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Provance OK, Oria VO, Tran TT, Caulfield JI, Zito CR, Aguirre-Ducler A, Schalper KA, Kluger HM, Jilaveanu LB. Vascular mimicry as a facilitator of melanoma brain metastasis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:188. [PMID: 38635031 PMCID: PMC11026261 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05217-z] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma has the highest propensity among solid tumors to metastasize to the brain. Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) are a leading cause of death in melanoma and affect 40-60% of patients with late-stage disease. Therefore, uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind MBM is necessary to enhance therapeutic interventions. Vascular mimicry (VM) is a form of neovascularization linked to invasion, increased risk of metastasis, and poor prognosis in many tumor types, but its significance in MBM remains poorly understood. We found that VM density is elevated in MBM compared to paired extracranial specimens and is associated with tumor volume and CNS edema. In addition, our studies indicate a relevant role of YAP and TAZ, two transcriptional co-factors scarcely studied in melanoma, in tumor cell-vasculogenesis and in brain metastasis. We recently demonstrated activation of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway and increased degradation of its downstream targets YAP and TAZ in a metastasis impaired cell line model. In the current study we establish the utility of anti-YAP/TAZ therapy in mouse models of metastatic melanoma whereby treatment effectively inhibits VM and prolongs survival of mice with MBM. The data presented herein suggest that VM may be an important and targetable mechanism in melanoma and that VM inhibition might be useful for treating MBM, an area of high unmet clinical need, thus having important implications for future treatment regimens for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia K Provance
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Victor O Oria
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thuy T Tran
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jasmine I Caulfield
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Christopher R Zito
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Biology, School of Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Adam Aguirre-Ducler
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kurt A Schalper
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Harriet M Kluger
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Lucia B Jilaveanu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Li D, Zhang Q, Tang Y, Mao F, Zeng J, Ji A. LncRNAs associated with vascular mimicry establish a novel molecular subtype and prognostic model for pancreatic cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:11571-11584. [PMID: 37400573 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05015-3] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular mimicry (VM) epitomizes an innovative tumor angiogenesis pathway, potentially serving as an alternate conduit under the assumption of traditional tumor angiogenesis pathway inhibition. The role of VM in pancreatic cancer (PC), however, remains unexplored. METHODS Using differential analysis and Spearman correlation, we identified key long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) signatures in PC from the collected set of VM-associated genes in the literature. We identified optimal clusters using the non-negative matrix decomposition (NMF) algorithm, and then compared clinicopathological features and prognostic differences between clusters. We also assessed tumor microenvironmental (TME) differences between clusters using multiple algorithms. Using univariate Cox regression analyses as well as lasso regression, we constructed and validated new lncRNA prognostic risk models for PC. We used Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to analyze model-enriched functions and pathways. Nomograms were then developed to predict patient survival in association with clinicopathological factors. In addition, single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was used to analyze the expression patterns of VM-related genes and lncRNAs in the PC of TME. Finally, we used the Connectivity Map (cMap) database to predict local anaesthetics that could modify the VM of PC. RESULTS In this study, we developed a novel three-cluster molecular subtype using the identified VM-associated lncRNA signatures of PC. The different subtypes have significantly different clinical characteristics and prognostic value, and also show differential treatment response and TME. Following an in-depth analysis, we constructed and validated a novel prognostic risk model for PC based on the VM-associated lncRNA signatures. Enrichment analysis suggested that high riskscores were significantly associated with functions and pathways, including extracellular matrix remodeling, et al. In addition, we predicted eight local anaesthetics that could modulate VM in PC. Finally, we discovered differential expression of VM-related genes and lncRNAs across various cell types within pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSION VM has a critical role in PC. This study pioneers the development of a VM-based molecular subtype that demonstrates substantial differentiation in PC populations. Furthermore, we highlighted the significance of VM within the immune microenvironment of PC. Moreover, VM might contribute to PC tumorigenesis through its mediation of mesenchymal remodeling and endothelial transdifferentiation-related pathways, which offers a new perspective on its role in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Li
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Yangzhou University Affiliated Hospital, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yubao Tang
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feiyu Mao
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Yangzhou University Affiliated Hospital, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia Zeng
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Yangzhou University Affiliated Hospital, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Anlai Ji
