VEGFR2-PLCgamma1 axis is essential for endothelial specification of VEGFR2+ vascular progenitor cells

Mechanotransduction via endothelial adhesion molecule CD31 initiates transmigration and reveals a role for VEGFR2 in diapedesis

Engagement of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM, PECAM-1, CD31) on the leukocyte pseudopod with PECAM at the endothelial cell border initiates transendothelial migration (TEM, diapedesis). We show, using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), that physical traction on endothelial PECAM during TEM initiated the endothelial signaling pathway. In this role, endothelial PECAM acted as part of a mechanotransduction complex with VE-cadherin and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), and this predicted that VEGFR2 was required for efficient TEM. We show that TEM required both VEGFR2 and the ability of its Y1175 to be phosphorylated, but not VEGF or VEGFR2 endogenous kinase activity. Using inducible endothelial-specific VEGFR2-deficient mice, we show in three mouse models of inflammation that the absence of endothelial VEGFR2 significantly (by ≥75%) reduced neutrophil extravasation by selectively blocking diapedesis. These findings provide a more complete understanding of the process of transmigration and identify several potential anti-inflammatory targets.

E7050 Suppresses the Growth of Multidrug-Resistant Human Uterine Sarcoma by Inhibiting Angiogenesis via Targeting of VEGFR2-Mediated Signaling Pathways

E7050 is an inhibitor of VEGFR2 with anti-tumor activity; however, its therapeutic mechanism remains incompletely understood. In the present study, we aim to evaluate the anti-angiogenic activity of E7050 in vitro and in vivo and define the underlying molecular mechanism. It was observed that treatment with E7050 markedly inhibited proliferation, migration, and capillary-like tube formation in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). E7050 exposure in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) also reduced the amount of neovessel formation in chick embryos. To understand the molecular basis, E7050 was found to suppress the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and its downstream signaling pathway components, including PLCγ1, FAK, Src, Akt, JNK, and p38 MAPK in VEGF-stimulated HUVECs. Moreover, E7050 suppressed the phosphorylation of VEGFR2, FAK, Src, Akt, JNK, and p38 MAPK in HUVECs exposed to MES-SA/Dx5 cells-derived conditioned medium (CM). The multidrug-resistant human uterine sarcoma xenograft study revealed that E7050 significantly attenuated the growth of MES-SA/Dx5 tumor xenografts, which was associated with inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. E7050 treatment also decreased the expression of CD31 and p-VEGFR2 in MES-SA/Dx5 tumor tissue sections in comparison with the vehicle control. Collectively, E7050 may serve as a potential agent for the treatment of cancer and angiogenesis-related disorders.

The 5-lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase-2 cross-over metabolite, hemiketal E2, enhances VEGFR2 activation and promotes angiogenesis

Consecutive oxygenation of arachidonic acid by 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 yields the hemiketal eicosanoids, HKE2 and HKD2. Hemiketals stimulate angiogenesis by inducing endothelial cell tubulogenesis in culture; however, how this process is regulated has not been determined. Here, we identify vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) as a mediator of HKE2-induced angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. We found that HKE2 treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells dose-dependently increased the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and the downstream kinases ERK and Akt that mediated endothelial cell tubulogenesis. In vivo, HKE2 induced the growth of blood vessels into polyacetal sponges implanted in mice. HKE2-mediated effects in vitro and in vivo were blocked by the VEGFR2 inhibitor vatalanib, indicating that the pro-angiogenic effect of HKE2 was mediated by VEGFR2. HKE2 covalently bound and inhibited PTP1B, a protein tyrosine phosphatase that dephosphorylates VEGFR2, thereby providing a possible molecular mechanism for how HKE2 induced pro-angiogenic signaling. In summary, our studies indicate that biosynthetic cross-over of the 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 pathways gives rise to a potent lipid autacoid that regulates endothelial cell function in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that common drugs targeting the arachidonic acid pathway could prove useful in antiangiogenic therapy.

RNF213 Loss-of-Function Promotes Angiogenesis of Cerebral Microvascular Endothelial Cells in a Cellular State Dependent Manner

Enhanced and aberrant angiogenesis is one of the main features of Moyamoya disease (MMD) pathogenesis. The ring finger protein 213 (RNF213) and the variant p.R4810K have been linked with higher risks of MMD and intracranial arterial occlusion development in east Asian populations. The role of RNF213 in diverse aspects of the angiogenic process, such as proliferation, migration and capillary-like formation, is well-known but has been difficult to model in vitro. To evaluate the effect of the RNF213 MMD-associated gene on the angiogenic activity, we have generated RNF213 knockout in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3-RNF213^-/-) using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Matrigel-based assay and a tri-dimensional (3D) vascularized model using the self-assembly approach of tissue engineering were used to assess the formation of capillary-like structures. Quite interestingly, this innovative in vitro model of MMD recapitulated, for the first time, disease-associated pathophysiological features such as significant increase in angiogenesis in confluent endothelial cells devoid of RNF213 expression. These cells, grown to confluence, also showed a pro-angiogenic signature, i.e., increased secretion of soluble pro-angiogenic factors, that could be eventually used as biomarkers. Interestingly, we demonstrated that that these MMD-associated phenotypes are dependent of the cellular state, as only noted in confluent cells and not in proliferative RNF213-deficient cells.

