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Abd Elhameed AA, Ali AR, Ghabbour HA, Bayomi SM, El-Gohary NS. Design, synthesis, and antitumor screening of new thiazole, thiazolopyrimidine, and thiazolotriazine derivatives as potent inhibitors of VEGFR-2. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:1664-1698. [PMID: 37661648 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
New thiazole, thiazolopyrimidine, and thiazolotriazine derivatives 3-12 and 14a-f were synthesized. The newly synthesized analogs were tested for in vitro antitumor activity against HepG2, HCT-116, MCF-7, HeP-2, and Hela cancer cells. Results indicated that compound 5 displayed the highest potency toward the tested cancer cells. Compound 11b possessed enhanced effectiveness over MCF-7, HepG2, HCT-116, and Hela cancer cells. In addition, compounds 4 and 6 showed promising activity toward HCT-116, MCF-7, and Hela cancer cells and eminent activity against HepG2 and HeP-2 cells. Moreover, compounds 3-6 and 11b were tested for their capability to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) activity. The obtained results showed that compound 5 displayed significant inhibitory activity against VEGFR-2 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50 ] = 0.044 μM) comparable to sunitinib (IC50 = 0.100 μM). Also, the synthesized compounds 3-6 and 11b were subjected to in vitro cytotoxicity tests over WI38 and WISH normal cells. It was found that the five tested compounds displayed significantly lower cytotoxicity than doxorubicin toward normal cell lines. Cell cycle analysis proved that compound 5 induces cell cycle arrest in the S phase for HCT-116 and Hela cancer cell lines and in the G2/M phase for the MCF-7 cancer cell line. Moreover, compound 5 induced cancer cell death through apoptosis accompanied by a high ratio of BAX/BCL-2 in the screened cancer cells. Furthermore, docking results revealed that compound 5 showed the essential interaction bonds with VEGFR-2, which agreed with in vitro enzyme assay results. In silico studies showed that most of the analyzed compounds complied with the requirements of good oral bioavailability with minimal toxicity threats in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A Abd Elhameed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ahmed R Ali
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hazem A Ghabbour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Said M Bayomi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nadia S El-Gohary
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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2
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Pérez-Gutiérrez L, Ferrara N. Biology and therapeutic targeting of vascular endothelial growth factor A. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:816-834. [PMID: 37491579 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00631-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The formation of new blood vessels, called angiogenesis, is an essential pathophysiological process in which several families of regulators have been implicated. Among these, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA; also known as VEGF) and its two tyrosine kinase receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, represent a key signalling pathway mediating physiological angiogenesis and are also major therapeutic targets. VEGFA is a member of the gene family that includes VEGFB, VEGFC, VEGFD and placental growth factor (PLGF). Three decades after its initial isolation and cloning, VEGFA is arguably the most extensively investigated signalling system in angiogenesis. Although many mediators of angiogenesis have been identified, including members of the FGF family, angiopoietins, TGFβ and sphingosine 1-phosphate, all current FDA-approved anti-angiogenic drugs target the VEGF pathway. Anti-VEGF agents are widely used in oncology and, in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, are now the standard of care in multiple malignancies. Anti-VEGF drugs have also revolutionized the treatment of neovascular eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and ischaemic retinal disorders. In this Review, we emphasize the molecular, structural and cellular basis of VEGFA action as well as recent findings illustrating unexpected interactions with other pathways and provocative reports on the role of VEGFA in regenerative medicine. We also discuss clinical and translational aspects of VEGFA. Given the crucial role that VEGFA plays in regulating angiogenesis in health and disease, this molecule is largely the focus of this Review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pérez-Gutiérrez
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Napoleone Ferrara
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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3
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Tota M, Łacwik J, Laska J, Sędek Ł, Gomułka K. The Role of Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Asthma. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091326. [PMID: 37174726 PMCID: PMC10177218 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic complex pulmonary disease characterized by airway inflammation, remodeling, and hyperresponsiveness. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) are two significant mediators involved in the pathophysiology of asthma. In asthma, VEGF and EDN levels are elevated and correlate with disease severity and airway hyperresponsiveness. Diversity in VEGF polymorphisms results in the variability of responses to glucocorticosteroids and leukotriene antagonist treatment. Targeting VEGF and eosinophils is a promising therapeutic approach for asthma. We identified lichochalcone A, bevacizumab, azithromycin (AZT), vitamin D, diosmetin, epigallocatechin gallate, IGFBP-3, Neovastat (AE-941), endostatin, PEDF, and melatonin as putative add-on drugs in asthma with anti-VEGF properties. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of those drugs. AZT reduces the exacerbation rate and may be considered in adults with persistent symptomatic asthma. However, the long-term effects of AZT on community microbial resistance require further investigation. Vitamin D supplementation may enhance corticosteroid responsiveness. Herein, anti-eosinophil drugs are reviewed. Among them are, e.g., anti-IL-5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab), anti-IL-13 (lebrikizumab and tralokinumab), anti-IL-4 and anti-IL-13 (dupilumab), and anti-IgE (omalizumab) drugs. EDN over peripheral blood eosinophil count is recommended to monitor the asthma control status and to assess the efficacy of anti-IL-5 therapy in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Tota
- Student Scientific Group of Adult Allergology, Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Julia Łacwik
- Student Scientific Group of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Laska
- Student Scientific Group of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Sędek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gomułka
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
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4
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Oldak L, Zelazowska-Rutkowska B, Lesniewska A, Mrozek P, Skoczylas M, Lukaszewski Z, Gorodkiewicz E. Two Biosensors for the Determination of VEGF-R2 in Plasma by Array SPRi. Molecules 2022; 28:molecules28010155. [PMID: 36615347 PMCID: PMC9822109 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) is a marker of angiogenesis and metastasis of cancer. Two biosensors for the determination of VEGF-R2 in plasma have been developed. One of them is based on a pure gold chip, and the other on a silver/gold bimetallic chip; both have the receptor, monoclonal rabbit antibody specific for human VEGF-R2, attached to the chip via a cysteamine linker. The biosensor with the gold chip exhibits linearity of the analytical signal between 0.03 and 2 ng/mL, a precision of 1.4% and recovery between 99% and 102%. The biosensor with the bimetallic chip exhibits linearity between 0.03 and 1 ng/mL, a precision of 2.2% and recovery between 99% and 103%. Both biosensors tolerate a 1:100 excess of VEGF, VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R3. Both biosensors were validated by parallel determination of VEGF-R2 in 27 different plasma samples using the ELISA immunosensor assay, with very good agreement of the results. Thermodynamic parameters of the interaction of VEGF-R2 with the antibody were determined by QCM (Quartz Crystal Microbalance) and SPRi (Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging) measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Oldak
- Faculty of Chemistry, Bioanalysis Laboratory, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1K, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Science, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1K, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Beata Zelazowska-Rutkowska
- Department of Pediatric Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Anna Lesniewska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Bioanalysis Laboratory, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1K, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Mrozek
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45C, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Marcin Skoczylas
- Faculty of Computer Science, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45A, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Zenon Lukaszewski
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, pl. Sklodowskiej-Curie 5, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Ewa Gorodkiewicz
- Faculty of Chemistry, Bioanalysis Laboratory, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1K, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland
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Bhandare RR, Bakchi B, Sigalapalli DK, Shaik AB. An overview of in silico methods used in the design of VEGFR-2 inhibitors as anticancer agents. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2018-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
VEGFR-2 enzyme known for physiological functioning of the cell also involves in pathological angiogenesis and tumor progression. Recently VEGFR-2 has gained the interest of researchers all around the world as a promising target for the drug design and discovery of new anticancer agents. VEGFR2 inhibitors are a major class of anticancer agents used for clinical purposes. In silico methods like virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, pharmacophore modeling, and other computational approaches help extensively in identifying the main molecular interactions necessary for the binding of the small molecules with the respective protein target to obtain the expected pharmacological potency. In this chapter, we discussed some representative case studies of in silico
techniques used to determine molecular interactions and rational drug design of VEGFR-2 inhibitors as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richie R. Bhandare
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Ajman University , P.O. Box 340 , Ajman , United Arab Emirates
- Center of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University , Ajman , United Arab Emirates
| | - Bulti Bakchi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) , Hyderabad 500037 , India
| | - Dilep Kumar Sigalapalli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Vignan Pharmacy College, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University , Vadlamudi 522213 , Andhra Pradesh , India
| | - Afzal B. Shaik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Vignan Pharmacy College, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University , Vadlamudi 522213 , Andhra Pradesh , India
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Depetris RS, Lu D, Polonskaya Z, Zhang Z, Luna X, Tankard A, Kolahi P, Drummond M, Williams C, Ebert MCCJC, Patel JP, Poyurovsky MV. Functional antibody characterization via direct structural analysis and information-driven protein-protein docking. Proteins 2021; 90:919-935. [PMID: 34773424 PMCID: PMC9544432 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Detailed description of the mechanism of action of the therapeutic antibodies is essential for the functional characterization and future optimization of potential clinical agents. We recently developed KD035, a fully human antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). KD035 blocked VEGF‐A, and VEGF‐C‐mediated VEGFR2 activation, as demonstrated by the in vitro binding and competition assays and functional cellular assays. Here, we report a computational model of the complex between the variable fragment of KD035 (KD035(Fv)) and the domains 2 and 3 of the extracellular portion of VEGFR2 (VEGFR2(D2‐3)). Our modeling was guided by a priori experimental information including the X‐ray structures of KD035 and related antibodies, binding assays, target domain mapping and comparison of KD035 affinity for VEGFR2 from different species. The accuracy of the model was assessed by molecular dynamics simulations, and subsequently validated by mutagenesis and binding analysis. Importantly, the steps followed during the generation of this model can set a precedent for future in silico efforts aimed at the accurate description of the antibody–antigen and more broadly protein–protein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Lu
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Zhikai Zhang
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xenia Luna
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Pegah Kolahi
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC, New York, New York, USA
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7
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Ye X, Gaucher JF, Vidal M, Broussy S. A Structural Overview of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors Pharmacological Ligands: From Macromolecules to Designed Peptidomimetics. Molecules 2021; 26:6759. [PMID: 34833851 PMCID: PMC8625919 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of cytokines plays a key role in vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-A is the main member of this family, alongside placental growth factor (PlGF), VEGF-B/C/D in mammals, and VEGF-E/F in other organisms. To study the activities of these growth factors under physiological and pathological conditions, resulting in therapeutic applications in cancer and age-related macular degeneration, blocking ligands have been developed. These have mostly been large biomolecules like antibodies. Ligands with high affinities, at least in the nanomolar range, and accurate structural data from X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy have been described. They constitute the main focus of this overview, which evidences similarities and differences in their binding modes. For VEGF-A ligands, and to a limited extent also for PlGF, a transition is now observed towards developing smaller ligands like nanobodies and peptides. These include unnatural amino acids and chemical modifications for designed and improved properties, such as serum stability and greater affinity. However, this review also highlights the scarcity of such small molecular entities and the striking lack of small organic molecule ligands. It also shows the gap between the rather large array of ligands targeting VEGF-A and the general absence of ligands binding other VEGF members, besides some antibodies. Future developments in these directions are expected in the upcoming years, and the study of these growth factors and their promising therapeutic applications will be welcomed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Ye
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, U 1268 INSERM, 75006 Paris, France; (X.Y.); (M.V.)
