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Rocca C, Femminò S, Aquila G, Granieri MC, De Francesco EM, Pasqua T, Rigiracciolo DC, Fortini F, Cerra MC, Maggiolini M, Pagliaro P, Rizzo P, Angelone T, Penna C. Notch1 Mediates Preconditioning Protection Induced by GPER in Normotensive and Hypertensive Female Rat Hearts. Front Physiol 2018; 9:521. [PMID: 29867564 PMCID: PMC5962667 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is an estrogen receptor expressed in the cardiovascular system. G1, a selective GPER ligand, exerts cardiovascular effects through activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway and Notch signaling in normotensive animals. Here, we investigated whether the G1/GPER interaction is involved in the limitation of infarct size, and improvement of post-ischemic contractile function in female spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) hearts. In this model, we also studied Notch signaling and key components of survival pathway, namely PI3K-Akt, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and mitochondrial K+-ATP (MitoKATP) channels. Rat hearts isolated from female SHR underwent 30 min of global, normothermic ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion. G1 (10 nM) alone or specific inhibitors of GPER, PI3K/NOS and MitoKATP channels co-infused with G1, just before I/R, were studied. The involvement of Notch1 was studied by Western blotting. Infarct size and left ventricular pressure were measured. To confirm endothelial-independent G1-induced protection by Notch signaling, H9c2 cells were studied with specific inhibitor, N-[N-(3,5 difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT, 5 μM), of this signaling. Using DAPT, we confirmed the involvement of G1/Notch signaling in limiting infarct size in heart of normotensive animals. In the hypertensive model, G1-induced reduction in infarct size and improvement of cardiac function were prevented by the inhibition of GPER, PI3K/NOS, and MitoKATP channels. The involvement of Notch was confirmed by western blot in the hypertensive model and by the specific inhibitor in the normotensive model and cardiac cell line. Our results suggest that GPERs play a pivotal role in mediating preconditioning cardioprotection in normotensive and hypertensive conditions. The G1-induced protection involves Notch1 and is able to activate the survival pathway in the presence of comorbidity. Several pathological conditions, including hypertension, reduce the efficacy of ischemic conditioning strategies. However, G1-induced protection can result in significant reduction of I/R injury also female in hypertensive animals. Further studies may ascertain the clinical translation of the present results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Rocca
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biology, Ecology and E.S., University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Saveria Femminò
- Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgio Aquila
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria C Granieri
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biology, Ecology and E.S., University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Teresa Pasqua
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biology, Ecology and E.S., University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Damiano C Rigiracciolo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Fortini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S. Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
| | - Maria C Cerra
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biology, Ecology and E.S., University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.,National Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pagliaro
- Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,National Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Rizzo
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S. Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tommaso Angelone
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biology, Ecology and E.S., University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.,National Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Penna
- Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,National Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Bologna, Italy
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De Francesco EM, Sotgia F, Clarke RB, Lisanti MP, Maggiolini M. G Protein-Coupled Receptors at the Crossroad between Physiologic and Pathologic Angiogenesis: Old Paradigms and Emerging Concepts. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122713. [PMID: 29240722 PMCID: PMC5751314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been implicated in transmitting signals across the extra- and intra-cellular compartments, thus allowing environmental stimuli to elicit critical biological responses. As GPCRs can be activated by an extensive range of factors including hormones, neurotransmitters, phospholipids and other stimuli, their involvement in a plethora of physiological functions is not surprising. Aberrant GPCR signaling has been regarded as a major contributor to diverse pathologic conditions, such as inflammatory, cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases. In this regard, solid tumors have been demonstrated to activate an angiogenic program that relies on GPCR action to support cancer growth and metastatic dissemination. Therefore, the manipulation of aberrant GPCR signaling could represent a promising target in anticancer therapy. Here, we highlight the GPCR-mediated angiogenic function focusing on the molecular mechanisms and transduction effectors driving the patho-physiological vasculogenesis. Specifically, we describe evidence for the role of heptahelic receptors and associated G proteins in promoting angiogenic responses in pathologic conditions, especially tumor angiogenesis and progression. Likewise, we discuss opportunities to manipulate aberrant GPCR-mediated angiogenic signaling for therapeutic benefit using innovative GPCR-targeted and patient-tailored pharmacological strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernestina M De Francesco
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria via Savinio, 87036 Rende, Italy.
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, Division of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK.
| | - Federica Sotgia
- Translational Medicine, School of Environment and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Salford, Greater Manchester M5 4WT, UK.
| | - Robert B Clarke
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, Division of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK.
| | - Michael P Lisanti
- Translational Medicine, School of Environment and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Salford, Greater Manchester M5 4WT, UK.
