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Han H, Yang C, Zhang Y, Han C, Zhang G. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Mediates the Sprouted Axonogenesis of Breast Cancer in Rat. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 191:515-526. [PMID: 33345997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Nerve infiltration into the tumor is a common feature of the tumor microenvironment. The mechanisms of axonogenesis in breast cancer remain unclear. We hypothesized that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as nerve growth factor (NGF), is involved in the axonogenesis of breast cancer. A N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced rat model of breast cancer was used to explore the presence of axonogenesis in breast tumor and the involvement of VEGF, as well as NGF, in the axonogenesis of breast tumor. Nerve infiltration into the tumor was found in MNU-induced rat model of breast cancer including the sensory and sympathetic nerve fibers. Nerve density was increased following the growth of tumor. The sensory neurons innervating the thoracic and abdominal mammary tumors peaked at T5 to T6 and L1 to L2 dorsal root ganglions, respectively. Either VEGF receptor inhibitor or antibody against VEGF receptor 2, as well as NGF receptor inhibitor, apparently decreased both the nerve density and vascular density of breast tumor. The reduced nerve density was correlated with the decreased vascular density induced by these treatments. In cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons, phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3K)/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), and p38 inhibitors significantly attenuated VEGF-induced neurite elongation. These findings provide direct evidence that VEGF, as well as NGF, may control the axonogenesis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiu Han
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shangha, China; Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chunxue Yang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changhao Han
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guohua Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Glaesel K, May C, Marcus K, Matschke V, Theiss C, Theis V. miR-129-5p and miR-130a-3p Regulate VEGFR-2 Expression in Sensory and Motor Neurons during Development. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113839. [PMID: 32481647 PMCID: PMC7312753 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The wide-ranging influence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) within the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), for example through effects on axonal growth or neuronal cell survival, is mainly mediated by VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). However, the regulation of VEGFR-2 expression during development is not yet well understood. As microRNAs are considered to be key players during neuronal maturation and regenerative processes, we identified the two microRNAs (miRNAs)-miR-129-5p and miR-130a-3p-that may have an impact on VEGFR-2 expression in young and mature sensory and lower motor neurons. The expression level of VEGFR-2 was analyzed by using in situ hybridization, RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry in developing rats. microRNAs were validated within the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. To unveil the molecular impact of our candidate microRNAs, dissociated cell cultures of sensory and lower motor neurons were transfected with mimics and inhibitors. We depicted age-dependent VEGFR-2 expression in sensory and lower motor neurons. In detail, in lower motor neurons, VEGFR-2 expression was significantly reduced during maturation, in conjunction with an increased level of miR-129-5p. In sensory dorsal root ganglia, VEGFR-2 expression increased during maturation and was accompanied by an overexpression of miR-130a-3p. In a second step, the functional significance of these microRNAs with respect to VEGFR-2 expression was proven. Whereas miR-129-5p seems to decrease VEGFR-2 expression in a direct manner in the CNS, miR-130a-3p might indirectly control VEGFR-2 expression in the PNS. A detailed understanding of genetic VEGFR-2 expression control might promote new strategies for the treatment of severe neurological diseases like ischemia or peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Glaesel
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (K.G.); (V.M.); (V.T.)
| | - Caroline May
- Medical Proteom-Center, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, NRW, Germany; (C.M.); (K.M.)
| | - Katrin Marcus
- Medical Proteom-Center, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, NRW, Germany; (C.M.); (K.M.)
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (K.G.); (V.M.); (V.T.)
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (K.G.); (V.M.); (V.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-234-32-25018
| | - Verena Theis
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (K.G.); (V.M.); (V.T.)
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3
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Mikhailova MM, Panteleyev AA, Paltsev MA, Panteleyev AA. Spinal cord tissue affects sprouting from aortic fragments in ex vivo co‐culture. Cell Biol Int 2019; 43:1193-1200. [DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrey A. Panteleyev
- Priorov Federal Scientific Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics Moscow 127299 Russian Federation
| | - Mikhail A. Paltsev
- Faculty of BiologyMoscow State University Moscow 119991 Russian Federation
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Mitsuoka K, Miwa Y, Kikutani T, Sato I. Localization of CGRP and VEGF mRNAs in the mouse superior cervical ganglion during pre- and postnatal development. Eur J Histochem 2018; 62. [PMID: 30465595 PMCID: PMC6275463 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2018.2976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) mediates inflammation and head pain by influencing the functional vascular blood supply. CGRP is a well-characterized mediator of receptor-regulated neurotransmitter release. However, knowledge regarding the role of CGRP during the development of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) is limited. In the present study, we observed the localization of CGRP and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) mRNAs during prenatal development at embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5), E17.5 and postnatal day 1 (P1) using in situ hybridization. The antisense probe for CGRP was detected by in situ hybridization at E14.5, E17.5, and P1, and the highest levels were detected at E17.5. In contrast, the antisense probe for VEGF-A was detected by in situ hybridization in gradually increasing intensity from E14.5 to P1. The differences in the expression of these two markers revealed specific characteristics related to CGRP concentration and release compared to those of VEGF-A during development. The correlation between CGRP and VEGF-A may influence functional stress and the vascular blood supply during prenatal and postnatal development.
