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Malekan M, Haass NK, Rokni GR, Gholizadeh N, Ebrahimzadeh MA, Kazeminejad A. VEGF/VEGFR axis and its signaling in melanoma: Current knowledge toward therapeutic targeting agents and future perspectives. Life Sci 2024; 345:122563. [PMID: 38508233 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122563] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is responsible for most skin cancer-associated deaths globally. The progression of melanoma is influenced by a number of pathogenic processes. Understanding the VEGF/VEGFR axis, which includes VEGF-A, PlGF, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D and their receptors, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3, is of great importance in melanoma due to its crucial role in angiogenesis. This axis generates multifactorial and complex cellular signaling, engaging the MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, PKC, PLC-γ, and FAK signaling pathways. Melanoma cell growth and proliferation, migration and metastasis, survival, and acquired resistance to therapy are influenced by this axis. The VEGF/VEGFR axis was extensively examined for their potential as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers in melanoma patients and results showed that VEGF overexpression can be associated with unfavorable prognosis, higher level of tumor invasion and poor response to therapy. MicroRNAs linking to the VEGF/VEGFR axis were identified and, in this review, divided into two categories according to their functions, some of them promote melanoma angiogenesis (promotive group) and some restrict melanoma angiogenesis (protective group). In addition, the approach of treating melanoma by targeting the VEGF/VEGFR axis has garnered significant interest among researchers. These agents can be divided into two main groups: anti-VEGF and VEGFR inhibitors. These therapeutic options may be a prominent step along with the modern targeting and immune therapies for better coverage of pathological processes leading to melanoma progression and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Malekan
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | | | - Ghasem Rahmatpour Rokni
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nasim Gholizadeh
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Armaghan Kazeminejad
- Department of Dermatology, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences,Sari, Iran
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2
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Hu Z, Zhao X, Wu Z, Qu B, Yuan M, Xing Y, Song Y, Wang Z. Lymphatic vessel: origin, heterogeneity, biological functions, and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:9. [PMID: 38172098 PMCID: PMC10764842 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01723-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels, comprising the secondary circulatory system in human body, play a multifaceted role in maintaining homeostasis among various tissues and organs. They are tasked with a serious of responsibilities, including the regulation of lymph absorption and transport, the orchestration of immune surveillance and responses. Lymphatic vessel development undergoes a series of sophisticated regulatory signaling pathways governing heterogeneous-origin cell populations stepwise to assemble into the highly specialized lymphatic vessel networks. Lymphangiogenesis, as defined by new lymphatic vessels sprouting from preexisting lymphatic vessels/embryonic veins, is the main developmental mechanism underlying the formation and expansion of lymphatic vessel networks in an embryo. However, abnormal lymphangiogenesis could be observed in many pathological conditions and has a close relationship with the development and progression of various diseases. Mechanistic studies have revealed a set of lymphangiogenic factors and cascades that may serve as the potential targets for regulating abnormal lymphangiogenesis, to further modulate the progression of diseases. Actually, an increasing number of clinical trials have demonstrated the promising interventions and showed the feasibility of currently available treatments for future clinical translation. Targeting lymphangiogenic promoters or inhibitors not only directly regulates abnormal lymphangiogenesis, but improves the efficacy of diverse treatments. In conclusion, we present a comprehensive overview of lymphatic vessel development and physiological functions, and describe the critical involvement of abnormal lymphangiogenesis in multiple diseases. Moreover, we summarize the targeting therapeutic values of abnormal lymphangiogenesis, providing novel perspectives for treatment strategy of multiple human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoliang Hu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xushi Zhao
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Zhonghua Wu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Bicheng Qu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Minxian Yuan
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yanan Xing
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
| | - Yongxi Song
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
| | - Zhenning Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
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Kossack ME, Tian L, Bowie K, Plavicki JS. Defining the cellular complexity of the zebrafish bipotential gonad. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:586-600. [PMID: 37561446 PMCID: PMC10651076 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are routinely used to model reproductive development, function, and disease, yet we still lack a clear understanding of the fundamental steps that occur during early bipotential gonad development, including when endothelial cells, pericytes, and macrophage arrive at the bipotential gonad to support gonad growth and differentiation. Here, we use a combination of transgenic reporters and single-cell sequencing analyses to define the arrival of different critical cell types to the larval zebrafish gonad. We determined that blood initially reaches the gonad via a vessel formed from the swim bladder artery, which we have termed the gonadal artery. We find that vascular and lymphatic development occurs concurrently in the bipotential zebrafish gonad and our data suggest that similar to what has been observed in developing zebrafish embryos, lymphatic endothelial cells in the gonad may be derived from vascular endothelial cells. We mined preexisting sequencing datasets to determine whether ovarian pericytes had unique gene expression signatures. We identified 215 genes that were uniquely expressed in ovarian pericytes, but not expressed in larval pericytes. Similar to what has been shown in the mouse ovary, our data suggest that pdgfrb+ pericytes may support the migration of endothelial tip cells during ovarian angiogenesis. Using a macrophage-driven photoconvertible protein, we found that macrophage established a nascent resident population as early as 12 dpf and can be observed removing cellular material during gonadal differentiation. This foundational information demonstrates that the early bipotential gonad contains complex cellular interactions, which likely shape the health and function of the mature gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E Kossack
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lucy Tian
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kealyn Bowie
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jessica S Plavicki
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Bokhari SMZ, Hamar P. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-D (VEGF-D): An Angiogenesis Bypass in Malignant Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13317. [PMID: 37686121 PMCID: PMC10487419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are the key regulators of vasculogenesis in normal and oncological development. VEGF-A is the most studied angiogenic factor secreted by malignant tumor cells under hypoxic and inflammatory stress, which made VEGF-A a rational target for anticancer therapy. However, inhibition of VEGF-A by monoclonal antibody drugs led to the upregulation of VEGF-D. VEGF-D was primarily described as a lymphangiogenic factor; however, VEGF-D's blood angiogenic potential comparable to VEGF-A has already been demonstrated in glioblastoma and colorectal carcinoma. These findings suggested a role for VEGF-D in facilitating malignant tumor growth by bypassing the anti-VEGF-A antiangiogenic therapy. Owing to its high mitogenic ability, higher affinity for VEGFR-2, and higher expression in cancer, VEGF-D might even be a stronger angiogenic driver and, hence, a better therapeutic target than VEGF-A. In this review, we summarized the angiogenic role of VEGF-D in blood vasculogenesis and its targetability as an antiangiogenic therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Hamar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary;
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5
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Kossack ME, Tian L, Bowie K, Plavicki JS. Defining the cellular complexity of the zebrafish bipotential gonad. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.18.524593. [PMID: 36712047 PMCID: PMC9882255 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.18.524593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish are routinely used to model reproductive development, function, and disease, yet we still lack a clear understanding of the fundamental steps that occur during early bipotential gonad development, including when endothelial cells, pericytes, and macrophage cells arrive at the bipotential gonad to support gonad growth and differentiation. Here, we use a combination of transgenic reporters and single-cell sequencing analyses to define the arrival of different critical cell types to the larval zebrafish gonad. We determined that blood initially reaches the gonad via a vessel formed from the swim bladder artery, which we have termed the gonadal artery. We find that vascular and lymphatic development occurs concurrently in the bipotential zebrafish gonad and our data suggest that similar to what has been observed in developing zebrafish embryos, lymphatic endothelial cells in the gonad may be derived from vascular endothelial cells. We mined preexisting sequencing data sets to determine whether ovarian pericytes had unique gene expression signatures. We identified 215 genes that were uniquely expressed in ovarian pericytes that were not expressed in larval pericytes. Similar to what has been shown in the mouse ovary, our data suggest that pdgfrb+ pericytes may support the migration of endothelial tip cells during ovarian angiogenesis. Using a macrophage-driven photoconvertible protein, we found that macrophage established a nascent resident population as early as 12 dpf and can be observed removing cellular material during gonadal differentiation. This foundational information demonstrates that the early bipotential gonad contains complex cellular interactions, which likely shape the health and function of the mature, differentiated gonad.
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6
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Yu Y, Pan Y, Chang B, Zhao X, Qu K, Song Y. Silica nanoparticles induce pulmonary damage in rats via VEGFC/D-VEGFR3 signaling-mediated lymphangiogenesis and remodeling. Toxicology 2023:153552. [PMID: 37244296 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are widely used as drug carriers for improving drug delivery and retention. The lungs are highly sensitive to the toxicity of SiNPs entering the respiratory tract. Furthermore, pulmonary lymphangiogenesis, which is the growth of lymphatic vessels observed during multiple pulmonary diseases, plays a vital role in promoting the lymphatic transport of silica in the lungs. However, more research is required on the effects of SiNPs on pulmonary lymphangiogenesis. We investigated the effect of SiNP-induced pulmonary toxicity on lymphatic vessel formation in rats and evaluated the toxicity and possible molecular mechanisms of 20-nm SiNPs. Saline containing 3.0, 6.0, and 12.0mg/kg of SiNPs was instilled intrathecally into female Wistar rats once a day for five days, then sacrificed on day seven. Lung histopathology, pulmonary permeability, pulmonary lymphatic vessel density changes, and the ultrastructure of the lymph trunk were investigated using light microscopy, spectrophotometry, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. CD45 expression in lung tissues was determined using immunohistochemical staining, and protein expression in the lung and lymph trunk was quantified using western blotting. We observed increased pulmonary inflammation and permeability, lymphatic endothelial cell damage, pulmonary lymphangiogenesis, and remodeling with increasing SiNP concentration. Moreover, SiNPs activated the VEGFC/D-VEGFR3 signaling pathway in the lung and lymphatic vessel tissues. SiNPs caused pulmonary damage, increased permeability and resulted in inflammation-associated lymphangiogenesis and remodeling by activating VEGFC/D-VEGFR3 signaling. Our findings provide evidence for SiNP-induced pulmonary damage and a new perspective for the prevention and treatment of occupational exposure to SiNPs. DATA AVAILABILITY: The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Yu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Yujie Pan
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Bing Chang
- National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaoxu Zhao
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Kunlong Qu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Yuguo Song
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.