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria via Savinio, 87036 Rende, Italy.
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De Francesco EM, Sims AH, Maggiolini M, Sotgia F, Lisanti MP, Clarke RB. GPER mediates the angiocrine actions induced by IGF1 through the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in the breast tumor microenvironment. Breast Cancer Res 2017; 19:129. [PMID: 29212519 PMCID: PMC5719673 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-017-0923-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [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] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The G protein estrogen receptor GPER/GPR30 mediates estrogen action in breast cancer cells as well as in breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are key components of microenvironment driving tumor progression. GPER is a transcriptional target of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and activates VEGF expression and angiogenesis in hypoxic breast tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, IGF1/IGF1R signaling, which has angiogenic effects, has been shown to activate GPER in breast cancer cells. METHODS We analyzed gene expression data from published studies representing almost 5000 breast cancer patients to investigate whether GPER and IGF1 signaling establish an angiocrine gene signature in breast cancer patients. Next, we used GPER-positive but estrogen receptor (ER)-negative primary CAF cells derived from patient breast tumours and SKBR3 breast cancer cells to investigate the role of GPER in the regulation of VEGF expression and angiogenesis triggered by IGF1. We performed gene expression and promoter studies, western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis, gene silencing strategies and endothelial tube formation assays to evaluate the involvement of the HIF-1α/GPER/VEGF signaling in the biological responses to IGF1. RESULTS We first determined that GPER is co-expressed with IGF1R and with the vessel marker CD34 in human breast tumors (n = 4972). Next, we determined that IGF1/IGF1R signaling engages the ERK1/2 and AKT transduction pathways to induce the expression of HIF-1α and its targets GPER and VEGF. We found that a functional cooperation between HIF-1α and GPER is essential for the transcriptional activation of VEGF induced by IGF1. Finally, using conditioned medium from CAFs and SKBR3 cells stimulated with IGF1, we established that HIF-1α and GPER are both required for VEGF-induced human vascular endothelial cell tube formation. CONCLUSIONS These findings shed new light on the essential role played by GPER in IGF1/IGF1R signaling that induces breast tumor angiogenesis. Targeting the multifaceted interactions between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment involving both GPCRs and growth factor receptors has potential in future combination anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernestina M De Francesco
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, via Savinio, 87036, Rende, Italy. .,Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, Division of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M204GJ, UK.
| | - Andrew H Sims
- Applied Bioinformatics of Cancer, University of Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, via Savinio, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Federica Sotgia
- Translational Medicine, School of Environment and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Michael P Lisanti
- Translational Medicine, School of Environment and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Robert B Clarke
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, Division of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M204GJ, UK.
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De Francesco EM, Rocca C, Scavello F, Amelio D, Pasqua T, Rigiracciolo DC, Scarpelli A, Avino S, Cirillo F, Amodio N, Cerra MC, Maggiolini M, Angelone T. Protective Role of GPER Agonist G-1 on Cardiotoxicity Induced by Doxorubicin. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:1640-1649. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmine Rocca
- Department of Biology, Ecology, and E.S.; University of Calabria; Rende (CS) Italy
| | - Francesco Scavello
- Department of Biology, Ecology, and E.S.; University of Calabria; Rende (CS) Italy
| | - Daniela Amelio
- Department of Biology, Ecology, and E.S.; University of Calabria; Rende (CS) Italy
| | - Teresa Pasqua
- Department of Biology, Ecology, and E.S.; University of Calabria; Rende (CS) Italy
| | - Damiano C. Rigiracciolo
- Department of Pharmacy; Health and Nutritional Sciences; University of Calabria; Rende (CS) Italy
| | - Andrea Scarpelli
- Department of Pharmacy; Health and Nutritional Sciences; University of Calabria; Rende (CS) Italy
| | - Silvia Avino
- Department of Pharmacy; Health and Nutritional Sciences; University of Calabria; Rende (CS) Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy; Health and Nutritional Sciences; University of Calabria; Rende (CS) Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine; University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Maria C. Cerra
- Department of Biology, Ecology, and E.S.; University of Calabria; Rende (CS) Italy
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Research; Bologna Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy; Health and Nutritional Sciences; University of Calabria; Rende (CS) Italy
| | - Tommaso Angelone
- Department of Biology, Ecology, and E.S.; University of Calabria; Rende (CS) Italy
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Research; Bologna Italy
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