Novel Role of Prereplication Complex Component Cell Division Cycle 6 in Retinal Neovascularization

BACKGROUND

The major aim of this study is to investigate whether CDC6 (cell division cycle 6), a replication origin recognition complex component, plays a role in retinal neovascularization, and if so, to explore the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

In this study, we used a variety of approaches including cellular and moleculer biological methodologies as well as global and tissue-specific knockout mice in combination with an oxygen-induced retinopathy model to study the role of CDC6 in retinal neovascularization.

RESULTS

VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A)-induced CDC6 expression in a time-dependent manner in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells. In addition, VEGFA-induced CDC6 expression was dependent on PLCβ3 (phospholipase Cβ3)-mediated NFATc1 (nuclear factor of activated T cells c1) activation. Furthermore, while siRNA-mediated depletion of PLCβ3, NFATc1, or CDC6 levels blunted VEGFA-induced human retinal microvascular endothelial cell angiogenic events such as proliferation, migration, sprouting, and tube formation, CDC6 overexpression rescued these effects in NFATc1-deficient mouse retinal microvascular endothelial cells. In accordance with these observations, global knockdown of PLCβ3 or endothelial cell-specific deletion of NFATc1 or siRNA-mediated depletion of CDC6 levels substantially inhibited oxygen-induced retinopathy-induced retinal sprouting and neovascularization. In addition, retroviral-mediated overexpression of CDC6 rescued oxygen-induced retinopathy-induced retinal neovascularization from inhibition in PLCβ3 knockout mice and in endothelial cell-specific NFATc1-deficient mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The above observations clearly reveal that PLCβ3-mediated NFATc1 activation-dependent CDC6 expression plays a crucial role in VEGFA/oxygen-induced retinopathy-induced retinal neovascularization.

Emerging roles of PLCγ1 in endothelial biology

Phospholipase C γ1 (PLCγ1) is a member of the PLC family that functions as signal transducer by hydrolyzing membrane lipid to generate second messengers. The unique protein structure of PLCγ1 confers a critical role as a direct effector of VEGFR2 and signaling mediated by other receptor tyrosine kinases. The distinct vascular phenotypes in PLCγ1-deficient animal models and the gain-of-function mutations of PLCγ1 found in human endothelial cancers point to a major physiological role of PLCγ1 in the endothelial system. In this review, we discuss aspects of physiological and molecular function centering around PLCγ1 in the context of endothelial cells and provide a perspective for future investigation.

Coatings in Decellularized Vascular Scaffolds for the Establishment of a Functional Endothelium: A Scoping Review of Vascular Graft Refinement

Developments in tissue engineering techniques have allowed for the creation of biocompatible, non-immunogenic alternative vascular grafts through the decellularization of existing tissues. With an ever-growing number of patients requiring life-saving vascular bypass grafting surgeries, the production of functional small diameter decellularized vascular scaffolds has never been more important. However, current implementations of small diameter decellularized vascular grafts face numerous clinical challenges attributed to premature graft failure as a consequence of common failure mechanisms such as acute thrombogenesis and intimal hyperplasia resulting from insufficient endothelial coverage on the graft lumen. This review summarizes some of the surface modifying coating agents currently used to improve the re-endothelialization efficiency and endothelial cell persistence in decellularized vascular scaffolds that could be applied in producing a better patency small diameter vascular graft. A comprehensive search yielding 192 publications was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Ovid electronic databases. Careful screening and removal of unrelated publications and duplicate entries resulted in a total of 16 publications, which were discussed in this review. Selected publications demonstrate that the utilization of surface coating agents can induce endothelial cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation therefore leads to increased re-endothelialization efficiency. Unfortunately, the large variance in methodologies complicates comparison of coating effects between studies. Thus far, coating decellularized tissue gave encouraging results. These developments in re-endothelialization could be incorporated in the fabrication of functional, off-the-shelf alternative small diameter vascular scaffolds.

Static and dynamic culture of human endothelial cells encapsulated inside alginate-gelatin microspheres

This study aimed to explore the angiogenesis potential of human endothelial cells encapsulated inside alginate-gelatin microspheres under static and dynamic culture systems after 7 days. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were encapsulated inside alginate (1%) and gelatin (1.2%) using an electrostatic encapsulation method. Cells were incubated for 7 days in vitro. The cell survival rate was measured using the MTT assay. The expression of VEGFR-2 and von Willebrand factor genes was studied by real-time PCR assay. Using western blot analysis, we monitored the protein contents of VEGFR-2, vWF, and Caspase 3. The levels of SOD and GPx enzymes were calculated using biochemical kits. Angiogenesis potential was assessed using in vitro Matrigel assay. Data showed an increased survival rate in encapsulated cells cultured under the static condition compared to the conventional 2D condition (p < 0.05). The culture of encapsulated cells under a dynamic bioreactor system did not alter cell viability. Compared to the dynamic culture system, the incubation of encapsulated cells in the static culture system swelled the microspheres (p < 0.05). Both dynamic and static culture models increased the expression of VEGFR-2 and von Willebrand factor in encapsulated cells compared to 2D culture (p < 0.05), showing enhanced functional maturation. Data showed a significant increase of vWF and reduction of apoptosis marker Caspase in the dynamic culture system (p < 0.05). The levels of SOD and GPx were significantly increased in dynamic and static culture models as compared to the control 2D group (p < 0.05). In vitro tubulogenesis assay showed significant induction of angiogenesis in dynamic encapsulated HUVECs indicated with a large number of vascular tubes and arborized ECs compared to the control and static encapsulated HUVECs (p < 0.05). The current study suggests a bioreactor dynamic system is a reliable approach, similar to a static condition, for the expansion of encapsulated human ECs in a 3D milieu.

