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Da Vitoria Lobo ME, Weir N, Hardowar L, Al Ojaimi Y, Madden R, Gibson A, Bestall SM, Hirashima M, Schaffer CB, Donaldson LF, Bates DO, Hulse RP. Hypoxia-induced carbonic anhydrase mediated dorsal horn neuron activation and induction of neuropathic pain. Pain 2022; 163:2264-2279. [PMID: 35353768 PMCID: PMC9578530 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuropathic pain, such as that seen in diabetes mellitus, results in part from central sensitisation in the dorsal horn. However, the mechanisms responsible for such sensitisation remain unclear. There is evidence that disturbances in the integrity of the spinal vascular network can be causative factors in the development of neuropathic pain. Here we show that reduced blood flow and vascularity of the dorsal horn leads to the onset of neuropathic pain. Using rodent models (type 1 diabetes and an inducible endothelial-specific vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 knockout mouse) that result in degeneration of the endothelium in the dorsal horn, we show that spinal cord vasculopathy results in nociceptive behavioural hypersensitivity. This also results in increased hypoxia in dorsal horn neurons, depicted by increased expression of hypoxia markers such as hypoxia inducible factor 1α, glucose transporter 3, and carbonic anhydrase 7. Furthermore, inducing hypoxia through intrathecal delivery of dimethyloxalylglycine leads to the activation of dorsal horn neurons as well as mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. This shows that hypoxic signalling induced by reduced vascularity results in increased hypersensitivity and pain. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase activity, through intraperitoneal injection of acetazolamide, inhibited hypoxia-induced pain behaviours. This investigation demonstrates that induction of a hypoxic microenvironment in the dorsal horn, as occurs in diabetes, is an integral process by which neurons are activated to initiate neuropathic pain states. This leads to the conjecture that reversing hypoxia by improving spinal cord microvascular blood flow could reverse or prevent neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene E. Da Vitoria Lobo
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Weir
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lydia Hardowar
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Yara Al Ojaimi
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Madden
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Gibson
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel M. Bestall
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis and School of Life Sciences, The Medical School QMC, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Masanori Hirashima
- Division of Pharmacology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Japan
| | - Chris B. Schaffer
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, United States
| | - Lucy F. Donaldson
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis and School of Life Sciences, The Medical School QMC, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - David O. Bates
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane and Protein and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Philip Hulse
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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2
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Sun J, Peterson EA, Jiao C, Chen X, Zhao Y, Wang J. Zebrafish heart regeneration after coronary dysfunction-induced cardiac damage. Dev Biol 2022; 487:57-66. [PMID: 35490764 PMCID: PMC11017783 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, various zebrafish injury models demonstrated efficient heart regeneration after cardiac tissue loss. However, no established coronary vessel injury methods exist in the zebrafish model, despite coronary endothelial dysfunction occurring in most patients with acute coronary syndrome. This is due to difficulties performing surgery on small coronary vessels and a lack of genetic tools to precisely manipulate coronary cells in zebrafish. We determined that the Notch ligand gene deltaC regulatory sequences drive gene expression in zebrafish coronary endothelial cells, enabling us to overcome these obstacles. We created a deltaC fluorescent reporter line and visualized robust coronary growth during heart development and regeneration. Importantly, this reporter facilitated the visualization of coronary growth without an endocardial background. Moreover, we visualized robust coronary growth on the surface of juvenile hearts and regrowth in the wounded area of adult hearts ex vivo. With this approach, we observed growth inhibition by reported vascular growth antagonists of the VEGF, EGF and Notch signaling pathways. Furthermore, we established a coronary genetic ablation system and observed that severe coronary endothelial cell loss resulted in fish death, whereas fish survived mild coronary cell loss. Coronary cell depletion triggered regenerative responses, which resulted in the restoration of damaged cardiac tissues within several weeks. Overall, our work demonstrated the efficacy of using deltaC regulatory elements for high-resolution visualization of the coronary endothelium; screening small molecules for coronary growth effects; and revealed complete recovery in adult zebrafish after coronary-induced heart damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisheng Sun
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Peterson
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Cheng Jiao
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Yun Zhao
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Jinhu Wang
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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3
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Osude C, Lin L, Patel M, Eckburg A, Berei J, Kuckovic A, Dube N, Rastogi A, Gautam S, Smith TJ, Sreenivassappa SB, Puri N. Mediating EGFR-TKI Resistance by VEGF/VEGFR Autocrine Pathway in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101694. [PMID: 35626731 PMCID: PMC9139342 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients acquire resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) via EGFR mutations or overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). In this study, we elucidated the mechanism of EGFR-TKI resistance mediated by VEGF/VEGFR in EGFR-mutated NSCLC cell lines and Erlotinib-resistant cell lines as compared to parental cell lines. Increased expression of VEGF, VEGFR-2, and NP1 was observed in Erlotinib-resistant cell lines. Furthermore, we observed an increased efficacy of Erlotinib in combination with a VEGFR-2 inhibitor in Erlotinib-resistant cell lines. Late-stage NSCLC patients with high expression of VEGFR-2 had shorter survival times compared to patients with low VEGFR-2 expression. These results indicate that VEGFR-2 may play a key role in EGFR-TKI resistance that can be overcome with a combination treatment of Erlotinib and a VEGFR-2 inhibitor, which may serve as an effective treatment option for NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations. Abstract NSCLC treatment includes targeting of EGFR with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as Erlotinib; however, resistance to TKIs is commonly acquired through T790M EGFR mutations or overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). We investigated the mechanisms of EGFR-TKI resistance in NSCLC cell lines with EGFR mutations or acquired resistance to Erlotinib. These studies showed upregulated gene and protein expression of VEGF, VEGFR-2, and a VEGF co-receptor neuropilin-1 (NP-1) in Erlotinib-resistant (1.4–5.3-fold) and EGFR double-mutant (L858R and T790M; 4.1–8.3-fold) NSCLC cells compared to parental and EGFR single-mutant (L858R) NSCLC cell lines, respectively. Immunofluorescence and FACS analysis revealed increased expression of VEGFR-2 and NP-1 in EGFR-TKI-resistant cell lines compared to TKI-sensitive cell lines. Cell proliferation assays showed that treatment with a VEGFR-2 inhibitor combined with Erlotinib lowered cell survival in EGFR double-mutant NSCLC cells to 9% compared to 72% after treatment with Erlotinib alone. Furthermore, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed shorter median survival in late-stage NSCLC patients with high vs. low VEGFR-2 expression (14 mos vs. 21 mos). The results indicate that VEGFR-2 may play a key role in EGFR-TKI resistance and that combined treatment of Erlotinib with a VEGFR-2 inhibitor may serve as an effective therapy in NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chike Osude
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (C.O.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (A.E.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (N.D.); (A.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Leo Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (C.O.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (A.E.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (N.D.); (A.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Meet Patel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (C.O.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (A.E.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (N.D.); (A.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Adam Eckburg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (C.O.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (A.E.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (N.D.); (A.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Joseph Berei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (C.O.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (A.E.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (N.D.); (A.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Adijan Kuckovic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (C.O.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (A.E.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (N.D.); (A.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Namrata Dube
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (C.O.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (A.E.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (N.D.); (A.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Aayush Rastogi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (C.O.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (A.E.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (N.D.); (A.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Shruti Gautam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (C.O.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (A.E.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (N.D.); (A.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Thomas J. Smith
- College of Education, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA;
| | | | - Neelu Puri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (C.O.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (A.E.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (N.D.); (A.R.); (S.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-815-395-5678
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4
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Macklin BL, Lin YY, Emmerich K, Wisniewski E, Polster BM, Konstantopoulos K, Mumm JS, Gerecht S. Intrinsic epigenetic control of angiogenesis in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelium regulates vascular regeneration. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:28. [PMID: 35551465 PMCID: PMC9098630 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00223-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells (iECs) provide opportunities to study vascular development and regeneration, develop cardiovascular therapeutics, and engineer model systems for drug screening. The differentiation and characterization of iECs are well established; however, the mechanisms governing their angiogenic phenotype remain unknown. Here, we aimed to determine the angiogenic phenotype of iECs and the regulatory mechanism controlling their regenerative capacity. In a comparative study with HUVECs, we show that iECs increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) mediates their highly angiogenic phenotype via regulation of glycolysis enzymes, filopodia formation, VEGF mediated migration, and robust sprouting. We find that the elevated expression of VEGFR2 is epigenetically regulated via intrinsic acetylation of histone 3 at lysine 27 by histone acetyltransferase P300. Utilizing a zebrafish xenograft model, we demonstrate that the ability of iECs to promote the regeneration of the amputated fin can be modulated by P300 activity. These findings demonstrate how the innate epigenetic status of iECs regulates their phenotype with implications for their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bria L Macklin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Ying-Yu Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Kevin Emmerich
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute and McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Emily Wisniewski
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Brian M Polster
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Konstantinos Konstantopoulos
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Jeff S Mumm
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute and McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
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5
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Coxam B, Collins RT, Hußmann M, Huisman Y, Meier K, Jung S, Bartels-Klein E, Szymborska A, Finotto L, Helker CSM, Stainier DYR, Schulte-Merker S, Gerhardt H. Svep1 stabilises developmental vascular anastomosis in reduced flow conditions. Development 2022; 149:274823. [PMID: 35312765 PMCID: PMC8977097 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms controlling the formation, stabilisation and maintenance of blood vessel connections remain poorly defined. Here, we identify blood flow and the large extracellular protein Svep1 as co-modulators of vessel anastomosis during developmental angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos. Both loss of Svep1 and blood flow reduction contribute to defective anastomosis of intersegmental vessels. The reduced formation and lumenisation of the dorsal longitudinal anastomotic vessel (DLAV) is associated with a compensatory increase in Vegfa/Vegfr pERK signalling, concomittant expansion of apelin-positive tip cells, but reduced expression of klf2a. Experimentally, further increasing Vegfa/Vegfr signalling can rescue the DLAV formation and lumenisation defects, whereas its inhibition dramatically exacerbates the loss of connectivity. Mechanistically, our results suggest that flow and Svep1 co-regulate the stabilisation of vascular connections, in part by modulating the Vegfa/Vegfr signalling pathway. Summary: Blood flow and the large extracellular matrix protein Svep1 jointly regulate vessel anastomosis during developmental angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos partly by modulating the Vegfa/Vegfr signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Coxam
- Integrative Vascular Biology Lab, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, Berlin 13125, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin 10785, Germany
| | - Russell T. Collins
- Integrative Vascular Biology Lab, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, Berlin 13125, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin 10785, Germany
| | - Melina Hußmann
- Institute of Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, Mendelstraße 7, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Yvonne Huisman
- Institute of Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, Mendelstraße 7, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Katja Meier
- Integrative Vascular Biology Lab, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Simone Jung
- Integrative Vascular Biology Lab, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Eireen Bartels-Klein
- Integrative Vascular Biology Lab, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Anna Szymborska
- Integrative Vascular Biology Lab, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Lise Finotto
- Vascular Patterning Laboratory, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Vascular Patterning Laboratory, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Christian S. M. Helker
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim 61231, Germany
| | - Didier Y. R. Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim 61231, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulte-Merker
- Institute of Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, Mendelstraße 7, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Holger Gerhardt
- Integrative Vascular Biology Lab, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, Berlin 13125, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin 10785, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin 10178, Germany
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6
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Arpino JM, Yin H, Prescott EK, Staples SCR, Nong Z, Li F, Chevalier J, Balint B, O’Neil C, Mortuza R, Milkovich S, Lee JJ, Lorusso D, Sandig M, Hamilton DW, Holdsworth DW, Poepping TL, Ellis CG, Pickering JG. Low-flow intussusception and metastable VEGFR2 signaling launch angiogenesis in ischemic muscle. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabg9509. [PMID: 34826235 PMCID: PMC8626079 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg9509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Efforts to promote sprouting angiogenesis in skeletal muscles of individuals with peripheral artery disease have not been clinically successful. We discovered that, contrary to the prevailing view, angiogenesis following ischemic muscle injury in mice was not driven by endothelial sprouting. Instead, real-time imaging revealed the emergence of wide-caliber, primordial conduits with ultralow flow that rapidly transformed into a hierarchical neocirculation by transluminal bridging and intussusception. This process was accelerated by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2). We probed this response by developing the first live-cell model of transluminal endothelial bridging using microfluidics. Endothelial cells subjected to ultralow shear stress could reposition inside the flowing lumen as pillars. Moreover, the low-flow lumen proved to be a privileged location for endothelial cells with reduced VEGFR2 signaling capacity, as VEGFR2 mechanosignals were boosted. These findings redefine regenerative angiogenesis in muscle as an intussusceptive process and uncover a basis for its launch.