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Hußmann M, Schulte D, Weischer S, Carlantoni C, Nakajima H, Mochizuki N, Stainier DYR, Zobel T, Koch M, Schulte-Merker S. Svep1 is a binding ligand of Tie1 and affects specific aspects of facial lymphatic development in a Vegfc-independent manner. eLife 2023; 12:82969. [PMID: 37097004 PMCID: PMC10129328 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple factors are required to form functional lymphatic vessels. Here, we uncover an essential role for the secreted protein Svep1 and the transmembrane receptor Tie1 during the development of subpopulations of the zebrafish facial lymphatic network. This specific aspect of the facial network forms independently of Vascular endothelial growth factor C (Vegfc) signalling, which otherwise is the most prominent signalling axis in all other lymphatic beds. Additionally, we find that multiple specific and newly uncovered phenotypic hallmarks of svep1 mutants are also present in tie1, but not in tie2 or vegfc mutants. These phenotypes are observed in the lymphatic vasculature of both head and trunk, as well as in the development of the dorsal longitudinal anastomotic vessel under reduced flow conditions. Therefore, our study demonstrates an important function for Tie1 signalling during lymphangiogenesis as well as blood vessel development in zebrafish. Furthermore, we show genetic interaction between svep1 and tie1 in vivo, during early steps of lymphangiogenesis, and demonstrate that zebrafish as well as human Svep1/SVEP1 protein bind to the respective Tie1/TIE1 receptors in vitro. Since compound heterozygous mutations for SVEP1 and TIE2 have recently been reported in human glaucoma patients, our data have clinical relevance in demonstrating a role for SVEP1 in TIE signalling in an in vivo setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Hußmann
- Institute of Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dörte Schulte
- Institute of Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sarah Weischer
- Münster Imaging Network, Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, Faculty of Biology, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Carlantoni
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Developmental Genetics, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Hiroyuki Nakajima
- Department of Cell Biology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoki Mochizuki
- Department of Cell Biology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Didier Y R Stainier
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Developmental Genetics, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Zobel
- Münster Imaging Network, Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Manuel Koch
- Institute for Dental Research and Oral Musculoskeletal Biology, Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulte-Merker
- Institute of Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany
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8
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Britto DD, He J, Misa JP, Chen W, Kakadia PM, Grimm L, Herbert CD, Crosier KE, Crosier PS, Bohlander SK, Hogan BM, Hall CJ, Torres-Vázquez J, Astin JW. Plexin D1 negatively regulates zebrafish lymphatic development. Development 2022; 149:dev200560. [PMID: 36205097 PMCID: PMC9720674 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is a dynamic process that involves the directed migration of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to form lymphatic vessels. The molecular mechanisms that underpin lymphatic vessel patterning are not fully elucidated and, to date, no global regulator of lymphatic vessel guidance is known. In this study, we identify the transmembrane cell signalling receptor Plexin D1 (Plxnd1) as a negative regulator of both lymphatic vessel guidance and lymphangiogenesis in zebrafish. plxnd1 is expressed in developing lymphatics and is required for the guidance of both the trunk and facial lymphatic networks. Loss of plxnd1 is associated with misguided intersegmental lymphatic vessel growth and aberrant facial lymphatic branches. Lymphatic guidance in the trunk is mediated, at least in part, by the Plxnd1 ligands, Semaphorin 3AA and Semaphorin 3C. Finally, we show that Plxnd1 normally antagonises Vegfr/Erk signalling to ensure the correct number of facial LECs and that loss of plxnd1 results in facial lymphatic hyperplasia. As a global negative regulator of lymphatic vessel development, the Sema/Plxnd1 signalling pathway is a potential therapeutic target for treating diseases associated with dysregulated lymphatic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denver D. Britto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Jia He
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - June P. Misa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Wenxuan Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Purvi M. Kakadia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Lin Grimm
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Caitlin D. Herbert
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn E. Crosier
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Philip S. Crosier
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Stefan K. Bohlander
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin M. Hogan
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Hall
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Jesús Torres-Vázquez
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jonathan W. Astin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
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Paulissen SM, Castranova DM, Krispin SM, Burns MC, Menéndez J, Torres-Vázquez J, Weinstein BM. Anatomy and development of the pectoral fin vascular network in the zebrafish. Development 2022; 149:274284. [PMID: 35132436 PMCID: PMC8959142 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The pectoral fins of teleost fish are analogous structures to human forelimbs, and the developmental mechanisms directing their initial growth and patterning are conserved between fish and tetrapods. The forelimb vasculature is crucial for limb function, and it appears to play important roles during development by promoting development of other limb structures, but the steps leading to its formation are poorly understood. In this study, we use high-resolution imaging to document the stepwise assembly of the zebrafish pectoral fin vasculature. We show that fin vascular network formation is a stereotyped, choreographed process that begins with the growth of an initial vascular loop around the pectoral fin. This loop connects to the dorsal aorta to initiate pectoral vascular circulation. Pectoral fin vascular development continues with concurrent formation of three elaborate vascular plexuses, one in the distal fin that develops into the fin-ray vasculature and two near the base of the fin in association with the developing fin musculature. Our findings detail a complex, yet highly choreographed, series of steps involved in the development of a complete, functional, organ-specific vascular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Paulissen
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Daniel M Castranova
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Shlomo M Krispin
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Margaret C Burns
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Javier Menéndez
- Department of Cell Biology, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jesús Torres-Vázquez
- Department of Cell Biology, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, NY 10016, USA
| | - Brant M Weinstein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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3,4-Difluorobenzocurcumin Inhibits Vegfc-Vegfr3-Erk Signalling to Block Developmental Lymphangiogenesis in Zebrafish. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070614. [PMID: 34206901 PMCID: PMC8308560 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels from pre-existing vasculature, plays critical roles in disease, including in cancer metastasis and chronic inflammation. Preclinical and recent clinical studies have now demonstrated therapeutic utility for several anti-lymphangiogenic agents, but optimal agents and efficacy in different settings remain to be determined. We tested the anti-lymphangiogenic property of 3,4-Difluorobenzocurcumin (CDF), which has previously been implicated as an anti-cancer agent, using zebrafish embryos and cultured vascular endothelial cells. We used transgenic zebrafish labelling the lymphatic system and found that CDF potently inhibits lymphangiogenesis during embryonic development. We also found that the parent compound, Curcumin, does not inhibit lymphangiogenesis. CDF blocked lymphatic and venous sprouting, and lymphatic migration in the head and trunk of the embryo. Mechanistically, CDF impaired VEGFC-VEGFR3-ERK signalling in vitro and in vivo. In an in vivo pathological model of Vegfc-overexpression, treatment with CDF rescued endothelial cell hyperplasia. CDF did not inhibit the kinase activity of VEGFR3 yet displayed more prolonged activity in vivo than previously reported kinase inhibitors. These findings warrant further assessment of CDF and its mode of action as a candidate for use in metastasis and diseases of aberrant lymphangiogenesis.
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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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12
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Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Human Embryo Implantation: Clinical Implications. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020253. [PMID: 33578823 PMCID: PMC7916576 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known angiogenic factor that plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes. VEGF also contributes to the process of embryo implantation by enhancing embryo development, improving endometrial receptivity, and facilitating the interactions between the developing embryo and the endometrium. There is a correlation between the alteration of VEGF expression and reproductive failure, including recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent miscarriage (RM). In order to clarify the role of VEGF in embryo implantation, we reviewed recent literature concerning the expression and function of VEGF in the reproductive system around the time of embryo implantation and we provide a summary of the findings reported so far. We also explored the effects and the possible underlying mechanisms of action of VEGF in embryo implantation.