Disruption of the Microtubule Network and Inhibition of VEGFR2 Phosphorylation by Cytotoxic N,O-Coordinated Pt(II) and Ru(II) Complexes of Trimethoxy Aniline-Based Schiff Bases

Platinum-based complexes are one of the most successful chemotherapeutic agents having a significant ground in cancer chemotherapy despite their side effects. During the past few decades, Ru(II) complexes have been emerging as efficient alternatives owing to their promising activities against platinum-resistant cancer. The pathway of action, lipophilicity, and cytotoxicity of a Pt or Ru complex may be tuned by varying the attached ligands, the coordination mode, and the leaving group. In this work, we report a family of Pt(II) and Ru(II) complexes (1-5) of three N,O and N,N donor-based trimethoxyanilines containing Schiff bases with the general formula [Pt^II(L)(DMSO)Cl], [Ru^II(L)(p-cymene)Cl], [Ru^II(L)(p-cymene)Cl]⁺, and [Pt^II(L)Cl₂]. All of the complexes are characterized by different analytical techniques. ¹H NMR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) data suggest that the N,O-coordinated Pt(II) complexes undergo slower aquation compared to the Ru(II) analogues. The change of the coordination mode to N,N causes the Ru complexes to be more inert to aquation. The N,O-coordinating complexes show superiority over N,N-coordinating complexes by displaying excellent in vitro antiproliferative activity against different aggressive cancer cells, viz., triple-negative human metastatic breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231, human pancreatic carcinoma MIA PaCa-2, and hepatocellular carcinoma Hep G2. In vitro cytotoxicity studies suggest that Pt(II) complexes are more effective than their corresponding Ru(II) analogues, and the most cytotoxic complex 3 is 10-15 times more toxic than the clinical drugs cisplatin and oxaliplatin against MDA-MB-231 cells. Cellular studies show that all of the N,O-coordinated complexes (1-3) initiate disruption of the microtubule network in MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner within 6 h of incubation and finally lead to the arrest of the cell cycle in the G2/M phase and render apoptotic cell death. The disruption of the microtubule network affects the agility of the cytoskeleton rendering inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), a key step in angiogenesis. Complexes 1 and 2 inhibit VEGFR2 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent fashion. Among the Pt(II) and Ru(II) complexes, the former displays higher cytotoxicity, a stronger effect on the cytoskeleton, better VEGFR2 inhibition, and strong interaction with the model nucleobase 9-ethylguanine (9-EtG).

Saikosaponin A, a Triterpene Saponin, Suppresses Angiogenesis and Tumor Growth by Blocking VEGFR2-Mediated Signaling Pathway

Saikosaponin A (SSA), a main triterpenoid saponin component from Radix Bupleurum, has been revealed to have a variety of pharmacological activities. However, whether SSA can inhibit angiogenesis, a key step in solid tumor progression, remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that SSA could powerfully suppress the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. SSA also significantly inhibited angiogenesis in the models of the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane and Matrigel plugs. Moreover, SSA was found to inhibit tumor growth in both orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer and subcutaneous HCT-15 colorectal tumor by the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. Western blot assay indicated the antiangiogenic mechanism of SSA in the suppression of the protein phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and the downstream protein kinase including PLCγ1, FAK, Src, and Akt. In summary, SSA can suppress angiogenesis and tumor growth by blocking the VEGFR2-mediated signaling pathway.

Structural Basis for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Activation and Implications for Disease Therapy

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) bind to membrane receptors on a wide variety of cells to regulate diverse biological responses. The VEGF-A family member promotes vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, processes which are essential for vascular development and physiology. As angiogenesis can be subverted in many disease states, including tumour development and progression, there is much interest in understanding the mechanistic basis for how VEGF-A regulates cell and tissue function. VEGF-A binds with high affinity to two VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFR1, VEGFR2) and with lower affinity to co-receptors called neuropilin-1 and neuropilin-2 (NRP1, NRP2). Here, we use a structural viewpoint to summarise our current knowledge of VEGF-VEGFR activation and signal transduction. As targeting VEGF-VEGFR activation holds much therapeutic promise, we examine the structural basis for anti-angiogenic therapy using small-molecule compounds such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors that block VEGFR activation and downstream signalling. This review provides a rational basis towards reconciling VEGF and VEGFR structure and function in developing new therapeutics for a diverse range of ailments.

Molecular Bases of VEGFR-2-Mediated Physiological Function and Pathological Role

The vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGFRs) play crucial roles in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is an important mechanism in many physiological and pathological processes, and is involved in endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival, then leads to further tubulogenesis, and finally promotes formation of vessels. This series of signaling cascade pathways are precisely mediated by VEGF/VEGFR-2 system. The VEGF binding to the IgD2 and IgD3 of VEGFR-2 induces the dimerization of the receptor, subsequently the activation and trans-autophosphorylation of the tyrosine kinase, and then the initiation of the intracellular signaling cascades. Finally the VEGF-activated VEGFR-2 stimulates and mediates variety of signaling transduction, biological responses, and pathological processes in angiogenesis. Several crucial phosphorylated sites Tyr801, Try951, Try1175, and Try1214 in the VEGFR-2 intracellular domains mediate several key signaling processes including PLCγ-PKC, TSAd-Src-PI3K-Akt, SHB-FAK-paxillin, SHB-PI3K-Akt, and NCK-p38-MAPKAPK2/3 pathways. Based on the molecular structure and signaling pathways of VEGFR-2, the strategy of the VEGFR-2-targeted therapy should be considered to employ in the treatment of the VEGF/VEGFR-2-associated diseases by blocking the VEGF/VEGFR-2 signaling pathway, inhibiting VEGF and VEGFR-2 gene expression, blocking the binding of VEGF and VEGFR-2, and preventing the proliferation, migration, and survival of vascular endothelial cells expressing VEGFR-2.