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Bates DO, Beazley-Long N, Benest AV, Ye X, Ved N, Hulse RP, Barratt S, Machado MJ, Donaldson LF, Harper SJ, Peiris-Pages M, Tortonese DJ, Oltean S, Foster RR. Physiological Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors as Homeostatic Regulators. Compr Physiol 2018; 8:955-979. [PMID: 29978898 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c170015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of proteins are key regulators of physiological systems. Originally linked with endothelial function, they have since become understood to be principal regulators of multiple tissues, both through their actions on vascular cells, but also through direct actions on other tissue types, including epithelial cells, neurons, and the immune system. The complexity of the five members of the gene family in terms of their different splice isoforms, differential translation, and specific localizations have enabled tissues to use these potent signaling molecules to control how they function to maintain their environment. This homeostatic function of VEGFs has been less intensely studied than their involvement in disease processes, development, and reproduction, but they still play a substantial and significant role in healthy control of blood volume and pressure, interstitial volume and drainage, renal and lung function, immunity, and signal processing in the peripheral and central nervous system. The widespread expression of VEGFs in healthy adult tissues, and the disturbances seen when VEGF signaling is inhibited support this view of the proteins as endogenous regulators of normal physiological function. This review summarizes the evidence and recent breakthroughs in understanding of the physiology that is regulated by VEGF, with emphasis on the role they play in maintaining homeostasis. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:955-979, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O Bates
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrew V Benest
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Xi Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nikita Ved
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard P Hulse
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Shaney Barratt
- Academic Respiratory Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Maria J Machado
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy F Donaldson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Steven J Harper
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Peiris-Pages
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Domingo J Tortonese
- Centre for Comparative and Clinical Anatomy, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Oltean
- Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca R Foster
- Bristol Renal, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Matkar PN, Ariyagunarajah R, Leong-Poi H, Singh KK. Friends Turned Foes: Angiogenic Growth Factors beyond Angiogenesis. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7040074. [PMID: 28974056 PMCID: PMC5745456 DOI: 10.3390/biom7040074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones is a biological process that ensures an adequate blood flow is maintained to provide the cells with a sufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen within the body. Numerous soluble growth factors and inhibitors, cytokines, proteases as well as extracellular matrix proteins and adhesion molecules stringently regulate the multi-factorial process of angiogenesis. The properties and interactions of key angiogenic molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and angiopoietins have been investigated in great detail with respect to their molecular impact on angiogenesis. Since the discovery of angiogenic growth factors, much research has been focused on their biological actions and their potential use as therapeutic targets for angiogenic or anti-angiogenic strategies in a context-dependent manner depending on the pathologies. It is generally accepted that these factors play an indispensable role in angiogenesis. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that this is not their only role and it is likely that the angiogenic factors have important functions in a wider range of biological and pathological processes. The additional roles played by these molecules in numerous pathologies and biological processes beyond angiogenesis are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratiek N Matkar
- Division of Cardiology, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | | | - Howard Leong-Poi
- Division of Cardiology, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Krishna K Singh
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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7
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Austin M, Elliott L, Nicolaou N, Grabowska A, Hulse RP. Breast cancer induced nociceptor aberrant growth and collateral sensory axonal branching. Oncotarget 2017; 8:76606-76621. [PMID: 29100335 PMCID: PMC5652729 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumour and neuron interaction has a significant impact upon disease progression and the patients quality of life. In breast cancer patients, it is known that there is an interaction between the tumour microenvironment and the sensory neurons to influence the progression of cancer as well as pain, though these mechanisms still need to be clearly defined. Here it is demonstrated that in a rodent orthotopic model of breast cancer (MDA MB 231) there was an increase in nerve fibre innervation into the tumour microenvironment (protein gene product 9.5), which were calcitonin gene related peptide positive C fibre nociceptors. In contrast, there was a reduction in myelinated nerve fibres (NF200). A sensory neuronal cell line was cultured in response to conditioned media from MDA MB231 and MCF7 as well as vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). All these experimental conditions induced sensory neuronal growth, with increased formation of collateral axonal branches. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that MDA MB231 and VEGF-A induced sensory neuronal sensitisation in response to capsaicin a TRPV1 agonist. MDA MB231 induced neuronal growth was suppressed by VEGFR2 inhibition (ZM323881 and neutralising antibody DC101), in addition both MDA MB231 and VEGF-A induced neurite growth was attenuated by the inhibition of ARP2/3 complex through co-treatment with CK666. This demonstrates that breast cancer can interact with the sensory nervous system to drive neuritogenesis through a VEGF-A/VEGFR2/ARP2/3 mediated pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Austin
- Cancer Biology, School of Cancer and Stem Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Elliott
- Cancer Biology, School of Cancer and Stem Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Niovi Nicolaou
- Cancer Biology, School of Cancer and Stem Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Grabowska
- Cancer Biology, School of Cancer and Stem Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Richard P Hulse
- Cancer Biology, School of Cancer and Stem Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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8