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13
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Zhu J, Luo Y, Zhao Y, Kong Y, Zheng H, Li Y, Gao B, Ai L, Huang H, Huang J, Li Z, Chen C. circEHBP1 promotes lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis of bladder cancer via miR-130a-3p/TGFβR1/VEGF-D signaling. Mol Ther 2021; 29:1838-1852. [PMID: 33545359 PMCID: PMC8116613 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic metastasis constitutes a leading cause of recurrence and mortality in bladder cancer. Accumulating evidence indicates that lymphangiogenesis is indispensable to trigger lymphatic metastasis. However, the specific mechanism is poorly understood. In the present study, we revealed a pathway involved in lymphatic metastasis of bladder cancer, in which a circular RNA (circRNA) facilitated lymphangiogenesis in a vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C)-independent manner. Novel circRNA circEHBP1 was markedly upregulated in bladder cancer and correlated positively with lymphatic metastasis and poor prognosis of patients with bladder cancer. circEHBP1 upregulated transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1) expression through physically binding to miR-130a-3p and antagonizing the suppression effect of miR-130a-3p on the 3′ UTR region of TGFBR1. Subsequently, circEHBP1-mediated TGFβR1 overexpression activated the TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling pathway, thereby promoting the secretion of VEGF-D and driving lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in bladder cancer. Importantly, administration of VEGF-D neutralizing antibodies remarkably blocked circEHBP1-induced lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in vivo. Our findings highlighted that the circEHBP1/miR-130a-3p/TGFβR1/VEGF-D axis contributes to lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis of bladder cancer independent of VEGF-C, which might lead to the development of circEHBP1 as a potential biomarker and promising therapeutic target for lymphatic metastasis in bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yuming Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yao Kong
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Hanhao Zheng
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yuting Li
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Bowen Gao
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Le Ai
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
| | - Zhihua Li
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
| | - Changhao Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
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14
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Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature is a vital component of the vertebrate vascular system that mediates tissue fluid homeostasis, lipid uptake and immune surveillance. The development of the lymphatic vasculature starts in the early vertebrate embryo, when a subset of blood vascular endothelial cells of the cardinal veins acquires lymphatic endothelial cell fate. These cells sprout from the veins, migrate, proliferate and organize to give rise to a highly structured and unique vascular network. Cellular cross-talk, cell-cell communication and the interpretation of signals from surrounding tissues are all essential for coordinating these processes. In this chapter, we highlight new findings and review research progress with a particular focus on LEC migration and guidance, expansion of the LEC lineage, network remodeling and morphogenesis of the lymphatic vasculature.
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15
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Zhao L, Chen H, Lu L, Wang L, Zhang X, Guo X. New insights into the role of co-receptor neuropilins in tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and targeted therapy strategies. J Drug Target 2020; 29:155-167. [PMID: 32838575 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2020.1815210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Local tumour sites lead to pathological angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis due to malignant conditions such as hypoxia. Although VEGF and VEGFR are considered to be the main anti-tumour treatment targets, the problems of limited efficacy and observable side effects of some drugs relevant to this target still remain to be solved. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new therapeutic targets for angiogenesis or lymphangiogenesis. The neuropilin family is a class of single transmembrane glycoprotein receptors, including neuropilin1 (NRP1) and neuropilin2 (NRP2), which could act as co-receptors of VEGFA-165 and VEGFC and play a key role in promoting tumour proliferation, invasion and metastasis. In this review, we introduced the schematic diagram to visually reveal the function of NRP1 and NRP2 in enhancing the binding affinity of VEGFR2 to VEGFA-165 and VEGFR3 to VEGFC, respectively. We also discussed the signalling pathways that depend on the co-receptors NRP1 and NRP2 and some existing targeted therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies, targeted peptides, microRNAs and small molecule inhibitors. It will contribute a vital foundation for the future research and development of new drugs targeting NRPs. HIGHLIGHTS NRP1 acts as a co-receptor with VEGFR2 and the pro-angiogenic factor VEGFA-165 to up-regulate tumour angiogenesis by promoting endothelial cells proliferation, survival, migration, invasion and by preventing of apoptosis. NRP2 acts as a co-receptor with VEGFR3 and the pro-lymphogenic factor VEGFC to facilitate tumour metastasis by promoting lymphangiogenesis. Although NRP1 and NRP2 do not have enzymatic signalling activity, the affinity of VEGFR2 for VEGFA-165 and VEGFR3 for VEGFC can increase in a co-receptor manner, as detailed in the schematic. The exclusive roles of NRP1 and NRP2 in signalling pathways are specifically described to emphasise the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in co-receptors. Various studies have shown that the co-receptors NRP1 and NRP2 can be directly or indirectly targeted by different methods to prevent tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Therapeutic strategies targeting NRPs look promising soon as evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongyuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong University Affiliated Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuli Guo
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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16
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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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17
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Okuda KS, Hogan BM. Endothelial Cell Dynamics in Vascular Development: Insights From Live-Imaging in Zebrafish. Front Physiol 2020; 11:842. [PMID: 32792978 PMCID: PMC7387577 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of the vertebrate vasculature involves the acquisition of endothelial cell identities, sprouting, migration, remodeling and maturation of functional vessel networks. To understand the cellular and molecular processes that drive vascular development, live-imaging of dynamic cellular events in the zebrafish embryo have proven highly informative. This review focusses on recent advances, new tools and new insights from imaging studies in vascular cell biology using zebrafish as a model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide S Okuda
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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18
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Wada H, Suzuki M, Matsuda M, Ajiro Y, Shinozaki T, Sakagami S, Yonezawa K, Shimizu M, Funada J, Takenaka T, Morita Y, Nakamura T, Fujimoto K, Matsubara H, Kato T, Unoki T, Takagi D, Wada K, Wada M, Iguchi M, Masunaga N, Ishii M, Yamakage H, Kusakabe T, Yasoda A, Shimatsu A, Kotani K, Satoh-Asahara N, Abe M, Akao M, Hasegawa K. Distinct Characteristics of VEGF-D and VEGF-C to Predict Mortality in Patients With Suspected or Known Coronary Artery Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e015761. [PMID: 32319336 PMCID: PMC7428571 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.015761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background VEGF‐D (vascular endothelial growth factor D) and VEGF‐C are secreted glycoproteins that can induce lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis. They exhibit structural homology but have differential receptor binding and regulatory mechanisms. We recently demonstrated that the serum VEGF‐C level is inversely and independently associated with all‐cause mortality in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease. We investigated whether VEGF‐D had distinct relationships with mortality and cardiovascular events in those patients. Methods and Results We performed a multicenter, prospective cohort study of 2418 patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease undergoing elective coronary angiography. The serum level of VEGF‐D was measured. The primary outcome was all‐cause death. The secondary outcomes were cardiovascular death and major adverse cardiovascular events defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke. During the 3‐year follow‐up, 254 patients died from any cause, 88 died from cardiovascular disease, and 165 developed major adverse cardiovascular events. After adjustment for possible clinical confounders, cardiovascular biomarkers (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, cardiac troponin‐I, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein), and VEGF‐C, the VEGF‐D level was significantly associated with all‐cause death and cardiovascular death but not with major adverse cardiovascular events.. Moreover, the addition of VEGF‐D, either alone or in combination with VEGF‐C, to the model with possible clinical confounders and cardiovascular biomarkers significantly improved the prediction of all‐cause death but not that of cardiovascular death or major adverse cardiovascular events. Consistent results were observed within patients over 75 years old. Conclusions In patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease undergoing elective coronary angiography, an elevated VEGF‐D value seems to independently predict all‐cause mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromichi Wada
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Masahiro Suzuki
- Department of Clinical Research National Hospital Organization Saitama Hospital Wako Japan
| | - Morihiro Matsuda
- Institute for Clinical Research National Hospital Organization Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center Kure Japan
| | - Yoichi Ajiro
- Division of Clinical Research National Hospital Organization Yokohama Medical Center Yokohama Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Shinozaki
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Sendai Medical Center Sendai Japan
| | - Satoru Sakagami
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine National Hospital Organization Kanazawa Medical Center Kanazawa Japan
| | - Kazuya Yonezawa
- Division of Clinical Research National Hospital Organization Hakodate National Hospital Hakodate Japan
| | - Masatoshi Shimizu
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kobe Medical Center Kobe Japan
| | - Junichi Funada
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Ehime Medical Center Toon Japan
| | - Takashi Takenaka
- Division of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Hokkaido Medical Center Sapporo Japan
| | - Yukiko Morita
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital Sagamihara Japan
| | - Toshihiro Nakamura
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kyushu Medical Center Fukuoka Japan
| | - Kazuteru Fujimoto
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Medical Center Kumamoto Japan
| | - Hiromi Matsubara
- Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center Okayama Japan
| | - Toru Kato
- Department of Clinical Research National Hospital Organization Tochigi Medical Center Utsunomiya Japan
| | - Takashi Unoki
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Intensive Care Unit Saiseikai Kumamoto Hospital Kumamoto Japan
| | - Daisuke Takagi
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Department of Acute Care and General Medicine Saiseikai Kumamoto Hospital Kumamoto Japan
| | - Kyohma Wada
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Miyaka Wada
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Moritake Iguchi
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Nobutoyo Masunaga
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Mitsuru Ishii
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Hajime Yamakage
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Hypertension Clinical Research Institute National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Toru Kusakabe
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Hypertension Clinical Research Institute National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Akihiro Yasoda
- Clinical Research Institute National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Akira Shimatsu
- Clinical Research Institute National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Kotani
- Division of Community and Family Medicine Jichi Medical University Shimotsuke Japan
| | - Noriko Satoh-Asahara
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Hypertension Clinical Research Institute National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Mitsuru Abe
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Masaharu Akao
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan.,Department of Cardiology National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Koji Hasegawa
- Division of Translational Research National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
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19
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Baek S, Oh TG, Secker G, Sutton DL, Okuda KS, Paterson S, Bower NI, Toubia J, Koltowska K, Capon SJ, Baillie GJ, Simons C, Muscat GEO, Lagendijk AK, Smith KA, Harvey NL, Hogan BM. The Alternative Splicing Regulator Nova2 Constrains Vascular Erk Signaling to Limit Specification of the Lymphatic Lineage. Dev Cell 2020; 49:279-292.e5. [PMID: 31014480 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The correct assignment of cell fate within fields of multipotent progenitors is essential for accurate tissue diversification. The first lymphatic vessels arise from pre-existing veins after venous endothelial cells become specified as lymphatic progenitors. Prox1 specifies lymphatic fate and labels these progenitors; however, the mechanisms restricting Prox1 expression and limiting the progenitor pool remain unknown. We identified a zebrafish mutant that displayed premature, expanded, and prolonged lymphatic specification. The gene responsible encodes the regulator of alternative splicing, Nova2. In zebrafish and human endothelial cells, Nova2 selectively regulates pre-mRNA splicing for components of signaling pathways and phosphoproteins. Nova2-deficient endothelial cells display increased Mapk/Erk signaling, and Prox1 expression is dynamically controlled by Erk signaling. We identify a mechanism whereby Nova2-regulated splicing constrains Erk signaling, thus limiting lymphatic progenitor cell specification. This identifies the capacity of a factor that tunes mRNA splicing to control assignment of cell fate during vascular differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungmin Baek
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4073, Australia
| | - Tae Gyu Oh
- Division of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4073, Australia
| | - Genevieve Secker
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Drew L Sutton
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kazuhide S Okuda
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4073, Australia
| | - Scott Paterson
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4073, Australia
| | - Neil I Bower
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4073, Australia
| | - John Toubia
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Australian Cancer Research, Centre for Cancer Biology, Foundation Cancer Genomics Facility, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Katarzyna Koltowska
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4073, Australia
| | - Samuel J Capon
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4073, Australia
| | - Gregory J Baillie
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4073, Australia
| | - Cas Simons
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4073, Australia
| | - George E O Muscat
- Division of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4073, Australia
| | - Anne K Lagendijk
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4073, Australia
| | - Kelly A Smith
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4073, Australia
| | - Natasha L Harvey
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4073, Australia.
