Image-guided pro-angiogenic therapy in diabetic stroke mouse models using a multi-modal nanoprobe

ICAT-Mediated Crosstalk Between Cervical Cancer Cells and Macrophages Promotes M2-Like Macrophage Polarization to Reinforce Tumor Malignant Behaviors

Inhibitor of β-catenin and T-cell factor (ICAT) is a classical inhibitor of the Wnt signaling pathway. Nonetheless, our previous work found that ICAT is overexpressed in cervical cancer (CC), resulting in the augmentation of migration and invasion capabilities of CC cells. It remains unclear what molecular mechanism underlies this phenomenon. The interaction between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) promotes the outgrowth and metastasis of tumors. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major constituent of the TME and have a significant impact on the advancement of CC. Consequently, our inquiry pertains to the potential of ICAT to facilitate tumor development through its modulation of the cervical TME. In this study, we first verified that ICAT regulated the secretion of cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in CC cells, leading to M2-like macrophage polarization and enhancement of the migration and invasion of CC cells. Furthermore, the system of co-culturing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with macrophages revealed that depending on the CC cells' overexpression or inhibition of ICAT, the vascular tube formation by HUVECs can be either increased or decreased. Overall, our study indicates that ICAT stimulates M2-like polarization of TAMs via upregulating IL-10 and TGF-β, which results in increased neovascularization, tumor metastasis, and immunosuppression in CC. In upcoming times, inhibiting crosstalk between CC cells and TAMs may be a possible strategy for CC therapy.

BDNF-overexpressing MSCs delivered by hydrogel in acute ischemic stroke treatment

Background

Ischemic stroke treatment is a challenge worldwide. The efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for stroke have been confirmed. However, poor survival of MSCs in the ischemic environment limits the therapy efficacy. Changes in MSC status in the ischemic environment after transplantation is difficult to monitor. This study aimed to deliver brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-overexpressing MSCs by hydrogel (H-B-MSCs) to promote recovery after ischemic stroke.

Methods

MSCs were transfected with lentivirus carrying luc2 and BDNF cassette. The properties of hydrogel were tested after synthesis with thiolated gelatin (Gel-SH), thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH), and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA). Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) test was carried out to confirm the protective effects of hydrogel in the ischemic environment. Three days after stroke induction, H-B-MSCs, hydrogel carrying MSCs (H-MSCs), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was injected into the brains of mice, respectively. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was performed at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days post-cell-transplantation to monitor the dynamic status of MSCs. In the meantime, histology, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot, and behavior tests were carried out at different time points.

Results

Hydrogel with good biocompatibility was synthesized. Lentivirus transfection significantly increased the expression of BDNF. BDNF-MSCs could be tracked by BLI in vitro. In vitro OGD/reperfusion (OGD/R) test results suggested that MSCs carried by hydrogel could survive longer in an environment with low oxygen and glucose. H-B-MSCs significantly improved functional recovery after ischemic stroke. Furthermore, H-B-MSCs treatment promoted neurogenesis, white matter recovery, and angiogenesis after ischemic stroke. MSC dynamics could be monitored in vivo with BLI.

Conclusions

We effectively established a robust MSC delivery system with hydrogel. Prolonged survival of transplanted BDNF-MSCs with a hydrogel delivery system could promote the recovery of ischemic stroke via the continuous release of BDNF.

Effective treatment of intractable diseases using nanoparticles to interfere with vascular supply and angiogenic process

Angiogenesis is a vital biological process involving blood vessels forming from pre-existing vascular systems. This process contributes to various physiological activities, including embryonic development, hair growth, ovulation, menstruation, and the repair and regeneration of damaged tissue. On the other hand, it is essential in treating a wide range of pathological diseases, such as cardiovascular and ischemic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, malignancies, ophthalmic and retinal diseases, and other chronic conditions. These diseases and disorders are frequently treated by regulating angiogenesis by utilizing a variety of pro-angiogenic or anti-angiogenic agents or molecules by stimulating or suppressing this complicated process, respectively. Nevertheless, many traditional angiogenic therapy techniques suffer from a lack of ability to achieve the intended therapeutic impact because of various constraints. These disadvantages include limited bioavailability, drug resistance, fast elimination, increased price, nonspecificity, and adverse effects. As a result, it is an excellent time for developing various pro- and anti-angiogenic substances that might circumvent the abovementioned restrictions, followed by their efficient use in treating disorders associated with angiogenesis. In recent years, significant progress has been made in different fields of medicine and biology, including therapeutic angiogenesis. Around the world, a multitude of research groups investigated several inorganic or organic nanoparticles (NPs) that had the potential to effectively modify the angiogenesis processes by either enhancing or suppressing the process. Many studies into the processes behind NP-mediated angiogenesis are well described. In this article, we also cover the application of NPs to encourage tissue vascularization as well as their angiogenic and anti-angiogenic effects in the treatment of several disorders, including bone regeneration, peripheral vascular disease, diabetic retinopathy, ischemic stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, post-ischemic cardiovascular injury, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, gene delivery-based angiogenic therapy, protein delivery-based angiogenic therapy, stem cell angiogenic therapy, and diabetic retinopathy, cancer that may benefit from the behavior of the nanostructures in the vascular system throughout the body. In addition, the accompanying difficulties and potential future applications of NPs in treating angiogenesis-related diseases and antiangiogenic therapies are discussed.

Tissue Optical Clearing for Biomedical Imaging: From In Vitro to In Vivo

Tissue optical clearing technique provides a prospective solution for the application of advanced optical methods in life sciences. This chapter firstly gives a brief introduction to mechanisms of tissue optical clearing techniques, from the physical mechanism to chemical mechanism, which is the most important foundation to develop tissue optical clearing methods. During the past years, in vitro and in vivo tissue optical clearing methods were developed. In vitro tissue optical clearing techniques, including the solvent-based clearing methods and the hydrophilic reagents-based clearing methods, combined with labeling technique and advanced microscopy, can be applied to image 3D microstructure of tissue blocks or whole organs such as brain and spinal cord with high resolution. In vivo skin or skull optical clearing, promise various optical imaging techniques to detect cutaneous or cortical cell and vascular structure and function without surgical window.