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Goldman O, Han S, Sourisseau M, Sourrisseau M, Dziedzic N, Hamou W, Corneo B, D'Souza S, Sato T, Kotton DN, Bissig KD, Kalir T, Jacobs A, Evans T, Evans MJ, Gouon-Evans V. KDR identifies a conserved human and murine hepatic progenitor and instructs early liver development. Cell Stem Cell 2014; 12:748-60. [PMID: 23746980 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2013.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Revised: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the fetal hepatic niche is essential for optimizing the generation of functional hepatocyte-like cells (hepatic cells) from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Here, we show that KDR (VEGFR2/FLK-1), previously assumed to be mostly restricted to mesodermal lineages, marks a hESC-derived hepatic progenitor. hESC-derived endoderm cells do not express KDR but, when cultured in media supporting hepatic differentiation, generate KDR+ hepatic progenitors and KDR- hepatic cells. KDR+ progenitors require active KDR signaling both to instruct their own differentiation into hepatic cells and to non-cell-autonomously support the functional maturation of cocultured KDR- hepatic cells. Analysis of human fetal livers suggests that similar progenitors are present in human livers. Lineage tracing in mice provides in vivo evidence of a KDR+ hepatic progenitor for fetal hepatoblasts, adult hepatocytes, and adult cholangiocytes. Altogether, our findings reveal that KDR is a conserved marker for endoderm-derived hepatic progenitors and a functional receptor instructing early liver development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orit Goldman
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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9
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Beazley-Long N, Hua J, Jehle T, Hulse RP, Dersch R, Lehrling C, Bevan H, Qiu Y, Lagrèze WA, Wynick D, Churchill AJ, Kehoe P, Harper SJ, Bates DO, Donaldson LF. VEGF-A165b is an endogenous neuroprotective splice isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor A in vivo and in vitro. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 183:918-29. [PMID: 23838428 PMCID: PMC3763768 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Revised: 05/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A is generated as two isoform families by alternative RNA splicing, represented by VEGF-A165a and VEGF-A165b. These isoforms have opposing actions on vascular permeability, angiogenesis, and vasodilatation. The proangiogenic VEGF-A165a isoform is neuroprotective in hippocampal, dorsal root ganglia, and retinal neurons, but its propermeability, vasodilatatory, and angiogenic properties limit its therapeutic usefulness. In contrast, a neuroprotective effect of endogenous VEGF-A165b on neurons would be advantageous for neurodegenerative pathologies. Endogenous expression of human and rat VEGF-A165b was detected in hippocampal and cortical neurons. VEGF-A165b formed a significant proportion of total VEGF-A in rat brain. Recombinant human VEGF-A165b exerted neuroprotective effects in response to multiple insults, including glutamatergic excitotoxicity in hippocampal neurons, chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity of dorsal root ganglion neurons, and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in rat retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in vivo. Neuroprotection was dependent on VEGFR2 and MEK1/2 activation but not on p38 or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation. Recombinant human VEGF-A165b is a neuroprotective agent that effectively protects both peripheral and central neurons in vivo and in vitro through VEGFR2, MEK1/2, and inhibition of caspase-3 induction. VEGF-A165b may be therapeutically useful for pathologies that involve neuronal damage, including hippocampal neurodegeneration, glaucoma diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy. The endogenous nature of VEGF-A165b expression suggests that non-isoform-specific inhibition of VEGF-A (for antiangiogenic reasons) may be damaging to retinal and sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Beazley-Long
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jing Hua
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Jehle
- University Eye Hospital, Albert-Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Richard P. Hulse
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Rick Dersch
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Heather Bevan
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Yan Qiu
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Wolf A. Lagrèze
- University Eye Hospital, Albert-Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - David Wynick
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Patrick Kehoe
- Dementia Research Group, John James Laboratories, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Steven J. Harper
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - David O. Bates
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy F. Donaldson
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Carmeliet P, Ruiz de Almodovar C, Carmen RDA. VEGF ligands and receptors: implications in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:1763-78. [PMID: 23475071 PMCID: PMC11113464 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1283-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Intensive research in the last decade shows that the prototypic angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can have direct effects in neurons and modulate processes such as neuronal migration, axon outgrowth, axon guidance and neuronal survival. Depending on the neuronal cell type and the process, VEGF seems to exert these effects by signaling via different receptors. It is also becoming clear that other VEGF ligands such as VEGF-B, -C and -D can act in various neuronal cell types as well. Moreover, apart from playing a role in physiological conditions, VEGF and VEGF-B have been related to different neurological disorders. We give an update on how VEGF controls different processes during neurodevelopment as well as on its role in several neurodegenerative disorders. We also discuss recent findings demonstrating that other VEGF ligands influence processes such as neurogenesis and dendrite arborization and participate in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Vesalius Research Center, K.U.Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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11
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Sun GC, Ma YY. Vascular endothelial growth factor modulates voltage-gated Na(+) channel properties and depresses action potential firing in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Biol Pharm Bull 2013; 36:548-55. [PMID: 23337128 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b12-00841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an angiogenic factor, was found to modulate synaptic plasticity by affecting K(+) and Ca(2+) channels and protect neuron from death by depressing glutamatergic transmission. However, whether VEGF also modulates neuronal activity through modulating voltage-gated Na(+) channels (VGSCs), a main determinant of neuronal excitability, we observed the effects of VEGF on Na(+) channel properties and function on cultured rat hippocampal neurons through whole-cell patch-clamp recording. We found that VEGF decreased the Na(+) channel excitability by shifting the voltage-dependence of steady-state inactivation to more hyperpolarized direction, and increasing the time constants of recovery from inactivation without significantly affecting the activation process. The effect of VEGF on Na(+) channel steady-state inactivation was inhibited by the specific VEGF Flk-1 receptor antagonist SU1498, but was not affected by protein kinase C (PKC)-activator 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG). Furthermore, the inhibition of Na(+) currents by VEGF was frequency-dependent. In addition, the frequency of neuron firing evoked by current injection was reversibly depressed by VEGF. Therefore, our results suggest a potential role of VGSCs in the modulation of VEGF on neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-chun Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, 801 He-Qing Rd., Shanghai 200240, PR China.