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20
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Gancz D, Raftrey BC, Perlmoter G, Marín-Juez R, Semo J, Matsuoka RL, Karra R, Raviv H, Moshe N, Addadi Y, Golani O, Poss KD, Red-Horse K, Stainier DY, Yaniv K. Distinct origins and molecular mechanisms contribute to lymphatic formation during cardiac growth and regeneration. eLife 2019; 8:44153. [PMID: 31702554 PMCID: PMC6881115 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the role of lymphatics in organ repair and regeneration, due to their importance in immune surveillance and fluid homeostasis. Experimental approaches aimed at boosting lymphangiogenesis following myocardial infarction in mice, were shown to promote healing of the heart. Yet, the mechanisms governing cardiac lymphatic growth remain unclear. Here, we identify two distinct lymphatic populations in the hearts of zebrafish and mouse, one that forms through sprouting lymphangiogenesis, and the other by coalescence of isolated lymphatic cells. By tracing the development of each subset, we reveal diverse cellular origins and differential response to signaling cues. Finally, we show that lymphatic vessels are required for cardiac regeneration in zebrafish as mutants lacking lymphatics display severely impaired regeneration capabilities. Overall, our results provide novel insight into the mechanisms underlying lymphatic formation during development and regeneration, opening new avenues for interventions targeting specific lymphatic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Gancz
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Brian C Raftrey
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Gal Perlmoter
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rubén Marín-Juez
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Jonathan Semo
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ryota L Matsuoka
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ravi Karra
- Regeneration Next, Duke University, Durham, United States.,Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States
| | - Hila Raviv
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noga Moshe
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoseph Addadi
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ofra Golani
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Kenneth D Poss
- Regeneration Next, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Kristy Red-Horse
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Didier Yr Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Karina Yaniv
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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21
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Vegfc/d-dependent regulation of the lymphatic vasculature during cardiac regeneration is influenced by injury context. NPJ Regen Med 2019; 4:18. [PMID: 31452940 PMCID: PMC6706389 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-019-0079-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature mediates essential physiological functions including fluid homeostasis, lipid and hormone transport, and immune cell trafficking. Recent studies have suggested that promoting lymphangiogenesis enhances cardiac repair following injury, but it is unknown whether lymphangiogenesis is required for cardiac regeneration. Here, we describe the anatomical distribution, regulation, and function of the cardiac lymphatic network in a highly regenerative zebrafish model system using transgenic reporter lines and loss-of-function approaches. We show that zebrafish lacking functional vegfc and vegfd signaling are devoid of a cardiac lymphatic network and display cardiac hypertrophy in the absence of injury, suggesting a role for these vessels in cardiac tissue homeostasis. Using two different cardiac injury models, we report a robust lymphangiogenic response following cryoinjury, but not following apical resection injury. Although the majority of mutants lacking functional vegfc and vegfd signaling were able to mount a full regenerative response even in the complete absence of a cardiac lymphatic vasculature, cardiac regeneration was severely impaired in a subset of mutants, which was associated with heightened pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling. These findings reveal a context-dependent requirement for the lymphatic vasculature during cardiac growth and regeneration.
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22
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Grimm L, Nakajima H, Chaudhury S, Bower NI, Okuda KS, Cox AG, Harvey NL, Koltowska K, Mochizuki N, Hogan BM. Yap1 promotes sprouting and proliferation of lymphatic progenitors downstream of Vegfc in the zebrafish trunk. eLife 2019; 8:42881. [PMID: 31038457 PMCID: PMC6516831 DOI: 10.7554/elife.42881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vascular development involves specification of lymphatic endothelial progenitors that subsequently undergo sprouting, proliferation and tissue growth to form a complex second vasculature. The Hippo pathway and effectors Yap and Taz control organ growth and regulate morphogenesis and cellular proliferation. Yap and Taz control angiogenesis but a role in lymphangiogenesis remains to be fully elucidated. Here we show that YAP displays dynamic changes in lymphatic progenitors and Yap1 is essential for lymphatic vascular development in zebrafish. Maternal and Zygotic (MZ) yap1 mutants show normal specification of lymphatic progenitors, abnormal cellular sprouting and reduced numbers of lymphatic progenitors emerging from the cardinal vein during lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, Yap1 is indispensable for Vegfc-induced proliferation in a transgenic model of Vegfc overexpression. Paracrine Vegfc-signalling ultimately increases nuclear YAP in lymphatic progenitors to control lymphatic development. We thus identify a role for Yap in lymphangiogenesis, acting downstream of Vegfc to promote expansion of this vascular lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Grimm
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hiroyuki Nakajima
- Department of Cell Biology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Centre Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Smrita Chaudhury
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Neil I Bower
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kazuhide S Okuda
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Andrew G Cox
- Cancer Metabolism Program, Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Natasha L Harvey
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia, SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Katarzyna Koltowska
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Naoki Mochizuki
- Department of Cell Biology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Centre Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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23
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Eng TC, Chen W, Okuda KS, Misa JP, Padberg Y, Crosier KE, Crosier PS, Hall CJ, Schulte-Merker S, Hogan BM, Astin JW. Zebrafish facial lymphatics develop through sequential addition of venous and non-venous progenitors. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:embr.201847079. [PMID: 30877134 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201847079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels are known to be derived from veins; however, recent lineage-tracing experiments propose that specific lymphatic networks may originate from both venous and non-venous sources. Despite this, direct evidence of a non-venous lymphatic progenitor is missing. Here, we show that the zebrafish facial lymphatic network is derived from three distinct progenitor populations that add sequentially to the developing facial lymphatic through a relay-like mechanism. We show that while two facial lymphatic progenitor populations are venous in origin, the third population, termed the ventral aorta lymphangioblast (VA-L), does not sprout from a vessel; instead, it arises from a migratory angioblast cell near the ventral aorta that initially lacks both venous and lymphatic markers, and contributes to the facial lymphatics and the hypobranchial artery. We propose that sequential addition of venous and non-venous progenitors allows the facial lymphatics to form in an area that is relatively devoid of veins. Overall, this study provides conclusive, live imaging-based evidence of a non-venous lymphatic progenitor and demonstrates that the origin and development of lymphatic vessels is context-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Cy Eng
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Wenxuan Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kazuhide S Okuda
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - June P Misa
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yvonne Padberg
- Institute for Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany.,CiM Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003-CiM), WWU Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kathryn E Crosier
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Philip S Crosier
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Christopher J Hall
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stefan Schulte-Merker
- Institute for Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany.,CiM Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003-CiM), WWU Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jonathan W Astin
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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24
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Toxicological Evaluation of SiO₂ Nanoparticles by Zebrafish Embryo Toxicity Test. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040882. [PMID: 30781642 PMCID: PMC6413002 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
As the use of nanoparticles (NPs) is increasing, the potential toxicity and behavior of NPs in living systems need to be better understood. Our goal was to evaluate the developmental toxicity and bio-distribution of two different sizes of fluorescently-labeled SiO2 NPs, 25 and 115 nm, with neutral surface charge or with different surface functionalization, rendering them positively or negatively charged, in order to predict the effect of NPs in humans. We performed a zebrafish embryo toxicity test (ZFET) by exposing the embryos to SiO2 NPs starting from six hours post fertilization (hpf). Survival rate, hatching time, and gross morphological changes were assessed at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hpf. We evaluated the effect of NPs on angiogenesis by counting the number of sub-intestinal vessels between the second and seventh intersegmental vessels and gene expression analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors at 72 hpf. SiO2 NPs did not show any adverse effects on survival rate, hatching time, gross morphology, or physiological angiogenesis. We found that SiO2 NPs were trapped by the chorion up until to the hatching stage. After chemical removal of the chorion (dechorionation), positively surface-charged SiO2 NPs (25 nm) significantly reduced the survival rate of the fish compared to the control group. These results indicate that zebrafish chorion acts as a physical barrier against SiO2 NPs, and removing the chorions in ZFET might be necessary for evaluation of toxicity of NPs.