Adipose-derived stem cells promote diabetic wound healing via the recruitment and differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells into endothelial cells mediated by the VEGF-PLCγ-ERK pathway

Adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) therapy is a promising treatment strategy for wound healing; however, the mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to explore the influence of ADSC-derived VEGF on diabetic wounds and its role in modulating endothelial progenitor cells. The effect of ADSCs and ADSC-derived VEGF in vivo was investigated using a diabetic wound healing model, and inflammatory factors, such as IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, were detected. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of downstream targets. In addition, the role of ADSC-derived VEGF in modulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) was investigated using EdU assay, CD-31 immunofluorescence, and Transwell assay in vitro. The results show that ADSCs accelerated diabetic wound tissue closure and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors, such as IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. Further molecular mechanism studies indicated that coculturing EPCs with ADSC--conditioned medium enhanced the proliferation, mobilization and differentiation of EPCs into endothelial cells. This enhancement was inhibited when the expression of the VEGF downstream signal molecules VEGFR2, PLCγ, and ERK1/ERK2 was blocked, indicating that ADSCs might accelerate diabetic wound healing through the recruitment and differentiation of EPCs mediated by VEGF. Overall, the results of the study revealed that ADSCs could promote diabetic wound healing through the recruitment and differentiation of EPCs via angiogenesis effects regulated by the VEGF-PLCγ-ERK1/ERK2 pathway and suppression of the inflammatory response. In addition, it will be helpful to establish further understanding of ADSC therapy for clinical application.

Primary cilia control glucose homeostasis via islet paracrine interactions

Pancreatic islets regulate glucose homeostasis through coordinated actions of hormone-secreting cells. What underlies the function of the islet as a unit is the close approximation and communication among heterogeneous cell populations, but the structural mediators of islet cellular cross talk remain incompletely characterized. We generated mice specifically lacking β-cell primary cilia, a cellular organelle that has been implicated in regulating insulin secretion, and found that the β-cell cilia are required for glucose sensing, calcium influx, insulin secretion, and cross regulation of α- and δ-cells. Protein expression profiling in islets confirms perturbation in these cellular processes and reveals additional targets of cilia-dependent signaling. At the organism level, the deletion of β-cell cilia disrupts circulating hormone levels, impairs glucose homeostasis and fuel usage, and leads to the development of diabetes. Together, these findings demonstrate that primary cilia not only orchestrate β-cell-intrinsic activity but also mediate cross talk both within the islet and from islets to other metabolic tissues, thus providing a unique role of cilia in nutrient metabolism and insight into the pathophysiology of diabetes.

Tumor-promoting and pro-angiogenic effects of roxarsone via VEGFR2/PLCγ/PKC signaling

Roxarsone is an organoarsenic feed additive used in livestock and poultry production that is released into the environment, where it poses a risk to human health. It is known to have a tumor-promoting effect that is brought about by pro-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and it receptors (VEGFR). However, little information is available about the other signaling molecules that could be involved. This study aims to investigate the role of PLCγ/PKC signaling in roxarsone-induced angiogenesis in a mouse B16-F10 melanoma xenograft model and rat vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Results showed treatment with 5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg roxarsone resulted in an obvious increase in the weight and volume of B16-F10 xenografts and PLCγ/PKC phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner in C57BL/6 mice. SU5416, a VEGFR2 inhibitor, significantly attenuated the tumor growth induced by roxarsone. Further, 1.0 μmol/L roxarsone treatment in rat ECs was observed to significantly increase the optical density rate in the MTT assay, the number of BrdU-positive cells in the proliferation assay, the migration distance in the scratch test, and the number of meshes formed in the tube formation assay. In addition, treatment with 1.0 μmol/L roxarsone was associated with significantly higher phosphorylation of PLCγ/PKC than the control treatment. U73122, a PLCγ inhibitor, was found significantly to combat the effects of 1.0 μmol/L roxarsone on the ECs. Roxarsone is capable of promoting the growth of mouse B16-F10 xenografts and tube formation in vascular ECs. Moreover, VEGFR2/PLCγ/PKC signaling may play a regulatory role in in vivo and in vitro roxarsone-induced angiogenesis.

ERK signaling is required for VEGF-A/VEGFR2-induced differentiation of porcine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial cells

Background

Cell-based therapy that can rejuvenate the endothelium with stimulated adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) is a promising therapeutic strategy for the re-endothelialization of denuded arteries at the stenting site. Previously, we have shown that silencing of MMP-2 and MMP-14 inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 (VEGFR2) cleavage, and induces differentiation of AMSCs toward the endothelial cell (EC) lineage. In this study, we examined the underlying signaling pathways that regulate differentiation of AMSCs to ECs in vitro through VEGFR2.