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Yangzhou University Affiliated Hospital, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Angiogenesis plays a key role in bladder cancer (BC) pathogenesis. In the last two decades, an increasing number of publications depicting a multitude of novel angiogenic molecules and pathways have emerged. The growing complexity necessitates an evaluation of the breadth of current knowledge to highlight key findings and guide future research. RECENT FINDINGS Angiogenesis is a dynamic biologic process that is inherently difficult to assess. Clinical assessment of angiogenesis in BCs is advancing with the integration of image analysis systems and dynamic contrast-enhanced and magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) significantly influence the angiogenic process, and further research is needed to assess their potential as therapeutic targets. A rapidly growing list of non-coding RNAs affect angiogenesis in BCs, partly through modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity. Vascular mimicry (VM) has been repeatedly associated with increased tumour aggressiveness in BCs. Standardised assays are needed for appropriate identification and quantification of VM channels. This article demonstrates the dynamic and complex nature of the angiogenic process and asserts the need for further studies to deepen our understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Elayat
- Department of Natural Science, Middlesex University, London, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Ivan Punev
- Department of Natural Science, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Abdel Selim
- Histopathology Department, King’s Health Partners, King’s College Hospital, London, UK
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Bhattacharjee R, Prabhakar N, Kumar L, Bhattacharjee A, Kar S, Malik S, Kumar D, Ruokolainen J, Negi A, Jha NK, Kesari KK. Crosstalk between long noncoding RNA and microRNA in Cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023:10.1007/s13402-023-00806-9. [PMID: 37245177 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00806-9] [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: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
miRNAs and lncRNAs play a central role in cancer-associated gene regulations. The dysregulated expression of lncRNAs has been reported as a hallmark of cancer progression, acting as an independent prediction marker for an individual cancer patient. The interplay of miRNA and lncRNA decides the variation of tumorigenesis that could be mediated by acting as sponges for endogenous RNAs, regulating miRNA decay, mediating intra-chromosomal interactions, and modulating epigenetic components. This paper focuses on the influence of crosstalk between lncRNA and miRNA on cancer hallmarks such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, hijacking cell death, metastasis, and invasion. Other cellular roles of crosstalks, such as neovascularization, vascular mimicry, and angiogenesis were also discussed. Additionally, we reviewed crosstalk mechanism with specific host immune responses and targeting interplay (between lncRNA and miRNA) in cancer diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Bhattacharjee
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT-DU), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Neeraj Prabhakar
- Centre for Structural System Biology, Department of Physics, University of Hamburg, c/o DESY, Building 15, Notkestr. 852267, Hamburg, Germany
- Pharmacy, Abo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6A, Turku, Finland
| | - Lamha Kumar
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Arkadyuti Bhattacharjee
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT-DU), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sulagna Kar
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT-DU), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sumira Malik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 834001, India
| | - Dhruv Kumar
- School of Health Sciences and Technology (SoHST), UPES University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Janne Ruokolainen
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, Espoo, 00076, Finland
| | - Arvind Negi
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, 00076, Finland.
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, UP, India.
- School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, India.
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, 248007, India.
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, Espoo, 00076, Finland.
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Biocentre 3, Helsinki, Finland.
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Dong ZX, Chan SH, Chen SN, Li M, Zhang XD, Liu XQ. TJP1 promotes vascular mimicry in bladder cancer by facilitating VEGFA expression and transcriptional activity through TWIST1. Transl Oncol 2023; 32:101666. [PMID: 37031603 PMCID: PMC10119961 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101666] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tight junction protein 1 (TJP1) is a recently identified prominent regulator of bladder cancer (BLCA) angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. Vascular mimicry (VM) is a newly described tumor feature and is correlated with an increased risk of tumor metastasis. However, the relationship between TJP1 expression and VM in bladder cancer remains elusive. In the present study, we report a novel function for TJP1 in accommodating VM to promote tumor progression. We found that the elevated TJP1 expression was positively related to VM in patients and xenograft tumor models in bladder cancer. Enforced expression of TJP1 increased VM of BLCA cells in vitro and in vivo by elevating Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels. Furthermore, VM induced by TJP1 overexpression was significantly blocked by the VEGFA and VEGFR inhibitors (Bevacizumab and Sunitinib). Mechanistically, TJP1 promoted VEGFA transcriptional and protein level in a TWIST1-dependent manner. Taken together, our study reveals that TJP1-regulated VEGFA overexpression may indicate a potential therapeutic target for clinical intervention in the early tumor neovascularization of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Xia Dong
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sze-Hoi Chan
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shu-Na Chen
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xing-Ding Zhang
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xue-Qi Liu
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.