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12
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Olbrich L, Foehring D, Happel P, Brand-Saberi B, Theiss C. Fast rearrangement of the neuronal growth cone's actin cytoskeleton following VEGF stimulation. Histochem Cell Biol 2012; 139:431-45. [PMID: 23052841 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-012-1036-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal growth cone plays a crucial role in the development of the nervous system. This highly motile structure leads the axon to its final destination by translating guidance cues into cytoskeletal rearrangements. Recently, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is essential for angiogenesis and vascular sprouting, has been found to exert a trophic activity also on neurons, leading to an increased axonal outgrowth, similar to the well-known nerve growth factor (NGF). The neurotrophic properties of VEGF are likely to be promoted via the VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1). In the long term, VEGF attracts and influences the growth cone velocity and leads to growth cone enlargement. The present study focuses on immediate VEGF effects using RFP-actin and GFP-NF-M microinjected chicken dorsal root ganglia for live cell imaging of the neuronal growth cone. We analyzed actin and neurofilament dynamics following VEGF and NGF treatment and compared the effects. Furthermore, key signaling pathways of VEGF were investigated by specific blocking of VEGFR-2 or NRP-1. With the aid of confocal laser scanning microscopy and stimulated emission depletion microscopy, we show for the first time that VEGF has a quick effect on the actin-cytoskeleton, since actin rearrangements were identifiable within a few minutes, leading to a dramatically increased motion. Moreover, these effects were strongly enhanced by adding both VEGF and NGF. Most notably, the effects were inhibited by blocking VEGFR-2, therefore we propose that the immediate effects of VEGF on the actin-cytoskeleton are mediated through VEGFR-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Olbrich
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
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13
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Activation of VEGFR-2 signaling in response to moderate dose of ultraviolet B promotes survival of normal human keratinocytes. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2012; 44:246-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2011.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Revised: 09/24/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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14
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Ruiz de Almodovar C, Fabre PJ, Knevels E, Coulon C, Segura I, Haddick PCG, Aerts L, Delattin N, Strasser G, Oh WJ, Lange C, Vinckier S, Haigh J, Fouquet C, Gu C, Alitalo K, Castellani V, Tessier-Lavigne M, Chedotal A, Charron F, Carmeliet P. VEGF mediates commissural axon chemoattraction through its receptor Flk1. Neuron 2011; 70:966-78. [PMID: 21658588 PMCID: PMC3638787 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2011.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Growing axons are guided to their targets by attractive and repulsive cues. In the developing spinal cord, Netrin-1 and Shh guide commissural axons toward the midline. However, the combined inhibition of their activity in commissural axon turning assays does not completely abrogate turning toward floor plate tissue, suggesting that additional guidance cues are present. Here we show that the prototypic angiogenic factor VEGF is secreted by the floor plate and is a chemoattractant for commissural axons in vitro and in vivo. Inactivation of Vegf in the floor plate or of its receptor Flk1 in commissural neurons causes axon guidance defects, whereas Flk1 blockade inhibits turning of axons to VEGF in vitro. Similar to Shh and Netrin-1, VEGF-mediated commissural axon guidance requires the activity of Src family kinases. Our results identify VEGF and Flk1 as a novel ligand/receptor pair controlling commissural axon guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Ruiz de Almodovar
- VIB, Laboratory for Angiogenesis and the Neurovascular link, Vesalius Research Center, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
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15
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Pawson EJ, Duran-Jimenez B, Surosky R, Brooke HE, Spratt SK, Tomlinson DR, Gardiner NJ. Engineered zinc finger protein-mediated VEGF-a activation restores deficient VEGF-a in sensory neurons in experimental diabetes. Diabetes 2010; 59:509-18. [PMID: 19934008 PMCID: PMC2809974 DOI: 10.2337/db08-1526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of the study were to evaluate retrograde axonal transport of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) protein to sensory neurons after intramuscular administration of an engineered zinc finger protein activator of endogenous VEGF-A (VZ+434) in an experimental model of diabetes, and to characterize the VEGF-A target neurons. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We compared the expression of VEGF-A in lumbar (L)4/5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of control rats and VZ+434-treated and untreated streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In addition, axonal transport of VEGF-A, activation of signal transduction pathways in the DRG, and mechanical sensitivity were assessed. RESULTS VEGF-A immunoreactivity (IR) was detected in small- to medium-diameter neurons in DRG of control rats. Fewer VEGF-A-IR neurons were observed in DRG from STZ-induced diabetic rats; this decrease was confirmed and quantified by Western blotting. VZ+434 administration resulted in a significant increase in VEGF-A protein expression in ipsilateral DRG, 24 h after injection. VEGF-A was axonally transported to the DRG via the sciatic nerve. VZ+434 administration resulted in significant activation of AKT in the ipsilateral DRG by 48 h that was sustained for 1 week after injection. VZ+434 protected against mechanical allodynia 8 weeks after STZ injection. CONCLUSIONS Intramuscular administration of VZ+434 increases VEGF-A protein levels in L4/5 DRG, correcting the deficit observed after induction of diabetes, and protects against mechanical allodynia. Elevated VEGF-A levels result from retrograde axonal transport and are associated with altered signal transduction, via the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase pathway. These data support a neuroprotective role for VEGF-A in the therapeutic actions of VZ+434 and suggest a mechanism by which VEGF-A exerts this activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Natalie J. Gardiner