Methods

AMSCs were isolated from porcine abdominal adipose tissue. The isolated AMSCs were characterized by positive expression of CD29, CD44, and CD90 and negative expression of CD11b and CD45. The isolated MSCs were transfected with siRNA to silence MMP-2, MMP-14, and angiotensin receptor 2 (ATR2). Cells were suspended either in endothelial basal media (EBM) or endothelial growth media (EGM) with various treatments. Flow cytometry was performed to examine the expression of EC markers, and western blot analysis was performed to examine the expression and activity of various kinases. Scratch assay was performed to examine the cell migration. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using PRISM GraphPad.

Results

After 10 days of stimulation for EC differentiation, the morphology of AMSCs changed to a morphology similar to that of ECs. Silencing MMP-2 and MMP-14 resulted in significant decrease in the number of migrated cells compared with the EGM-only group. ATR2 siRNA transfection did not affect the migration and differentiation of AMSCs to ECs. Stimulation of AMSCs for EC differentiation with or without MMP-2 or MMP-14 siRNA resulted in significant increase in p-ERK, and significant decrease in p-JNK. There was no significant change in p-p38 in all three groups compared with the EBM group. ERK inhibition resulted in significant decrease in the expression of EC markers in the EGM, EGM + MMP-2 siRNA, and EGM + MMP-14 siRNA groups. The VEGFR2 kinase inhibitor induced a dose-dependent inhibition of ERK.

Conclusion

The ERK signaling pathway is critical for VEGF-A/VEGFR2-induced differentiation of AMSCs into ECs. These findings provide new insights into the role of the ERK signaling pathway in AMSC differentiation to ECs for potential clinical use in cardiovascular diseases.

Site-Specific Phosphorylation of VEGFR2 Is Mediated by Receptor Trafficking: Insights from a Computational Model

Matrix-binding isoforms and non-matrix-binding isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are both capable of stimulating vascular remodeling, but the resulting blood vessel networks are structurally and functionally different. Here, we develop and validate a computational model of the binding of soluble and immobilized ligands to VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), the endosomal trafficking of VEGFR2, and site-specific VEGFR2 tyrosine phosphorylation to study differences in induced signaling between these VEGF isoforms. In capturing essential features of VEGFR2 signaling and trafficking, our model suggests that VEGFR2 trafficking parameters are largely consistent across multiple endothelial cell lines. Simulations demonstrate distinct localization of VEGFR2 phosphorylated on Y1175 and Y1214. This is the first model to clearly show that differences in site-specific VEGFR2 activation when stimulated with immobilized VEGF compared to soluble VEGF can be accounted for by altered trafficking of VEGFR2 without an intrinsic difference in receptor activation. The model predicts that Neuropilin-1 can induce differences in the surface-to-internal distribution of VEGFR2. Simulations also show that ligated VEGFR2 and phosphorylated VEGFR2 levels diverge over time following stimulation. Using this model, we identify multiple key levers that alter how VEGF binding to VEGFR2 results in different coordinated patterns of multiple downstream signaling pathways. Specifically, simulations predict that VEGF immobilization, interactions with Neuropilin-1, perturbations of VEGFR2 trafficking, and changes in expression or activity of phosphatases acting on VEGFR2 all affect the magnitude, duration, and relative strength of VEGFR2 phosphorylation on tyrosines 1175 and 1214, and they do so predictably within our single consistent model framework.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important regulator of blood vessel growth. To date, therapies attempting to harness the VEGF system to promote blood vessel growth (e.g. for wound healing or ischemic disease) have achieved only limited success. To improve VEGF-based therapies, we need to better understand how VEGF promotes development of functional blood vessels. We have developed a computational model of VEGF binding to the receptor VEGFR2, trafficking of VEGFR2 through endosomal compartments in the cell, and activation of VEGFR2 on several tyrosine residues. The pattern of tyrosines activated on VEGFR2 influences cell behavior, promoting cell survival, proliferation, or migration. The combination of these cues influences the diameter of vessels, degree of branching, and leakiness of the resultant vessel network. Our model shows that changes in VEGFR2 trafficking as a result of VEGF immobilization to the extracellular matrix are sufficient to describe observed changes in the pattern of VEGFR2 activation compared to stimulation with purely soluble VEGF. This model can be used to predict how VEGF immobilization, interactions with co-receptors or proteins that deactivate VEGFR2, and changes to VEGFR2 trafficking can be tuned to promote development of functional blood vessel networks for tissue engineering applications.

Raddeanin A, a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Anemone raddeana, suppresses the angiogenesis and growth of human colorectal tumor by inhibiting VEGFR2 signaling

Raddeanin A (RA) is an active triterpenoid saponin from a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Anemone raddeana Regel. It was previously reported that RA possessed attractive antitumor activity through inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of multiple cancer cells. However, whether RA can inhibit angiogenesis, an essential step in cancer development, remains unknown. In this study, we found that RA could significantly inhibit human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, motility, migration, and tube formation. RA also dramatically reduced angiogenesis in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), restrained the trunk angiogenesis in zebrafish, and suppressed angiogenesis and growth of human HCT-15 colorectal cancer xenograft in mice. Western blot assay showed that RA suppressed VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and its downstream protein kinases including PLCγ1, JAK2, FAK, Src, and Akt. Molecular docking simulation indicated that RA formed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions within the ATP binding pocket of VEGFR2 kinase domain. Our study firstly provides the evidence that RA has high antiangiogenic potency and explores its molecular basis, demonstrating that RA is a potential agent or lead candidate for antiangiogenic cancer therapy.