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Affiliation(s)
- John-Michael Arpino
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Hao Yin
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Emma K. Prescott
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Sabrina C. R. Staples
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Zengxuan Nong
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Fuyan Li
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Chevalier
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Brittany Balint
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Caroline O’Neil
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
| | | | - Stephanie Milkovich
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Jason J. Lee
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Daniel Lorusso
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Martin Sandig
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Canada
| | | | - David W. Holdsworth
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Tamie L. Poepping
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Christopher G. Ellis
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Canada
| | - J. Geoffrey Pickering
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, Canada
- Corresponding author.
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7
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Brivanib alaninate inhibited dengue virus proliferation through VEGFR2/AMPK pathway. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105721. [PMID: 34116207 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral disease of humans and has a major impact on global public health. There is no clinically approved drugs for DENV infection. Since intracellular VEGFR2 is increased in DENV infected patients, we thus hypothesized that VEGFR2 participated DENV proliferation and its inhibitors could be served as antivirals against DENV. Actually our results showed that VEGFR2 was induced by DENV infection. Also the agonist of VEGFR2, VEGF-A, promoted DENV proliferation. Therefore, we screened the inhibitors of VEGFR2 and found that brivanib alaninate (brivanib) showed the best anti-DENV ability with the lowest cellular cytotoxicity. Mechanically, our results indicated VEGFR2 directly interacted with PTP1B to dephosphorylate AMPK to provide lipid environment for viral replication. However, this effect could be inhibited by brivanib, which significantly reversed the reduction of AMPK phosphorylation caused by DENV infection, thus improving the cellular lipid environment. Moreover, the antiviral effect of brivanib could be reversed by AMPK inhibitor, Compound C. In addition, oral administration of brivianib (20-50 mg/kg/day) clearly improved the survival rate of DENV2 infection, and this effect was abolished in accompanied with Compound C (10mg/kg/day). Collectively, our study disclosed the mechanism of VEGFR2 in DENV2 and evaluated the antiviral ability of brivanib, which deserved more attention for clinical usage in DENV infection.
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8
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Isatin-Hydrazones with Multiple Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) Inhibitory Activity and In-Silico Binding Mechanism. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11093746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we have reported a series of isatin hydrazone, two of them, namely, 3-((2,6-dichlorobenzylidene)hydrazono)indolin-2-one (1) and 3-((2-chloro-6-fluorobenzylidene)hydrazono)indolin-2-one (2) having potent cytotoxicity, showing cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK2) inhibitory activity and bearing recommended drug likeness properties. Since both compounds (1 and 2) showed inhibitory activity against CDK2, we assumed it would also have multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) inhibitory activity. Considering those points, here, above-mentioned two isatin hydrazone 1 and 2 were synthesized using previously reported method for further investigation of their potency on RTKs (EGFR, VEGFR-2 and FLT-3) inhibitory activity. As expected, Compound 1 exhibited excellent inhibitory activity against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, IC50 = 0.269 µM), vascular epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2, IC50 = 0.232 µM) and FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT-3, IC50 = 1.535 µM) tyrosine kinases. On the other hand, Compound 2 also exhibited excellent inhibitory activity against EGFR (IC50 = 0.369 µM), VEGFR-2 (IC50 = 0.266 µM) and FLT-3 (IC50 = 0.546 µM) tyrosine kinases. A molecular docking study with EGFR, VEGFR-2 and FLT-3 kinase suggested that both compounds act as type I ATP competitive inhibitors against EGFR and VEGFR-2, and type II ATP non-competitive inhibitors against FLT-3.
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9
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Vion AC, Perovic T, Petit C, Hollfinger I, Bartels-Klein E, Frampton E, Gordon E, Claesson-Welsh L, Gerhardt H. Endothelial Cell Orientation and Polarity Are Controlled by Shear Stress and VEGF Through Distinct Signaling Pathways. Front Physiol 2021; 11:623769. [PMID: 33737879 PMCID: PMC7960671 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.623769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular networks form, remodel and mature under the influence of multiple signals of mechanical or chemical nature. How endothelial cells read and interpret these signals, and how they integrate information when they are exposed to both simultaneously is poorly understood. Here, we show using flow-induced shear stress and VEGF-A treatment on endothelial cells in vitro, that the response to the magnitude of a mechanical stimulus is influenced by the concentration of a chemical stimulus, and vice versa. By combining different flow levels and different VEGF-A concentrations, front-rear polarity of endothelial cells against the flow direction was established in a flow and VEGF-A dose-response while their alignment with the flow displayed a biphasic response depending on the VEGF-A dose (perpendicular at physiological dose, aligned at no or pathological dose of VEGF-A). The effect of pharmaceutical inhibitors demonstrated that while VEGFR2 is essential for both polarity and orientation establishment in response to flow with and without VEGF-A, different downstream effectors were engaged depending on the presence of VEGF-A. Thus, Src family inhibition (c-Src, Yes, Fyn together) impaired alignment and polarity without VEGF-A while FAK inhibition modified polarity and alignment only when endothelial cells were exposed to VEGF-A. Studying endothelial cells in the aortas of VEGFR2Y949F mutant mice and SRC iEC-KO mice confirmed the role of VEGFR2 and specified the role of c-SRC in vivo. Endothelial cells of VEGFR2Y949F mutant mice lost their polarity and alignment while endothelial cells from SRC iEC-KO mice only showed reduced polarity. We propose here that VEGFR2 is a sensor able to integrate chemical and mechanical information simultaneously and that the underlying pathways and mechanisms activated will depend on the co-stimulation. Flow alone shifts VEGFR2 signaling toward a Src family pathway activation and a junctional effect (both in vitro and in vivo) while flow and VEGF-A together shift VEGFR2 signaling toward focal adhesion activation (in vitro) both modifying cell responses that govern orientation and polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Clémence Vion
- Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du thorax, Nantes, France
| | - Tijana Perovic
- Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Charlie Petit
- Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Irene Hollfinger
- Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eireen Bartels-Klein
- Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Emmanuelle Frampton
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Emma Gordon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Beijer and Science for Life Laboratories, Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lena Claesson-Welsh
- Beijer and Science for Life Laboratories, Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Holger Gerhardt
- Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
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10
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Lien VT, Celen S, Nuruddin S, Attili B, Doumont G, Van Simaeys G, Bormans G, Klaveness J, Olberg DE. Preclinical evaluation of [ 18F]cabozantinib as a PET imaging agent in a prostate cancer mouse model. Nucl Med Biol 2020; 93:74-80. [PMID: 33422771 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cabozantinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) approved for the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer, renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, and is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of prostate cancer and others. It exerts its therapeutic effect mainly through inhibition of the tyrosine kinases MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor) and VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2), in addition to several other kinases involved in cancer. PET imaging with TKIs such as [18F]cabozantinib could potentially aid in cancer diagnosis and guide treatment. This study aims to evaluate the utility of [18F]cabozantinib as a PET imaging probe in PC3 tumor xenografted mice. METHODS [18F]cabozantinib was evaluated in non-tumor and tumor bearing (PC3 xenografted) male mice by ex vivo biodistribution studies and in vivo μPET imaging. Pretreatment studies were performed in the tumor bearing mice with the MET inhibitor PF04217903. Mouse plasma was analyzed with HPLC to quantify radiometabolites. To further evaluate the binding specificity of [18F]cabozantinib, in vitro autoradiography studies on heart and PC3 tumor sections were performed in the presence of authentic cabozantinib or specific MET and VEGFR2 inhibitors. RESULTS Tissue distribution studies in non-tumor bearing mice revealed slow blood clearance, absence of brain uptake and a high myocardial uptake. In the tumor bearing mice, tumor uptake was low (0.58 ± 0.20% ID/g at 30 min post tracer injection), which was confirmed by μPET imaging. No differences in tissue distribution and kinetics were observed in both biodistributions and μPET studies after pretreatment with the MET inhibitor PF04217903. At 30 min post tracer injection, 60 ± 3% of the recovered radioactivity in plasma in non-tumor bearing mice was present as intact tracer. [18F]cabozantinib binding in vitro to heart and tumor tissues was partly blocked in the presence of selective MET and VEGFR2 inhibitors (up to 40% block). The fraction of non-specific binding was relatively high for both tissues (66% for heart and 39% for tumor). CONCLUSION [18F]cabozantinib exhibits non-favorable properties as a PET imaging probe, demonstrated by slow excretion kinetics along with low tumor uptake and high non-specific binding in tumor and heart tissue. The results reflect cabozantinibs multi-kinase activity, making PET imaging of tumor specific kinase expression with [18F]cabozantinib challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vegard Torp Lien
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Boks 1068, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Medical Cyclotron Center, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Sofie Celen
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Bala Attili
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gilles Doumont
- Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Gaetan Van Simaeys
- Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Charleroi, Belgium; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Erasme University Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guy Bormans
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jo Klaveness
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Boks 1068, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag Erlend Olberg
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Boks 1068, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Medical Cyclotron Center, Oslo, Norway
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11
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Post-transcriptional tuning of FGF signaling mediates neural crest induction. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:33305-33316. [PMID: 33376218 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2009997117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectodermal patterning is required for the establishment of multiple components of the vertebrate body plan. Previous studies have demonstrated that precise combinations of extracellular signals induce distinct ectodermal cell populations, such as the neural crest and the neural plate. Yet, we still lack understanding of how the response to inductive signals is modulated to generate the proper transcriptional output in target cells. Here we show that posttranscriptional attenuation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is essential for the establishment of the neural crest territory. We found that neural crest progenitors display elevated expression of DICER, which promotes enhanced maturation of a set of cell-type-specific miRNAs. These miRNAs collectively target components of the FGF signaling pathway, a central player in the process of neural induction in amniotes. Inactivation of this posttranscriptional circuit results in a fate switch, in which neural crest cells are converted into progenitors of the central nervous system. Thus, the posttranscriptional attenuation of signaling systems is a prerequisite for proper segregation of ectodermal cell types. These findings demonstrate how posttranscriptional repression may alter the activity of signaling systems to generate distinct spatial domains of progenitor cells.