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25
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tmem33 is essential for VEGF-mediated endothelial calcium oscillations and angiogenesis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:732. [PMID: 30760708 PMCID: PMC6374405 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08590-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis requires co-ordination of multiple signalling inputs to regulate the behaviour of endothelial cells (ECs) as they form vascular networks. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is essential for angiogenesis and induces downstream signalling pathways including increased cytosolic calcium levels. Here we show that transmembrane protein 33 (tmem33), which has no known function in multicellular organisms, is essential to mediate effects of VEGF in both zebrafish and human ECs. We find that tmem33 localises to the endoplasmic reticulum in zebrafish ECs and is required for cytosolic calcium oscillations in response to Vegfa. tmem33-mediated endothelial calcium oscillations are critical for formation of endothelial tip cell filopodia and EC migration. Global or endothelial-cell-specific knockdown of tmem33 impairs multiple downstream effects of VEGF including ERK phosphorylation, Notch signalling and embryonic vascular development. These studies reveal a hitherto unsuspected role for tmem33 and calcium oscillations in the regulation of vascular development. Calcium signalling downstream of VEGF is essential for VEGF-induced angiogenesis. Here Savage et al. show that Transmembrane Protein 33 (TMEM33) is required for angiogenesis and the endothelial calcium response to VEGF, revealing a function for TMEM33 in multicellular organisms.
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26
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Zhao YR, Liu H, Xiao LM, Jin CG, Zhang ZP, Yang CG. The clinical significance of CCBE1 expression in human colorectal cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:6581-6590. [PMID: 30555263 PMCID: PMC6280897 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s181770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The identification and discovery of prognostic markers for colorectal cancer (CRC) are of great clinical significance. CCBE1 is expressed in various tumors and its expression correlates with lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis. However, the association between CCBE1 expression and CRC outcome has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical significance of CCBE1 expression in CRC. Patients and methods CCBE1 expression was examined in 30 pairs of fresh CRC tissues and compared with adjacent normal (AN) tissues using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Tissue microarray immunohistochemical staining was used to study the CCBE1 expression characteristics of 204 CRC patient samples collected from January 2002 to December 2007, and the relationship of CCBE1 with clinicopathological features and prognosis of CRC was analyzed. Results CCBE1 was highly expressed in CRC tissues compared with matched AN tissues (P=0.001). Moreover, high expression of CCBE1 was significantly associated with tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, liver metastasis and TNM stage in CRC patients (P≤0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that high CCBE1 expression, poor tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis and vascular invasion were significantly associated (all P<0.001) with poor prognosis for patients. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate Cox analysis revealed that high CCBE1 expression, poor tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis and vascular invasion were independent risk factors for both overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of CRC patients (all P<0.05). OS and DFS of 267 CRC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database showed the same trend (log-rank P=6e-04, HR [high] =2.4; log-rank P=0.0081, HR [high] =1.9). Conclusion High levels of CCBE1 contribute to the aggressiveness and poor prognosis of CRC. CCBE1 can serve as a novel potential biomarker to predict CRC patients' prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Rong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li-Miao Xiao
- Department of Ultrasound, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Can-Guang Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chun-Guang Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,
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27
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Britto DD, Wyroba B, Chen W, Lockwood RA, Tran KB, Shepherd PR, Hall CJ, Crosier KE, Crosier PS, Astin JW. Macrophages enhance Vegfa-driven angiogenesis in an embryonic zebrafish tumour xenograft model. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm.035998. [PMID: 30396905 PMCID: PMC6307908 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.035998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour angiogenesis has long been a focus of anti-cancer therapy; however, anti-angiogenic cancer treatment strategies have had limited clinical success. Tumour-associated myeloid cells are believed to play a role in the resistance of cancer towards anti-angiogenesis therapy, but the mechanisms by which they do this are unclear. An embryonic zebrafish xenograft model has been developed to investigate the mechanisms of tumour angiogenesis and as an assay to screen anti-angiogenic compounds. In this study, we used cell ablation techniques to remove either macrophages or neutrophils and assessed their contribution towards zebrafish xenograft angiogenesis by quantitating levels of graft vascularisation. The ablation of macrophages, but not neutrophils, caused a strong reduction in tumour xenograft vascularisation and time-lapse imaging demonstrated that tumour xenograft macrophages directly associated with the migrating tip of developing tumour blood vessels. Finally, we found that, although macrophages are required for vascularisation in xenografts that either secrete VEGFA or overexpress zebrafish vegfaa, they are not required for the vascularisation of grafts with low levels of VEGFA, suggesting that zebrafish macrophages can enhance Vegfa-driven tumour angiogenesis. The importance of macrophages to this angiogenic response suggests that this model could be used to further investigate the interplay between myeloid cells and tumour vascularisation. Summary: Zebrafish embryonic macrophages associate with the distal tips of tumour xenograft blood vessels and are required for Vegfa-driven angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denver D Britto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Barbara Wyroba
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków 30-387, Poland
| | - Wenxuan Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Rhoswen A Lockwood
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Khanh B Tran
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Peter R Shepherd
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Christopher J Hall
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn E Crosier
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Philip S Crosier
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan W Astin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
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28
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Bover O, Justo T, Pereira PNG, Facucho-Oliveira J, Inácio JM, Ramalho JS, Domian IJ, Belo JA. Loss of Ccbe1 affects cardiac-specification and cardiomyocyte differentiation in mouse embryonic stem cells. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205108. [PMID: 30281646 PMCID: PMC6169972 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular pathways regulating cardiogenesis is crucial for the early diagnosis of heart diseases and improvement of cardiovascular disease. During normal mammalian cardiac development, collagen and calcium-binding EGF domain-1 (Ccbe1) is expressed in the first and second heart field progenitors as well as in the proepicardium, but its role in early cardiac commitment remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that during mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation Ccbe1 is upregulated upon emergence of Isl1- and Nkx2.5- positive cardiac progenitors. Ccbe1 is markedly enriched in Isl1-positive cardiac progenitors isolated from ESCs differentiating in vitro or embryonic hearts developing in vivo. Disruption of Ccbe1 activity by shRNA knockdown or blockade with a neutralizing antibody results in impaired differentiation of embryonic stem cells along the cardiac mesoderm lineage resulting in a decreased expression of mature cardiomyocyte markers. In addition, knockdown of Ccbe1 leads to smaller embryoid bodies. Collectively, our results show that CCBE1 is essential for the commitment of cardiac mesoderm and consequently, for the formation of cardiac myocytes in differentiating mouse ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriol Bover
- Stem Cells and Development Laboratory, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago Justo
- Stem Cells and Development Laboratory, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Center for Biomedical Research, Campus de Gambelas, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Paulo N. G. Pereira
- Stem Cells and Development Laboratory, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Facucho-Oliveira
- Center for Biomedical Research, Campus de Gambelas, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - José M. Inácio
- Stem Cells and Development Laboratory, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José S. Ramalho
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ibrahim J. Domian
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - José António Belo
- Stem Cells and Development Laboratory, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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29
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Nadarajah N, Schulte D, McConnell V, Martin-Almedina S, Karapouliou C, Mortimer PS, Jeffery S, Schulte-Merker S, Gordon K, Mansour S, Ostergaard P. A Novel Splice-Site Mutation in VEGFC Is Associated with Congenital Primary Lymphoedema of Gordon. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082259. [PMID: 30071673 PMCID: PMC6121331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphedema is characterized by chronic swelling of any body part caused by malfunctioning or obstruction in the lymphatic system. Primary lymphedema is often considered genetic in origin. VEGFC, which is a gene encoding the ligand for the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3/FLT4) and important for lymph vessel development during lymphangiogenesis, has been associated with a specific subtype of primary lymphedema. Through Sanger sequencing of a proband with bilateral congenital pedal edema resembling Milroy disease, we identified a novel mutation (NM_005429.2; c.361+5G>A) in VEGFC. The mutation induced skipping of exon 2 of VEGFC resulting in a frameshift and the introduction of a premature stop codon (p.Ala50ValfsTer18). The mutation leads to a loss of the entire VEGF-homology domain and the C-terminus. Expression of this Vegfc variant in the zebrafish floorplate showed that the splice-site variant significantly reduces the biological activity of the protein. Our findings confirm that the splice-site variant, c.361+5G>A, causes the primary lymphedema phenotype in the proband. We examine the mutations and clinical phenotypes of the previously reported cases to review the current knowledge in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noeline Nadarajah
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Dörte Schulte
- Institute of Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
- CiM Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003 CiM), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Vivienne McConnell
- Northern Ireland Regional Genetics Service, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast BT9 7AB, UK.
| | - Silvia Martin-Almedina
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Christina Karapouliou
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Peter S Mortimer
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Steve Jeffery
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Stefan Schulte-Merker
- Institute of Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
- CiM Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003 CiM), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Kristiana Gordon
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Sahar Mansour
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Unit, St George's University Hospitals, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Pia Ostergaard
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
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30
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HHEX is a transcriptional regulator of the VEGFC/FLT4/PROX1 signaling axis during vascular development. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2704. [PMID: 30006544 PMCID: PMC6045644 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05039-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation of the lymphatic system requires the coordinated expression of several key regulators: vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), its receptor FLT4, and a key transcriptional effector, PROX1. Yet, how expression of these signaling components is regulated remains poorly understood. Here, using a combination of genetic and molecular approaches, we identify the transcription factor hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX) as an upstream regulator of VEGFC, FLT4, and PROX1 during angiogenic sprouting and lymphatic formation in vertebrates. By analyzing zebrafish mutants, we found that hhex is necessary for sprouting angiogenesis from the posterior cardinal vein, a process required for lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, studies of mammalian HHEX using tissue-specific genetic deletions in mouse and knockdowns in cultured human endothelial cells reveal its highly conserved function during vascular and lymphatic development. Our findings that HHEX is essential for the regulation of the VEGFC/FLT4/PROX1 axis provide insights into the molecular regulation of lymphangiogenesis. VEGFC, its receptor FLT4, and transcriptional effector PROX1 control formation of the lymphatic system but how is unclear. Here, the authors show that the transcription factor hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX) regulates VEGFC, FLT4 and PROX1 in fish and mammals during angiogenic sprouting and lymphatic formation.