Embryonic exposure to sodium arsenite perturbs vascular development in zebrafish

Exposure to arsenic in its inorganic form, arsenite, causes adverse effects to many different organs and tissues. Here, we have investigated arsenite-induced adverse effects on vascular tissues in the model organism zebrafish, Danio rerio. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to arsenite at different exposure windows and the susceptibility to vascular tissue damage was recorded at 72hours post fertilization (hpf). Intersegmental vessel sprouting and growth was most perturbed by exposure to arsenite during the 24-48hpf window, while disruption in the condensation of the caudal vein plexus was more often observed at the 48-72hpf exposure window, reflecting when these structures develop during normal embryogenesis. The vascular growth rate was decreased by arsenite exposure, and deviated from that of control embryos at around 24-26.5hpf. We further mapped changes in expression of key regulators of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1/fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (vegfr1/flt1) expression was evident already at 24hpf, coinciding with the decreased vascular growth rate. At later time points, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (mmp9) expression was upregulated, suggesting that arsenite affects the composition of the extracellular matrix. In total, the expression of eight key factors involved in different aspects of vascularization was significantly altered by arsenic exposure. In conclusion, our results show that arsenite is a potent vascular disruptor in the developing zebrafish embryo, a finding that calls for an evaluation of arsenite as a developmental vascular toxicant in mammalian model systems.

VEGF-VEGFR Signals in Health and Disease

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-VEGF receptor (VEGFR) system has been shown to play central roles not only in physiological angiogenesis, but also in pathological angiogenesis in diseases such as cancer. Based on these findings, a variety of anti-angiogenic drugs, including anti-VEGF antibodies and VEGFR/multi-receptor kinase inhibitors have been developed and approved for the clinical use. While the clinical efficacy of these drugs has been clearly demonstrated in cancer patients, they have not been shown to be effective in curing cancer, suggesting that further improvement in their design is necessary. Abnormal expression of an endogenous VEGF-inhibitor sFlt-1 has been shown to be involved in a variety of diseases, such as preeclampsia and aged macular degeneration. In addition, various factors modulating angiogenic processes have been recently isolated. Given this complexity then, extensive studies on the interrelationship between VEGF signals and other angiogenesis-regulatory systems will be important for developing future strategies to suppress diseases with an angiogenic component.

VEGFR and type-V RTK activation and signaling

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) in vertebrates play essential roles in the regulation of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. VEGFRs belong to the receptor-type tyrosine kinase (RTK) supergene family. They consist of a ligand-binding region with seven immunoglobulin (7 Ig) -like domains, a trans-membrane (TM) domain, and a tyrosine kinase (TK) domain with a long kinase insert (KI) (also known as a type-V RTK). Structurally, VEGFRs are distantly related to the members of the M-colony stimulating factor receptor/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (CSFR)/(PDGFR) family, which have five immunoglobulin (5 Ig)-like domains. However, signal transduction in VEGFRs significantly differs from that in M-CSFR/PDGFRs. VEGFR2, the major signal transducer for angiogenesis, preferentially uses the phospholipase Cγ-protein kinase C (PLC-γ-PKC)-MAPK pathway, whereas M-CSFR/PDGFRs use the PI3 kinase-Ras-MAPK pathway for cell proliferation. In phylogenetic development, the VEGFR-like receptor in nonvertebrates appears to be the ancestor of the 7 Ig- and 5 Ig-RTK families because most nonvertebrates have only a single 7 Ig-RTK gene. In mammals, VEGFRs are deeply involved in pathological angiogenesis, including cancer and inflammation. Thus, an efficient inhibitor targeting VEGFRs could be useful in suppressing various diseases.

The enzymatic activity of the VEGFR2 receptor for the biosynthesis of dinucleoside polyphosphates

The group of dinucleoside polyphosphates encompasses a large number of molecules consisting of two nucleosides which are connected by a phosphate chain of variable length. While the receptors activated by dinucleoside polyphosphates as well as their degradation have been studied in detail, its biosynthesis has not been elucidated so far. Since endothelial cells released the dinucleoside polyphosphate uridine adenosine tetraphosphate (Up4A), we tested cytosolic proteins of human endothelial cells obtained from dermal vessels elicited for enzymatic activity. When incubated with ADP and UDP, these cells showed increasing concentrations of Up4A. The underlying enzyme was isolated by chromatography and the mass spectrometric analysis revealed that the enzymatic activity was caused by the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Since VEGFR2 but neither VEGFR1 nor VEGFR3 were capable to synthesise dinucleoside polyphosphates, Tyr-1175 of VEGFR2 is most likely essential for the enzymatic activity of interest. Further, VEGFR2-containing cells like HepG2, THP-1 and RAW264.7 were capable of synthesising dinucleoside polyphosphates. VEGFR2-transfected HEK 293T/17 but not native HEK 293T/17 cells synthesised dinucleoside polyphosphates in vivo too. The simultaneous biosynthesis of dinucleoside polyphosphates could amplify the response to VEGF, since dinucleoside polyphosphates induce cellular growth via P2Y purinergic receptors. Thus the biosynthesis of dinucleoside polyphosphates by VEGFR2 may enhance the proliferative response to VEGF. Given that VEGFR2 is primarily expressed in endothelial cells, the biosynthesis of dinucleoside polyphosphates is mainly located in the vascular system. Since the vasculature is also the main site of action of dinucleoside polyphosphates, activating vascular purinoceptors, blood vessels appear as an autocrine system with respect to dinucleoside polyphosphates. We conclude that VEGFR2 receptor is capable of synthesising dinucleoside polyphosphates. These mediators may modulate the effects of VEGFR2 due to their proliferative effects.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor system: physiological functions in angiogenesis and pathological roles in various diseases