| | - Jean-François Gaucher
- Laboratoire de Cristallographie et RMN Biologiques, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Michel Vidal
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, U 1268 INSERM, 75006 Paris, France; (X.Y.); (M.V.)
- Service Biologie du Médicament, Toxicologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Broussy
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, U 1268 INSERM, 75006 Paris, France; (X.Y.); (M.V.)
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8
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Meena R, Nangia A, Sharma S, Chandra J. Serum Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Its Receptor in Newly Diagnosed Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2021; 37:586-592. [PMID: 34744342 PMCID: PMC8523739 DOI: 10.1007/s12288-021-01413-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autocrine and paracrine loop involving vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor have been described in haematological malignancies. However, scarce literature is present on angiogenesis in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with studies showing controversial results. The aim was to study serum levels of VEGF and its receptors in paediatric ALL at the time of diagnosis and at the end of induction phase and to compare these levels with clinico-haematological parameters in these patients. Serum VEGF, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay at diagnosis (day 0) and at the end of induction phase (day 35) in 30 newly diagnosed paediatric ALL patients and in 10 healthy controls. Median s-VEGF was significantly lower at day 0 as compared to day 35 (196.15 vs. 606.75 pg/ml: p < 0.001). s-VEGFR-1 levels were detectable only in 7 patients at day 0 and were below detection level at day 35 in all patients. Median s-VEGFR-2 at day 0 was significantly lower as compared to day 35 (17,577.5 vs. 20,507.5 pg/ml; p = 0.005). Median VEGF-R1 showed an inverse relationship with VEGF-R2 but was statistically insignificant. All patients were in remission at the end of induction. Thus, leukemic infiltration of bone marrow affects angiogenesis and reduces pro-angiogenic markers VEGF and VEGFR-2 in serum possibly due to increased local consumption by blasts. A successful induction leads to clearing of blasts causing restoration of normal hematopoiesis with normalization of VEGF and VEGFR-2 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachana Meena
- Department of Pathology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Anita Nangia
- Department of Pathology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Sunita Sharma
- Department of Pathology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Jagdish Chandra
- Department of Paediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
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da Rocha-Azevedo B, Lee S, Dasgupta A, Vega AR, de Oliveira LR, Kim T, Kittisopikul M, Malik ZA, Jaqaman K. Heterogeneity in VEGF Receptor-2 Mobility and Organization on the Endothelial Cell Surface Leads to Diverse Models of Activation by VEGF. Cell Rep 2021; 32:108187. [PMID: 32997988 PMCID: PMC7541195 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamic nanoscale organization of cell surface receptors plays an important role in signaling. We determine this organization and its relation to activation of VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), a critical receptor tyrosine kinase in endothelial cells (ECs), by combining single-molecule imaging of endogenous VEGFR-2 in live ECs with multiscale computational analysis. We find that surface VEGFR-2 can be mobile or exhibit restricted mobility and be monomeric or non-monomeric, with a complex interplay between the two. This basal heterogeneity results in heterogeneity in the sequence of steps leading to VEGFR-2 activation by VEGF. Specifically, we find that VEGF can bind to monomeric and non-monomeric VEGFR-2 and that, when binding to monomeric VEGFR-2, its effect on dimerization depends on the mobility of VEGFR-2. Our study highlights the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of cell surface receptor organization and the need for multiscale, single-molecule-based analysis to determine its relationship to receptor activation and signaling. da Rocha-Azevedo et al. show that VEGFR-2 exhibits mobility and interaction heterogeneity on the endothelial cell surface. The sequence of steps leading to VEGFR-2 activation by VEGF depends on the basal state of VEGFR-2. Thus, there is not one model but multiple co-existing models of VEGFR-2 activation by VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sungsoo Lee
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Aparajita Dasgupta
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Anthony R Vega
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | | | - Tae Kim
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Mark Kittisopikul
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Zachariah A Malik
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Khuloud Jaqaman
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Künnapuu J, Bokharaie H, Jeltsch M. Proteolytic Cleavages in the VEGF Family: Generating Diversity among Angiogenic VEGFs, Essential for the Activation of Lymphangiogenic VEGFs. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10020167. [PMID: 33672235 PMCID: PMC7926383 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) regulate the growth of blood and lymphatic vessels. Some of them induce the growth of blood vessels, and others the growth of lymphatic vessels. Blocking VEGF-A is used today to treat several types of cancer (“antiangiogenic therapy”). However, in other diseases, we would like to increase the activity of VEGFs. For example, VEGF-A could generate new blood vessels to protect from heart disease, and VEGF-C could generate new lymphatics to counteract lymphedema. Clinical trials are testing the latter concept at the moment. Because VEGF-C and VEGF-D are produced as inactive precursors, we propose that novel drugs could also target the enzymatic activation of VEGF-C and VEGF-D. However, because of the delicate balance between too much and too little vascular growth, a detailed understanding of the activation of the VEGFs is needed before such concepts can be converted into safe and efficacious therapies. Abstract Specific proteolytic cleavages turn on, modify, or turn off the activity of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). Proteolysis is most prominent among the lymphangiogenic VEGF-C and VEGF-D, which are synthesized as precursors that need to undergo enzymatic removal of their C- and N-terminal propeptides before they can activate their receptors. At least five different proteases mediate the activating cleavage of VEGF-C: plasmin, ADAMTS3, prostate-specific antigen, cathepsin D, and thrombin. All of these proteases except for ADAMTS3 can also activate VEGF-D. Processing by different proteases results in distinct forms of the “mature” growth factors, which differ in affinity and receptor activation potential. The “default” VEGF-C-activating enzyme ADAMTS3 does not activate VEGF-D, and therefore, VEGF-C and VEGF-D do function in different contexts. VEGF-C itself is also regulated in different contexts by distinct proteases. During embryonic development, ADAMTS3 activates VEGF-C. The other activating proteases are likely important for non-developmental lymphangiogenesis during, e.g., tissue regeneration, inflammation, immune response, and pathological tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis. The better we understand these events at the molecular level, the greater our chances of developing successful therapies targeting VEGF-C and VEGF-D for diseases involving the lymphatics such as lymphedema or cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaana Künnapuu
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (J.K.); (H.B.)
| | - Honey Bokharaie
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (J.K.); (H.B.)
| | - Michael Jeltsch
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (J.K.); (H.B.)