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, U.K
- Corresponding author: Natalie Jane Gardiner,
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16
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VEGF-A and Semaphorin3A: modulators of vascular sympathetic innervation. Dev Biol 2009; 334:119-32. [PMID: 19631637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Revised: 06/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/09/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Sympathetic nerve activity regulates blood pressure by altering peripheral vascular resistance. Variations in vascular sympathetic innervation suggest that vascular-derived cues promote selective innervation of particular vessels during development. As axons extend towards peripheral targets, they migrate along arterial networks following gradients of guidance cues. Collective ratios of these gradients may determine whether axons grow towards and innervate vessels or continue past non-innervated vessels towards peripheral targets. Utilizing directed neurite outgrowth in a three-dimensional (3D) co-culture, we observed increased axon growth from superior cervical ganglion explants (SCG) towards innervated compared to non-innervated vessels, mediated in part by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) which both signal via neuropilin-1 (Nrp1). Exogenous VEGF-A, delivered by high-expressing VEGF-A-LacZ vessels or by rhVEGF-A/alginate spheres, increased sympathetic neurite outgrowth while exogenous rhSema3A/Fc decreased neurite outgrowth. VEGF-A expression is similar between the innervated and non-innervated vessels examined. Sema3A expression is higher in non-innervated vessels. Spatial gradients of Sema3A and VEGF-A may promote differential Nrp1 binding. Vessels expressing high levels of Sema3A favor Nrp1-PlexinA1 signaling, producing chemorepulsive cues limiting sympathetic neurite outgrowth and vascular innervation; while low Sema3A expressing vessels favor Nrp1-VEGFR2 signaling providing chemoattractive cues for sympathetic neurite outgrowth and vascular innervation.
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17
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Ruiz de Almodovar C, Lambrechts D, Mazzone M, Carmeliet P. Role and therapeutic potential of VEGF in the nervous system. Physiol Rev 2009; 89:607-48. [PMID: 19342615 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00031.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the nervous and vascular systems constitutes primary events in the evolution of the animal kingdom; the former provides electrical stimuli and coordination, while the latter supplies oxygen and nutrients. Both systems have more in common than originally anticipated. Perhaps the most striking observation is that angiogenic factors, when deregulated, contribute to various neurological disorders, such as neurodegeneration, and might be useful for the treatment of some of these pathologies. The prototypic example of this cross-talk between nerves and vessels is the vascular endothelial growth factor or VEGF. Although originally described as a key angiogenic factor, it is now well established that VEGF also plays a crucial role in the nervous system. We describe the molecular properties of VEGF and its receptors and review the current knowledge of its different functions and therapeutic potential in the nervous system during development, health, disease and in medicine.
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18
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Fu C, Hong G, Wang F. Favorable effect of local VEGF gene injection on axonal regeneration in the rat sciatic nerve. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 27:186-9. [PMID: 17497293 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-007-0221-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2006] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This study is to investigate the effect of local phVEGF(165) injection on sciatic nerve regeneration in the rats and to search for a new way in the further treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Forty-five adult male Wistar rats received a neurotomy to bilateral sciatic nerves, which were subsequently reconnected with 10/0 epineurial nylon sutures. The injured segments was locally injected with normal saline (group A), or 25 microg of phVEGF(165) (group B) or 50 microg phVEGF(165) (group C). Nerve conduction and regeneration were evaluated in terms of the histological changes, weight of gastrocnemius muscles, electrophysiology and morphometric results. Our study demonstrated that rats of group C showed the best results in terms of nerve regeneration, followed by group B and group A. Our findings suggested that local injection of phVEGF165 can facilitate nerve regeneration and promote functional recovery in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongyang Fu
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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19
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Dorrell MI, Friedlander M. Mechanisms of endothelial cell guidance and vascular patterning in the developing mouse retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2006; 25:277-95. [PMID: 16515881 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2006.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2005] [Accepted: 01/04/2006] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The appropriate guidance and patterning of vessels during vascular development is critical for proper tissue function. The loss of these guidance mechanisms can lead to abnormal vascularization and a number of pathological conditions. The molecular basis of endothelial cell guidance and subsequent tissue specific vascular patterning remains largely unknown in spite of its clinical relevance and biological importance. In this regard, retinal vascular development offers many advantages for studying endothelial cell guidance and the mechanisms by which characteristic vascular patterns are formed. In this review, we will provide an overview of the known mechanisms that mediate vascular patterning during mouse retinal development, synthesizing these data to formulate a model of how growth factors, cellular adhesion molecules, and vascular-associated cells mediate directed endothelial cell migration and appropriate vascular remodeling. Finally, we will discuss the many aspects of retinal vascular development that remain unknown and cite evidence that many of these gaps may be addressed by further studying the guidance cues shared by vascular and neuronal elements in the retina and other parts of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael I Dorrell
- Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd. MB216, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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20
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Jin K, Mao XO, Greenberg DA. Vascular endothelial growth factor stimulates neurite outgrowth from cerebral cortical neurons via Rho kinase signaling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 66:236-42. [PMID: 16329123 DOI: 10.1002/neu.20215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),which is prominently involved in angiogenesis, also exerts direct effects on neurons, leading to neurite extension, neuroprotection, and neurogenesis. However, the signal transduction pathways employed by VEGF in neurons are incompletely understood. We investigated the molecular mechanisms through which VEGF stimulates neurogenesis in primary cultures of rat cerebral cortical neurons. VEGF increased neurite outgrowth, measured using a colorimetric assay for cresyl violet staining of neuronal processes, with half-maximal enhancement at 10 ng/mL and maximal, approximately 60% enhancement at 30-100 ng/mL. The effect of VEGF was not reproduced by VEGF-B or placental growth factor, but was blocked by SU1498, consistent with a VEGFR2 receptor-mediated process. VEGF-induced neurite outgrowth was also blocked by the ROK inhibitor Y27632 and the Rho inhibitors sulindac and Clostridium botulium exoenzyme C3, and was accompanied by Y27632-sensitive phosphorylation of cofilin, a downstream mediator of Rho/ROK signaling. We conclude that VEGF promotes neurite outgrowth from cerebral cortical neurons by interacting with VEGFR2 and activating Rho/ROK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunlin Jin
- Buck Institute for Age Research, Novato, California 94945, USA
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21
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Lindsay TH, Jonas BM, Sevcik MA, Kubota K, Halvorson KG, Ghilardi JR, Kuskowski MA, Stelow EB, Mukherjee P, Gendler SJ, Wong GY, Mantyh PW. Pancreatic cancer pain and its correlation with changes in tumor vasculature, macrophage infiltration, neuronal innervation, body weight and disease progression. Pain 2005; 119:233-246. [PMID: 16298491 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2005.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2005] [Revised: 08/08/2005] [Accepted: 10/17/2005] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
To begin to understand the relationship between disease progression and pain in pancreatic cancer, transgenic mice that develop pancreatic cancer due to the expression of the simian virus 40 large T antigen under control of the rat elastase-1 promoter were examined. In these mice precancerous cellular changes were evident at 6 weeks and these included an increase in: microvascular density, macrophages that express nerve growth factor and the density of sensory and sympathetic fibers that innervate the pancreas, with all of these changes increasing with tumor growth. In somatic tissue such as skin, the above changes would be accompanied by significant pain; however, in mice with pancreatic cancer, changes in pain-related behaviors, such as morphine-reversible severe hunching and vocalization only became evident at 16 weeks of age, by which time the pancreatic cancer was highly advanced. These data suggest that in mice as well as humans, there is a stereotypic set of pathological changes that occur as pancreatic cancer develops, and while weight loss generally tracks disease progression, there is a significant lag between disease progression and behaviors indicative of pancreatic cancer pain. Defining the mechanisms that mask this pain in early and mid-stage disease and drive the pain in late-stage disease may aid in earlier diagnosis, survival, and increased quality of life of patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore H Lindsay
- Neurosystems Center, 18-208 Moos Tower, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, 515 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA Research Service, VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA GRECC, VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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22
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Abstract
Vascular sympathetic innervation is an important determinant of blood pressure and blood flow. The mechanisms that determine vascular sympathetic innervation are not well understood. Recent studies indicate that vascular endothelial cells (EC) express semaphorin 3A, a repulsive axon guidance cue. This suggests that EC would inhibit the growth of axons to blood vessels. The present study tests this hypothesis. RT-PCR and Western analyses confirmed that rat aortic vascular ECs expressed semaphorin 3A as well as other class 3 semaphorins (sema 3s). To determine the effects of EC-derived sema 3 on sympathetic axons, axon outgrowth was assessed in cultures of neonatal sympathetic ganglia grown for 72 h in the absence and presence of vascular EC. Nerve growth factor-induced axon growth in the presence of ECs was 50 +/- 4% (P < 0.05) of growth in the absence of ECs. ECs did not inhibit axon growth in the presence of an antibody that neutralized the activity of sema 3 (P > 0.05). RT-PCR and Western analyses also indicated that sema 3s were expressed in ECs of intact arteries. To assess the function of sema 3s in arteries, sympathetic ganglia were grown in the presence of arteries for 72 h, and the percentage of axons that grew toward the artery was determined: 44 +/- 4% of axons grew toward neonatal carotid arteries. Neutralization of sema 3s or removal of EC increased the percentage of axons that grew toward the artery (71 +/- 8% and 72 +/- 8%, respectively). These data indicate that vascular EC-derived sema 3s inhibit sympathetic axon growth and may thus be a determinant of vascular sympathetic innervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah H Damon
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont, Given Bldg., Rm. C-413A, 89 Beaumont Ave., Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA.