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12
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Froger N, Matonti F, Roubeix C, Forster V, Ivkovic I, Brunel N, Baudouin C, Sahel JA, Picaud S. VEGF is an autocrine/paracrine neuroprotective factor for injured retinal ganglion neurons. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12409. [PMID: 32710087 PMCID: PMC7382485 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) is the angiogenic factor promoting the pathological neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic macular edema (DME). Evidences have suggested a neurotrophic and neuroprotective role of VEGF, albeit in retina, cellular mechanisms underlying the VEGF neuroprotection remain elusive. Using purified adult retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in culture, we demonstrated here that VEGF is released by RGCs themselves to promote their own survival, while VEGF neutralization by specific antibodies or traps drastically reduced the RGC survival. These results indicate an autocrine VEGF neuroprotection on RGCs. In parallel, VEGF produced by mixed retinal cells or by mesenchymal stem cells exerted a paracrine neuroprotection on RGCs. Such neuroprotective effect was obtained using the recombinant VEGF-B, suggesting the involvement of VEGF-R1 pathway in VEGF-elicited RGC survival. Finally, glaucomatous patients injected with VEGF traps (ranibizumab or aflibercept) due to either AMD or DME comorbidity, showed a significant reduction of RGC axon fiber layer thickness, consistent with the plausible reduction of the VEGF autocrine stimulation of RGCs. Our results provide evidence of the autocrine neuroprotective function of VEGF on RGCs is crucially involved to preserve injured RGCs such as in glaucomatous patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Froger
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France.
| | - Frédéric Matonti
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France.,Centre Monticelli Paradis, 433 bis rue Paradis, 13008, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INT, Inst Neurosci Timone, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Roubeix
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Forster
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Ivana Ivkovic
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Nadège Brunel
- UMS 29 INSERM Plateforme FluExGen UPMC, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Baudouin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France.,CHNO Des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012, Paris, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France.,CHNO Des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012, Paris, France.,Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, 75020, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012, Paris, France. .,Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, 75020, Paris, France.
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13
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Deissler HL, Stutzer JN, Lang GK, Grisanti S, Lang GE, Ranjbar M. VEGF receptor 2 inhibitor nintedanib completely reverts VEGF-A 165-induced disturbances of barriers formed by retinal endothelial cells or long-term cultivated ARPE-19 cells. Exp Eye Res 2020; 194:108004. [PMID: 32184103 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Various severe ocular diseases are associated with an elevated intravitreal expression of VEGF-A which increases the permeability of retinal endothelial cells (REC) or retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in vivo and in vitro. Inhibition of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is sufficient to completely prevent VEGF-A165-induced dysfunctions of barriers formed by long-term cultivated, immortal human ARPE-19 cells or immortalized bovine retinal endothelial cells (iBREC). Extended exposure to VEGF-A could result in additional activation of other growth factor receptors, potentially promoting synergistic effects of corresponding factors on various cellular processes including angiogenesis. Based on these observations, we investigated whether blocking of VEGFR2 is also sufficient to revert VEGF-A-induced changes of the barriers consisting of iBREC (i.e. inner blood-retina barrier) or ARPE-19 cells (i.e. outer blood-retina barrier) in vitro. Alterations of confluent monolayers' properties induced by treatment with VEGF-A165 for one day followed by addition of small molecule inhibitors of the VEGFR2 were determined by continuous cell index (CI) measurements using the microelectronic biosensor system for cell-based assays xCELLigence. VEGF-A165 induced a long-lasting drop of the otherwise high CI of iBREC accompanied by reduced expression of the tight junction (TJ) protein claudin-1 and subtle changes of the plasma membrane localizations of TJ-protein claudin-5 and of vascular endothelial cadherin. Blocking mainly VEGFR2 with 10 nM nintedanib, 10 nM tivozanib or 500 nM ZM323881 efficiently reverted these changes within one day; higher concentrations of nintedanib or additional inhibition of neuropilin-1 were not superior. Interestingly, the CI of short-term cultivated, confluent ARPE-19 cells slightly increased in the presence of VEGF-A165, but was not changed by nintedanib. In contrast, VEGF-A165 markedly reduced the transepithelial electrical resistance of ARPE-19 cells cultivated on porous membrane inserts for three weeks, which was also accompanied by a significant loss of the then strongly plasma membrane-expressed TJ-protein ZO-1. These alterations were completely reverted within one day by 10 nM nintedanib of which higher concentrations were not superior. None of the inhibitors tested diminished the strong barrier properties of iBREC or long-term cultivated ARPE-19 cells. Taken together, inhibition of VEGFR2 efficiently reverts VEGF-A165-induced barrier disturbances of both cell types forming and regulating the inner and outer blood-retina barrier. As synergistic actions of growth factors seem to play only a minor role in inducing a barrier dysfunction, specific inhibition of VEGFR2 could be an interesting option to treat VEGF-A-induced macular edema without obvious effects on vitality and functions of REC and RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan-Niklas Stutzer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany; Laboratory for Angiogenesis and Ocular Cell Transplantation, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Gerhard K Lang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ulm Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Gabriele E Lang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ulm Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mahdy Ranjbar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany; Laboratory for Angiogenesis and Ocular Cell Transplantation, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
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14
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McLaughlin KI, Milne TJ, Zafar S, Zanicotti DG, Cullinan MP, Seymour GJ, Coates DE. The in vitro effect of VEGF receptor inhibition on primary alveolar osteoblast nodule formation. Aust Dent J 2020; 65:196-204. [PMID: 32072641 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a master regulator and is required for the effective coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis supporting both skeletal development and postnatal bone repair. A direct role for VEGF in intramembranous-derived osteoblast growth and differentiation is not clear. We investigated the expression of primary alveolar osteoblast VEGF receptors and the subsequent effects on mineralization and nodule formation in vitro following VEGFR inhibition. METHODS Primary human alveolar osteoblasts (HAOBs) were cultured in the presence of VEGF receptor inhibitors, exogenous VEGF or the bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid. VEGF, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 mRNA expression and nodule formation following 21 days of culture. VEGFR1 protein expression was examined using immunofluorescence after 48 h. RESULTS The HAOBs expressed high levels of VEGF and VEGFR1 protein but VEGFR2 was not detected. The VEGFR1/2 inhibitors, ZM306416 and KRN633, lead to a dose-dependent decrease in mineralization. Treatment with zoledronic acid showed no difference in HAOB VEGF receptor expression. CONCLUSION VEGF/VEGFR1 pathway appears to be important for intramembranous-derived osteoblast differentiation and maturation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- K I McLaughlin
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - T J Milne
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - S Zafar
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - D G Zanicotti
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - M P Cullinan
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - G J Seymour
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - D E Coates
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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15
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Marie M, Gondouin P, Pagan D, Barrau C, Villette T, Sahel J, Picaud S. Blue-violet light decreases VEGFa production in an in vitro model of AMD. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223839. [PMID: 31644596 PMCID: PMC6808507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Blue light is an identified risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to neovascularization, is a major complication of the wet form of this disease. We investigated how blue light affects VEGF expression and secretion using A2E-loaded retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, a cell model of AMD. Incubation of RPE cells with A2E resulted in a significant increase in VEGF mRNA and, intracellular and secreted VEGF protein levels, but not mRNA levels of VEGFR1 or VEGFR2. Blue light exposure of A2E-loaded RPE cells resulted in a decrease in VEGF mRNA and protein levels, but an increase in VEGFR1 levels. The toxicity of 440 nm light on A2E-loaded RPE cells was enhanced by VEGF supplementation. Our results suggest that age-related A2E accumulation may result in VEGF synthesis and release. This synthesis of VEGF, which enhances blue light toxicity for the RPE cells, is itself suppressed by blue light. Anti-VEGF therapy may therefore improve RPE survival in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Marie
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Gondouin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Pagan
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | | | - José Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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16
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Busceti CL, Di Menna L, Bianchi F, Mastroiacovo F, Di Pietro P, Traficante A, Bozza G, Niehrs C, Battaglia G, Bruno V, Fornai F, Volpe M, Rubattu S, Nicoletti F. Dickkopf-3 Causes Neuroprotection by Inducing Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:292. [PMID: 30258353 PMCID: PMC6143799 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-3 (Dkk3) is an atypical member of the Dkk family of Wnt inhibitors, which has been implicated in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. However, the role of Dkk3 in mechanisms of cell degeneration and protection is unknown. We used Dkk3 knockout mice to examine how endogenous Dkk3 influences ischemic brain damage. In addition, we used primary cultures of astrocytes or mixed cultures of astrocytes and neurons to investigate the action of Dkk3 on cell damage and dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms. In a model of focal brain ischemia induced by permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion (MCAO) Dkk3−/− mice showed a significantly greater infarct size with respect to their wild-type counterparts at all time points investigated (1, 3 and 7 days after MCAO). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Dkk3 expression was enhanced at the borders of the ischemic focus, and was predominantly detected in astrocytes. This raised the possibility that Dkk3 produced by astrocytes acted as a protective molecule. We tested this hypothesis using either primary cultures of cortical astrocytes or mixed cortical cultures containing both neurons and astrocytes. Genetic deletion of Dkk3 was permissive to astrocyte damage induced by either oxidative stress or glucose deprivation. In addition, application of human recombinant Dkk3 (hrDkk3) was highly protective against oxidative stress in cultured astrocytes. We tested the hypothesis that the protective activity of Dkk3 was mediated byvascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Interestingly, glucose deprivation up-regulated both Dkk3 and VEGF in cultured astrocytes prepared from wild-type mice. VEGF induction was not observed in astrocytes lacking Dkk3 (i.e., in cultures prepared from Dkk3−/− mice). In mixed cultures of cortical cells, excitotoxic neuronal death induced by a brief pulse with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) was significantly enhanced when Dkk3 was lacking in astrocytes, whereas post-NMDA addition of hrDkk3 was neuroprotective. Neuroprotection by hrDkk3 was significantly reduced by pharmacological blockade of type-2 VEGF receptors and was mimicked by hrVEGF. These data offer the first evidence that Dkk3 protects both neurons and astrocytes against a variety of toxic insults, and at least in culture, protection involves VEGF induction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christof Niehrs
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Allianz, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Valeria Bruno
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Volpe
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Speranza Rubattu
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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17
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Counterbalance: modulation of VEGF/VEGFR activities by TNFSF15. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2018; 3:21. [PMID: 30101034 PMCID: PMC6085396 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-018-0023-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular hyperpermeability occurs in angiogenesis and several pathobiological conditions, producing elevated interstitial fluid pressure and lymphangiogenesis. How these closely related events are modulated is a fundamentally important question regarding the maintenance of vascular homeostasis and treatment of disease conditions such as cancer, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Signals mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, noticeably VEGFR-1, −2, and −3, are centrally involved in the promotion of both blood vessel and lymphatic vessel growth. These signaling pathways are counterbalanced or, in the case of VEGFR3, augmented by signals induced by tumor necrosis factor superfamily-15 (TNFSF15). TNFSF15 can simultaneously downregulate membrane-bound VEGFR1 and upregulate soluble VEGFR1, thus changing VEGF/VEGFR1 signals from pro-angiogenic to anti-angiogenic. In addition, TNFSF15 inhibits VEGF-induced VEGFR2 phosphorylation, thereby curbing VEGFR2-mediated enhancement of vascular permeability. Third, and perhaps more interestingly, TNFSF15 is capable of stimulating VEGFR3 gene expression in lymphatic endothelial cells, thus augmenting VEGF-C/D-VEGFR3-facilitated lymphangiogenesis. We discuss the intertwining relationship between the actions of TNFSF15 and VEGF in this review. The ability of tumor necrosis factor superfamily-15 (TNFSF15) protein to balance the actions of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) highlights new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of diseases that disrupt the circulatory system. Gui-Li Yang at the Tianjin Neurological Institute and Lu-Yuan Li at Nankai University describe the mechanisms through which TNFSF15 inhibits blood vessel growth mediated by VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR1) and counterbalances the increase in vascular permeability mediated by VEGFR2. Interestingly, TNFSF15 enhances the effects of VEGFR3 on the formation of lymphatic vessels by promoting VEGFR3 gene expression in lymphatic endothelial cells. Further research will determine whether TNFSF15′s unique capacity to regulate the properties of both blood and lymph vessels can be harnessed to improve the treatment of conditions such as cancer, stroke, myocardial infarction and lymphoedema.