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Wihuri Research Institute, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-50-3200235
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11
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Luth ES, Hodul M, Rennich BJ, Riccio C, Hofer J, Markoja K, Juo P. VER/VEGF receptors regulate AMPA receptor surface levels and glutamatergic behavior. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009375. [PMID: 33561120 PMCID: PMC7899335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Several intracellular trafficking pathways contribute to the regulation of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) levels at synapses and the control of synaptic strength. While much has been learned about these intracellular trafficking pathways, a major challenge is to understand how extracellular factors, such as growth factors, neuropeptides and hormones, impinge on specific AMPAR trafficking pathways to alter synaptic function and behavior. Here, we identify the secreted ligand PVF-1 and its cognate VEGF receptor homologs, VER-1 and VER-4, as regulators of glutamate signaling in C. elegans. Loss of function mutations in ver-1, ver-4, or pvf-1, result in decreased cell surface levels of the AMPAR GLR-1 and defects in glutamatergic behavior. Rescue experiments indicate that PVF-1 is expressed and released from muscle, whereas the VERs function in GLR-1-expressing neurons to regulate surface levels of GLR-1 and glutamatergic behavior. Additionally, ver-4 is unable to rescue glutamatergic behavior in the absence of pvf-1, suggesting that VER function requires endogenous PVF-1. Inducible expression of a pvf-1 rescuing transgene suggests that PVF-1 can function in the mature nervous system to regulate GLR-1 signaling. Genetic double mutant analysis suggests that the VERs act together with the VPS-35/retromer recycling complex to promote cell surface levels of GLR-1. Our data support a genetic model whereby PVF-1/VER signaling acts with retromer to promote recycling and cell surface levels of GLR-1 to control behavior. Sensation, behavior, and cognition all depend on the proper function of neuronal connections called synapses. Synapses that use the neurotransmitter glutamate to signal between nerve cells are the most abundant type in our brain. Presynaptic neurons release glutamate, which activates glutamate receptors on postsynaptic neurons. Dysfunction of glutamate synapses leads to several neurological disorders, and changing their strength–in part by altering glutamate receptors numbers on the surface of the postsynaptic cell—provides the cellular basis of learning and memory. Much remains to be learned about how factors released from other cell types affects synaptic communication. We took advantage of light-activated molecular switches engineered into specific sensory neurons of C. elegans worms to trigger a behavioral reflex that depends on glutamate synapses. Using this behavior, we identified proteins called VER-1 and VER-4 as important for glutamate synapse function. We found that worms missing these VER proteins or their activator PVF-1 have reduced levels of glutamate receptors at the postsynaptic surface and defects in glutamate-dependent behaviors. Our results suggest that inter-tissue cross-talk between muscle PVF-1 and neuronal VERs is important for controlling the number of glutamate receptors at the cell surface, robust neuronal communication and behavioral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S. Luth
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Simmons University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Molly Hodul
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bethany J. Rennich
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Carmino Riccio
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Julia Hofer
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kaitlin Markoja
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Peter Juo
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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12
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Modi SJ, Kulkarni VM. Exploration of structural requirements for the inhibition of VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase: Binding site analysis of type II, 'DFG-out' inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:5712-5727. [PMID: 33459187 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1872417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The conserved three-dimensional structure of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) has been varyingly observed in prokaryotes to humans that actively participate in the phosphorylation process of tyrosine residues in the protein, which results in the alteration of protein's function. Mutation and transcriptional or post-translational modifications lead to a deregulation of kinases, which ultimately fallout into the development of pathological conditions like cancer. The human genome encodes two kinds of tyrosine kinases: non-receptor tyrosine kinases (NRTKs) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Among these kinases, VEGF/VEGFR-2 signaling cascade is an important target to develop novel small-molecule inhibitors for the therapy of abnormal angiogenesis incorporated with cancer. Due to advances in the knowledge of the catalytic domain and 'DFG-motif' region, selective 'DFG-in' (type I) and 'DFG-out' (type II) VEGFR-2/KDR inhibitors were successfully developed, and some are in different phases of a clinical trial. 'DFG-out' (inactive) confirmation has significant advantages over 'DFG-in' (active) confirmation concerning the affinity of the ATP at the catalytic domain. Further, in the catalytic domain, between front and back cleft, smaller gatekeeper residue (Val916) present; therefore, selectivity against VEGFR-2 could be precisely achieved. In this review, small molecule type II/'DFG-out' inhibitors, their conformation, interaction at receptor binding pocket, and structural requirements to inhibit VEGFR-2 at the molecular level are discussed.HighlightsVEGFR-2 is a type of membrane-bound receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that regulates the process of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.Small molecule first-generation type I, 'DFG-in' and second-generation type II, 'DFG-out' VEGFR-2 inhibitors exhibit clinical benefits in the treatment of aberrant angiogenesis associated with cancer.Molecular docking of FDA approved and novel type II inhibitors were performed using X-ray crystal structures of VEGFR-2; binding site analysis was carried out.Structural requirements for the inhibition of VEGFR-2 were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth J Modi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vithal M Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
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13
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Dronova TA, Babyshkina NN, Zavyalova MV, Slonimskaya EM, Cherdyntseva NV. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) Contributes to Tamoxifen Resistance in Estrogen-Positive Breast Cancer Patients. Mol Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893321010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Wang X, Bove AM, Simone G, Ma B. Molecular Bases of VEGFR-2-Mediated Physiological Function and Pathological Role. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:599281. [PMID: 33304904 PMCID: PMC7701214 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.599281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGFRs) play crucial roles in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is an important mechanism in many physiological and pathological processes, and is involved in endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival, then leads to further tubulogenesis, and finally promotes formation of vessels. This series of signaling cascade pathways are precisely mediated by VEGF/VEGFR-2 system. The VEGF binding to the IgD2 and IgD3 of VEGFR-2 induces the dimerization of the receptor, subsequently the activation and trans-autophosphorylation of the tyrosine kinase, and then the initiation of the intracellular signaling cascades. Finally the VEGF-activated VEGFR-2 stimulates and mediates variety of signaling transduction, biological responses, and pathological processes in angiogenesis. Several crucial phosphorylated sites Tyr801, Try951, Try1175, and Try1214 in the VEGFR-2 intracellular domains mediate several key signaling processes including PLCγ-PKC, TSAd-Src-PI3K-Akt, SHB-FAK-paxillin, SHB-PI3K-Akt, and NCK-p38-MAPKAPK2/3 pathways. Based on the molecular structure and signaling pathways of VEGFR-2, the strategy of the VEGFR-2-targeted therapy should be considered to employ in the treatment of the VEGF/VEGFR-2-associated diseases by blocking the VEGF/VEGFR-2 signaling pathway, inhibiting VEGF and VEGFR-2 gene expression, blocking the binding of VEGF and VEGFR-2, and preventing the proliferation, migration, and survival of vascular endothelial cells expressing VEGFR-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | | | | | - Binyun Ma
- Department of Medicine/Hematology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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15
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Engineering Stem Cell Factor Ligands with Different c-Kit Agonistic Potencies. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25204850. [PMID: 33096693 PMCID: PMC7588011 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are major players in signal transduction, regulating cellular activities in both normal regeneration and malignancy. Thus, many RTKs, c-Kit among them, play key roles in the function of both normal and neoplastic cells, and as such constitute attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. We thus sought to manipulate the self-association of stem cell factor (SCF), the cognate ligand of c-Kit, and hence its suboptimal affinity and activation potency for c-Kit. To this end, we used directed evolution to engineer SCF variants having different c-Kit activation potencies. Our yeast-displayed SCF mutant (SCFM) library screens identified altered dimerization potential and increased affinity for c-Kit by specific SCF-variants. We demonstrated the delicate balance between SCF homo-dimerization, c-Kit binding, and agonistic potencies by structural studies, in vitro binding assays and a functional angiogenesis assay. Importantly, our findings showed that a monomeric SCF variant exhibited superior agonistic potency vs. the wild-type SCF protein and vs. other high-affinity dimeric SCF variants. Our data showed that action of the monomeric ligands in binding to the RTK monomers and inducing receptor dimerization and hence activation was superior to that of the wild-type dimeric ligand, which has a higher affinity to RTK dimers but a lower activation potential. The findings of this study on the binding and c-Kit activation of engineered SCF variants thus provides insights into the structure–function dynamics of ligands and RTKs.
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16
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Campa C. New Anti-VEGF Drugs in Ophthalmology. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 21:1194-1200. [DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200428101738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
:
This review focuses on 5 new anti-VEGF drugs in the advanced stage of clinical development
(i.e., phase 3): conbercept, brolucizumab, port delivery system with ranibizumab, abicipar pegol
and faricimab.
