tumor molecular subtype, SNP associations observed for colon cancer were: VEGFA rs2010963 with CIMP+ colon tumors; FLT1 rs4771249 and rs7987649 with TP53; FLT1 rs3751397, rs7337610, rs7987649, and rs9513008 and KDR rs10020464, rs11941492, and rs12498529 with MSI+ and CIMP+/KRAS2-mutated tumors. FLT1 rs2296189 and rs600640 were associated with CIMP+ rectal tumors and FLT1 rs7983774 was associated with TP53-mutated rectal tumors. Four SNPs in FLT1 were associated with colon cancer survival while three SNPs in KDR were associated with survival after diagnosis with rectal cancer. Aspirin/NSAID use, smoking cigarettes, and BMI modified the associations. These findings suggest the importance of inflammation and angiogenesis in the etiology of colorectal cancer and that genetic and lifestyle factors may be targets for modulating disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha L Slattery
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Abstract
The secreted glycoprotein vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF or VEGFA) affects many different cell types and modifies a wide spectrum of cellular behaviors in tissue culture models, including proliferation, migration, differentiation and survival. The versatility of VEGF signaling is reflected in the complex composition of its cell surface receptors and their ability to activate a variety of different downstream signaling molecules. A major challenge for VEGF research is to determine which of the specific signaling pathways identified in vitro control development and homeostasis of tissues containing VEGF-responsive cell types in vivo.
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