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Fang T, Lin L, Ye ZJ, Fang L, Shi S, Yu KD, Miao HH, Li TZ. Dexmedetomidine Promotes Angiogenesis and Vasculogenic Mimicry in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma through α 2-AR/HIF-1α/VEGFA Pathway. Biomed Environ Sci 2022; 35:931-942. [PMID: 36443270 DOI: 10.3967/bes2022.120] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dexmedetomidine (DEX), the most specific α 2-adrenergic receptor agonist widely used for its sedative and analgesic properties, has been reported to upregulate HIF-1α expression to protect hypoxic and ischemic tissues. However, it is largely unclear whether DEX can also upregulate Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) expression and its downstream vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) in cancer tissues with oxygen-deficient tumor microenvironment. METHODS We used SMMC-7721 cells, MHCC97-H cells, and a mouse model of orthotopic hepatic carcinoma to explore the effect of DEX on angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) and its mechanism. Under normoxic (20% O 2) and hypoxic (1% O 2) conditions, DEX was used to intervene cells, and yohimbine was used to rescue them. RESULTS The results showed that DEX promoted angiogenesis and VM in human liver cancer cells within a certain dose range, and the addition of yohimbine inhibited this effect. DEX could activate HIF-1α/VEGFA pathway, which was further verified by silencing HIF-1α. Consistently, in vivo results also showed that DEX can up-regulate HIF-1α/VEGFA expression, and enhance the number of VM channels and microvessel density (MVD). CONCLUSION We believe that HIF-1α/VEGFA might be an important signaling pathway by which DEX promotes angiogenesis and VM formation in human hepatocellular carcinoma, whereas α 2-adrenergic receptor mediation might be the critical mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China;Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Jinhua Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Jinhua Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhi Jian Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Jinhua Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lian Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Jinhua Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuai Shi
- IVF centre, The Affiliated Jinhua Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ke Da Yu
- IVF centre, The Affiliated Jinhua Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Hui Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Tian Zuo Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
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Li F, Shi Y, Zhang Y, Yang X, Wang Y, Jiang K, Hua C, Wu C, Sun C, Qin Y, Liu S. Investigating the mechanism of Xian-ling-lian-xia-fang for inhibiting vasculogenic mimicry in triple negative breast cancer via blocking VEGF/MMPs pathway. Chin Med 2022; 17:44. [PMID: 35379271 PMCID: PMC8981688 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00597-5] [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] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Xian-ling-lian-xia-fang (XLLXF), a Chinese medicine decoction, is widely used in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the underlying mechanism of XLLXF in TNBC treatment has not been totally elucidated. Methods Here, network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to explore the mechanism of Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of TNBC. Then, biological experiments were integrated to verify the results of network pharmacology. Results Network pharmacology showed that the candidate active ingredients mainly included quercetin, kaempferol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol through the “XLLXF–active ingredients–targets” network. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 were the potential therapeutic targets obtained through the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Molecular docking confirmed that quercetin, kaempferol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol could stably combine with VEGFA and MMP2. Experimental verification showed that XLLXF could inhibit proliferation, colony ability, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation and promote cell apoptosis in TNBC. Laser confocal microscopy found that XLLXF impaired F-actin cytoskeleton organization and inhibited epithelial mesenchymal transition. Animal experiments also found that XLLXF could inhibit tumor growth and VM formation in TNBC xenograft model. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining showed that XLLXF inhibited the protein expression of VEGFA, MMP2, MMP9, Vimentin, VE-cadherin, and Twist1 and increased that of E-cadherin, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, and TIMP-3 in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions Integrating the analysis of network pharmacology and experimental validation revealed that XLLXF could inhibit VM formation via downregulating the VEGF/MMPs signaling pathway. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-022-00597-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Li
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Breast Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Youyang Shi
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Breast Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Breast Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yang
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Breast Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Breast Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Kexin Jiang
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Breast Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ciyi Hua
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Breast Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Chunyu Wu
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Breast Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Chenping Sun
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Breast Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yuenong Qin
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Breast Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Sheng Liu