:
Results of clinical trials and the advantages of each drug compared to the available molecules are discussed
in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Campa
- Eye Clinic, Sant'Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
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17
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Vogrin AJ, Bower NI, Gunzburg MJ, Roufail S, Okuda KS, Paterson S, Headey SJ, Stacker SA, Hogan BM, Achen MG. Evolutionary Differences in the Vegf/Vegfr Code Reveal Organotypic Roles for the Endothelial Cell Receptor Kdr in Developmental Lymphangiogenesis. Cell Rep 2020; 28:2023-2036.e4. [PMID: 31433980 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.07.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vascular development establishes embryonic and adult tissue fluid balance and is integral in disease. In diverse vertebrate organs, lymphatic vessels display organotypic function and develop in an organ-specific manner. In all settings, developmental lymphangiogenesis is considered driven by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-3 (VEGFR3), whereas a role for VEGFR2 remains to be fully explored. Here, we define the zebrafish Vegf/Vegfr code in receptor binding studies. We find that while Vegfd directs craniofacial lymphangiogenesis, it binds Kdr (a VEGFR2 homolog) but surprisingly, unlike in mammals, does not bind Flt4 (VEGFR3). Epistatic analyses and characterization of a kdr mutant confirm receptor-binding analyses, demonstrating that Kdr is indispensible for rostral craniofacial lymphangiogenesis, but not caudal trunk lymphangiogenesis, in which Flt4 is central. We further demonstrate an unexpected yet essential role for Kdr in inducing lymphatic endothelial cell fate. This work reveals evolutionary divergence in the Vegf/Vegfr code that uncovers spatially restricted mechanisms of developmental lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Vogrin
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Neil I Bower
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Menachem J Gunzburg
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Sally Roufail
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Kazuhide S Okuda
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Scott Paterson
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Stephen J Headey
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Steven A Stacker
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Marc G Achen
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
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18
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Koh M, Noguchi S, Araki M, Otsuka H, Yokosuka M, Soeta S. Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, Flk1 and Flt1, in rat skin mast cells during development. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 82:745-753. [PMID: 32321901 PMCID: PMC7324820 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is a principal regulator of hematopoiesis as well as angiogenesis. However, the functions of VEGF-A and its receptors (VEGFRs) in the differentiation of mast cells (MCs) in the skin remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the expression patterns of two VEGFRs (Flk1 and Flt1) in the skin MCs during development and maturation in rats. From the 17th days of embryonic development (E17) to 1 day after birth (Day 1), most of skin MCs were immature cells containing predominant alcian blue (AB)+ rather than safranin O (SO)+ granules (AB>SO MCs). AB>SO MC proportions gradually decreased, while mature AB<SO MC proportions increased from Day 7 to 28. Flk1+ MC proportions increased from E20 and reached to approximately 90% from Day 1 to 21, thereafter decreased to about 10% at Day 60 and 90. Flk1+ MC proportions changed almost in parallel with the numbers of MCs and Ki67+ MC proportions from E17 to Day 90. The proportions of MCs with both nuclear and cytoplasmic Flt1-immunoreactivity were markedly increased at Day 28, when the proportions of nuclear Flk1+, Ki67+, and AB>SO MCs had significantly decreased, and AB<SO MC proportions significantly increased. Considering that the main function of Flt1 is suppression of Flk1 effects, our results indicated that cross-talk between Flk1 and Flt1 regulates the proliferation and maturation of the skin MCs during late embryonic and neonatal development in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Koh
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1, Kyonan-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8602 Japan
| | - Syunya Noguchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1, Kyonan-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8602 Japan
| | - Mami Araki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1, Kyonan-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8602 Japan
| | - Hirotada Otsuka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1, Kyonan-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8602 Japan
| | - Makoto Yokosuka
- Laboratory of Comparative and Behavioral Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1, Kyonan-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8602 Japan
| | - Satoshi Soeta
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1, Kyonan-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8602 Japan
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19
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Chen C, Yan M, Huang Z, Song YP. The Evaluation of a Two-Year Outcome of Intravitreal Conbercept versus Ranibizumab for Pathological Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization. Curr Eye Res 2020; 45:1415-1421. [PMID: 32191134 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2020.1742357] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the 24-month follow-up results of intravitreal conbercept with ranibizumab in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), secondary to pathological myopia (PM). Methods: Fifty-nine patients' 64 eyes with pathological myopic CNV were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-one eyes underwent conbercept treatment (group C) and 33 eyes underwent ranibizumab treatment (group R), respectively. No patients have received any treatment before. The main outcome of the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) uses an international standard visual acuity chart and is converted to the minimum resolution logarithm (LogMAR) visual acuity. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups at the baseline statisticlly. At 24 months, the mean logMAR BCVA of group C increased from 0.95 ± 0.54 to 0.58 ± 0.39 (P < .001) and the mean central macular thickness (CMT) decreased from 280.97 ± 62.69 μm to 242.35 ± 90.39 μm (P = .033). The mean logMAR BCVA of group R increased from 0.86 ± 0.40 to 0.54 ± 0.28 (P < .001) and the mean CMT was reduced from 303.58 ± 61.95 μm to 251.82 ± 84.74 μm (P = .005). There was no significant difference in logMAR BCVA and CMT between the two groups (P = .962, P = .667, respectively). The mean number of injections was 3.94 ± 1.88 in group C and 4.06 ± 1.82 in group R (P = .788). During the follow-up period, no ocular complications and systemic adverse reactions were observed. Conclusion: Similar visual acuity and improved morphology were achieved in both groups. The two drugs were also found to be safe and effective in the treatment of pathological myopic CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command , Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command , Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command , Wuhan, China
| | - Yan-Ping Song
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command , Wuhan, China
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20
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Stumpf C, Wimmer T, Lorenz B, Stieger K. Creation of different bioluminescence resonance energy transfer based biosensors with high affinity to VEGF. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230344. [PMID: 32214330 PMCID: PMC7098639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy (DR), hypoxia and inflammatory processes lead to an upregulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and thereby to pathological neovascularisation with incorrectly formed vessels prone to damage, thus increasing the vascular permeability and the risk of bleeding and oedema in the retina. State of the art treatment is the repeated intraocular injection of anti-VEGF molecules. For developing improved individualized treatment approaches, a minimally invasive, repeatable method for in vivo quantification of VEGF in the eye is necessary. Therefore, we designed single molecule eBRET2 VEGF biosensors by directly fusing a Renilla luciferase mutant (Rluc8) N-terminal and a green fluorescent protein (GFP2) C-terminal to a VEGF binding domain. In total, 10 different VEGF biosensors (Re01- Re10) were generated based on either single domains or full length of VEGF receptor 1 or 2 extracellular regions as VEGF binding domains. Full length expression of the biosensors in HEK293-T cells was verified via Western Blot employing an anti-Rluc8-IgG. Expression of alternative splice variants was eliminated through the deletion of the donor splice site by introduction of a silent point mutation. In all ten biosensors the energy transfer from the Rluc8 to the GFP2 occurs and generates a measurable eBRET2 ratio. Four biosensors show a relevant change of the BRET ratio (ΔBR) after VEGF binding. Furthermore, each biosensor shows a unique detection range for VEGF quantification and especially Re06 and Re07 have a high sensitivity in the range of in vivo VEGF concentrations in the eye, previously measured by invasive methods. In conclusion, we generated several eBRET2 biosensors that are suitable for VEGF quantification in vitro and could identify two eBRET2 biosensors, which may be suitable for non-invasive in vivo VEGF quantification with an implantable device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Stumpf
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tobias Wimmer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Birgit Lorenz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Knut Stieger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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21
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Chung TW, Kim EY, Choi HJ, Han CW, Jang SB, Kim KJ, Jin L, Koh YJ, Ha KT. 6'-Sialylgalactose inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-mediated angiogenesis. Exp Mol Med 2019; 51:1-13. [PMID: 31604908 PMCID: PMC6802645 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-019-0311-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis should be precisely regulated because disordered neovascularization is involved in the aggravation of multiple diseases. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A/VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) axis is crucial for controlling angiogenic responses in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Therefore, inactivating VEGFR-2 signaling may effectively suppress aberrant angiogenesis and alleviate related symptoms. In this study, we performed virtual screening, identified the synthetic disaccharide 6′-sialylgalactose (6SG) as a potent VEGFR-2-binding compound and verified its high binding affinity by Biacore assay. 6SG effectively suppressed VEGF-A-induced VEGFR-2 phosphorylation and subsequent in vitro angiogenesis in HUVECs without inducing cytotoxicity. 6SG also inhibited VEGF-A-induced extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK)/Akt activation and actin stress fiber formation in HUVECs. We demonstrated that 6SG inhibited retinal angiogenesis in a mouse model of retinopathy of prematurity and tumor angiogenesis in a xenograft mouse model. Our results suggest a potential therapeutic benefit of 6SG in inhibiting angiogenesis in proangiogenic diseases, such as retinopathy and cancer. Therapy based on a synthetic molecule can block abnormal blood vessel formation, limiting the progression of diabetic eye conditions and tumor growth in mice. The growth of new blood vessels from existing vessels, called angiogenesis, is critical to wound healing and embryonic development. The main angiogenesis signalling pathway involves growth factors, including one called VEGFR-2. Disruption to this pathway plays a significant part in the development of multiple diseases. A South Korean team led by Ki-Tae Ha at Pusan National University, Yangsan, and Young Jun Koh at Dongguk University, Seoul, identified and trialed a synthetic disaccharide capable of binding to and limiting the activity of VEGFR-2 during faulty signaling. Trials on mice with the diabetic eye condition retinopathy, and mice with implanted tumors, showed that the compound inhibited excessive angiogenesis and limited disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Wook Chung
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine and Healthy Aging Korean Medical Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, 50612, Korea
| | - Eun-Yeong Kim
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine and Healthy Aging Korean Medical Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, 50612, Korea
| | - Hee-Jung Choi
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine and Healthy Aging Korean Medical Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, 50612, Korea
| | - Chang Woo Han
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, 46241, Korea
| | - Se Bok Jang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, 46241, Korea
| | - Keuk-Jun Kim
- Department of Clinical Pathology, TaeKyeung University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38547, Korea
| | - Ling Jin
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine and Healthy Aging Korean Medical Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, 50612, Korea
| | - Young Jun Koh
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Korea. .,GI Innovation, Inc., A-1116, Tera Tower, Songpa-daero 167, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05855, Korea.
| | - Ki-Tae Ha
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine and Healthy Aging Korean Medical Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, 50612, Korea.