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18
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Ye X, Beckett T, Bagher P, Garland CJ, Dora KA. VEGF-A inhibits agonist-mediated Ca 2+ responses and activation of IK Ca channels in mouse resistance artery endothelial cells. J Physiol 2018; 596:3553-3566. [PMID: 29862503 DOI: 10.1113/jp275793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Prolonged exposure to vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) inhibits agonist-mediated endothelial cell Ca2+ release and subsequent activation of intermediate conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (IKCa ) channels, which underpins vasodilatation as a result of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) in mouse resistance arteries. Signalling via mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) downstream of VEGF-A was required to attenuate endothelial cell Ca2+ responses and the EDH-vasodilatation mediated by IKCa activation. VEGF-A exposure did not modify vasodilatation as a result of the direct activation of IKCa channels, nor the pattern of expression of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 1 within endothelial cells of resistance arteries. These results indicate a novel role for VEGF-A in resistance arteries and suggest a new avenue for investigation into the role of VEGF-A in cardiovascular diseases. ABSTRACT Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a potent permeability and angiogenic factor that is also associated with the remodelling of the microvasculature. Elevated VEGF-A levels are linked to a significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular dysfunction, although it is unclear how VEGF-A has a detrimental, disease-related effect. Small resistance arteries are central determinants of peripheral resistance and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) is the predominant mechanism by which these arteries vasodilate. Using isolated, pressurized resistance arteries, we demonstrate that VEGF-A acts via VEGF receptor-2 (R2) to inhibit both endothelial cell (EC) Ca2+ release and the associated EDH vasodilatation mediated by intermediate conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (IKCa ) channels. Importantly, VEGF-A had no direct effect against IKCa channels. Instead, the inhibition was crucially reliant on the downstream activation of the mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2). The distribution of EC inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3 ) receptor-1 (R1) was not affected by exposure to VEGF-A and we propose an inhibition of IP3 R1 through the MEK pathway, probably via ERK1/2. Inhibition of EC Ca2+ via VEGFR2 has profound implications for EDH-mediated dilatation of resistance arteries and could provide a mechanism by which elevated VEGF-A contributes towards cardiovascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, UK
| | - Taylor Beckett
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, UK.,School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Pooneh Bagher
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, UK.,Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | | | - Kim A Dora
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, UK
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19
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Ritenour AM, Dickie R. Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Decreases Regenerative Angiogenesis in Axolotls. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2017; 300:2273-2280. [PMID: 28921926 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is crucial for tissue growth and repair in mammals, and is chiefly regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. We evaluated the effect of chemical inhibition of VEGF receptor signaling in animals with superior regenerative ability, axolotl salamanders, to determine the impact on vascularization and regenerative outgrowth. Following tail amputation, treated animals (100 nM PTK787) and controls were examined microscopically and measured over the month-long period of regeneration. Treatment with VEGFR inhibitor decreased regenerative angiogenesis; drug-treated animals had lower vascular densities in the regenerating tail than untreated animals. This decrease in neovascularization, however, was not associated with a decrease in regenerative outgrowth or with morphological abnormalities in the regrown tail. Avascular but otherwise anatomically normal regenerative outgrowth over 1 mm beyond the amputation plane was observed. The results suggest that in this highly regenerative species, significant early tissue regeneration is possible in the absence of a well-developed vasculature. This research sets the groundwork for establishing a system for the chemical manipulation of angiogenesis within the highly regenerative axolotl model, contributing to a better understanding of the role of the microvasculature within strongly proliferative yet well-regulated environments. Anat Rec, 300:2273-2280, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Ritenour
- Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, 7800 York Road, Towson, Madison
| | - Renee Dickie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, 7800 York Road, Towson, Madison
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20
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Kwon HR, Nelson DA, DeSantis KA, Morrissey JM, Larsen M. Endothelial cell regulation of salivary gland epithelial patterning. Development 2017; 144:211-220. [PMID: 28096213 DOI: 10.1242/dev.142497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Perfusion-independent regulation of epithelial pattern formation by the vasculature during organ development and regeneration is of considerable interest for application in restoring organ function. During murine submandibular salivary gland development, the vasculature co-develops with the epithelium during branching morphogenesis; however, it is not known whether the vasculature has instructive effects on the epithelium. Using pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA knockdown in embryonic organ explants, we determined that VEGFR2-dependent signaling is required for salivary gland epithelial patterning. To test directly for a requirement for endothelial cells in instructive epithelial patterning, we developed a novel ex vivo cell fractionation/reconstitution assay. Immuno-depletion of CD31+ endothelial cells in this assay confirmed a requirement for endothelial cells in epithelial patterning of the gland. Depletion of endothelial cells or inhibition of VEGFR2 signaling in organ explants caused an aberrant increase in cells expressing the ductal proteins K19 and K7, with a reduction in Kit+ progenitor cells in the endbuds of reconstituted glands. Addition of exogenous endothelial cells to reconstituted glands restored epithelial patterning, as did supplementation with the endothelial cell-regulated mesenchymal factors IGFBP2 and IGFBP3. Our results demonstrate that endothelial cells promote expansion of Kit+ progenitor cells and suppress premature ductal differentiation in early developing embryonic submandibular salivary gland buds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Ryong Kwon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA.,Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental, and Neural Biology, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Deirdre A Nelson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Kara A DeSantis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA.,Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental, and Neural Biology, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Jennifer M Morrissey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Melinda Larsen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
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21
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Guo J, Yan W, Yang Y, Wang Z, Tian F. Monitoring of vascular endothelial growth factor and its soluble receptor levels in early trauma. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2017; 82:766-770. [PMID: 28099389 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000001373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This clinical observation study aimed to investigate the relationship between the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its soluble receptors with the severity and the occurrence of late acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in early trauma. METHODS Sixty patients with multiple injuries were divided into three groups according to the Injury Severity Score (ISS) and the serum levels of VEGF, soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sVEGFR1), and sVEGFR2, were measured. Ten healthy people were recruited as controls. The incidence of late ARDS was also monitored, and its relationship to the above measures analyzed. RESULTS VEGF was not associated with ISS (p > 0.05); sVEGFR1 was positively associated with ISS (r = 0.459, p < 0.0001); however, sVEGFR2 was negatively associated with ISS (r = 0.510, p < 0.0001). The serum VEGF levels between the ARDS group and the non-ARDS group showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). sVEGFR1 in the ARDS group was significantly higher than that in the non-ARDS group (p < 0.0001), and sVEGFR2 in the ARDS group was significantly lower than that in the non-ARDS group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION In conclusion, the increasing of sVEGFR1 and the decreasing of sVEGFR2 in early trauma might be closely related to the occurrence of late ARDS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic study, level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianying Guo
- From the Department of Critical Care Medicine (J.G., Z.W.), the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Department of Intensive Care Unit (W.Y.), the First Hospital of Baoding, Baoding, Hebei, China; Department of Severe Medicine (Y.Y.), Xingtai People's Hospital, Xingtai, Hebei, China; and Department of Respiratory (F.T.), the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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22
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Reina-Torres E, Wen JC, Liu KC, Li G, Sherwood JM, Chang JYH, Challa P, Flügel-Koch CM, Stamer WD, Allingham RR, Overby DR. VEGF as a Paracrine Regulator of Conventional Outflow Facility. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:1899-1908. [PMID: 28358962 PMCID: PMC5374885 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates microvascular endothelial permeability, and the permeability of Schlemm's canal (SC) endothelium influences conventional aqueous humor outflow. We hypothesize that VEGF signaling regulates outflow facility. Methods We measured outflow facility (C) in enucleated mouse eyes perfused with VEGF-A164a, VEGF-A165b, VEGF-D, or inhibitors to VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). We monitored VEGF-A secretion from human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells by ELISA after 24 hours of static culture or cyclic stretch. We used immunofluorescence microscopy to localize VEGF-A protein within the TM of mice. Results VEGF-A164a increased C in enucleated mouse eyes. Cyclic stretch increased VEGF-A secretion by human TM cells, which corresponded to VEGF-A localization in the TM of mice. Blockade of VEGFR-2 decreased C, using either of the inhibitors SU5416 or Ki8751 or the inactive splice variant VEGF-A165b. VEGF-D increased C, which could be blocked by Ki8751. Conclusions VEGF is a paracrine regulator of conventional outflow facility that is secreted by TM cells in response to mechanical stress. VEGF affects facility via VEGFR-2 likely at the level of SC endothelium. Disruption of VEGF signaling in the TM may explain why anti-VEGF therapy is associated with decreased outflow facility and sustained ocular hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Reina-Torres
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne C Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Katy C Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Guorong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Joseph M Sherwood
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Y H Chang
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pratap Challa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Cassandra M Flügel-Koch
- Department of Anatomy II, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - R Rand Allingham
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Darryl R Overby
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Olekson MA, You T, Savage PB, Leung KP. Antimicrobial ceragenins inhibit biofilms and affect mammalian cell viability and migration in vitro. FEBS Open Bio 2017; 7:953-967. [PMID: 28680809 PMCID: PMC5494304 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The healing of burn wounds is often hampered by bacterial infection and the formation of biofilms. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effective in promoting wound healing, but are susceptible to degradation. We have tested the ability of ceragenins (CSAs), mimics of antimicrobial peptides, to mitigate preformed biofilms and stimulate wound healing in vitro. Potent CSAs (MICs < 10 μg·mL−1) were tested against biofilms formed from a mixture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus grown for 22 h and subjected to 20 h treatment. Many CSAs showed more potent anti‐biofilm activity than the endogenous AMP LL‐37, and CSA‐13 and CSA‐90 decreased the amount of biofilm matrix substances detected by SYPRO Ruby stain. Effects on mammalian cells were measured by viability, migration, and tube formation assays in vitro. Although CSAs were toxic to immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaTs) at higher concentrations (>10 μg·mL−1), lower concentrations of CSA‐13 and CSA‐192 stimulated cell migration. CSA‐13, CSA‐90, and CSA‐142 also stimulated tube formation in an in vitro angiogenesis model. An inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) blocked tube formation stimulated by CSA‐13, suggesting that CSA‐13 signals through this receptor. Ceragenins display anti‐biofilm activity and stimulate migration and tube formation in vitro. This work suggests that ceragenins have the potential to be both topical antimicrobials and wound‐healing adjunct therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Olekson
- Dental and Craniofacial Trauma Research & Tissue Regeneration Directorate United States Army Institute of Surgical Research JBSA Fort Sam Houston TX USA
| | - Tao You
- Dental and Craniofacial Trauma Research & Tissue Regeneration Directorate United States Army Institute of Surgical Research JBSA Fort Sam Houston TX USA
| | - Paul B Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Brigham Young University Provo UT USA
| | - Kai P Leung
- Dental and Craniofacial Trauma Research & Tissue Regeneration Directorate United States Army Institute of Surgical Research JBSA Fort Sam Houston TX USA