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Breast Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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Chen S, Li X, Wang H, Chen G, Zhou Y. Anti-VEGFR2 monoclonal antibody(MSB0254) inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth by blocking the signaling pathway mediated by VEGFR2 in glioblastoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 604:158-164. [PMID: 35305420 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.03.045] [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: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a key physiological process that plays a key role in glioblastoma (GBM) progression and displays therapeutic resistance to antiangiogenic therapies. In this study, we aimed to identify whether vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2)monoclonal antibodies(mab)could inhibit tumorigenicity and the formation of vascular mimicry (VM) in GBM. The bioinformatic analysis from TCGA, CGGA, and TCPA databases and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed that VEGFR2 is highly expressed in glioma tissues and results in a poor prognosis and is positively associated with VM markers (CD34 and PAS). The anti-VEGFR2 monoclonal antibodies(MSB0254)could inhibit the invasion, migration, and VM formation of U251 and primary glioma cells in vitro. In vivo, MSB0254 (m) could not only inhibit the growth of transplanted tumors of U251 and GL261 cells, but also significantly inhibit the expression of CD34, VEGFR2, Ki67, MMP2, MMP9 and reduce the expression of CD34/PAS and inhibit VM formation. The VEGFR2 monoclonal antibody could inhibit the angiogenesis and tumor growth of GBM by blocking the signaling pathway mediated by VEGFR2. It may become a new supplementary treatment for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sansong Chen
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital), No.2 Zheshan Road, Wuhu, 241001, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xuetao Li
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guangliang Chen
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Youxin Zhou
- Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, 215000, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Wu M, Sun X, Wang T, Zhang M, Li P. TRPS1 knockdown inhibits angiogenic vascular mimicry in human triple negative breast cancer cells. Clin Transl Oncol 2021; 24:145-153. [PMID: 34216368 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02676-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vascular mimicry (VM) tubules are lumen structures comprised of malignant tumor cells without the participation of endothelial cells. VM simulates blood vessel function in tumors to deliver a sufficient blood supply for proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of malignant tumors, thereby reducing the clinical effects of anti-angiogenic treatments. The elimination or prevention of malignant tumor VM development therefore represents an urgent research goal as a therapeutic strategy to and cut off nutrients required for tumor growth. The GATA transcription factor TRPS1 is abnormally up-regulated in breast cancer, osteosarcoma, prostate cancer, and other tumor tissues, and is instrumental in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue growth and development. METHODS Here, we explored the effects of TRPS1 knockdown on VM and the proteins underlying its development in triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. RESULTS We found that TRPS1 knockdown resulted in obvious inhibition of VM development. Fluorescence microscopy of F-actin and tubulin revealed that loss of TRPS1 function resulted in disruption of cytoskeleton and microtubule formation, respectively. In addition, TRPS1-suppressed cells exhibited reduced accumulation of VM-associated proteins EphA2, MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, and VE-cadherin. Moreover, it is interesting to know that the capacity for migration and invasion were limited in MDA-MB-231cells after TRPS1 knockdown and that the average number of VM tubules, their length, and number of intersections were also significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS Based on our results, and in light of previous studies, we thus proposed that TRPS1 suppression negatively affects vascular mimicry possibly through reduced TRPS1-mediated transcriptional regulation of VM-related protein VEGF-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wu
- Chinese Integrative Medicine Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 120 Wanshui Road, Shushan District, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - X Sun
- Chinese Integrative Medicine Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 120 Wanshui Road, Shushan District, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - T Wang
- Chinese Integrative Medicine Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 120 Wanshui Road, Shushan District, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - M Zhang
- Chinese Integrative Medicine Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 120 Wanshui Road, Shushan District, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - P Li
- Chinese Integrative Medicine Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 120 Wanshui Road, Shushan District, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis is a key and early step in tumorigenesis, and is known as a hallmark of solid tumors and a key promoter of tumor recurrence. Unlike normal tissue vessels, the architecture of the tumor vasculature is abnormal, being leaky, tortuous, fragile and blind-ended. Perivascular cells are either detached or absent, causing reduction of vascular integrity, an increase in vessel immaturity, incoherent perfusion, defective functionality and enhanced tumor dissemination and metastasis. The abnormal tumor vasculature along with the defective tumor vessel functionality finally causes bouts of hypoxia and acidity in the tumor microenvironment (TME), further reinvigorating tumor aggression. Interstitial hypertension or high interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) is an outcome of tumor hyper-permeability. High IFP can be a barrier for either effective delivery of anti-cancer drugs toward the TME or accumulation of drugs within the tumor area, thus promoting tumor resistance to therapy. Some tumors do, however, not undergo angiogenesis but instead undergo vessel co-option or vascular mimicry, thereby adding another layer of complexity to cancer development and therapy. CONCLUSIONS Combination of anti-angiogenesis therapy with chemotherapy and particularly with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is a promising strategy for a number of advanced cancers. Among the various approaches for targeting tumor angiogenesis, vascular normalization is considered as the most desired method, which allows effective penetration of chemotherapeutics into the tumor area, thus being an appropriate adjuvant to other cancer modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Cancer and Immunology Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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Wei X, Chen Y, Jiang X, Peng M, Liu Y, Mo Y, Ren D, Hua Y, Yu B, Zhou Y, Liao Q, Wang H, Xiang B, Zhou M, Li X, Li G, Li Y, Xiong W, Zeng Z. Mechanisms of vasculogenic mimicry in hypoxic tumor microenvironments. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:7. [PMID: 33397409 PMCID: PMC7784348 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01288-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a recently discovered angiogenetic process found in many malignant tumors, and is different from the traditional angiogenetic process involving vascular endothelium. It involves the formation of microvascular channels composed of tumor cells; therefore, VM is considered a new model for the formation of new blood vessels in aggressive tumors, and can provide blood supply for tumor growth. Many studies have pointed out that in recent years, some clinical treatments against angiogenesis have not been satisfactory possibly due to the activation of VM. Although the mechanisms underlying VM have not been fully elucidated, increasing research on the soil “microenvironment” for tumor growth suggests that the initial hypoxic environment in solid tumors is inseparable from VM. Main body In this review, we describe that the stemness and differentiation potential of cancer stem cells are enhanced under hypoxic microenvironments, through hypoxia-induced epithelial-endothelial transition (EET) and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling to form the specific mechanism of vasculogenic mimicry; we also summarized some of the current drugs targeting VM through these processes, suggesting a new reference for the clinical treatment of tumor angiogenesis. Conclusion Overall, the use of VM inhibitors in combination with conventional anti-angiogenesis treatments is a promising strategy for improving the effectiveness of targeted angiogenesis treatments; further, considering the importance of hypoxia in tumor invasion and metastasis, drugs targeting the hypoxia signaling pathway seem to achieve good results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Wei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yunhua Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xianjie Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Peng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiduo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongzhen Mo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Daixi Ren
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuze Hua
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Boyao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yujuan Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Xiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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12
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Maroufi NF, Ashouri N, Mortezania Z, Ashoori Z, Vahedian V, Amirzadeh-Iranaq MT, Fattahi A, Kazemzadeh H, Bizzarri M, Akbarzadeh M, Nejabati HR, Faridvand Y, Rashidi MR, Nouri M. The potential therapeutic effects of melatonin on breast cancer: An invasion and metastasis inhibitor. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:153226. [PMID: 32987338 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.153226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and its metastasis which generally observed at the last stage is the major cause of breast cancer-related death. Therefore, the agents that have the potential to prevent metastatic and invasive nature of breast cancer can open up new therapeutic strategies. Melatonin, a major hormone of pineal gland, is a powerful anti-cancer agent. There are growing evidence regarding the protective effect of melatonin against cancer invasion and metastasis. The anti-metastatic feature of melatonin accompanies with suppression of tumor proliferation, induction of tumor apoptosis, regulation of the cell cycle, modulating angiogenesis, impediment of invasion, and induction of cancer cells sensitivity to the chemotherapy agents. More recently, anti-metastatic effect of melatonin through affecting cancer stem cells and vascular mimicry has been identified. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the potential therapeutic effect of melatonin on breast cancer via modulating the cells invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazila Fathi Maroufi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran; Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nima Ashouri
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Ashoori
- Department of Medical, Faculty of Medical, University of Shahid Beheshti, Iran
| | - Vahid Vahedian
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine, Dr. Vahid Vahedian Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Gorgan, Iran; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Sari, Iran
| | | | - Amir Fattahi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Kazemzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University, Iran
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- University La Sapienza, Department of Experimental Medicine, System Biology Group, Rome, Italy
| | - Maryam Akbarzadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hamid Reza Nejabati
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yousef Faridvand
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Rashidi
- Stem Cell And Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell And Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Abstract