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22
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Chappell JC, Darden J, Payne LB, Fink K, Bautch VL. Blood Vessel Patterning on Retinal Astrocytes Requires Endothelial Flt-1 (VEGFR-1). J Dev Biol 2019; 7:jdb7030018. [PMID: 31500294 PMCID: PMC6787756 DOI: 10.3390/jdb7030018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Feedback mechanisms are critical components of many pro-angiogenic signaling pathways that keep vessel growth within a functional range. The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) pathway utilizes the decoy VEGF-A receptor Flt-1 to provide negative feedback regulation of VEGF-A signaling. In this study, we investigated how the genetic loss of flt-1 differentially affects the branching complexity of vascular networks in tissues despite similar effects on endothelial sprouting. We selectively ablated flt-1 in the post-natal retina and found that maximum induction of flt-1 loss resulted in alterations in endothelial sprouting and filopodial extension, ultimately yielding hyper-branched networks in the absence of changes in retinal astrocyte architecture. The mosaic deletion of flt-1 revealed that sprouting endothelial cells flanked by flt-1−/− regions of vasculature more extensively associated with underlying astrocytes and exhibited aberrant sprouting, independent of the tip cell genotype. Overall, our data support a model in which tissue patterning features, such as retinal astrocytes, integrate with flt-1-regulated angiogenic molecular and cellular mechanisms to yield optimal vessel patterning for a given tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Chappell
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Jordan Darden
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Laura Beth Payne
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Kathryn Fink
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Victoria L Bautch
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFR-2)/KDR Inhibitors: Medicinal Chemistry Perspective. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2019.100009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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24
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Li X, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Xu Y, Zhang M. One-Year Outcomes of Intravitreal Conbercept for Treatment-Resistant Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmic Res 2019; 62:93-100. [DOI: 10.1159/000500118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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25
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Modulation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Activity through Alternative Splicing of Ligands and Receptors in the VEGF-A/VEGFR Axis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8040288. [PMID: 30925751 PMCID: PMC6523102 DOI: 10.3390/cells8040288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) signaling is essential for physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Alternative splicing of the VEGF-A pre-mRNA gives rise to a pro-angiogenic family of isoforms with a differing number of amino acids (VEGF-Axxxa), as well as a family of isoforms with anti-angiogenic properties (VEGF-Axxxb). The biological functions of VEGF-A proteins are mediated by a family of cognate protein tyrosine kinase receptors, known as the VEGF receptors (VEGFRs). VEGF-A binds to both VEGFR-1, largely suggested to function as a decoy receptor, and VEGFR-2, the predominant signaling receptor. Both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 can also be alternatively spliced to generate soluble isoforms (sVEGFR-1/sVEGFR-2). The disruption of the splicing of just one of these genes can result in changes to the entire VEGF-A/VEGFR signaling axis, such as the increase in VEGF-A165a relative to VEGF-A165b resulting in increased VEGFR-2 signaling and aberrant angiogenesis in cancer. Research into this signaling axis has recently focused on manipulating the splicing of these genes as a potential therapeutic avenue in disease. Therefore, further research into understanding the mechanisms by which the splicing of VEGF-A/VEGFR-1/VEGFR-2 is regulated will help in the development of drugs aimed at manipulating splicing or inhibiting specific splice isoforms in a therapeutic manner.
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Wang Z, Li S, Yu Y, Yu K, Zhang X, Xiang J, Li F. Identification and characterization of two novel vascular endothelial growth factor genes in Litopenaeus vannamei. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 84:259-268. [PMID: 30308291 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway induces endothelial cell proliferation, promotes cell migration, and inhibits apoptosis. Although three VEGF and two VEGF receptor genes have been identified in Litopenaeus vannamei and demonstrated their roles in WSSV infection, another two novel VEGF genes (LvVEGF4, LvVEGF5) were isolated and their involvements in the WSSV infection of shrimp were studied in the present study. The deduced amino acid sequences of both LvVEGF4 and LvVEGF5 contained a signal peptide, a typical PDGF/VEGF domain and a cysteine knot motif (CXCXCX). Tissue distribution analysis showed that LvVEGF4 was predominantly expressed in gill and hemocytes, while LvVEGF5 was mainly detected in hemocytes and intestine. WSSV infection could cause up-regulation of the transcriptional levels of LvVEGF4 and LvVEGF5. Their functions were studied by double-strand RNA interference. The results showed that knock-down of LvVEGF4 and LvVEGF5 led to a decrease of the viral copy number in WSSV infected shrimp. Yeast two-hybrid analysis showed that both LvVEGF4 and LvVEGF5 could interact with LvVEGFR1 rather than LvVEGFR2. In addition, knock-down of LvVEGF4 and LvVEGF5 could reduce the expressional levels of downstream genes FAK and PI3K. The present study provides new clues in demonstrating that the VEGF signaling pathway is involved in the process of WSSV infection in shrimp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Shihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, PR China.
| | - Yang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, PR China
| | - Kuijie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, PR China
| | - Xiaojun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, PR China
| | - Jianhai Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, PR China
| | - Fuhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, PR China.
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27
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Smani T, Gómez LJ, Regodon S, Woodard GE, Siegfried G, Khatib AM, Rosado JA. TRP Channels in Angiogenesis and Other Endothelial Functions. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1731. [PMID: 30559679 PMCID: PMC6287032 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is the growth of blood vessels mediated by proliferation, migration, and spatial organization of endothelial cells. This mechanism is regulated by a balance between stimulatory and inhibitory factors. Proangiogenic factors include a variety of VEGF family members, while thrombospondin and endostatin, among others, have been reported as suppressors of angiogenesis. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels belong to a superfamily of cation-permeable channels that play a relevant role in a number of cellular functions mostly derived from their influence in intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Endothelial cells express a variety of TRP channels, including members of the TRPC, TRPV, TRPP, TRPA, and TRPM families, which play a relevant role in a number of functions, including endothelium-induced vasodilation, vascular permeability as well as sensing hemodynamic and chemical changes. Furthermore, TRP channels have been reported to play an important role in angiogenesis. This review summarizes the current knowledge and limitations concerning the involvement of particular TRP channels in growth factor-induced angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarik Smani
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysic, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University of Seville, Sevilla, Spain.,CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis J Gómez
- Department of Animal Medicine, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Sergio Regodon
- Department of Animal Medicine, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Geoffrey E Woodard
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Juan A Rosado
- Cell Physiology Research Group, Department of Physiology, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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28
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Cai S, Yang Q, Li X, Zhang Y. The efficacy and safety of aflibercept and conbercept in diabetic macular edema. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:3471-3483. [PMID: 30410308 PMCID: PMC6197825 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s177192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic macular edema (DME) has shown an increasing prevalence during the past years and is the leading cause of diabetic retinopathy blindness. Traditional treatment modalities include laser and corticosteroid therapy, which, however, either act through unclear mechanisms or cause cataracts and elevated intraocular pressure. In recent years, as the pathogenic role of VEGF in DME has been well-recognized, the intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs has become the first-line treatment of DME due to their great efficacy in improving visual acuity and mitigating macular edema. Advantages have been shown for aflibercept and conbercept, the two recombinant decoy receptors that can bind VEGF with high specificity and affinity, in DME treatment in clinical trials conducted both worldwide and in People’s Republic of China. This review introduces the structural characteristics and molecular mechanisms of action of these two anti-VEGF drugs, and summarizes the clinical trials evaluating their efficacy and safety, with the hope to provide clues for designing optimal and personalized therapeutic regimens for DME patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Cai
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Eye Institute, College of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300384, People's Republic of China, ;
| | - Qianhui Yang
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Eye Institute, College of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300384, People's Republic of China, ;
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Eye Institute, College of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300384, People's Republic of China, ;
| | - Yan Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Eye Institute, College of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300384, People's Republic of China, ;
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29
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Teran M, Nugent MA. Characterization of receptor binding kinetics for vascular endothelial growth factor-A using SPR. Anal Biochem 2018; 564-565:21-31. [PMID: 30292477 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a highly regulated process orchestrated, in large part, by the vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) system of ligands and receptors. Considerable effort has been invested in finding optimal ways to modulate VEGF-A activity to treat disease, however, the mechanisms by which the various components interact remain poorly understood. This is in part because of the difficulty of analyzing the various interactions in an intercomparable manner. In the present study, we established conditions to allow for the detailed characterization of the molecular interactions between VEGF and its receptors and the co-receptor NRP-1 using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). We found that VEGF dissociated 25-times faster from its major signaling receptor, VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) than from its "decoy" receptor, VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1). Using a systematic approach, we obtained kinetic parameters for each individual interaction under a consistent set of experimental conditions allowing for comparison between various receptors. The set of quantitative kinetic parameters and experimental conditions reported herein will provide valuable tools for developing comprehensive models of the VEGF system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelane Teran
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Matthew A Nugent
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA.
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Cinti
- Professor of Human Anatomy, Director, Center of Obesity, University of Ancona (Politecnica delle Marche), Ancona, Italy
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31
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Potential effect on molecular pathways in different targeted genes in the VEGF family in retina - From the genomic point of view. Exp Eye Res 2018; 176:78-87. [PMID: 29944851 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
This study's goal is to determine similarities and differences in the molecular pathways or potential functions of the various targeted regions or genes of the Vegf family-VegfA, VegfB, VegfC, and Pgf-using the BXD genetic reference panel. Data from whole genome expression profiles of retinas from the well-characterized mouse recombinant inbred (RI) strain population derived from C57BL/6J X DBA/2J (BXD) were analyzed. Multiple analytical tools and statistical strategies were used to investigate the expression level. The expression Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) of these probes were mapped and compared. Our data showed that VegfA2 has the highest expression levels among all probes of Vegf genes. The expression levels of Vegf family genes are not significantly correlated. In the overall comparison, expression levels of VegfA1 and VegfA2 are positively correlated (R = 0.540). The expression levels of VegfB and VegfC are weakly correlated (R = 0.360). VegfC is also weakly correlated with the expression levels of Pgf (R = 0.324). The interaction of VegfB- and VegfA2-associated 50a2 genes was very weak (R50 ab = 0.3129). The interaction of top VegfB-associated 50b genes with VegfA2 has a reciprocal negative impact (R50ba = -0.42758). The VegfC-associated top 50c genes are strongly correlated with VegfB (R50 cb = 0.8159), while they are negatively correlated with VegfA2 (R50ca = -0.1450). Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis suggested that the regulatory mechanisms for the expression levels of these genes in the Vegf family are different from each other. The expression level of VegfA associates with a group of genes that are not associated with other genes in the Vegf family.
