Endothelial GATA5 positively regulates angiogenesis via cathepsin S-mediated Angpt2/Flk1 and MMP2/9 signaling pathways

FHL2 expression by cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes metastasis and angiogenesis in lung adenocarcinoma

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to the progression of lung cancer. Four and a half LIM domain protein-2 (FHL2) is a component of focal adhesion structures. We analyzed the function of FHL2 expressed by CAFs in lung adenocarcinoma. Expression of FHL2 in fibroblast subtypes was investigated using database of single-cell RNA-sequencing of lung cancer tissue. The role of FHL2 in the proliferation and migration of CAFs was assessed. The effects of FHL2 knockout on the migration and invasion of human lung adenocarcinoma cells and tube formation of endothelial cells induced by CAF-conditioned medium (CM) were evaluated. The effect of FHL2 knockout in CAFs on metastasis was determined using a murine orthotopic lung cancer model. The prognostic significance of stromal FHL2 was assessed by immunohistochemistry in human adenocarcinoma specimens. FHL2 is highly expressed in myofibroblasts in cancer tissue. TGF-β1 upregulated FHL2 expression in CAFs and FHL2 knockdown attenuated CAF proliferation. FHL2 knockout reduced CAF induced migration of A110L and H23 human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, and the induction of tube formation of endothelial cells. FHL2 knockout reduced CAF-induced metastasis of lung adenocarcinomas in an orthotopic model in vivo. The concentration of Osteopontin (OPN) in CM from CAF was downregulated by FHL2 knockout. siRNA silencing and antibody blocking of OPN reduced the pro-migratory effect of CM from CAF on lung cancer cells. In resected lung adenocarcinoma specimens, positive stromal FHL2 expression was significantly associated with higher microvascular density and worse prognosis. In conclusion, FHL2 expression by CAFs enhances the progression of lung adenocarcinoma by promoting angiogenesis and metastasis.

Ginseng glucosyl oleanolate inhibit cervical cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis via PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is widely used in several functional foods at present. Ginsenosides, is the most crucial bioactive constituents in ginseng whose antitumor activity have been widely reported. In this study, the effect of ginseng glucosyl oleanolate (GGO) produced from ginsenoside Ro through enzymatic transformation, on cervical cancer was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. GGO significantly inhibited the viability and colony forming ability of HeLa cells, and blocked the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase, which showed its ability to inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells. GGO exhibited anti-angiogenesis effect in HUVECs, chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and Matrigel plugs model. These effects were related to interference with the paracrine axis of VEGF/VEGFR2 and blockage of the downstream PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α signaling pathway of the autocrine axis. The dual inhibitory effects of GGO were also exhibited in immunocompromised mice undergoing heterograft and suppressed tumor growth without any side effects. These findings provide a theoretical basis for further development of GGO as a functional food with anti-tumor properties.

Genomic Landscape of Thrombosis Recurrence Risk Across Venous Thromboembolism Subtypes

Venous thromboembolism (VT) is a frequent (annual incidence of 1 to 2 per 1,000) and potentially life-threatening (case-fatality rate up to 10%) disease. VT is associated with serious short-term and long-term complications including a recurrence rate of approximately 20% within five years. Anticoagulant therapy, the mainstay of VT treatment, drastically reduces the risk of early VT recurrence, but it exposes patients to a substantial risk of bleeding. We analysed the genomic architecture of VT recurrence using data from 6,571 patients across eight cohorts, 1,816 of whom experienced recurrence, with a particular focus on the clinical manifestation of the type of first VT event. Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we identified three loci significantly associated (P<5×10-8) with VT recurrence in the general VT population: GPR149/MME, L3MBTL4, and THSD7B. Protein Quantitative Trait Locus and Mendelian Randomization analyses further identified elevated plasma levels of coagulation factor XI and GOLM2 as risk factors for recurrence, while decreased levels of PCSK9 and pro-IL16 were linked to reduced VT recurrence risk. Subgroup analyses revealed 18 loci associated with VT recurrence, with notable differences between pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). For example, the exonic variant SLC4A1 p.Glu40Lys was significantly associated with recurrence in PE patients (Hazard Ratio (HR)=3.23, P=9.7×10-12) but showed no effect in DVT (HR=1.00, P=0.98). These findings emphasize the role of specific genetic loci and protein pathways in influencing VT recurrence and provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets. Further research is needed to clarify the biological mechanisms driving these associations.