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24
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Buttigliero C, Bertaglia V, Novello S. Anti-angiogenetic therapies for central nervous system metastases from non-small cell lung cancer. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2016; 5:610-627. [PMID: 28149756 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr.2016.09.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) metastases are common in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), occurring in 24% to 44% of patients in the course of their disease and confer significant morbidity and mortality. Systemic therapies have been deemed ineffective in brain metastases (BM) under the hypothesis that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits their delivery to the brain. Angiogenesis, which is mainly mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, is crucial for tumor survival, growth and invasion both in primary and metastatic brain lesions. Two major categories of agents have been developed to target this pathway: antibody-based agents and VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Clinical benefits have been shown with anti-angiogenetic therapies in the treatment of metastatic NSCLC. However, patients with CNS metastases were often excluded from trials with these agents, due to concerns about a potentially greater risk of cerebral haemorrhage and thromboembolic disease. Therefore, the overall efficacy and safety of angiogenetic agents in patients with BM from NSCLC are yet to be clarified. This paper aims to review available data about the efficacy and safety of anti-angiogenetic therapies for CNS metastases in NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consuelo Buttigliero
- Department of Oncology, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Bertaglia
- Department of Oncology, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Novello
- Department of Oncology, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
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25
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Hulse RP, Drake RAR, Bates DO, Donaldson LF. The control of alternative splicing by SRSF1 in myelinated afferents contributes to the development of neuropathic pain. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 96:186-200. [PMID: 27616424 PMCID: PMC5113660 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain results from neuroplasticity in nociceptive neuronal networks. Here we demonstrate that control of alternative pre-mRNA splicing, through the splice factor serine-arginine splice factor 1 (SRSF1), is integral to the processing of nociceptive information in the spinal cord. Neuropathic pain develops following a partial saphenous nerve ligation injury, at which time SRSF1 is activated in damaged myelinated primary afferent neurons, with minimal found in small diameter (IB4 positive) dorsal root ganglia neurons. Serine arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1) is the principal route of SRSF1 activation. Spinal SRPK1 inhibition attenuated SRSF1 activity, abolished neuropathic pain behaviors and suppressed central sensitization. SRSF1 was principally expressed in large diameter myelinated (NF200-rich) dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons and their excitatory central terminals (vGLUT1+ve) within the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord. Expression of pro-nociceptive VEGF-Axxxa within the spinal cord was increased after nerve injury, and this was prevented by SRPK1 inhibition. Additionally, expression of anti-nociceptive VEGF-Axxxb isoforms was elevated, and this was associated with reduced neuropathic pain behaviors. Inhibition of VEGF receptor-2 signaling in the spinal cord attenuated behavioral nociceptive responses to mechanical, heat and formalin stimuli, indicating that spinal VEGF receptor-2 activation has potent pro-nociceptive actions. Furthermore, intrathecal VEGF-A165a resulted in mechanical and heat hyperalgesia, whereas the sister inhibitory isoform VEGF-A165b resulted in anti-nociception. These results support a role for myelinated fiber pathways, and alternative pre-mRNA splicing of factors such as VEGF-A in the spinal processing of neuropathic pain. They also indicate that targeting pre-mRNA splicing at the spinal level could lead to a novel target for analgesic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P Hulse
- Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 7UH, United Kingdom; School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom.
| | - Robert A R Drake
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - David O Bates
- Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 7UH, United Kingdom; School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy F Donaldson
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom; School of Life Sciences and Arthritis Research UK Pain Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 7UH, United Kingdom.
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26
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Yang L, Moghaddas S, Dezvareh H, Belkacemi L, Bark SJ, Bose RN, Do LH. Insights into the anti-angiogenic properties of phosphaplatins. J Inorg Biochem 2016; 164:5-16. [PMID: 27591123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2016.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Phosphaplatins are platinum-based antitumor compounds that, unlike other clinically utilized platinum drugs (i.e. cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin), appear to target proteins rather than DNA. Because of their unique mode of action, phosphaplatins are promising drug candidates for cisplatin-resistant cancers. In this study, we discovered that Pt(II) and Pt(IV) phosphaplatins possess diverse antitumor properties. In addition to targeting apoptosis antigen (FAS) and proapoptotic gene products as described previously, phosphaplatins also target angiogenesis. We demonstrate that phosphaplatins inhibit human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration and tube formation in vitro and suppress tumor angiogenesis and growth in immunodeficient mice that were inoculated with A2780 ovarian cancer cells in vivo. To provide insight into this novel antitumor mechanism, phosphaplatin-treated HUVECs were found to exhibit lower gene expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and the VEGFR-2 receptor compared to untreated cells. Kinase inhibition studies suggest that phosphaplatins are inhibitors of VEGFR-2. In ligand exchange experiments using both Pt atomic absorption and 31P NMR spectroscopies, we show that phosphaplatins most likely bind to VEGFR-2 through metal-ligand coordination rather than electrostatic interactions. These studies enhance our understanding of the diverse and novel mechanisms of action of the phosphaplatin antitumor agents, which could potentially be used as chemotherapeutic agents against cisplatin-resistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States
| | - Shadi Moghaddas
- Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States
| | - Homa Dezvareh
- Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States
| | - Louiza Belkacemi
- Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States
| | - Steven J Bark
- Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States
| | - Rathindra N Bose
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States; Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States
| | - Loi H Do
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States.
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27
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Gyurkovics M, Nagy I, Bodor C, Székely AD, Dinya E, Rosivall L, Lohinai Z. Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Has a Regulatory Role in Gingival Venules in Experimental Diabetes. J Periodontol 2015; 87:e27-34. [PMID: 26561995 DOI: 10.1902/jop.2015.150410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the present study, the possible localization and role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 (VEGFR2) in the regulation of gingival venules in a rat model of experimental diabetes are examined. METHODS Six weeks after streptozotocin premedication, Wistar male rats presenting blood sugar levels >20 mmol/L were selected for investigation. The VEGFR2 antagonist ZM323881 [5-((7-benzyloxyquinazolin-4-yl)amino)-4-fluoro-2-methylphenol-hydrochloride] (20 μg/mL) was dripped onto the gingiva between the mandibular incisors. Changes in diameter of the selected gingival venule were measured by vital microscopy combined with digital photography at specified times. Immunohistochemical staining was used to localize VEGFR2. For controls, the same protocol was used on animals with normal blood sugar levels and healthy gingiva. RESULTS There was a significant difference between the baseline venule diameter of the diabetic and the control groups (47 ± 1 and 28 ± 2 μm, respectively). After 15, 30, and 60 minutes of local application of ZM323881, significant vasoconstriction was observed in the venules of diabetic rats compared with the baseline (81.4% ± 4.6%, 81.8% ± 4.4%, and 80.6% ± 5.1%, respectively). The control group showed no change in the venule diameter. The immunohistochemical analysis showed significantly increased VEGFR2 expression in the mast cells along the venules in the diabetic group, whereas mast cells were rarely found in the control group. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that VEGF expression is increased in gingiva in experimentally induced diabetes. After VEGFR2 activation, the mast cell-derived vasodilatory and inflammatory mediators may contribute markedly to the concomitant changes in the microcirculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milán Gyurkovics
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Preventive, Restorative, and Pediatric Dentistry; School of Dental Medicine; University of Bern; Bern, Switzerland
| | - Izabella Nagy
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Bodor
- Paediatrics and Nephrology Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University
| | - Andrea D Székely
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology; Faculty of Medicine; Semmelweis University
| | - Elek Dinya
- Institute of Health Informatics Development and Further Training, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University
| | - László Rosivall
- Paediatrics and Nephrology Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University
| | - Zsolt Lohinai
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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28
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Abdou NS, Serya RAT, Esmat A, Tolba MF, Ismail NSM, Abouzid KAM. Synthesis and in vitro antiproliferative activity of novel pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives. MEDCHEMCOMM 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5md00127g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A novel series of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermin S. Abdou
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Ain Shams University
- Cairo 11566
- Egypt
| | - Rabah A. T. Serya
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Ain Shams University
- Cairo 11566
- Egypt
| | - Ahmed Esmat
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Ain Shams University
- Cairo 11566
- Egypt
| | - Mai F. Tolba
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Ain Shams University
- Cairo 11566
- Egypt
| | - Nasser S. M. Ismail
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Ain Shams University
- Cairo 11566
- Egypt
| | - Khaled A. M. Abouzid
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Ain Shams University
- Cairo 11566
- Egypt
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29
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Oltean S, Qiu Y, Ferguson JK, Stevens M, Neal C, Russell A, Kaura A, Arkill KP, Harris K, Symonds C, Lacey K, Wijeyaratne L, Gammons M, Wylie E, Hulse RP, Alsop C, Cope G, Damodaran G, Betteridge KB, Ramnath R, Satchell SC, Foster RR, Ballmer-Hofer K, Donaldson LF, Barratt J, Baelde HJ, Harper SJ, Bates DO, Salmon AHJ. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A165b Is Protective and Restores Endothelial Glycocalyx in Diabetic Nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 2014; 26:1889-904. [PMID: 25542969 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2014040350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of ESRD in high-income countries and a growing problem across the world. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is thought to be a critical mediator of vascular dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy, yet VEGF-A knockout and overexpression of angiogenic VEGF-A isoforms each worsen diabetic nephropathy. We examined the vasculoprotective effects of the VEGF-A isoform VEGF-A165b in diabetic nephropathy. Renal expression of VEGF-A165b mRNA was upregulated in diabetic individuals with well preserved kidney function, but not in those with progressive disease. Reproducing this VEGF-A165b upregulation in mouse podocytes in vivo prevented functional and histologic abnormalities in diabetic nephropathy. Biweekly systemic injections of recombinant human VEGF-A165b reduced features of diabetic nephropathy when initiated during early or advanced nephropathy in a model of type 1 diabetes and when initiated during early nephropathy in a model of type 2 diabetes. VEGF-A165b normalized glomerular permeability through phosphorylation of VEGF receptor 2 in glomerular endothelial cells, and reversed diabetes-induced damage to the glomerular endothelial glycocalyx. VEGF-A165b also improved the permeability function of isolated diabetic human glomeruli. These results show that VEGF-A165b acts via the endothelium to protect blood vessels and ameliorate diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yan Qiu
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology and
| | | | | | - Chris Neal
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology and
| | | | - Amit Kaura
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology and
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Emma Wylie
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology and Academic Renal Unit, School of Clinical Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - George Cope
- Academic Renal Unit, School of Clinical Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Raina Ramnath
- Academic Renal Unit, School of Clinical Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Simon C Satchell
- Academic Renal Unit, School of Clinical Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca R Foster
- Academic Renal Unit, School of Clinical Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Kurt Ballmer-Hofer
- Biomolecular Research, Molecular Cell Biology, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Lucy F Donaldson