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32
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Ballmer-Hofer K, A C Hyde C, Schleier T, Avramovic D. ScFvs as Allosteric Inhibitors of VEGFR-2: Novel Tools to Harness VEGF Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1334. [PMID: 29723982 PMCID: PMC5983656 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) is the main mediator of angiogenic signaling in endothelial cells and a primary responder to VEGF. VEGF dependent VEGFR-2 activation regulates endothelial cell migration and proliferation, as well as vessel permeability. VEGF is presented as an antiparallel homodimer, and its binding to VEGFR-2 brings two receptors in close proximity. Downstream signaling is triggered by receptor dimerization, kinase activation, and receptor internalization. Our aim was to further investigate allosteric inhibition using binders targeting extracellular subdomains 4⁻7 of VEGFR-2 as an alternative to existing anti-angiogenic therapies, which rely on neutralizing VEGF or blocking of the ligand-binding site on the receptor. We applied phage display technology to produce single chain antibody fragments (scFvs) targeting VEGFR-2. Selected antibody fragments were characterized using biophysical and biological assays. We characterized several antibody fragments, which exert their inhibitory effect of VEGFR-2 independent of ligand binding. These reagents led to rapid clearance of VEGFR-2 from the cell surface without kinase activation, followed by an increase in intracellular receptor-positive vesicles, suggesting receptor internalization. Our highly specific VEGFR-2 binders thus represent novel tools for anti-angiogenic therapy and diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Ballmer-Hofer
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland.
| | - Caroline A C Hyde
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Schleier
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland.
| | - Dragana Avramovic
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland.
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33
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Wentink MQ, Verheul HM, Griffioen AW, Schafer KA, McPherson S, Early RJ, van der Vliet HJ, de Gruijl TD. A safety and immunogenicity study of immunization with hVEGF 26-104 /RFASE in cynomolgus monkeys. Vaccine 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.02.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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34
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Shlamkovich T, Aharon L, Barton WA, Papo N. Utilizing combinatorial engineering to develop Tie2 targeting antagonistic angiopoetin-2 ligands as candidates for anti-angiogenesis therapy. Oncotarget 2018; 8:33571-33585. [PMID: 28422724 PMCID: PMC5464891 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In many human cancers, the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) Tie2 plays important roles in mediating proliferation, survival, migration and angiogenesis. Thus, molecules that could potently inhibit activation of the Tie2 receptor would have a significant impact on cancer therapy. Nevertheless, attempts to develop Tie2-targeted inhibitors have met with little success, and there is currently no FDA-approved therapeutic selectively targeting Tie2. We used a combinatorial protein engineering approach to develop a new generation of angiopoietin (Ang)2-derived Tie2 antagonists as potential cancer therapeutics and as tools to study angiogenesis. The construct for designing a yeast surface display (YSD) library of potential antagonists was an Ang2 binding domain (Ang2-BD) that retains Tie2 binding ability but prevents ligand multimerization and receptor dimerization and activation. This mutant library was then screened by quantitative high-throughput flow cytometric sorting to identify Ang2-BD variants with increased expression, stability and affinity to Tie2. The selected variants were recombinantly expressed and showed high affinity to soluble and cellular Tie2 and strongly inhibited both Tie2 phosphorylation and endothelial capillary tube formation and cell invasion compared to the parental Ang2-BD. The significance of the study lies in the insight it provides into the sequence-structure-function relationships and mechanism of action of the antagonistic Ang mutants. The approach of using a natural protein ligand as a molecular scaffold for engineering high-affinity agents can be applied to other ligands to create functional protein antagonists against additional biomedical targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Shlamkovich
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, and the National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Lidan Aharon
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, and the National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - William A Barton
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Niv Papo
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, and the National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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35
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Rauniyar K, Jha SK, Jeltsch M. Biology of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C in the Morphogenesis of Lymphatic Vessels. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:7. [PMID: 29484295 PMCID: PMC5816233 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Because virtually all tissues contain blood vessels, the importance of hemevascularization has been long recognized in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. However, the lymphatic vasculature has only recently become a subject of interest. Central to the task of growing a lymphatic network are lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), which constitute the innermost layer of all lymphatic vessels. The central molecule that directs proliferation and migration of LECs during embryogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C). VEGF-C is therefore an important ingredient for LEC culture and attempts to (re)generate lymphatic vessels and networks. During its biosynthesis VEGF-C undergoes a stepwise proteolytic processing, during which its properties and affinities for its interaction partners change. Many of these fundamental aspects of VEGF-C biosynthesis have only recently been uncovered. So far, most—if not all—applications of VEGF-C do not discriminate between different forms of VEGF-C. However, for lymphatic regeneration and engineering purposes, it appears mandatory to understand these differences, since they relate, e.g., to important aspects such as biodistribution and receptor activation potential. In this review, we discuss the molecular biology of VEGF-C as it relates to the growth of LECs and lymphatic vessels. However, the properties of VEGF-C are similarly relevant for the cardiovascular system, since both old and recent data show that VEGF-C can have a profound effect on the blood vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushbu Rauniyar
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sawan Kumar Jha
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Jeltsch
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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36
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Discovery of High-Affinity PDGF-VEGFR Interactions: Redefining RTK Dynamics. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16439. [PMID: 29180757 PMCID: PMC5704011 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16610-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly all studies of angiogenesis have focused on uni-family ligand-receptor binding, e.g., VEGFs bind to VEGF receptors, PDGFs bind to PDGF receptors, etc. The discovery of VEGF-PDGFRs binding challenges this paradigm and calls for investigation of other ligand-receptor binding possibilities. We utilized surface plasmon resonance to identify and measure PDGF-to-VEGFR binding rates, establishing cut-offs for binding and non-binding interactions. We quantified the kinetics of the recent VEGF-A:PDGFRβ interaction for the first time with KD = 340 pM. We discovered new PDGF:VEGFR2 interactions with PDGF-AA:R2 KD = 530 nM, PDGF-AB:R2 KD = 110 pM, PDGF-BB:R2 KD = 40 nM, and PDGF-CC:R2 KD = 70 pM. We computationally predict that cross-family PDGF binding could contribute up to 96% of VEGFR2 ligation in healthy conditions and in cancer. Together the identification, quantification, and simulation of these novel cross-family interactions posits new mechanisms for understanding anti-angiogenic drug resistance and presents an expanded role of growth factor signaling with significance in health and disease.