Vascular mimicry is induced by a wide array of genes with functions related to cancer stemness, hypoxia, angiogenesis and autophagy. Vascular mimicry competent (VM-competent) cells that form de novo blood vessels are common in solid tumors facilitating tumor cell survival and metastasis. VM-competent cells display increased levels of vascular mimicry selecting for stem-like cells in an O2-gradient-dependent manner in deeply hypoxic tumor regions, while also aiding in maintaining tumor cell metabolism and stemness. Three of the principal drivers of vascular mimicry are EphA2, Nodal and HIF-1α, however, directly or indirectly many of these molecules affect VE-Cadherin (VE-Cad), which forms gap-junctions to bind angiogenic blood vessels together. During vascular mimicry, the endothelial-like functions of VM-competent cancer stem cells co-opt VE-Cad to bind cancer cells together to create cancer cell-derived blood conducting vessels. This process potentially compensates for the lack of access to blood and nutrient in avascular tumors, simultaneously providing nutrients and enhancing cancer invasion and metastasis. Current evidence also supports that vascular mimicry promotes cancer malignancy and metastasis due to the cooperation of oncogenic signaling molecules driving cancer stemness and autophagy. While a number of currently used cancer therapeutics are effective inhibitors of vascular mimicry, developing a new class of vascular mimicry specific inhibitors could allow for the treatment of angiogenesis-resistant tumors, inhibit cancer metastasis and improve patient survival. In this review, we describe the principal vascular mimicry pathways in addition to emphasizing the roles of hypoxia, autophagy and select proangiogenic oncogenes in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Wechman
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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14
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Abstract
Tumor vascularization refers to the formation of new blood vessels within a tumor and is considered one of the hallmarks of cancer. Tumor vessels supply the tumor with oxygen and nutrients, required to sustain tumor growth and progression, and provide a gateway for tumor metastasis through the blood or lymphatic vasculature. Blood vessels display an angiocrine capacity of supporting the survival and proliferation of tumor cells through the production of growth factors and cytokines. Although tumor vasculature plays an essential role in sustaining tumor growth, it represents at the same time an essential way to deliver drugs and immune cells to the tumor. However, tumor vasculature exhibits many morphological and functional abnormalities, thus resulting in the formation of hypoxic areas within tumors, believed to represent a mechanism to maintain tumor cells in an invasive state.Tumors are vascularized through a variety of modalities, mainly represented by angiogenesis, where VEGF and other members of the VEGF family play a key role. This has represented the basis for the development of anti-VEGF blocking agents and their use in cancer therapy: however, these agents failed to induce significant therapeutic effects.Much less is known about the cellular origin of vessel network in tumors. Various cell types may contribute to tumor vasculature in different tumors or in the same tumor, such as mature endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), or the same tumor cells through a process of transdifferentiation. Early studies have suggested a role for bone marrow-derived EPCs; these cells do not are true EPCs but myeloid progenitors differentiating into monocytic cells, exerting a proangiogenic effect through a paracrine mechanism. More recent studies have shown the existence of tissue-resident endothelial vascular progenitors (EVPs) present at the level of vessel endothelium and their possible involvement as cells of origin of tumor vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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15
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Fathi Maroufi N, Taefehshokr S, Rashidi MR, Taefehshokr N, Khoshakhlagh M, Isazadeh A, Mokarizadeh N, Baradaran B, Nouri M. Vascular mimicry: changing the therapeutic paradigms in cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:4749-4765. [PMID: 32424524 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05515-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a major problem in the health system, and despite many efforts to effectively treat it, none has yet been fully successful. Angiogenesis and metastasis are considered as major challenges in the treatment of various cancers. Researchers have struggled to succeed with anti-angiogenesis drugs for the effective treatment of cancer, although new challenges have emerged in the treatment with the emergence of resistance to anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastatic drugs. Numerous studies have shown that different cancers can resist anti-angiogenesis drugs in a new process called vascular mimicry (VM). The studies have revealed that cells resistant to anti-angiogenesis cancer therapies are more capable of forming VMs in the in vivo and in vitro environment, although there is a link between the presence of VM and poor clinical outcomes. Given the importance of the VM in the challenges facing cancer treatment, researchers are trying to identify factors that prevent the formation of these structures. In this review article, it is attempted to provide a comprehensive overview of the molecules and main signaling pathways involved in VM phenomena, as well as the agents currently being identified as anti-VM and the role of VM in response to treatment and prognosis of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazila Fathi Maroufi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sina Taefehshokr
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Rashidi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nima Taefehshokr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Human Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mahdieh Khoshakhlagh
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Isazadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Narmin Mokarizadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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16