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31
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Okuda KS, Lee HM, Velaithan V, Ng MF, Patel V. Utilizing Zebrafish to Identify Anti-(Lymph)Angiogenic Compounds for Cancer Treatment: Promise and Future Challenges. Microcirculation 2018; 23:389-405. [PMID: 27177346 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis which predominantly occurs through blood and lymphatic vessels, is the leading cause of death in cancer patients. Consequently, several anti-angiogenic agents have been approved as therapeutic agents for human cancers such as metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Also, anti-lymphangiogenic drugs such as monoclonal antibodies VGX-100 and IMC-3C5 have undergone phase I clinical trials for advanced and metastatic solid tumors. Although anti-tumor-associated angiogenesis has proven to be a promising therapeutic strategy for human cancers, this approach is fraught with toxicities and development of drug resistance. This emphasizes the need for alternative anti-(lymph)angiogenic drugs. The use of zebrafish has become accepted as an established model for high-throughput screening, vascular biology, and cancer research. Importantly, various zebrafish transgenic lines have now been generated that can readily discriminate different vascular compartments. This now enables detailed in vivo studies that are relevant to both human physiological and tumor (lymph)angiogenesis to be conducted in zebrafish. This review highlights recent advancements in the zebrafish anti-vascular screening platform and showcases promising new anti-(lymph)angiogenic compounds that have been derived from this model. In addition, this review discusses the promises and challenges of the zebrafish model in the context of anti-(lymph)angiogenic compound discovery for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide S Okuda
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hui Mei Lee
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vithya Velaithan
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mei Fong Ng
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vyomesh Patel
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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32
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Emerging Roles for VEGF-D in Human Disease. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8010001. [PMID: 29300337 PMCID: PMC5871970 DOI: 10.3390/biom8010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels and lymphatic vessels are located in many tissues and organs throughout the body, and play important roles in a wide variety of prevalent diseases in humans. Vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) is a secreted protein that can promote the remodeling of blood vessels and lymphatics in development and disease. Recent fundamental and translational studies have provided insight into the molecular mechanisms by which VEGF-D exerts its effects in human disease. Hence this protein is now of interest as a therapeutic and/or diagnostic target, or as a potential therapeutic agent, in a diversity of indications in cardiovascular medicine, cancer and the devastating pulmonary condition lymphangioleiomyomatosis. This has led to clinical trial programs to assess the effect of targeting VEGF-D signaling pathways, or delivering VEGF-D, in angina, cancer and ocular indications. This review summarizes our understanding of VEGF-D signaling in human disease, which is largely based on animal disease models and clinicopathological studies, and provides information about the outcomes of recent clinical trials testing agonists or antagonists of VEGF-D signaling.
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33
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Okuda KS, Baek S, Hogan BM. Visualization and Tools for Analysis of Zebrafish Lymphatic Development. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1846:55-70. [PMID: 30242752 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8712-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The accessibility and optical transparency of the zebrafish embryo offers a unique platform for live-imaging of developmental lymphangiogenesis. Transgenic lines labelling lymphatic progenitors and vessels enable researchers to visualize cellular processes and ask how they contribute to lymphatic development in genetic models. Furthermore, validated immunofluorescence staining for key signaling and cell fate markers (phosphorylated Erk and Prox1) allow single cell resolution studies of lymphatic differentiation. Here, we describe in detail how zebrafish embryos and larvae can be mounted for high resolution, staged imaging of lymphatic networks, how lymphangiogenesis can be reliably quantified and how immunofluorescence can reveal lymphatic signaling and differentiation. These methods offer researchers the opportunity to experimentally dissect developmental lymphangiogenesis with outstanding resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide S Okuda
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sungmin Baek
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas city, MO, USA.,Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Abstract
Zebrafish are well-established as a model of vascular development. The genetic tractability, external development, permeability to small molecules and optical transparency of zebrafish larvae are all attributes that make this model attractive to the vascular biologist. There are an increasing number of lymphatic reporter lines that enable the visualization of zebrafish lymphatic vessel growth in vivo; these tools, coupled with either forward or reverse genetics, have provided new insights into the process of lymphatic specification and development. Zebrafish larvae have three main lymphatic networks: the trunk lymphatics, the intestinal lymphatics, and the facial lymphatics and it is therefore possible to use zebrafish to determine network-specific roles for molecules implicated in lymphatic development. This chapter provides protocols for visualization and analysis of facial lymphatic development in the zebrafish and may be applied in developmental or drug discovery studies.
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35
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Chen Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Li W, Wang X, Liu X, Chen Y, Ouyang C, Wang J. Quantification of STAT3 and VEGF expression for molecular diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e8488. [PMID: 29137038 PMCID: PMC5690731 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000008488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Axillary lymph node metastasis is associated with increased risk of regional recurrence, distant metastasis, and poor survival in breast malignant neoplasm. Expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is significantly associated with tumor formation, migration, and invasion in various cancers. In addition, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression could promote angiogenesis and increase the risk of tumorigenesis. To determine correlations among STAT3 expression, VEGF, and clinicopathological data on lymph node involvement in breast cancer patients after surgery. METHODS The mRNA expression levels of STAT3 and VEGFs were measured in 45 breast invasive ductal carcinoma tissues, 45 peritumoral tissues, and 45 adjacent nontumor tissues by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Postoperative pathological examination revealed explicit axillary lymph node involvement in all patients. RESULTS Average mRNA levels of STAT3 and VEGFs were the highest in breast invasive ductal carcinoma tissues, followed by peritumoral tissues. High expression of STAT3 showed significant positive correlation with high axillary lymph node involvement and progesterone receptor (PR), VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-3 expression. The expression levels of STAT3, VEGF-C, and VEGFR-3 were significantly higher in the tumor tissues of patients with axillary lymph node metastasis than in those of patients without the metastasis. Expression levels of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were also significantly higher in peritumoral tissues of patients with axillary lymph node metastasis. Positive correlations were found between STAT3 and VEGF-C/-D mRNA levels. CONCLUSION These data suggest that STAT3/VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 signaling pathway plays an important role in carcinogenesis and lymph-angiogenesis. Our findings suggest that STAT3 may be a potential molecular biomarker for predicting the involvement of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer, and therapies targeting STAT3 may be important for preventing breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Western China Hospital of Sichuan University
| | - Ya Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Western China Hospital of Sichuan University
| | - Yu Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Western China Hospital of Sichuan University
| | - Xiaolu Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Western China Hospital of Sichuan University
| | - Xuejuan Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Western China Hospital of Sichuan University
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Western China Hospital of Sichuan University
| | - Chibin Ouyang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Western China Hospital of Sichuan University
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Western China Hospital of Sichuan University
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36
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Vaahtomeri K, Karaman S, Mäkinen T, Alitalo K. Lymphangiogenesis guidance by paracrine and pericellular factors. Genes Dev 2017; 31:1615-1634. [PMID: 28947496 PMCID: PMC5647933 DOI: 10.1101/gad.303776.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review by Vaahtomeri et al. discusses the mechanisms by which the lymphatic vasculature network is formed, remodeled, and adapted to physiological and pathological challenges. It describes how the lymphatic vasculature network is controlled by an intricate balance of growth factors and biomechanical cues. Lymphatic vessels are important for tissue fluid homeostasis, lipid absorption, and immune cell trafficking and are involved in the pathogenesis of several human diseases. The mechanisms by which the lymphatic vasculature network is formed, remodeled, and adapted to physiological and pathological challenges are controlled by an intricate balance of growth factor and biomechanical cues. These transduce signals for the readjustment of gene expression and lymphatic endothelial migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In this review, we describe several of these cues and how they are integrated for the generation of functional lymphatic vessel networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Vaahtomeri
- Wihuri Research Institute, Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sinem Karaman
- Wihuri Research Institute, Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taija Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute, Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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37
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Hogan BM, Schulte-Merker S. How to Plumb a Pisces: Understanding Vascular Development and Disease Using Zebrafish Embryos. Dev Cell 2017; 42:567-583. [PMID: 28950100 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Our vasculature plays diverse and critical roles in homeostasis and disease. In recent decades, the use of zebrafish has driven our understanding of vascular development into new areas, identifying new genes and mechanisms controlling vessel formation and allowing unprecedented observation of the cellular and molecular events that shape the developing vasculature. Here, we highlight key mechanisms controlling formation of the zebrafish vasculature and investigate how knowledge from this highly tractable model system has informed our understanding of vascular disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Hogan
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Stefan Schulte-Merker
- Institute for Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, Münster 48149, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC-1003), WWU Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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38