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37
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Li S, Wang Z, Li F, Yu K, Xiang J. A Novel Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Participates in White Spot Syndrome Virus Infection in Litopenaeus vannamei. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1457. [PMID: 29163525 PMCID: PMC5671940 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway is known to play key roles in endothelial cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, vascular permeability, inhibition of apoptosis, and virus infection. In the present study, a novel VEGFR gene (LvVEGFR2) was identified and characterized from Litopenaeus vannamei. The deduced amino acid sequence of LvVEGFR2 possessed typical features of VEGFRs reported in other species, including six IG-like domains, a transmembrane motif, a protein kinase (PK) domain, and one tyrosine-PK active site. The transcripts of LvVEGFR2 were mainly detected in hemocytes and lymphoid organ (Oka). Subcellular localization analysis showed that LvVEGFR2 was a membrane protein. Its expression level was obviously upregulated in hemocytes and Oka of the shrimp after white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection. Knockdown of LvVEGFR2 gene expression by double-strand RNA mediated interference could lead to a decrease of virus copy number in WSSV-infected shrimp. The interaction between LvVEGFR2 and different LvVEGFs (LvVEGF1, LvVEGF2, and LvVEGF3) in shrimp was analyzed at the transcription level and protein level, respectively. Knockdown of LvVEGF2 or LvVEGF3 could downregulate the expression level of LvVEGFR2, and injection of the recombinant LvVEGF2 or LvVEGF3 could upregulate the expression level of LvVEGFR2. Yeast two-hybrid analysis showed that LvVEGFR2 could interact with LvVEGF2 and LvVEGF3 directly. The study improved our understanding on the VEGF signaling pathway of shrimp and its role during WSSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fuhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Kuijie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Jianhai Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
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38
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Li M, Kroetz DL. Bevacizumab-induced hypertension: Clinical presentation and molecular understanding. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 182:152-160. [PMID: 28882537 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bevacizumab is a vascular endothelial growth factor-A-specific angiogenesis inhibitor indicated as an adjunct to chemotherapy for the treatment of several types of cancer. Hypertension is commonly observed during bevacizumab treatment, and high-grade toxicity can limit therapy and lead to other cardiovascular complications. The factors that contribute to interindividual variability in blood pressure response to bevacizumab treatment are not well understood. In this review, we outline research efforts to understand the mechanisms and pathophysiology of hypertension resulting from bevacizumab treatment. Moreover, we highlight current knowledge of the pharmacogenetics of bevacizumab-induced hypertension, which may be used to develop strategies to prevent or minimize this toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Li
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Deanna L Kroetz
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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39
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Baek YY, Lee DK, Kim J, Kim JH, Park W, Kim T, Han S, Jeoung D, You JC, Lee H, Won MH, Ha KS, Kwon YG, Kim YM. Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu tetrapeptide inhibits tumor progression by suppressing angiogenesis and vascular permeability via VEGF receptor-2 antagonism. Oncotarget 2017; 8:11763-11777. [PMID: 28052029 PMCID: PMC5355302 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tetrapeptide Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu (RLYE) is known to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A)-induced angiogenesis in vitro. Herein, we examined its underlying mechanism and antitumor activity associated with vascular remodeling. RLYE inhibited VEGF-A-induced angiogenesis in a mouse model and suppressed VEGF-A-induced angiogenic signal cascades in human endothelial cells. However, RLYE showed no inhibitory effect on VEGF-A-induced proliferation and migration of multiple myeloma cells expressing VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-1, but not VEGFR-2. In addition, RLYE showed no inhibitory effect on angiogenic activities induced by VEGF-B, basic fibroblast growth factor, epithermal growth factor, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and placental growth factor. RLYE bound specifically to VEGFR-2 at the VEGF-A binding site, thereby blocking VEGF-A-VEGFR-2 binding and VEGF-A-induced VEGFR-2 internalization. The RLYE peptide inhibited tumor growth and metastasis via suppression of tumor angiogenesis in tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, RLYE showed a synergistic effect of the cytotoxic agent irinotecan on tumor cell apoptosis and tumor progression via tumor vessel normalization due to stabilization of VE-cadherin-mediated adherens junction, improvement of pericyte coverage, and inhibition of vascular leakage in tumors. Our results suggest that RLYE can be used as an antiangiogenic and tumor blood vessel remodeling agent for inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis by antagonizing VEGFR-2, with the synergistic anti-cancer effect via enhancement of drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yong Baek
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Dong-Keon Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Joohwan Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hee Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Wonjin Park
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Taesam Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Sanghwa Han
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Dooil Jeoung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Ji Chang You
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
| | - Hansoo Lee
- Department of and Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Moo-Ho Won
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Kwon-Soo Ha
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
| | - Young-Guen Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea
| | - Young-Myeong Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, South Korea
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40
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Sarabipour S. Parallels and Distinctions in FGFR, VEGFR, and EGFR Mechanisms of Transmembrane Signaling. Biochemistry 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarvenaz Sarabipour
- Institute for Computational
Medicine and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
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41
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Immunoglobulin-like domain 4-mediated ligand-independent dimerization triggers VEGFR-2 activation in HUVECs and VEGFR2-positive breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017; 163:423-434. [PMID: 28303365 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-017-4189-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The extracellular region (EC) of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) contains seven immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domains that are required for specific ligand binding and receptor dimerization. Studies of domain 4-7 deletions and substitutions provided insights into the interaction between receptors in the absence of VEGF. In this study, we investigated the effect of domain 4 in ligand-independent VEGFR-2 dimerization and activation in human vascular endothelial cells and human breast cancer cells. METHODS To confirm the role of domain 4 in ligand-independent receptor dimerization and activation, two VEGFR-2 fragments with and without domain 4, KFP1 and KFP2, were generated by recombinant DNA technology. We measured the affinity of KFP1 and KFP2 with VEGFR-2, and the roles of KFP1 and FKP2 in dimerization and phosphorylation of VEGFR-2. We also evaluated the effect of KFP1 and FKP2 on cell proliferation and migration in HUVECs and in human breast cancer cells. RESULTS We showed that KFP1 did not affect the interaction of VEGFR-2 and VEGF but bound VEGFR-2 in the absence of VEGF. Furthermore, cross-linking and cross-linking immunoblotting demonstrated that KFP1 could form a complex with VEGFR-2, which resulted in VEGFR-2 dimerization in the absence of VEGF. Importantly, we found that the KDR fragment with domain 4 induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-2, as well as phosphorylation of downstream receptor kinases in HUVECs and VEGFR-2-positive breast cancer cells. Consistent with these results, this ligand-independent activation of VEGFR-2 also promoted downstream signaling and cell proliferation and migration. CONCLUSIONS The domain 4 of VEGFR-2 plays an important role in the interaction between VEGFR receptors in the absence of VEGF.
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Chung TW, Kim EY, Kim SJ, Choi HJ, Jang SB, Kim KJ, Ha SH, Abekura F, Kwak CH, Kim CH, Ha KT. Sialyllactose suppresses angiogenesis by inhibiting VEGFR-2 activation, and tumor progression. Oncotarget 2017; 8:58152-58162. [PMID: 28938544 PMCID: PMC5601640 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The oligosaccharides in human milk have various biological functions. However, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the anti-angiogenic action of sialylated human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are still unclear. Here, we show that siallylactose (SL) found in human milk can inhibit the activation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) by binding to its VEGF binding site (second and third IgG-like domains), thus blocking downstream signal activation. SL also inhibits growth of VEGF-stimulated endothelial cells. In endothelial cells treated with VEGF, SL diminished tube formation, migration, and the arrangement of actin filament. In addition, SL clearly suppressed VEGF-induced neovascularization in an in vivo Matrigel plug assay. Notably, SL prevented the growth of tumor cells, and angiogenesis on tumor tissues in in vivo mice models allotransplanted with Lewis lung carcinoma, melanoma, and colon carcinoma cells. Taken together, we have demonstrated that the sialylated milk oligosaccharide sialyllactose functions as an inhibitor of angiogenesis through suppression of VEGF-mediated VEGFR-2 activation in endothelial cells, Accordingly, it could be a novel candidate for the development of anti-angiogenic drugs without any side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Wook Chung
- School of Korean Medicine, Healthy Aging Korean Medical Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Young Kim
- School of Korean Medicine, Healthy Aging Korean Medical Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Republic of Korea.,Graduate Training Program of Korean Medicine for Healthy-Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Jo Kim
- Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Kyunggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jung Choi
- School of Korean Medicine, Healthy Aging Korean Medical Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Bok Jang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Keuk-Jun Kim
- Department of Clinical Pathology, TaeKyeung University, Gyeongsan 38547, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Hyung Ha
- Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Kyunggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Fukushi Abekura
- Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Kyunggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Choong-Hwan Kwak
- Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Kyunggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheorl-Ho Kim
- Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Kyunggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Tae Ha
- School of Korean Medicine, Healthy Aging Korean Medical Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Republic of Korea.,Graduate Training Program of Korean Medicine for Healthy-Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Republic of Korea
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43
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Kapur S, Silverman AP, Ye AZ, Papo N, Jindal D, Blumenkranz MS, Cochran JR. Engineered ligand-based VEGFR antagonists with increased receptor binding affinity more effectively inhibit angiogenesis. Bioeng Transl Med 2017; 2:81-91. [PMID: 28516164 PMCID: PMC5412928 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathologic angiogenesis is mediated by the coordinated action of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling axis, along with crosstalk contributed by other receptors, notably αvβ3 integrin. We build on earlier work demonstrating that point mutations can be introduced into the homodimeric VEGF ligand to convert it into an antagonist through disruption of binding to one copy of VEGFR2. This inhibitor has limited potency, however, due to loss of avidity effects from bivalent VEGFR2 binding. Here, we used yeast surface display to engineer a variant with VEGFR2 binding affinity approximately 40‐fold higher than the parental antagonist, and 14‐fold higher than the natural bivalent VEGF ligand. Increased VEGFR2 binding affinity correlated with the ability to more effectively inhibit VEGF‐mediated signaling, both in vitro and in vivo, as measured using VEGFR2 phosphorylation and Matrigel implantation assays. High affinity mutations found in this variant were then incorporated into a dual‐specific antagonist that we previously designed to simultaneously bind to and inhibit VEGFR2 and αvβ3 integrin. The resulting dual‐specific protein bound to human and murine endothelial cells with relative affinities of 120 ± 10 pM and 360 ± 50 pM, respectively, which is at least 30‐fold tighter than wild‐type VEGF (3.8 ± 0.5 nM). Finally, we demonstrated that this engineered high‐affinity dual‐specific protein could inhibit angiogenesis in a murine corneal neovascularization model. Taken together, these data indicate that protein engineering strategies can be combined to generate unique antiangiogenic candidates for further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiven Kapur
- Dept. of Bioengineering Stanford University Stanford CA 94303
| | | | - Anne Z Ye
- Dept. of Bioengineering Stanford University Stanford CA 94303
| | - Niv Papo
- Dept. of Bioengineering Stanford University Stanford CA 94303
| | - Darren Jindal
- Dept. of Bioengineering Stanford University Stanford CA 94303
| | - Mark S Blumenkranz
- Dept. of Ophthalmology Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University Stanford CA 94303
| | - Jennifer R Cochran
- Dept. of Bioengineering Stanford University Stanford CA 94303.,Dept. of Chemical Engineering Stanford University Stanford CA 94303.,Stanford Cancer Institute Stanford University Stanford CA 94303
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45
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Wang Z, Li S, Li F, Xie S, Xiang J. Identification and function analysis of a novel vascular endothelial growth factor, LvVEGF3, in the Pacific whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 63:111-120. [PMID: 27241034 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
VEGF signaling pathway is first discovered in mammals and proved to play important roles in the biological processes of angiogenesis, tumor migration, cell differentiation, apoptosis, host-virus interaction etc. Three members in the VEGF signaling pathway, including LvVEGFR, LvVEGF1 and LvVEGF2 in shrimp have been proved to be related with WSSV infection in our previous studies. Currently, another member of VEGF family, LvVEGF3, was isolated and its function during the WSSV infection of shrimp was studied. The deduced amino acid sequence of LvVEGF3 contained a signal peptide, a typical PDGF/VEGF domain and a cysteine-knot motif (CXCXC). Tissue distribution analysis showed that LvVEGF3 was predominantly expressed in hemocytes. The transcriptional level of LvVEGF3 in hemocytes was apparently up-regulated during WSSV infection. Silencing of LvVEGF3 with double-stranded RNA caused a reduction of the cumulative mortality rate of shrimp during WSSV infection. The expression of LvVEGFR was apparently down-regulated after LvVEGF3 silencing and up-regulated after injection of recombinant LvVEGF3 protein, suggesting an interaction between LvVEGF3 and LvVEGFR. Furthermore, the interaction between LvVEGFR and LvVEGF3 was confirmed using the yeast two-hybrid system. The results provided new insights into understanding the role of VEGF signaling pathway during virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Fuhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Shijun Xie
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jianhai Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
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46
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de Oliveira Dias JR, de Andrade GC, Novais EA, Farah ME, Rodrigues EB. Fusion proteins for treatment of retinal diseases: aflibercept, ziv-aflibercept, and conbercept. Int J Retina Vitreous 2016; 2:3. [PMID: 27847621 PMCID: PMC5088480 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-016-0026-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of retinal neovascular diseases. More recently, a different class of drugs, fusion proteins, has provided an alternative treatment strategy with pharmacological differences.