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology and School of Life Sciences and
| | - Jonathan Barratt
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom; and
| | - Hans J Baelde
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - David O Bates
- Cancer Biology, Division of Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew H J Salmon
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology and Academic Renal Unit, School of Clinical Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom;
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Alexander SPH, Benson HE, Faccenda E, Pawson AJ, Sharman JL, Spedding M, Peters JA, Harmar AJ. The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14: catalytic receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 170:1676-705. [PMID: 24528241 PMCID: PMC3892291 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full. Catalytic receptors are one of the seven major pharmacological targets into which the Guide is divided, with the others being G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, ion channels, nuclear hormone receptors, transporters and enzymes. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets. It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC-IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR-DB and the Guide to Receptors and Channels, providing a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P H Alexander
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
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Hulse RP, Beazley-Long N, Hua J, Kennedy H, Prager J, Bevan H, Qiu Y, Fernandes ES, Gammons MV, Ballmer-Hofer K, Gittenberger de Groot AC, Churchill AJ, Harper SJ, Brain SD, Bates DO, Donaldson LF. Regulation of alternative VEGF-A mRNA splicing is a therapeutic target for analgesia. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 71:245-59. [PMID: 25151644 PMCID: PMC4194316 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is best known as a key regulator of the formation of new blood vessels. Neutralization of VEGF-A with anti-VEGF therapy e.g. bevacizumab, can be painful, and this is hypothesized to result from a loss of VEGF-A-mediated neuroprotection. The multiple vegf-a gene products consist of two alternatively spliced families, typified by VEGF-A165a and VEGF-A165b (both contain 165 amino acids), both of which are neuroprotective. Under pathological conditions, such as in inflammation and cancer, the pro-angiogenic VEGF-A165a is upregulated and predominates over the VEGF-A165b isoform. We show here that in rats and mice VEGF-A165a and VEGF-A165b have opposing effects on pain, and that blocking the proximal splicing event – leading to the preferential expression of VEGF-A165b over VEGF165a – prevents pain in vivo. VEGF-A165a sensitizes peripheral nociceptive neurons through actions on VEGFR2 and a TRPV1-dependent mechanism, thus enhancing nociceptive signaling. VEGF-A165b blocks the effect of VEGF-A165a. After nerve injury, the endogenous balance of VEGF-A isoforms switches to greater expression of VEGF-Axxxa compared to VEGF-Axxxb, through an SRPK1-dependent pre-mRNA splicing mechanism. Pharmacological inhibition of SRPK1 after traumatic nerve injury selectively reduced VEGF-Axxxa expression and reversed associated neuropathic pain. Exogenous VEGF-A165b also ameliorated neuropathic pain. We conclude that the relative levels of alternatively spliced VEGF-A isoforms are critical for pain modulation under both normal conditions and in sensory neuropathy. Altering VEGF-Axxxa/VEGF-Axxxb balance by targeting alternative RNA splicing may be a new analgesic strategy. The different vegf-a splice variants, VEGF-A165a and VEGF-A165b have pro- and anti-nociceptive actions respectively. Pro-nociceptive actions of VEGF-A165a are dependent on TRPV1. Alternative pre-mRNA splicing underpins peripheral sensitization by VEGF-A isoforms in normal and neuropathic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Hulse
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - N Beazley-Long
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; School of Life Sciences, The Medical School, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - J Hua
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - H Kennedy
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - J Prager
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - H Bevan
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Y Qiu
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | | | - M V Gammons
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | | | | | - A J Churchill
- Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 2LX, UK
| | - S J Harper
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - S D Brain
- King's College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - D O Bates
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK.
| | - L F Donaldson
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; School of Life Sciences, The Medical School, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK.
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Dahrouj M, Alsarraf O, McMillin JC, Liu Y, Crosson CE, Ablonczy Z. Vascular endothelial growth factor modulates the function of the retinal pigment epithelium in vivo. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:2269-75. [PMID: 24550368 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinal edema, the accumulation of extracellular fluid in the retina is usually attributed to inner blood retina barrier (BRB) leakage. Vascular endothelial growth factor plays an important role in this process. The effects of VEGF on the outer BRB, the RPE, however, have received limited attention. Here, we present a methodology to assess how VEGF modulates the integrity of the RPE barrier in vivo. METHODS Control subretinal blebs (1-5 μL) and blebs containing VEGF (1-100 μg/mL), placental growth factor (PlGF; 100 μg/mL), or albumin (100-1000 μg/mL) were injected into New Zealand White or Dutch Belted rabbits with IOP maintained at 10, 15, or 20 mm Hg. One-hour intravitreal pretreatment with ZM323881 (10 μM/L) was used to inhibit the VEGF response. Fluid resorption was followed by optical coherence tomography for 1 hour. Retinal pigment epithelium leakage was assessed by fluorescein angiography. RESULTS Increasing IOP resulted in an elevated rate of bleb resorption, while increasing albumin concentration in the bleb decreased the rate of resorption. Vascular endothelial growth factor, but not PlGF, caused a significant, concentration-dependent decrease in the rate of fluid resorption, which was reversed by ZM323881. Compared with albumin-filled blebs, VEGF-filled blebs showed accelerated early-phase leakage from the choroid. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with a localized modulation of RPE function, VEGF induced a significant reduction in fluid resorption and an increase in hydraulic conductivity. Our results establish VEGF as a major cytokine regulating RPE barrier properties in vivo and indicate that the RPE is a principal factor in the pathogenesis of retinal edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Dahrouj
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
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Beazley-Long N, Hua J, Jehle T, Hulse RP, Dersch R, Lehrling C, Bevan H, Qiu Y, Lagrèze WA, Wynick D, Churchill AJ, Kehoe P, Harper SJ, Bates DO, Donaldson LF. VEGF-A165b is an endogenous neuroprotective splice isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor A in vivo and in vitro. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 183:918-29. [PMID: 23838428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Revised: 05/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A is generated as two isoform families by alternative RNA splicing, represented by VEGF-A165a and VEGF-A165b. These isoforms have opposing actions on vascular permeability, angiogenesis, and vasodilatation. The proangiogenic VEGF-A165a isoform is neuroprotective in hippocampal, dorsal root ganglia, and retinal neurons, but its propermeability, vasodilatatory, and angiogenic properties limit its therapeutic usefulness. In contrast, a neuroprotective effect of endogenous VEGF-A165b on neurons would be advantageous for neurodegenerative pathologies. Endogenous expression of human and rat VEGF-A165b was detected in hippocampal and cortical neurons. VEGF-A165b formed a significant proportion of total VEGF-A in rat brain. Recombinant human VEGF-A165b exerted neuroprotective effects in response to multiple insults, including glutamatergic excitotoxicity in hippocampal neurons, chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity of dorsal root ganglion neurons, and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in rat retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in vivo. Neuroprotection was dependent on VEGFR2 and MEK1/2 activation but not on p38 or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation. Recombinant human VEGF-A165b is a neuroprotective agent that effectively protects both peripheral and central neurons in vivo and in vitro through VEGFR2, MEK1/2, and inhibition of caspase-3 induction. VEGF-A165b may be therapeutically useful for pathologies that involve neuronal damage, including hippocampal neurodegeneration, glaucoma diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy. The endogenous nature of VEGF-A165b expression suggests that non-isoform-specific inhibition of VEGF-A (for antiangiogenic reasons) may be damaging to retinal and sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Beazley-Long
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Othman A, Ahmad S, Megyerdi S, Mussell R, Choksi K, Maddipati KR, Elmarakby A, Rizk N, Al-Shabrawey M. 12/15-Lipoxygenase-derived lipid metabolites induce retinal endothelial cell barrier dysfunction: contribution of NADPH oxidase. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57254. [PMID: 23437353 PMCID: PMC3577708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of 12/15- lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX) metabolites on retinal endothelial cell (REC) barrier function. FITC-dextran flux across the REC monolayers and electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) were used to evaluate the effect of 12- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetreanoic acids (HETE) on REC permeability and transcellular electrical resistance (TER). Effect of 12- or 15-HETE on the levels of zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1), reactive oxygen species (ROS), NOX2, pVEGF-R2 and pSHP1 was examined in the presence or absence of inhibitors of NADPH oxidase. In vivo studies were performed using Ins2Akita mice treated with or without the 12/15-LOX inhibitor baicalein. Levels of HETE and inflammatory mediators were examined by LC/MS and Multiplex Immunoassay respectively. ROS generation and NOX2 expression were also measured in mice retinas. 12- and 15- HETE significantly increased permeability and reduced TER and ZO-1expression in REC. VEGF-R2 inhibitor reduced the permeability effect of 12-HETE. Treatment of REC with HETE also increased ROS generation and expression of NOX2 and pVEGF-R2 and decreased pSHP1 expression. Treatment of diabetic mice with baicalein significantly decreased retinal HETE, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, IL-6, ROS generation, and NOX2 expression. Baicalein also reduced pVEGF-R2 while restored pSHP1 levels in diabetic retina. Our findings suggest that 12/15-LOX contributes to vascular hyperpermeability during DR via NADPH oxidase dependent mechanism which involves suppression of protein tyrosine phosphatase and activation of VEGF-R2 signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Othman
- Department of Oral Biology/Anatomy, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University (GRU), Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Saif Ahmad
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University (GRU), Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sylvia Megyerdi
- Department of Oral Biology/Anatomy, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University (GRU), Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Rene Mussell
- Department of Oral Biology/Anatomy, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University (GRU), Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Karishma Choksi
- Department of Oral Biology/Anatomy, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University (GRU), Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Krishna Rao Maddipati
- Department of Pathology, Wayne States University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ahmed Elmarakby
- Department of Oral Biology/Anatomy, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University (GRU), Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University (GRU), Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Nasser Rizk
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Science, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Al-Shabrawey
- Department of Oral Biology/Anatomy, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University (GRU), Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University (GRU), Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University (GRU), Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Uitdehaag JCM, Verkaar F, Alwan H, de Man J, Buijsman RC, Zaman GJR. A guide to picking the most selective kinase inhibitor tool compounds for pharmacological validation of drug targets. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 166:858-76. [PMID: 22250956 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01859.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To establish the druggability of a target, genetic validation needs to be supplemented with pharmacological validation. Pharmacological studies, especially in the kinase field, are hampered by the fact that many reference inhibitors are not fully selective for one target. Fortunately, the initial trickle of selective inhibitors released in the public domain has steadily swelled into a stream. However, rationally picking the most selective tool compound out of the increasing amounts of available inhibitors has become progressively difficult due to the lack of accurate quantitative descriptors of drug selectivity. A recently published approach, termed 'selectivity entropy', is an improved way of expressing selectivity as a single-value parameter and enables rank ordering of inhibitors. We provide a guide to select the best tool compounds for pharmacological validation experiments of candidate drug targets using selectivity entropy. In addition, we recommend which inhibitors to use for studying the biology of the 20 most investigated kinases that are clinically relevant: Abl (ABL1), AKT1, ALK, Aurora A/B, CDKs, MET, CSF1R (FMS), EGFR, FLT3, ERBB2 (HER2), IKBKB (IKK2), JAK2/3, JNK1/2/3 (MAPK8/9/10), MEK1/2, PLK1, PI3Ks, p38α (MAPK14), BRAF, SRC and VEGFR2 (KDR).