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23
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Kim EJ, Park HY, Yaar M, Gilchrest BA. Modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in melanocytes. Exp Dermatol 2005; 14:625-33. [PMID: 16026585 DOI: 10.1111/j.0906-6705.2005.00345.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is constitutively produced by keratinocytes, but has no known epidermal target cell. We now report that normal human melanocytes (Mc) maintained in serum-free, hormone-, and growth factor-supplemented medium lacking phorbol ester and choleragen constitutively express VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1), VEGFR-2, and neuropilin-1. Furthermore, stimulation of Mc with VEGF165 isoform leads to phosphorylation of VEGFR-2, the receptor responsible for most of the VEGF-mediated effects in endothelial cells, suggesting that the receptor is functional. Interestingly, in Mc, VEGFR-2 expression is induced by ultraviolet irradiation and is downregulated by VEGF and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Prolonged culture (>8 weeks) in the presence of phorbol ester abrogates VEGFR-2 expression, explaining previous reports that Mc do not express VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. These data suggest that VEGF may play a role in Mc behavior in skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen J Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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24
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Barcia C, Bautista V, Sánchez-Bahillo A, Fernández-Villalba E, Faucheux B, Poza y Poza M, Fernandez Barreiro A, Hirsch EC, Herrero MT. Changes in vascularization in substantia nigra pars compacta of monkeys rendered parkinsonian. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2005; 112:1237-48. [PMID: 15666038 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-004-0256-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2004] [Accepted: 11/01/2004] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease is believed to be associated with a glial reaction and inflammatory changes. In turn, local factors may induce changes in vascularization and contribute to neuronal vulnerability. Among these factors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is released in adults under pathological conditions and is thought to induce angiogenesis. In order to determine whether changes in brain vasculature are observed in the affected brain regions in parkinsonism, we quantitatively analysed the VEGF-expressing cells and blood vessels in the substantia nigra of monkeys rendered parkinsonian by MPTP injection and compared the results with those obtained in control monkeys. Using stereological methods, we observed an increase in the number of VEGF-expressing neurons and an increase of the number of blood vessels and their volume occupying the substantia nigra pars compacta of monkeys rendered parkinsonian by chronic MPTP intoxication. These changes in vascularization may therefore modify the neuronal availability of blood nutrients, blood cells or toxic substances and neuronal susceptibility to parkinsonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Barcia
- Experimental Neurology and Neurosurgery Group, Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Medical School, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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25
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Kutcher ME, Klagsbrun M, Mamluk R. VEGF is required for the maintenance of dorsal root ganglia blood vessels but not neurons during development. FASEB J 2004; 18:1952-4. [PMID: 15479766 DOI: 10.1096/fj.04-2320fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent regulator of vascular function through its control of multiple endothelial cell functions. In addition to its key role in vascularization, VEGF has recently been shown to have neurotrophic activity during hypoxic stress. In the central and peripheral motor nervous system, VEGF treatment increased neuronal vascularization and perfusion, as well as having direct trophic effects on neurons and Schwann cells. However, the role of VEGF in the sensory nervous system remains unclear. To characterize the differential effects of VEGF on endothelial cells and neurons in sensory ganglia, we used explanted mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG), a culture system containing neurons and endothelial cells in close apposition. We show that VEGF is expressed by neurons and satellite cells, but not by endothelial cells or pericytes. On the other hand, the tyrosine kinase VEGF receptor VEGFR-2 was robustly expressed by endothelial cells throughout the extensive DRG capillary network, but not found at either the transcript or protein level in sensory neurons or other nonendothelial cells of the DRG. Both soluble receptor sequestration of VEGF and small molecule kinase inhibition of VEGFR-2 signaling rapidly disrupted the connectivity, branching, and structural integrity of the capillary network of embryonic DRG; this effect was no longer evident postnatally. However, VEGF inhibition showed no detectable effect on neuronal health at any stage analyzed. These data suggest that endogenous VEGF is a strict requirement for vascular, but not neuronal, maintenance in developing sensory ganglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Kutcher
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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26
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Brockington A, Lewis C, Wharton S, Shaw PJ. Vascular endothelial growth factor and the nervous system. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2004; 30:427-46. [PMID: 15488020 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2004.00600.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic factor essential for the formation of new blood vessels during embryogenesis and in many pathological conditions. A new role for VEGF as a neurotrophic factor has recently emerged. In the developing nervous system, VEGF plays a pivotal role not only in vascularization, but also in neuronal proliferation, and the growth of coordinated vascular and neuronal networks. After injury to the nervous system, activation of VEGF and its receptors may restore blood supply and promote neuronal survival and repair. There is a growing body of evidence that VEGF is essential for motor neurone survival, and that aberrant regulation of VEGF may play a role in the degeneration of neurones in diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Brockington
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Sheffield, UK
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27
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Abstract
VEGF is a prototype angiogenic factor, but recent evidence indicates that this growth factor also has direct effects on neural cells. Abnormal regulation of VEGF expression has now been implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders, including motoneuron degeneration. This has stimulated an increasing interest in assessing the therapeutic potential of VEGF as a neuroprotective agent for such neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Storkebaum