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Jung HM, Castranova D, Swift MR, Pham VN, Venero Galanternik M, Isogai S, Butler MG, Mulligan TS, Weinstein BM. Development of the larval lymphatic system in zebrafish. Development 2017; 144:2070-2081. [PMID: 28506987 PMCID: PMC5482986 DOI: 10.1242/dev.145755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic vascular system is a hierarchically organized complex network essential for tissue fluid homeostasis, immune trafficking and absorption of dietary fats in the human body. Despite its importance, the assembly of the lymphatic network is still not fully understood. The zebrafish is a powerful model organism that enables study of lymphatic vessel development using high-resolution imaging and sophisticated genetic and experimental manipulation. Although several studies have described early lymphatic development in the fish, lymphatic development at later stages has not been completely elucidated. In this study, we generated a new Tg(mrc1a:egfp)y251 transgenic zebrafish that uses a mannose receptor, C type 1 (mrc1a) promoter to drive strong EGFP expression in lymphatic vessels at all stages of development and in adult zebrafish. We used this line to describe the assembly of the major vessels of the trunk lymphatic vascular network, including the later-developing collateral cardinal, spinal, superficial lateral and superficial intersegmental lymphatics. Our results show that major trunk lymphatic vessels are conserved in the zebrafish, and provide a thorough and complete description of trunk lymphatic vessel assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Min Jung
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Daniel Castranova
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Matthew R Swift
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Van N Pham
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marina Venero Galanternik
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sumio Isogai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka 020-8505, Japan
| | - Matthew G Butler
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Timothy S Mulligan
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Brant M Weinstein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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39
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Mural lymphatic endothelial cells regulate meningeal angiogenesis in the zebrafish. Nat Neurosci 2017; 20:774-783. [PMID: 28459441 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mural cells of the vertebrate brain maintain vascular integrity and function, play roles in stroke and are involved in maintenance of neural stem cells. However, the origins, diversity and roles of mural cells remain to be fully understood. Using transgenic zebrafish, we identified a population of isolated mural lymphatic endothelial cells surrounding meningeal blood vessels. These meningeal mural lymphatic endothelial cells (muLECs) express lymphatic endothelial cell markers and form by sprouting from blood vessels. In larvae, muLECs develop from a lymphatic endothelial loop in the midbrain into a dispersed, nonlumenized mural lineage. muLEC development requires normal signaling through the Vegfc-Vegfd-Ccbe1-Vegfr3 pathway. Mature muLECs produce vascular growth factors and accumulate low-density lipoproteins from the bloodstream. We find that muLECs are essential for normal meningeal vascularization. Together, these data identify an unexpected lymphatic lineage and developmental mechanism necessary for establishing normal meningeal blood vasculature.
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40
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Venero Galanternik M, Castranova D, Gore AV, Blewett NH, Jung HM, Stratman AN, Kirby MR, Iben J, Miller MF, Kawakami K, Maraia RJ, Weinstein BM. A novel perivascular cell population in the zebrafish brain. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28395729 PMCID: PMC5423774 DOI: 10.7554/elife.24369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier is essential for the proper homeostasis and function of the CNS, but its mechanism of function is poorly understood. Perivascular cells surrounding brain blood vessels are thought to be important for blood-brain barrier establishment, but their roles are not well defined. Here, we describe a novel perivascular cell population closely associated with blood vessels on the zebrafish brain. Based on similarities in their morphology, location, and scavenger behavior, these cells appear to be the zebrafish equivalent of cells variably characterized as Fluorescent Granular Perithelial cells (FGPs), perivascular macrophages, or 'Mato Cells' in mammals. Despite their macrophage-like morphology and perivascular location, zebrafish FGPs appear molecularly most similar to lymphatic endothelium, and our imaging studies suggest that these cells emerge by differentiation from endothelium of the optic choroidal vascular plexus. Our findings provide the first report of a perivascular cell population in the brain derived from vascular endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Venero Galanternik
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Daniel Castranova
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Aniket V Gore
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Nathan H Blewett
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Hyun Min Jung
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Amber N Stratman
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Martha R Kirby
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - James Iben
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Mayumi F Miller
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan.,Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Mishima, Japan
| | - Richard J Maraia
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Brant M Weinstein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
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41
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Bower NI, Vogrin AJ, Le Guen L, Chen H, Stacker SA, Achen MG, Hogan BM. Vegfd modulates both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis during zebrafish embryonic development. Development 2017; 144:507-518. [PMID: 28087639 DOI: 10.1242/dev.146969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) control angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis during development and in pathological conditions. In the zebrafish trunk, Vegfa controls the formation of intersegmental arteries by primary angiogenesis and Vegfc is essential for secondary angiogenesis, giving rise to veins and lymphatics. Vegfd has been largely thought of as dispensable for vascular development in vertebrates. Here, we generated a zebrafish vegfd mutant by genome editing. vegfd mutants display significant defects in facial lymphangiogenesis independent of vegfc function. Strikingly, we find that vegfc and vegfd cooperatively control lymphangiogenesis throughout the embryo, including during the formation of the trunk lymphatic vasculature. Interestingly, we find that vegfd and vegfc also redundantly drive artery hyperbranching phenotypes observed upon depletion of Flt1 or Dll4. Epistasis and biochemical binding assays suggest that, during primary angiogenesis, Vegfd influences these phenotypes through Kdr (Vegfr2) rather than Flt4 (Vegfr3). These data demonstrate that, rather than being dispensable during development, Vegfd plays context-specific indispensable and also compensatory roles during both blood vessel angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil I Bower
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Adam J Vogrin
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Ludovic Le Guen
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Huijun Chen
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Steven A Stacker
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Marc G Achen
- Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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42
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Padberg Y, Schulte-Merker S, van Impel A. The lymphatic vasculature revisited-new developments in the zebrafish. Methods Cell Biol 2016; 138:221-238. [PMID: 28129845 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The lymphatic system is lined by endothelial cells and part of the vasculature. It is essential for tissue fluid homeostasis, absorption of dietary fats, and immune surveillance in vertebrates. Misregulation of lymphatic vessel formation and dysfunction of the lymphatic system have been indicated in a number of pathological conditions including lymphedema formation, obesity or chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In zebrafish, lymphatics were discovered about 10years ago, and the underlying molecular pathways involved in its development have since been studied in detail. Due to its superior live cell imaging possibilities and the broad tool kit for forward and reverse genetics, the zebrafish has become an important model organism to study the development of the lymphatic system during early embryonic development. In the current review, we will focus on the key players during zebrafish lymphangiogenesis and compare the roles of these genes to their mammalian counterparts. In particular, we will focus on novel findings that shed new light on the molecular mechanisms of lymphatic cell fate specification, as well as sprouting and migration of lymphatic precursor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Padberg
- Institute for Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC M 1003-CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S Schulte-Merker
- Institute for Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC M 1003-CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A van Impel
- Institute for Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC M 1003-CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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43
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Betterman KL, Harvey NL. The lymphatic vasculature: development and role in shaping immunity. Immunol Rev 2016; 271:276-92. [PMID: 27088921 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature is an integral component of the immune system. Lymphatic vessels are a key highway via which immune cells are trafficked, serving not simply as a passive route of transport, but to actively shape and coordinate immune responses. Reciprocally, immune cells provide signals that impact the growth, development, and activity of the lymphatic vasculature. In addition to immune cell trafficking, lymphatic vessels are crucial for fluid homeostasis and lipid absorption. The field of lymphatic vascular research is rapidly expanding, fuelled by rapidly advancing technology that has enabled the manipulation and imaging of lymphatic vessels, together with an increasing recognition of the involvement of lymphatic vessels in a myriad of human pathologies. In this review we provide an overview of the genetic pathways and cellular processes important for development and maturation of the lymphatic vasculature, discuss recent work revealing important roles for the lymphatic vasculature in directing immune cell traffic and coordinating immune responses and highlight the involvement of lymphatic vessels in a range of pathological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Betterman
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Natasha L Harvey
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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44
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Shin M, Male I, Beane TJ, Villefranc JA, Kok FO, Zhu LJ, Lawson ND. Vegfc acts through ERK to induce sprouting and differentiation of trunk lymphatic progenitors. Development 2016; 143:3785-3795. [PMID: 27621059 DOI: 10.1242/dev.137901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor C (Vegfc) activates its receptor, Flt4, to induce lymphatic development. However, the signals that act downstream of Flt4 in this context in vivo remain unclear. To understand Flt4 signaling better, we generated zebrafish bearing a deletion in the Flt4 cytoplasmic domain that eliminates tyrosines Y1226 and 1227. Embryos bearing this deletion failed to initiate sprouting or differentiation of trunk lymphatic vessels and did not form a thoracic duct. Deletion of Y1226/7 prevented ERK phosphorylation in lymphatic progenitors, and ERK inhibition blocked trunk lymphatic sprouting and differentiation. Conversely, endothelial autonomous ERK activation rescued lymphatic sprouting and differentiation in flt4 mutants. Interestingly, embryos bearing the Y1226/7 deletion formed a functional facial lymphatic network enabling them to develop normally to adulthood. By contrast, flt4 null larvae displayed hypoplastic facial lymphatics and severe lymphedema. Thus, facial lymphatic vessels appear to be the first functional lymphatic network in the zebrafish, whereas the thoracic duct is initially dispensable for lymphatic function. Moreover, distinct signaling pathways downstream of Flt4 govern lymphatic morphogenesis and differentiation in different anatomical locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Shin