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Jafarian AH, Kooshkiforooshani M, Rasoliostadi A, Mohamadian Roshan N. Vascular Mimicry Expression in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma; A New Technique for Prospect of Aggressiveness. Iran J Pathol 2019; 14:232-235. [PMID: 31583000 PMCID: PMC6742743 DOI: 10.30699/ijp.2019.94997.1939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background & Objective: In vascular (vasculogenic) mimicry (VM), tumoral cells mimic the endothelial cells and form the extracellular matrix-rich tubular networks. It has been proposed that VM is more extensive in aggressive tumors. This study was designed to investigate the rate of VM expression in the stromal cells of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and to find its relationship with other clinicopathological factors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 120 patients with histopathologic diagnosis of IDC who received mastectomy were included. The VM expression was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The clinicopathologic data including age, tumor size, histological grade, clinical stage, axillary lymph node metastasis, hormonal receptors, and survival were documented. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 51 (±13.83) years old. The stromal VM expression was detected in 16 of 120 patients (13.3%). Twelve specimens (75%) of positive VM expression group had grade 3 which was higher than negative VM expression group (9 cases, 8.65%; P<0.001). The VM expression showed statistically significant relationship with higher histologic grade higher clinical stage (stage 3) of the tumor (62.5% vs. 87%; P=0.003), the presence of axillary lymph node metastasis (95.6% vs. 55.8%; P<0.001), and positive HER-2 (100% vs. 31.1%; P<0.001); but not estrogen receptor (ER) or progesterone receptor (PR). However, age, tumor size and mortality rate were not significantly different among the patients with and without VM expression. Conclusion: The stromal VM expression showed significant relationship with higher stage and grade of the tumor and the presence of nodal metastasis. The VM expression in IDC can be used as a marker for tumor aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hossein Jafarian
- Department Of Pathology, Cancer Molecular Pathology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | | | - Nema Mohamadian Roshan
- Department Of Pathology, Cancer Molecular Pathology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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17
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Sharma I, Singh A, Siraj F, Saxena S. IL-8/CXCR1/2 signalling promotes tumor cell proliferation, invasion and vascular mimicry in glioblastoma. J Biomed Sci 2018; 25:62. [PMID: 30086759 PMCID: PMC6081798 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-018-0464-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the lethal malignant tumors of the central nervous system. Despite advances made in understanding this complex disease, little has been achieved in improving clinical efficacy towards it. Factors such as chemokines play important role in shaping the tumor microenvironment which in turn plays a significant role in deciding course of tumor progression. In this study, we investigated the role of chemokine IL-8 in glioblastoma progression with particular emphasis on immunomodulation, cellular proliferation, invasion and vascular mimicry. METHODS Role of IL-8 in GBM immunology was determined by correlating the expression of IL-8 by immunohistochemistry with other immune cell markers such as CD3 and CD68. Effect of high IL-8 expression on overall survival, the difference in expression level between different GBM subgroups and anatomic structures were analyzed using other databases. Two GBM cell lines -U-87MG and LN-18 were used to study the impact of targeting IL-8-CXCR1/2 signalling using neutralizing antibodies and pharmacological antagonist. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry were used to determine the expression of these axes. Impact on cell viability and proliferation was assessed by MTT, proliferation marker-ki-67 and clonogenic survival assays. Multicellular tumor spheroids generated from GBM cell lines were used to study invasion in matrigel. RESULTS Weak Positive correlation was observed between IL-8 and CD3 as well as between IL-8 and CD68. High IL-8 expression in GBM patients was found to be associated with dismal survival. No significant difference in IL-8 expression between different molecular subgroups of GBM was observed. In vitro targeting of IL-8-CXCR1/2 signalling displayed a significant reduction in cell viability and proliferation, and spheroid invasion. Furthermore, the presence of CD34-/CXCR1+ vessels in GBM tissues showed the involvement of IL-8/CXCR1 in vascular mimicry structure formation. CONCLUSION These results suggest a direct involvement of IL-8-CXCR1/2 axes in GBM progression by promoting both cell proliferation and invasion and indirectly by promoting neovascularization in the form of vascular mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ira Sharma
- National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, Room No. 610, 6th floor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029 India
- Symbiosis International University, Pune, India
| | - Avninder Singh
- National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, Room No. 610, 6th floor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029 India
| | - Fouzia Siraj
- National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, Room No. 610, 6th floor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029 India
| | - Sunita Saxena
- National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, Room No. 610, 6th floor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029 India
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18
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Li W, Miao S, Miao M, Li R, Cao X, Zhang K, Huang G, Fu B. Hedgehog Signaling Activation in Hepatic Stellate Cells Promotes Angiogenesis and Vascular Mimicry in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Invest 2016; 34:424-430. [PMID: 27657189 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2016.1227442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have established that hedgehog (Hh) signaling mediates tumor-stroma interaction and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Here, we demonstrated that activation of Hh signaling in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 by Huh-7-derived sonic Hh led to increased secretion of angiogenic factors and promoted angiogenesis in vitro. The activated LX-2 also enhanced vascular mimicry of hepatoma cells. Furthermore, co-injection of Huh-7 and LX-2 significantly accelerated tumor growth with enhanced angiogenesis compared with Huh-7 alone, which could be partly abrogated by Hh signaling inhibitor. Collectively, our data showed that paracrine Hh signaling mediated pro-angiogenic function of HSC and enhanced hepatoma growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Shuanlin Miao
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Manyuan Miao
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Renshuan Li
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Xiaopeng Cao
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Kun Zhang
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Genzuan Huang