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Gyurkovics M, Lohinai Z, Győrfi A, Bodor C, Székely AD, Dinya E, Rosivall L. Microvascular regulatory role and increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 in experimental gingivitis. J Periodontal Res 2012; 48:194-202. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2012.01520.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Gyurkovics
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry; Semmelweis University; Budapest; Hungary
| | - Z. Lohinai
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry; Semmelweis University; Budapest; Hungary
| | - A. Győrfi
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry; Semmelweis University; Budapest; Hungary
| | - C. Bodor
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine; Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University Research Group for Pediatrics and Nephrology, Semmelweis University; Budapest; Hungary
| | - A. D. Székely
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Histology and Embryology; Semmelweis University; Budapest; Hungary
| | - E. Dinya
- Institute of Health Informatics, Faculty of Medicine; Semmelweis University; Budapest; Hungary
| | - L. Rosivall
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine; Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University Research Group for Pediatrics and Nephrology, Semmelweis University; Budapest; Hungary
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Susarla R, Watkinson JC, Eggo MC. Regulation of human thyroid follicular cell function by inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signalling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 351:199-207. [PMID: 22227235 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Revised: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The potential autocrine role of human thyroid vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) was examined using the VEGF receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor, ZM306416HCl. ZM306416HCl reduced VEGFR2 phosphorylation and inhibited endogenous, steady-state levels of p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation. It potently inhibited the secretion of plasminogen activators (PA) and increased (125)I uptake. Cell survival was compromised but rescued with insulin and TSH. Although the EGF receptor remained responsive to challenge by EGF in p42/44 MAPK assays, stimulatory effects of EGF on PA production were prevented by ZM306416HCl and those of protein kinase C stimulator, TPA reduced. In assays of (125)I uptake, ZM306416HCl prevented the inhibitory effects of EGF but not those of TPA. We conclude that autocrine VEGF may modulate thyroid function and that VEGFR inhibition increases iodide uptake and decreases PA production through regulation of p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation. VEGFR inhibition may have effects on thyroid function which may contribute to "off target" effects in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Susarla
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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Abstract
PET (pre-eclamptic toxaemia), characterized by pregnancy-related hypertension and proteinuria, due to widespread endothelial dysfunction, is a primary cause of maternal morbidity. Altered circulating factors, particularly the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) family of proteins and their receptors, are thought to be key contributors to this disease. Plasma from patients with PET induces numerous cellular and physiological changes in endothelial cells, indicating the presence of a circulating imbalance of the normal plasma constituents. These have been narrowed down to macromolecules of the VEGF family of proteins and receptors. It has been shown that responses of endothelial cells in intact vessels to plasma from patients with pre-eclampsia is VEGF-dependent. It has recently been shown that this may be specific to the VEGF₁₆₅b isoform, and blocked by addition of recombinant human PlGF (placental growth factor). Taken together with results that show that sVEGFR1 (soluble VEGF receptor 1) levels are insufficient to bind VEGF-A in human plasma from patients with pre-eclampsia, and that other circulating macromolecules bind, but do not inactivate, VEGF-A, this suggests that novel hypotheses involving altered bioavailability of VEGF isoforms resulting from reduced or bound PlGF, or increased sVEGFR1 increasing biological activity of circulating plasma, could be tested. This suggests that knowing how to alter the balance of VEGF family members could prevent endothelial activation, and potentially some symptoms, of pre-eclampsia.
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Bills VL, Salmon AH, Harper SJ, Overton TG, Neal CR, Jeffery B, Soothill PW, Bates DO. Impaired vascular permeability regulation caused by the VEGF165b splice variant in pre-eclampsia. BJOG 2011; 118:1253-61. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.02925.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Combinatory action of VEGFR2 and MAP kinase pathways maintains endothelial-cell integrity. Cell Res 2011; 21:1080-7. [PMID: 21423276 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2011.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels normally maintain stereotyped lumen diameters and their stable structures are crucial for vascular function. However, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms controlling the maintenance of vessel diameters and the integrity of endothelial cells. We investigated this issue in zebrafish embryos by a chemical genetics approach. Small molecule libraries were screened using live Tg(kdrl:GRCFP)(zn1) transgenic embryos in which endothelial cells are specifically labeled with GFP. By analyzing the effects of compounds on the morphology and function of embryonic blood vessels after lumen formation, PP1, a putative Src kinase inhibitor, was identified as capable of specifically reducing vascular lumen size by interrupting endothelial-cell integrity. The inhibitory effect is not due to Src or general VEGF signaling inhibition because another Src inhibitor and Src morpholino as well as several VEGFR inhibitors failed to produce a similar phenotype. After profiling a panel of 22 representative mammalian kinases and surveying published data, we selected a few possible new candidates. Combinational analysis of these candidate kinase inhibitors established that PP1 induced endothelial collapse by inhibiting both the VEGFR2 and MAP kinase pathways. More importantly, combinatory use of two clinically approved drugs Dasatinib and Sunitinib produced the same phenotype. This is the first study to elucidate the pathways controlling maintenance of endothelial integrity using a chemical genetics approach, indicating that endothelial integrity is controlled by the combined action of the VEGFR2 and MAP kinase pathways. Our results also suggest the possible side effect of the combination of two anticancer drugs on the circulatory system.
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Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule that is synthesized in a range of tissues by the NO synthases (NOSs). In the immature nervous system, the neuronal isoform of NOS (NOS1) is often expressed during periods of axon outgrowth and elaboration. However, there is little direct molecular evidence to suggest that NOS1 influences these processes. Here we address the functional role of NOS1 during in vivo zebrafish locomotor circuit development. We show that NOS1 is expressed in a population of interneurons that lie close to nascent motoneurons of the spinal cord. To determine how this protein regulates spinal network assembly, we perturbed NOS1 expression in vivo with antisense morpholino oligonucleotides. This treatment dramatically increased the number of axon collaterals formed by motoneuron axons, an effect mimicked by pharmacological inhibition of the NO/cGMP signaling pathway. In contrast, exogenous elevation of NO/cGMP levels suppressed motor axon branching. These effects were not accompanied by a change in motoneuron number, suggesting that NOS1 does not regulate motoneuron differentiation. Finally we show that perturbation of NO signaling affects the ontogeny of locomotor performance. Our findings provide evidence that NOS1 is a key regulator of motor axon ontogeny in the developing vertebrate spinal cord.
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Investigation of a novel molecular descriptor for the lead optimization of 4-aminoquinazolines as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 inhibitors: application for quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis in lead optimization. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2011; 21:1371-5. [PMID: 21306896 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Revised: 01/08/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the use of infrared vibrational frequency of ligands as a potential novel molecular descriptor in three different molecular target and chemical series. The vibrational energy of a ligand was approximated from the sum of infrared (IR) absorptions of each functional group within a molecule and normalized by its molecular weight (MDIR). Calculations were performed on a set of 4-aminoquinazolines with similar docking scores for the VEGFR2/KDR receptor. 4-Aminoquinazolines with MDIR values ranging 192-196 provided compounds with KDR inhibitory activity. The correlation of KDR inhibitory activity was similarly observed in a separate chemical series, the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines. Initial exploration of this molecular descriptor supports a tool for rapid lead optimization in the 4-aminoquinazoline chemical series and a potential method for scaffold hopping in pursuit of new inhibitors.