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Ira Male
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Timothy J Beane
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jacques A Villefranc
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Fatma O Kok
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Lihua J Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nathan D Lawson
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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45
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Venero Galanternik M, Stratman AN, Jung HM, Butler MG, Weinstein BM. Building the drains: the lymphatic vasculature in health and disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2016; 5:689-710. [PMID: 27576003 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature is comprised of a network of endothelial vessels found in close proximity to but separated from the blood vasculature. An essential tissue component of all vertebrates, lymphatics are responsible for the maintenance of fluid homeostasis, dissemination of immune cells, and lipid reabsorption under healthy conditions. When lymphatic vessels are impaired due to invasive surgery, genetic disorders, or parasitic infections, severe fluid build-up accumulates in the affected tissues causing a condition known as lymphedema. Malignant tumors can also directly activate lymphangiogenesis and use these vessels to promote the spread of metastatic cells. Although their first description goes back to the times of Hippocrates, with subsequent anatomical characterization at the beginning of the 20th-century, the lack of identifying molecular markers and tools to visualize these translucent vessels meant that investigation of lymphatic vessels fell well behind research of blood vessels. However, after years under the shadow of the blood vasculature, recent advances in imaging technologies and new genetic and molecular tools have accelerated the pace of research on lymphatic vessel development. These new tools have facilitated both work in classical mammalian models and the emergence of new powerful vertebrate models like zebrafish, quickly driving the field of lymphatic development back into the spotlight. In this review, we summarize the highlights of recent research on the development and function of the lymphatic vascular network in health and disease. WIREs Dev Biol 2016, 5:689-710. doi: 10.1002/wdev.246 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Venero Galanternik
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amber N Stratman
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hyun Min Jung
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Matthew G Butler
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Brant M Weinstein
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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46
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Nurmi H, Saharinen P, Zarkada G, Zheng W, Robciuc MR, Alitalo K. VEGF-C is required for intestinal lymphatic vessel maintenance and lipid absorption. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 7:1418-25. [PMID: 26459520 PMCID: PMC4644375 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201505731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) binding to its tyrosine kinase receptor VEGFR-3 drives lymphatic vessel growth during development and in pathological processes. Although the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 pathway provides a target for treatment of cancer and lymphedema, the physiological functions of VEGF-C in adult vasculature are unknown. We show here that VEGF-C is necessary for perinatal lymphangiogenesis, but required for adult lymphatic vessel maintenance only in the intestine. Following Vegfc gene deletion in adult mice, the intestinal lymphatic vessels, including the lacteal vessels, underwent gradual atrophy, which was aggravated when also Vegfd was deleted. VEGF-C was expressed by a subset of smooth muscle cells adjacent to the lacteals in the villus and in the intestinal wall. The Vegfc-deleted mice showed defective lipid absorption and increased fecal excretion of dietary cholesterol and fatty acids. When fed a high-fat diet, the Vegfc-deficient mice were resistant to obesity and had improved glucose metabolism. Our findings indicate that the lymphangiogenic growth factors provide trophic and dynamic regulation of the intestinal lymphatic vasculature, which could be especially important in the dietary regulation of adiposity and cholesterol metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harri Nurmi
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pipsa Saharinen
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Georgia Zarkada
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Wei Zheng
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marius R Robciuc
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Bui HM, Enis D, Robciuc MR, Nurmi HJ, Cohen J, Chen M, Yang Y, Dhillon V, Johnson K, Zhang H, Kirkpatrick R, Traxler E, Anisimov A, Alitalo K, Kahn ML. Proteolytic activation defines distinct lymphangiogenic mechanisms for VEGFC and VEGFD. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:2167-80. [PMID: 27159393 DOI: 10.1172/jci83967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is supported by 2 homologous VEGFR3 ligands, VEGFC and VEGFD. VEGFC is required for lymphatic development, while VEGFD is not. VEGFC and VEGFD are proteolytically cleaved after cell secretion in vitro, and recent studies have implicated the protease a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 3 (ADAMTS3) and the secreted factor collagen and calcium binding EGF domains 1 (CCBE1) in this process. It is not well understood how ligand proteolysis is controlled at the molecular level or how this process regulates lymphangiogenesis, because these complex molecular interactions have been difficult to follow ex vivo and test in vivo. Here, we have developed and used biochemical and cellular tools to demonstrate that an ADAMTS3-CCBE1 complex can form independently of VEGFR3 and is required to convert VEGFC, but not VEGFD, into an active ligand. Consistent with these ex vivo findings, mouse genetic studies revealed that ADAMTS3 is required for lymphatic development in a manner that is identical to the requirement of VEGFC and CCBE1 for lymphatic development. Moreover, CCBE1 was required for in vivo lymphangiogenesis stimulated by VEGFC but not VEGFD. Together, these studies reveal that lymphangiogenesis is regulated by two distinct proteolytic mechanisms of ligand activation: one in which VEGFC activation by ADAMTS3 and CCBE1 spatially and temporally patterns developing lymphatics, and one in which VEGFD activation by a distinct proteolytic mechanism may be stimulated during inflammatory lymphatic growth.
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Astin JW, Crosier PS. Lymphatics, Cancer and Zebrafish. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 916:199-218. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30654-4_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Huethorst E, Krebber MM, Fledderus JO, Gremmels H, Xu YJ, Pei J, Verhaar MC, Cheng C. Lymphatic Vascular Regeneration: The Next Step in Tissue Engineering. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2015. [PMID: 26204330 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2015.0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in interstitial fluid drainage, lipid absorption, and immunological defense. Lymphatic dysfunction results in lymphedema, fluid accumulation, and swelling of soft tissues, as well as a potentially impaired immune response. Lymphedema significantly reduces quality of life of patients on a physical, mental, social, and economic basis. Current therapeutic approaches in treatment of lymphatic disease are limited. Over the last decades, great progress has been made in the development of therapeutic strategies to enhance vascular regeneration. These solutions to treat vascular disease may also be applicable in the treatment of lymphatic diseases. Comparison of the organogenic process and biological organization of the vascular and lymphatic systems and studies in the regulatory mechanisms involved in lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis show many common features. In this study, we address the similarities between both transport systems, and focus in depth on the biology of lymphatic development. Based on the current advances in vascular regeneration, we propose different strategies for lymphatic tissue engineering that may be used for treatment of primary and secondary lymphedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Huethorst
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, DIGD, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Merle M Krebber
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, DIGD, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joost O Fledderus
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, DIGD, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik Gremmels
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, DIGD, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yan Juan Xu
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, DIGD, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jiayi Pei
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, DIGD, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne C Verhaar
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, DIGD, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Cheng
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, DIGD, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands .,2 Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter , Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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50
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Koltowska K, Paterson S, Bower NI, Baillie GJ, Lagendijk AK, Astin JW, Chen H, Francois M, Crosier PS, Taft RJ, Simons C, Smith KA, Hogan BM. mafba is a downstream transcriptional effector of Vegfc signaling essential for embryonic lymphangiogenesis in zebrafish. Genes Dev 2015; 29:1618-30. [PMID: 26253536 PMCID: PMC4536310 DOI: 10.1101/gad.263210.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Koltowska et al. used a forward genetic screen in zebrafish to identify the transcription factor mafba as essential for lymphatic vessel development. Vegfc signaling increases mafba expression to control downstream transcription, and this relationship is SoxF transcription factor-dependent. The lymphatic vasculature plays roles in tissue fluid balance, immune cell trafficking, fatty acid absorption, cancer metastasis, and cardiovascular disease. Lymphatic vessels form by lymphangiogenesis, the sprouting of new lymphatics from pre-existing vessels, in both development and disease contexts. The apical signaling pathway in lymphangiogenesis is the VEGFC/VEGFR3 pathway, yet how signaling controls cellular transcriptional output remains unknown. We used a forward genetic screen in zebrafish to identify the transcription factor mafba as essential for lymphatic vessel development. We found that mafba is required for the migration of lymphatic precursors after their initial sprouting from the posterior cardinal vein. mafba expression is enriched in sprouts emerging from veins, and we show that mafba functions cell-autonomously during lymphatic vessel development. Mechanistically, Vegfc signaling increases mafba expression to control downstream transcription, and this regulatory relationship is dependent on the activity of SoxF transcription factors, which are essential for mafba expression in venous endothelium. Here we identify an indispensable Vegfc–SoxF–Mafba pathway in lymphatic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Koltowska
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Scott Paterson
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Neil I Bower
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Gregory J Baillie
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Anne K Lagendijk
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jonathan W Astin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Huijun Chen
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mathias Francois
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Philip S Crosier
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Ryan J Taft
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Cas Simons
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kelly A Smith
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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