- Center for Transgene Technology and Gene Therapy, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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28
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Abstract
VEGF is a prototype angiogenic factor, but recent evidence indicates that this growth factor also has direct effects on neural cells. Abnormal regulation of VEGF expression has now been implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders, including motoneuron degeneration. This has stimulated an increasing interest in assessing the therapeutic potential of VEGF as a neuroprotective agent for such neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Storkebaum
- Center for Transgene Technology and Gene Therapy, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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29
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Yang SZ, Zhang LM, Huang YL, Sun FY. Distribution of Flk-1 and Flt-1 receptors in neonatal and adult rat brains. THE ANATOMICAL RECORD. PART A, DISCOVERIES IN MOLECULAR, CELLULAR, AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 2003; 274:851-6. [PMID: 12923895 DOI: 10.1002/ar.a.10103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Double-fluorescence staining was combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy to localize fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1) and fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1) in the neonatal rat brain. The results showed that Flk-1 and Flt-1 immunostaining was observed in the cells with neuron-specific enolase, a neuronal marker, and with factor VIII (F VIII), an endothelium marker, but not in cells with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a glial marker, of brain sections from rats on postnatal day 7 (P7). This indicates that both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors were distributed in the neurons and the vascular endothelium. A regional analysis showed that Flt-1 was distributed most densely in the hippocampus, followed by the retrosplenial agranular cortex and the striatum, and Flk-1 was evenly distributed throughout the brain. In a comparison of the density of immunopositive staining neurons, Flt-1 was much higher than Flk-1 in most of the brain regions. A time-course analysis showed that both Flt-1 and Flk-1 were highly expressed in the cerebral vessel of rats on P1, P7, and P14, and then declined in adults, consistent with the development of angiogenesis in neonates. In the neurons, Flt-1 was highest in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of P1-P14 rats, and then gradually decreased, whereas Flk-1 abruptly increased and reached its highest level in adults. The results suggest that Flt-1 and Flk-1 are expressed in the neurons with their individual time-dependent manners and regional distribution in the brain. However, the significance of the neuronal distribution of Flt-1 and Flk-1 remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Zheng Yang
- National Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo H Marti
- Max-Planck-Institute for Physiological and Clinical Research, Parkstrasse 1, D-61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
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31
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Shih SC, Ju M, Liu N, Smith LEH. Selective stimulation of VEGFR-1 prevents oxygen-induced retinal vascular degeneration in retinopathy of prematurity. J Clin Invest 2003; 112:50-7. [PMID: 12840058 PMCID: PMC162289 DOI: 10.1172/jci17808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen administration to immature neonates suppresses VEGF-A expression in the retina, resulting in the catastrophic vessel loss that initiates retinopathy of prematurity. To investigate the mechanisms responsible for survival of blood vessels in the developing retina, we characterized two VEGF-A receptors, VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1, also known as Flt-1) and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2, also known as Flk-1). Surprisingly, these two VEGF-A receptors differed markedly during normal retinal development in mice. At 5 days postpartum (P5), VEGFR-1 protein was colocalized with retinal vessels, whereas VEGFR-2 was detected only in the neural retina. Real-time RT-PCR identified a 60-fold induction of VEGFR-1 mRNA in retina from P3 (early vascularization) to P26 (fully vascularized), and no significant change in VEGFR-2 mRNA expression. Placental growth factor-1 (PlGF-1), which exclusively binds VEGFR-1, decreased hyperoxia-induced retinal vaso-obliteration from 22.2% to 5.1%, whereas VEGF-E, which exclusively binds VEGFR-2, had no effect on blood vessel survival. Importantly, under the same conditions, PlGF-1 did not increase vasoproliferation during (a). normal vessel growth, (b). revascularization following hyperoxia-induced ischemia, or (c). the vasoproliferative phase, indicating a selective function supporting blood vessel survival. We conclude that VEGFR-1 is critical in maintaining the vasculature of the neonatal retina, and that activation of VEGFR-1 by PlGF-1 is a selective strategy for preventing oxygen-induced retinal ischemia without provoking retinal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ching Shih
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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32
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Chen X, Katakowski M, Li Y, Lu D, Wang L, Zhang L, Chen J, Xu Y, Gautam S, Mahmood A, Chopp M. Human bone marrow stromal cell cultures conditioned by traumatic brain tissue extracts: growth factor production. J Neurosci Res 2002; 69:687-91. [PMID: 12210835 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.10334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) improves functional outcome in the rat. However, the specific mechanisms by which introduced MSCs provide benefit remain to be elucidated. Currently, the ability of therapeutically transplanted MSCs to replace injured parenchymal CNS tissue appears limited at best. Tissue replacement, however, is not the only possible compensatory avenue in cell transplantation therapy. Various growth factors have been shown to mediate the repair and replacement of damaged tissue, so trophic support provided by transplanted MSCs may play a role in the treatment of damaged tissue. We therefore investigated the temporal profile of various growth factors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), within cultures of human MSCs (hMSCs) conditioned with cerebral tissue extract from TBI. hMSCs were cultured with TBI extracts of rat brain in vitro and quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were performed. TBI-conditioned hMSCs cultures demonstrated a time-dependent increase of BDNF, NGF, VEGF, and HGF, indicating a responsive production of these growth factors by the hMSCs. The ELISA data suggest that transplanted hMSCs may provide therapeutic benefit via a responsive secretion of an array of growth factors that can foster neuroprotection and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoguang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Health Sciences Center, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA
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