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) belong to the platelet-derived growth factor supergene family, and they play central roles in the regulation of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-A, the major factor for angiogenesis, binds to two tyrosine kinase (TK) receptors, VEGFR-1 (Flt-1) and VEGFR-2 (KDR/Flk-1), and regulates endothelial cell proliferation, migration, vascular permeability, secretion and other endothelial functions. VEGFR-2 exhibits a strong TK activity towards pro-angiogenic signals, whereas the soluble VEGFR-1 (sFlt-1) functions as an endogenous VEGF inhibitor. sFlt-1 is abnormally overexpressed in the placenta of preeclampsia patients, resulting in the major symptoms of the disease due to abnormal trapping of VEGFs. The VEGF-VEGFR system is crucial for tumour angiogenesis, and anti-VEGF-VEGFR molecules are now widely used in the clinical field to treat cancer patients. The efficacy of these molecules in prolonging the overall survival of patients has been established; however, some cancers do not respond well and reduced tumour sensitivity to anti-VEGF signals may occur after long-term treatment. The molecular basis of tumour refractoriness should be determined to improve anti-angiogenic therapy.

VEGF/Flk1 signaling cascade transactivates Etv2 gene expression

Previous reports regarding the genetic hierarchy between Ets related protein 71 (Er71/Etv2) and Flk1 is unclear. In the present study, we pursued a genetic approach to define the molecular cascade between Etv2 and Flk1. Using a transgenic Etv2-EYFP reporter mouse, we examined the expression pattern of Etv2 relative to Flk1 in the early conceptus. Etv2-EYFP was expressed in subset of Flk1 positive cells during primitive streak stages, suggesting that Flk1 is upstream of Etv2 during gastrulation. Analysis of reporter gene expression in Flk1 and Etv2 mutant mice further supports the hypothesis that Flk1 is necessary for Etv2 expression. The frequency of cells expressing Flk1 in Etv2 mutants is only modestly altered (21% decrease), whereas expression of the Etv2-EYFP transgenic reporter was severely reduced in the Flk1 null background. We further demonstrate using transcriptional assays that, in the presence of Flk1, the Etv2 promoter is activated by VEGF, the Flk1 ligand. Pharmacological inhibition studies demonstrate that VEGF mediated activation is dependent on p38 MAPK, which activates Creb. We identify the VEGF response element in the Etv2 promoter and demonstrate that Creb binds to this motif by EMSA and ChIP assays. In summary, we provide new evidence that VEGF activates Etv2 by signaling through Flk1, which activates Creb through the p38 MAPK signaling cascade.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Its Receptor (VEGFR) Signaling in Angiogenesis: A Crucial Target for Anti- and Pro-Angiogenic Therapies

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR) have been shown to play major roles not only in physiological but also in most pathological angiogenesis, such as cancer. VEGF belongs to the PDGF supergene family characterized by 8 conserved cysteines and functions as a homodimer structure. VEGF-A regulates angiogenesis and vascular permeability by activating 2 receptors, VEGFR-1 (Flt-1) and VEGFR-2 (KDR/Flk1 in mice). On the other hand, VEGF-C/VEGF-D and their receptor, VEGFR-3 (Flt-4), mainly regulate lymphangiogenesis. The VEGF family includes other interesting variants, one of which is the virally encoded VEGF-E and another is specifically expressed in the venom of the habu snake (Trimeresurus flavoviridis). VEGFRs are distantly related to the PDGFR family; however, they are unique with respect to their structure and signaling system. Unlike members of the PDGFR family that strongly stimulate the PI3K-Akt pathway toward cell proliferation, VEGFR-2, the major signal transducer for angiogenesis, preferentially utilizes the PLCγ-PKC-MAPK pathway for signaling. The VEGF-VEGFR system is an important target for anti-angiogenic therapy in cancer and is also an attractive system for pro-angiogenic therapy in the treatment of neuronal degeneration and ischemic diseases.

Dextran hydrogel scaffolds enhance angiogenic responses and promote complete skin regeneration during burn wound healing

Neovascularization is a critical determinant of wound-healing outcomes for deep burn injuries. We hypothesize that dextran-based hydrogels can serve as instructive scaffolds to promote neovascularization and skin regeneration in third-degree burn wounds. Dextran hydrogels are soft and pliable, offering opportunities to improve the management of burn wound treatment. We first developed a procedure to treat burn wounds on mice with dextran hydrogels. In this procedure, we followed clinical practice of wound excision to remove full-thickness burned skin, and then covered the wound with the dextran hydrogel and a dressing layer. Our procedure allows the hydrogel to remain intact and securely in place during the entire healing period, thus offering opportunities to simplify the management of burn wound treatment. A 3-week comparative study indicated that dextran hydrogel promoted dermal regeneration with complete skin appendages. The hydrogel scaffold facilitated early inflammatory cell infiltration that led to its rapid degradation, promoting the infiltration of angiogenic cells into the healing wounds. Endothelial cells homed into the hydrogel scaffolds to enable neovascularization by day 7, resulting in an increased blood flow significantly greater than treated and untreated controls. By day 21, burn wounds treated with hydrogel developed a mature epithelial structure with hair follicles and sebaceous glands. After 5 weeks of treatment, the hydrogel scaffolds promoted new hair growth and epidermal morphology and thickness similar to normal mouse skin. Collectively, our evidence shows that customized dextran-based hydrogel alone, with no additional growth factors, cytokines, or cells, promoted remarkable neovascularization and skin regeneration and may lead to novel treatments for dermal wounds.