The SPRi determination of cathepsin L and S in plasma and peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis

PURPOSE

Endometriosis is a common disease with a complex pathomechanism and atypical symptoms, often leading to delayed diagnosis. Currently, the sole method for confirming the presence of the disease is through laparoscopy and histopathological examination of collected tissue. However, this invasive procedure carries potential risk and complications, necessitating the exploration of non-surgical diagnostic methods for endometriosis. This study aims to analyze peritoneal fluid and plasma samples for the expression of cathepsin L and cathepsin S to identify potential biomarkers for non-invasive diagnostic approaches to endometriosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, plasma and peritoneal fluid samples were obtained during laparoscopy from 63 patients diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain or infertility. The study group consisted of women with confirmed endometriosis. The concentrations of cathepsins L and S were determined using an SPRi biosensor.

RESULTS

The study did not reveal significant differences in the concentrations of cathepsin L and cathepsin S between the control group and the study group, both in peritoneal fluid and plasma.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of this study, it appears that cathepsins L and S are not suitable candidates as biomarkers for endometriosis.

Contribution of common and rare variants to Asian neovascular age-related macular degeneration subtypes

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), along with its clinical subtype known as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), are among the leading causes of vision loss in elderly Asians. In a genome-wide association study (GWAS) comprising 3,128 nAMD (1,555 PCV and 1,573 typical nAMD), and 5,493 controls of East Asian ancestry, we identify twelve loci, of which four are novel ([Formula: see text]). Substantial genetic sharing between PCV and typical nAMD is noted (rg = 0.666), whereas collagen extracellular matrix and fibrosis-related pathways are more pronounced for PCV. Whole-exome sequencing in 259 PCV patients revealed functional rare variants burden in collagen type I alpha 1 chain gene (COL1A1; [Formula: see text]) and potential enrichment of functional rare mutations at AMD-associated loci. At the GATA binding protein 5 (GATA5) locus, the most significant GWAS novel loci, the expressions of genes including laminin subunit alpha 5 (Lama5), mitochondrial ribosome associated GTPase 2 (Mtg2), and collagen type IX alpha 3 chain (Col9A3), are significantly induced during retinal angiogenesis and subretinal fibrosis in murine models. Furthermore, retinoic acid increased the expression of LAMA5 and MTG2 in vitro. Taken together, our data provide insights into the genetic basis of AMD pathogenesis in the Asian population.

Inflammation-mediated matrix remodeling of extracellular matrix-mimicking biomaterials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

Extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking biomaterials are considered effective tissue-engineered scaffolds for regenerative medicine because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. ECM-mimicking biomaterials preserve natural microstructures and matrix-related bioactive components and undergo continuous matrix remodeling upon transplantation. The interaction between host immune cells and transplanted ECM-mimicking biomaterials has attracted considerable attention in recent years. Transplantation of biomaterials may initiate injuries and early pro-inflammation reactions characterized by infiltration of neutrophils and M1 macrophages. Pro-inflammation reactions may lead to degradation of the transplanted biomaterial and drive the matrix into a fetal-like state. ECM degradation leads to the release of matrix-related bioactive components that act as signals for cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In late stages, pro-inflammatory cells fade away, and anti-inflammatory cells emerge, which involves macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype and leukocyte activation to T helper 2 (Th2) cells. These anti-inflammatory cells interact with each other to facilitate matrix deposition and tissue reconstruction. Deposited ECM molecules serve as vital components of the mature tissue and influence tissue homeostasis. However, dysregulation of matrix remodeling results in several pathological conditions, such as aggressive inflammation, difficult healing, and non-functional fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of inflammatory responses in matrix remodeling after transplantation of ECM-mimicking biomaterials. Additionally, we discuss the intrinsic linkages between matrix remodeling and tissue regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking biomaterials are effectively used as scaffolds in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, dysregulation of matrix remodeling can cause various pathological conditions. Here, the review describes the characteristics of inflammatory responses in matrix remodeling after transplantation of ECM-mimicking biomaterials. Additionally, we discuss the intrinsic linkages between matrix remodeling and tissue regeneration. We believe that understanding host immune responses to matrix remodeling of transplanted biomaterials is important for directing effective tissue regeneration of ECM-mimicking biomaterials. Considering the close relationship between immune response and matrix remodeling results, we highlight the need for studies of the effects of clinical characteristics on matrix remodeling of transplanted biomaterials.