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Bin Fu
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
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19
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Bora-Singhal N, Nguyen J, Schaal C, Perumal D, Singh S, Coppola D, Chellappan S. YAP1 Regulates OCT4 Activity and SOX2 Expression to Facilitate Self-Renewal and Vascular Mimicry of Stem-Like Cells. Stem Cells 2016; 33:1705-18. [PMID: 25754111 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [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: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is highly correlated with smoking and has very low survival rates. Multiple studies have shown that stem-like cells contribute to the genesis and progression of NSCLC. Our results show that the transcriptional coactivator yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), which is the oncogenic component of the Hippo signaling pathway, is elevated in the stem-like cells from NSCLC and contributes to their self-renewal and ability to form angiogenic tubules. Inhibition of YAP1 by a small molecule or depletion of YAP1 by siRNAs suppressed self-renewal and vascular mimicry of stem-like cells. These effects of YAP1 were mediated through the embryonic stem cell transcription factor, Sox2. YAP1 could transcriptionally induce Sox2 through a physical interaction with Oct4; Sox2 induction occurred independent of TEAD2 transcription factor, which is the predominant mediator of YAP1 functions. The binding of Oct4 to YAP1 could be detected in cell lines as well as tumor tissues; the interaction was elevated in NSCLC samples compared to normal tissue as seen by proximity ligation assays. YAP1 bound to Oct4 through the WW domain, and a peptide corresponding to this region could disrupt the interaction. Delivery of the WW domain peptide to stem-like cells disrupted the interaction and abrogated Sox2 expression, self-renewal, and vascular mimicry. Depleting YAP1 reduced the expression of multiple epithelial-mesenchymal transition genes and prevented the growth and metastasis of tumor xenografts in mice; overexpression of Sox2 in YAP1 null cells rescued these functions. These results demonstrate a novel regulation of stem-like functions by YAP1, through the modulation of Sox2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Bora-Singhal
- Department of Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jonathan Nguyen
- Department of Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Courtney Schaal
- Department of Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Deepak Perumal
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sandeep Singh
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Domenico Coppola
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Srikumar Chellappan
- Department of Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Abstract
In 1999, the American Journal of Pathology published an article, entitled "Vascular channel formation by human melanoma cells in vivo and in vitro: vasculogenic mimicry" by Maniotis and colleagues, which ignited a spirited debate for several years and earned the journal's distinction of a "citation classic" (Maniotis et al., 1999). Tumor cell vasculogenic mimicry (VM), also known as vascular mimicry, describes the plasticity of aggressive cancer cells forming de novo vascular networks and is associated with the malignant phenotype and poor clinical outcome. The tumor cells capable of VM share the commonality of a stem cell-like, transendothelial phenotype, which may be induced by hypoxia. Since its introduction as a novel paradigm for melanoma tumor perfusion, many studies have contributed new findings illuminating the underlying molecular pathways supporting VM in a variety of tumors, including carcinomas, sarcomas, glioblastomas, astrocytomas, and melanomas. Of special significance is the lack of effectiveness of angiogenesis inhibitors on tumor cell VM, suggesting a selective resistance by this phenotype to conventional therapy. Facilitating the functional plasticity of tumor cell VM are key proteins associated with vascular, stem cell, extracellular matrix, and hypoxia-related signaling pathways--each deserving serious consideration as potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic indicators of the aggressive, metastatic phenotype. This review highlights seminal findings pertinent to VM, including the effects of a novel, small molecular compound, CVM-1118, currently under clinical development to target VM, and illuminates important molecular pathways involved in the suppression of this plastic, aggressive phenotype, using melanoma as a model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary J C Hendrix
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60614, United States; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.
| | - Elisabeth A Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
| | - Richard E B Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60614, United States; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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21
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Abstract
As in normal tissues, solid tumors depend on vascular networks to supply blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Tumor blood vessels are formed by common processes of neovascularization for example endothelial sprouting. However, some tumors have alternative and unexpected mechanisms of neovascularization at their disposal. In a process termed "vascular mimicry," tumors create their own, tumor cell-lined channels for fluid transport independent of typical modes of angiogenesis. These tumor cell-lined conduits may express endothelial-selective markers and anti-coagulant factors which allow for anastamosis with host endothelium. In this review, we explore the current status of vascular mimicry research, highlighting recent evidence which strengthens the hypothesis for this unusual ability of tumor cells. Furthermore, we address the theoretical possibility that vascular mimicry provides a mechanism whereby tumors could escape anti-angiogenic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Dunleavey
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Andrew C Dudley
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC ; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC ; McAllister Heart Institute, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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