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Uniewicz KA, Cross MJ, Fernig DG. Exogenous recombinant dimeric neuropilin-1 is sufficient to drive angiogenesis. J Biol Chem 2010; 286:12-23. [PMID: 20956519 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.190801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is present on the cell surface of endothelial cells, or as a soluble truncated variant. Membrane NRP-1 is proposed to enhance angiogenesis by promoting the formation of a signaling complex between vascular endothelial growth factor-A(165) (VEGF-A(165)), VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and heparan sulfate, whereas the soluble NRP-1 is thought to act as an antagonist of signaling complex formation. We have analyzed the angiogenic potential of a chimera comprising the entire extracellular NRP-1 region dimerized through an Fc IgG domain and a monomeric truncated NRP-1 variant. Both NRP-1 proteins stimulated tubular morphogenesis and cell migration in HDMECs and HUVECs. Fc rNRP-1 was able to induce VEGFR-2 phosphorylation and expression of the VEGFR-2 specific target, regulator of calcineurin-1 (RCAN1.4). siRNA mediated gene silencing of VEGFR-2 revealed that VEGFR-2 was required for Fc rNRP-1 mediated activation of the intracellular signaling proteins PLC-γ, AKT, and MAPK and tubular morphogenesis. The stimulatory activity was independent of VEGF-A(165). This was evidenced by depleting the cell culture of exogenous VEGF-A(165), and using instead for routine culture VEGF-A(121), which does not interact with NRP-1, and by the inability of VEGF-A sequestering antibodies to inhibit the angiogenic activity of the NRP proteins. Analysis of angiogenesis over a period of 6 days in an in vitro fibroblast/endothelial co-culture model revealed that Fc rNRP-1 could induce endothelial cell tubular morphogenesis. Thus, we conclude that soluble Fc rNRP-1 is a VEGF-A(165)-independent agonist of VEGFR-2 and stimulates angiogenesis in endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna A Uniewicz
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
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Holmes K, Chapman E, See V, Cross MJ. VEGF stimulates RCAN1.4 expression in endothelial cells via a pathway requiring Ca2+/calcineurin and protein kinase C-delta. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11435. [PMID: 20625401 PMCID: PMC2897886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2010] [Accepted: 06/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has previously been shown to upregulate the expression of the endogenous calcineurin inhibitor, regulator of calcineurin 1, variant 4 (RCAN1.4). The aim of this study was to determine the role and regulation of VEGF-mediated RCAN1.4 expression, using human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) as a model system. Methodology/Principal Findings We show that VEGF is able to induce RCAN1.4 expression during cellular proliferation and differentiation, and that VEGF-mediated expression of RCAN1.4 was inhibited by the use of inhibitors to protein kinase C (PKC) and calcineurin. Further analysis revealed that siRNA silencing of PKC-delta expression partially inhibited VEGF-stimulated RCAN1.4 expression. Knockdown of RCAN1.4 with siRNA resulted in a decrease in cellular migration and disrupted tubular morphogenesis when HDMECs were either stimulated with VEGF in a collagen gel or in an endothelial/fibroblast co-culture model of angiogenesis. Analysis of intracellular signalling revealed that siRNA mediated silencing of RCAN1.4 resulted in increased expression of specific nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) regulated genes. Conclusions/Significance Our data suggests that RCAN1.4 expression is induced by VEGFR-2 activation in a Ca2+ and PKC-delta dependent manner and that RCAN1.4 acts to regulate calcineurin activity and gene expression facilitating endothelial cell migration and tubular morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Holmes
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Elinor Chapman
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- North West Cancer Research Institute, School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Violaine See
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Cross
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Pharmacological and genetic accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha enhances excitatory synaptic transmission in hippocampal neurons through the production of vascular endothelial growth factor. J Neurosci 2010; 30:6080-93. [PMID: 20427666 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5493-09.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is an important transcriptional factor in mammalian cells for coordination of adaptive responses to hypoxia. It consists of a regulatory subunit HIF-1alpha, which accumulates under hypoxic conditions, and a constitutively expressed subunit HIF-1beta. In addition to the well characterized oxygen-dependent mode of action of HIF-1, recent work has shown that various growth factors and cytokines stimulate HIF-1alpha expression, thereby triggering transcription of numerous hypoxia-inducible genes by oxygen-independent mechanisms. In this study, we examined whether accumulation of HIF-1alpha induced by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has a regulatory role in excitatory synaptic transmission in hippocampal neuron cultures. Our results show that IGF-1 induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in HIF-1alpha expression that was blocked by pretreatment with selective IGF-1 receptor antagonist, transcriptional inhibitor, and translational inhibitors. In addition, pharmacological blockade of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of the rapamycin signaling pathway, but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase, inhibited IGF-1-induced HIF-1alpha expression. More importantly, the increase in HIF-1alpha expression induced by IGF-1 was accompanied by increasing levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and protein, which enhanced excitatory synaptic transmission. In parallel, blockade of HIF-1alpha activity by echinomycin or lentiviral infection with dominant-negative mutant HIF-1alpha or short hairpin RNA targeting HIF-1alpha inhibited the increase in expression of VEGF and the enhancement of synaptic transmission induced by IGF-1. Conversely, transfection of constitutively active HIF-1alpha into neurons mimicked the effects of IGF-1 treatment. Together, these results suggest that HIF-1alpha accumulation can enhance excitatory synaptic transmission in hippocampal neurons by regulating production of VEGF.
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Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are key regulators of permeability. The principal evidence behind how they increase vascular permeability in vivo and in vitro and the consequences of that increase are addressed here. Detailed analysis of the published literature has shown that in vivo and in vitro VEGF-mediated permeability differs in its time course, but has common involvement of many specific signalling pathways, in particular VEGF receptor-2 activation, calcium influx through transient receptor potential channels, activation of phospholipase C gamma and downstream activation of nitric oxide synthase. Pathways downstream of endothelial nitric oxide synthase appear to involve the guanylyl cyclase-mediated activation of the Rho–Rac pathway and subsequent involvement of junctional signalling proteins such as vascular endothelial cadherin and the tight junctional proteins zona occludens and occludin linked to the actin cytoskeleton. The signalling appears to be co-ordinated through spatial organization of the cascade into a signalplex, and arguments for why this may be important are considered. Many proteins have been identified to be involved in the regulation of vascular permeability by VEGF, but still the mechanisms through which these are thought to interact to control permeability are dependent on the experimental system, and a synthesis of existing data reveals that in intact vessels the co-ordination of the pathways is still not understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O Bates
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Sciences, Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Southwell Street, Bristol, UK.
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Doyle LK, Walker CA, Donadeu FX. VEGF modulates the effects of gonadotropins in granulosa cells. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2010; 38:127-37. [PMID: 19815366 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2009.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2009] [Revised: 08/31/2009] [Accepted: 08/31/2009] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Follicle selection is associated with an increase in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors in granulosa cells, however, the roles of VEGF in regulating the function of these or other non-endothelial cells in the ovary have not been explored in detail. The current study used bovine cell cultures to investigate potential roles of VEGF in the regulation of granulosa cell function during follicle development. Granulosa cells were obtained from morphologically healthy follicles 4 to 8 mm or 9 to 14 mm in diameter (corresponding to diameters before and after the establishment of dominance, respectively, during a bovine follicular wave) and exposed to a range of VEGF concentrations (1 to 100 ng/mL) encompassing concentrations found naturally in bovine dominant follicles. A concentration of VEGF of 1 ng/mL induced significant proliferation of granulosa cells from 4- to 8-mm follicles (P=0.024) and increased the proliferative response of these cells to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH; P=0.045); whereas higher doses of VEGF had no effect on proliferation (P=0.9). Treatment with VEGF induced an overall increase in mean extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation (P=0.02). In contrast, VEGF, alone or in combination with FSH, had no effect on expression of the steroidogenic enzyme, CYP11A1, by cells from 4- to 8-mm follicles (P=0.9). Granulosa cells from 9- to 14-mm follicles responded to 1 ng/mL VEGF with an increase in expression of the ovulation-associated gene, PTGS2 (P=0.003) but higher VEGF doses had no effect (P=0.9). The PTGS2 response to 1 ng/mL VEGF was similar to that induced by treatment with luteinizing hormone (LH). Interestingly, the stimulatory effects of LH on ERK1/2 phosphorylation (P=0.003) and PTGS2 expression (P<0.01) in granulosa cells from 9- to 14-mm follicles were abolished (P=0.2) by specific chemical inhibition of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). These results suggest novel and important roles of VEGF and its receptor, VEGFR2, in mediating and/or enhancing the effects of gonadotropins in granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K Doyle
- Division of Developmental Biology, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin BioCentre, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9PS, Scotland, UK
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Magnussen AL, Rennel ES, Hua J, Bevan HS, Beazley Long N, Lehrling C, Gammons M, Floege J, Harper SJ, Agostini HT, Bates DO, Churchill AJ. VEGF-A165b is cytoprotective and antiangiogenic in the retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2010; 51:4273-81. [PMID: 20237249 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.09-4296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A number of key ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, are characterized by localized areas of epithelial or endothelial damage, which can ultimately result in the growth of fragile new blood vessels, vitreous hemorrhage, and retinal detachment. VEGF-A(165), the principal neovascular agent in ocular angiogenic conditions, is formed by proximal splice site selection in its terminal exon 8. Alternative splicing of this exon results in an antiangiogenic isoform, VEGF-A(165)b, which is downregulated in diabetic retinopathy. Here the authors investigate the antiangiogenic activity of VEGF(165)b and its effect on retinal epithelial and endothelial cell survival. METHODS VEGF-A(165)b was injected intraocularly in a mouse model of retinal neovascularization (oxygen-induced retinopathy [OIR]). Cytotoxicity and cell migration assays were used to determine the effect of VEGF-A(165)b. RESULTS VEGF-A(165)b dose dependently inhibited angiogenesis (IC(50), 12.6 pg/eye) and retinal endothelial migration induced by 1 nM VEGF-A(165) across monolayers in culture (IC(50), 1 nM). However, it also acts as a survival factor for endothelial cells and retinal epithelial cells through VEGFR2 and can stimulate downstream signaling. Furthermore, VEGF-A(165)b injection, while inhibiting neovascular proliferation in the eye, reduced the ischemic insult in OIR (IC(50), 2.6 pg/eye). Unlike bevacizumab, pegaptanib did not interact directly with VEGF-A(165)b. CONCLUSIONS The survival effects of VEGF-A(165)b signaling can protect the retina from ischemic damage. These results suggest that VEGF-A(165)b may be a useful therapeutic agent in ischemia-induced angiogenesis and a cytoprotective agent for retinal pigment epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette L Magnussen
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, Bristol Heart Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Elmasri H, Karaaslan C, Teper Y, Ghelfi E, Weng M, Ince TA, Kozakewich H, Bischoff J, Cataltepe S. Fatty acid binding protein 4 is a target of VEGF and a regulator of cell proliferation in endothelial cells. FASEB J 2009; 23:3865-73. [PMID: 19625659 DOI: 10.1096/fj.09-134882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) plays an important role in maintaining glucose and lipid homeostasis. FABP4 has been primarily regarded as an adipocyte- and macrophage-specific protein, but recent studies suggest that it may be more widely expressed. We found strong FABP4 expression in the endothelial cells (ECs) of capillaries and small veins in several mouse and human tissues, including the heart and kidney. FABP4 was also detected in the ECs of mature human placental vessels and infantile hemangiomas, the most common tumor of infancy and ECs. In most of these cases, FABP4 was detected in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. FABP4 mRNA and protein levels were significantly induced in cultured ECs by VEGF-A and bFGF treatment. The effect of VEGF-A on FABP4 expression was inhibited by chemical inhibition or short-hairpin (sh) RNA-mediated knockdown of VEGF-receptor-2 (R2), whereas the VEGFR1 agonists, placental growth factors 1 and 2, had no effect on FABP4 expression. Knockdown of FABP4 in ECs significantly reduced proliferation both under baseline conditions and in response to VEGF and bFGF. Thus, FABP4 emerged as a novel target of the VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway and a positive regulator of cell proliferation in ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harun Elmasri
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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