VEGFR-1 mediates endothelial differentiation and formation of blood vessels in a murine model of infantile hemangioma

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) is a member of the VEGFR family, and binds to VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor. VEGFR-1 contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, but its role in the pathological formation of blood vessels is still poorly understood. Herein, we used infantile hemangioma (IH), the most common tumor of infancy, as a means to study VEGFR-1 activation in pathological vasculogenesis. IH arises from stem cells (HemSCs) that can form the three most prominent cell types in the tumor: endothelial cells, pericytes, and adipocytes. HemSCs can recapitulate the IH life cycle when injected in immuncompromised mice, and are targeted by corticosteroids, the traditional treatment for IH. We report here that VEGF-A or VEGF-B induces VEGFR-1-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in HemSCs and promotes differentiation of HemSCs to endothelial cells. Studies of VEGFR-2 phosphorylation status and down-regulation of neuropilin-1 in the HemSCs demonstrate that VEGFR-2 and NRP1 are not needed for VEGF-A- or VEGF-B-induced ERK1/2 activation. U0216-mediated blockade of ERK1/2 phosphorylation or shRNA-mediated suppression of VEGFR-1 prevents HemSC-to-EC differentiation. Furthermore, the down-regulation of VEGFR-1 in the HemSCs results in decreased formation of blood vessels in vivo and reduced ERK1/2 activation. Thus, our study reveals a critical role for VEGFR-1 in the HemSC-to-EC differentiation that underpins pathological vasculogenesis in IH.

Adventitial biology: differentiation and function

Recent evidence indicates that stem/progenitor cells are present in the adventitia and participate in vascular repair and the formation of neointimal lesions in severely damaged vessels. Data have also demonstrated that these resident stem/progenitor cells could differentiate into endothelial or smooth muscle cells in response to different stimuli. Under pathological conditions, adventitial inflammation results in releasing a panel of cytokines, such as stromal cell-derived factor-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α, that may lead to local stem/progenitor mobilization and differentiation. Overall, these data support the impact of the adventitial progenitors in pathophysiological processes of lesion development in the arterial wall. In the present review, we aim to summarize the data concerning the presence of the resident stem cells and discuss the pathological impact of the adventitia in vascular diseases. We will also discuss the possible signal pathways orchestrating stem cell differentiation toward vascular lineage and highlight controversial issues related to the role of adventitial progenitors.

Progenitor cells in arteriosclerosis: good or bad guys?

Accumulating evidence indicates that the mobilization and recruitment of circulating or tissue-resident progenitor cells that give rise to endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) can participate in atherosclerosis, neointima hyperplasia after arterial injury, and transplant arteriosclerosis. It is believed that endothelial progenitor cells do exist and can repair and rejuvenate the arteries under physiologic conditions; however, they may also contribute to lesion formation by influencing plaque stability in advanced atherosclerotic plaque under specific pathologic conditions. At the same time, smooth muscle progenitors, despite their capacity to expedite lesion formation during restenosis, may serve to promote atherosclerotic plaque stabilization by producing extracellular matrix proteins. This profound evidence provides support to the hypothesis that both endothelial and smooth muscle progenitors may act as a double-edged sword in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis. Therefore, the understanding of the regulatory networks that control endothelial and smooth muscle progenitor differentiation is undoubtedly fundamental both for basic research and for improving current therapeutic avenues for atherosclerosis. We update the progress in progenitor cell study related to the development of arteriosclerosis, focusing specifically on the role of progenitor cells in lesion formation and discuss the controversial issues that regard the origins, frequency, and impact of the progenitors in the disease.

Resident vascular progenitor cells

Homeostasis of the vessel wall is essential for maintaining its function, including blood pressure and patency of the lumen. In physiological conditions, the turnover rate of vascular cells, i.e. endothelial and smooth muscle cells, is low, but markedly increased in diseased situations, e.g. vascular injury after angioplasty. It is believed that mature vascular cells have an ability to proliferate to replace lost cells normally. On the other hand, recent evidence indicates stem/progenitor cells may participate in vascular repair and the formation of neointimal lesions in severely damaged vessels. It was found that all three layers of the vessels, the intima, media and adventitia, contain resident progenitor cells, including endothelial progenitor cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, Sca-1+ and CD34+ cells. Data also demonstrated that these resident progenitor cells could differentiate into a variety of cell types in response to different culture conditions. However, collective data were obtained mostly from in vitro culture assays and phenotypic marker studies. There are many unanswered questions concerning the mechanism of cell differentiation and the functional role of these cells in vascular repair and the pathogenesis of vascular disease. In the present review, we aim to summarize the data showing the presence of the resident progenitor cells, to highlight possible signal pathways orchestrating cell differentiation toward endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and to discuss the data limitations, challenges and controversial issues related to the role of progenitors. This article is part of a special issue entitled, "Cardiovascular Stem Cells Revisited".

Endothelial progenitor cells--an evolving story

The first description of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in 1997 led rapidly to substantial changes in our understanding of angiogenesis, and within 5 years to the first clinical studies in humans using bone marrow derived EPC to enhance coronary neovascularisation and cardiac function after myocardial ischemia. However, to improve the success of this therapy a clearer understanding of the biology of EPC is needed. This article summarises recent data indicating that most EPC are not, in fact, endothelial progenitors but can be better described as angiogenic monocytes, and explores the implications this has for their future therapeutic use.