In addition to commercially available aflibercept, two other drugs, ziv-aflibercept and conbercept, have been studied in antiangiogenic treatment of ocular diseases. In this scenario, a critical review of the currently available data regarding fusion proteins in ophthalmic diseases may be a timely and important contribution. Aflibercept, previously known as VEGF Trap Eye, is a fusion protein of VEGF receptors 1 and 2 and a treatment for several retinal diseases related to angiogenesis. It has firmly joined ranibizumab and bevacizumab as an important therapeutic option in the management of neovascular AMD-, DME- and RVO-associated macular edema. Ziv-aflibercept, a systemic chemotherapeutic agent approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, has recently drawn attention because of its potential for intravitreal administration, since it was not associated with ERG-related signs of toxicity in an experimental study and in human case reports. Conbercept is a soluble receptor decoy that blocks all isoforms of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and PlGF, which has a high binding affinity for VEGF and a long half-life in vitreous. It has been studied in a phase three clinical trial and has shown efficacy and safety. This review discusses three fusion proteins that have been studied in ophthalmology, aflibercept, ziv-aflibercept and conbercept, with emphasis on their clinical application for the treatment of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Rafael de Oliveira Dias
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo-Paulista Medical School, Rua Botucatu, 821, 1st Floor, São Paulo, SP 04023-062 Brazil
| | - Gabriel Costa de Andrade
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo-Paulista Medical School, Rua Botucatu, 821, 1st Floor, São Paulo, SP 04023-062 Brazil
| | - Eduardo Amorim Novais
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo-Paulista Medical School, Rua Botucatu, 821, 1st Floor, São Paulo, SP 04023-062 Brazil
| | - Michel Eid Farah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo-Paulista Medical School, Rua Botucatu, 821, 1st Floor, São Paulo, SP 04023-062 Brazil
| | - Eduardo Büchele Rodrigues
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo-Paulista Medical School, Rua Botucatu, 821, 1st Floor, São Paulo, SP 04023-062 Brazil
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Sargent KM, McFee RM, Spuri Gomes R, Cupp AS. Vascular endothelial growth factor A: just one of multiple mechanisms for sex-specific vascular development within the testis? J Endocrinol 2015; 227:R31-50. [PMID: 26562337 PMCID: PMC4646736 DOI: 10.1530/joe-15-0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Testis development from an indifferent gonad is a critical step in embryogenesis. A hallmark of testis differentiation is sex-specific vascularization that occurs as endothelial cells migrate from the adjacent mesonephros into the testis to surround Sertoli-germ cell aggregates and induce seminiferous cord formation. Many in vitro experiments have demonstrated that vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is a critical regulator of this process. Both inhibitors to VEGFA signal transduction and excess VEGFA isoforms in testis organ cultures impaired vascular development and seminiferous cord formation. However, in vivo models using mice which selectively eliminated all VEGFA isoforms: in Sertoli and germ cells (pDmrt1-Cre;Vegfa(-/-)); Sertoli and Leydig cells (Amhr2-Cre;Vegfa(-/-)) or Sertoli cells (Amh-Cre;Vegfa(-/-) and Sry-Cre;Vegfa(-/-)) displayed testes with observably normal cords and vasculature at postnatal day 0 and onwards. Embryonic testis development may be delayed in these mice; however, the postnatal data indicate that VEGFA isoforms secreted from Sertoli, Leydig or germ cells are not required for testis morphogenesis within the mouse. A Vegfa signal transduction array was employed on postnatal testes from Sry-Cre;Vegfa(-/-) versus controls. Ptgs1 (Cox1) was the only upregulated gene (fivefold). COX1 stimulates angiogenesis and upregulates, VEGFA, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGD2. Thus, other gene pathways may compensate for VEGFA loss, similar to multiple independent mechanisms to maintain SOX9 expression. Multiple independent mechanism that induce vascular development in the testis may contribute to and safeguard the sex-specific vasculature development responsible for inducing seminiferous cord formation, thus ensuring appropriate testis morphogenesis in the male.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Sargent
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
| | - Renee M McFee
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
| | - Renata Spuri Gomes
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0908, USA
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48
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Koyano-Nakagawa N, Shi X, Rasmussen TL, Das S, Walter CA, Garry DJ. Feedback Mechanisms Regulate Ets Variant 2 (Etv2) Gene Expression and Hematoendothelial Lineages. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:28107-28119. [PMID: 26396195 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.662197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Etv2 is an essential transcriptional regulator of hematoendothelial lineages during embryogenesis. Although Etv2 downstream targets have been identified, little is known regarding the upstream transcriptional regulation of Etv2 gene expression. In this study, we established a novel methodology that utilizes the differentiating ES cell and embryoid body system to define the modules and enhancers embedded within the Etv2 promoter. Using this system, we defined an autoactivating role for Etv2 that is mediated by two adjacent Ets motifs in the proximal promoter. In addition, we defined the role of VEGF/Flk1-Calcineurin-NFAT signaling cascade in the transcriptional regulation of Etv2. Furthermore, we defined an Etv2-Flt1-Flk1 cascade that serves as a negative feedback mechanism to regulate Etv2 gene expression. To complement and extend these studies, we demonstrated that the Flt1 null embryonic phenotype was partially rescued in the Etv2 conditional knockout background. In summary, these studies define upstream and downstream networks that serve as a transcriptional rheostat to regulate Etv2 gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Koyano-Nakagawa
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Xiaozhong Shi
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Tara L Rasmussen
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Satyabrata Das
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Camille A Walter
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Daniel J Garry
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455.
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Li S, Wang Z, Li F, Xiang J. One type of VEGFR is involved in WSSV infection to the Pacific whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 50:1-8. [PMID: 25576099 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
VEGF signaling pathway plays vital roles in many physiological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, survival, cell-cell communication, vessel permeability and virus-host interaction in mammalian species. However, the VEGF signaling pathway and its biological function are still poorly understood in crustaceans. In the present study, an essential member of VEGF signaling pathway, VEGF receptor (LvVEGFR), was isolated from Penaeid shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and its function during virus infection was analyzed. The deduced amino acid sequence of LvVEGFR possessed all common features of VEGFRs reported in other species, including a signal peptide, six IG-like domains, one immunoglobulin subtype 2 domain, a transmembrane domain, a juxtamembrane domain, a protein kinase domain separated by a kinase insert sequence, one ATP binding site and one tyrosine-protein kinase active site. LvVEGFR is mainly expressed in hemocytes and intestine. The transcriptional level of LvVEGFR could be obviously up-regulated in hemocytes and intestine after WSSV infection. Silencing of LvVEGFR gene by double-strand RNA (dsRNA) interference could not only lead to a decrease of virus copy number in WSSV infected shrimp, but also reduce the mortality of shrimp during WSSV infection. These data suggested that VEGF signaling pathway might play an important role during viral infection to shrimp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China; Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fuhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Jianhai Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China
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Lu X, Sun X. Profile of conbercept in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2015; 9:2311-20. [PMID: 25960634 PMCID: PMC4410828 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s67536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In developed countries, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in individuals over the age of 65 years. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a vital role in the formation of neovascular AMD. VEGF regulates angiogenesis, enhances vascular permeability, and drives the formation of choroidal neovascularization. As a result of the introduction of anti-VEGF drugs, the incidence of blindness from neovascular AMD has greatly reduced. Anti-VEGF drugs are used as a first-line treatment for neovascular AMD. The most recent anti-VEGF drug is conbercept, also named KH902, which was approved for the treatment of neovascular AMD by the China Food and Drug Administration in December 2013. In this review, recent clinical information regarding the use of conbercept to treat neovascular AMD is summarized. Conbercept is a soluble receptor decoy that blocks all isoforms of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and PlGF, which has a high binding affinity to VEGF and a long half-life in vitreous. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its anti-angiogenesis activity in both ocular neovascular disease models and tumor models. Clinical trials of conbercept have shown its superior efficacy and safety. Patients respond well even with 3-month treatment intervals following loading doses once a month for 3 months. The potential therapeutic effect of conbercept on the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, a special type of neovascular AMD, is also promising. In summary, conbercept is a new treatment option for ophthalmologists and their patients and may help address the limitations of current anti-VEGF drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmin Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China ; Eye Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China ; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Disease, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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