Therapeutic Nanoparticles for the Different Phases of Ischemic Stroke

Stroke represents the second leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Ischemic strokes are the most prevalent type of stroke, and they are characterized by a series of pathological events prompted by an arterial occlusion that leads to a heterogeneous pathophysiological response through different hemodynamic phases, namely the hyperacute, acute, subacute, and chronic phases. Stroke treatment is highly reliant on recanalization therapies, which are limited to only a subset of patients due to their narrow therapeutic window; hence, there is a huge need for new stroke treatments. Nonetheless, the vast majority of promising treatments are not effective in the clinical setting due to their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain. In this context, nanotechnology-based approaches such as nanoparticle drug delivery emerge as the most promising option. In this review, we will discuss the current status of nanotechnology in the setting of stroke, focusing on the diverse available nanoparticle approaches targeted to the different pathological and physiological repair mechanisms involved in each of the stroke phases.

Targeted delivery of neural progenitor cell-derived extracellular vesicles for anti-inflammation after cerebral ischemia

Ischemic stroke remains a major cause of death, and anti-inflammatory strategies hold great promise for preventing major brain injury during reperfusion. In the past decade, stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as novel therapeutic effectors in immune modulation. However, the intravenous delivery of EVs into the ischemic brain remains a challenge due to poor targeting of unmodified EVs, and the costs of large-scale production of stem cell-derived EVs hinder their clinical application.

Methods: EVs were isolated from a human neural progenitor cell line, and their anti-inflammatory effects were verified in vitro. To attach targeting ligands onto EVs, we generated a recombinant fusion protein containing the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-4C peptide (ACDCRGDCFC) fused to the phosphatidylserine (PS)-binding domains of lactadherin (C1C2), which readily self-associates onto the EV membrane. Subsequently, in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model, the RGD-C1C2-bound EVs (RGD-EV) were intravenously injected through the tail vein, followed by fluorescence imaging and assessment of proinflammatory cytokines expression and microglia activation.

Results: The neural progenitor cell-derived EVs showed intrinsic anti-inflammatory activity. The RGD-EV targeted the lesion region of the ischemic brain after intravenous administration, and resulted in a strong suppression of the inflammatory response. Furthermore, RNA sequencing revealed a set of 7 miRNAs packaged in the EVs inhibited MAPK, an inflammation related pathway.

Conclusion: These results point to a rapid and easy strategy to produce targeting EVs and suggest a potential therapeutic agent for ischemic stroke.

FOSL2 promotes VEGF-independent angiogenesis by transcriptionnally activating Wnt5a in breast cancer-associated fibroblasts

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a predominant component of the tumor microenvironment, contribute to aggressive angiogenesis progression. In clinical practice, traditional anti-angiogenic therapy, mainly anti-VEGF, provides extremely limited beneficial effects to breast cancer. Here, we reveal that FOS-like 2 (FOSL2), a transcription factor in breast CAFs, plays a critical role in VEGF-independent angiogenesis in stromal fibroblasts.

Methods: FOSL2 and Wnt5a expression was assessed by qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry in primary and immortalized CAFs and clinical samples. FOSL2- or Wnt5a-silenced CAFs and FOSL2-overexpressing NFs were established to explore their proangiogenic effects. Invasion, tubule formation, three-dimensional sprouting assays, and orthotopic xenografts were conducted as angiogenesis experiments. FZD5/NF-κB/ERK signaling activation was evaluated by western blotting after blocking VEGF/VEGFR with an anti-VEGF antibody and axitinib. Dual luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation were performed to test the role of FOSL2 in regulating Wnt5a expression, and Wnt5a in the serum of the patients was measured to assess its clinical diagnostic value for breast cancer patients.

Results: Enhanced FOSL2 in breast CAFs was significantly associated with angiogenesis and clinical progression in patients. The supernatant from CAFs highly expressing FOSL2 strongly promoted tube formation and sprouting of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a VEGF-independent manner and angiogenesis as well as tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, the enhanced FOSL2 in CAFs was regulated by estrogen/cAMP/PKA signaling. Wnt5a, a direct target of FOSL2, specifically activated FZD5/NF-κB/ERK signaling in HUVECs to promote VEGF-independent angiogenesis. In addition, a high level of Wnt5a was commonly detected in the serum of breast cancer patients and closely correlated with microvessel density in breast tumor tissues, suggesting a promising clinical value of Wnt5a for breast cancer diagnostics.

Conclusion: FOSL2/Wnt5a signaling plays an essential role in breast cancer angiogenesis in a VEGF-independent manner, and targeting the FOSL2/Wnt5a signaling axis in CAFs may offer a potential option for antiangiogenesis therapy.

Towards precision nanomedicine for cerebrovascular diseases with emphasis on Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM)

Introduction: Cerebrovascular diseases encompass various disorders of the brain vasculature, such as ischemic/hemorrhagic strokes, aneurysms, and vascular malformations, also affecting the central nervous system leading to a large variety of transient or permanent neurological disorders. They represent major causes of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, and some of them can be inherited, including Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM), an autosomal dominant cerebrovascular disease linked to mutations in CCM1/KRIT1, CCM2, or CCM3/PDCD10 genes.Areas covered: Besides marked clinical and etiological heterogeneity, some commonalities are emerging among distinct cerebrovascular diseases, including key pathogenetic roles of oxidative stress and inflammation, which are increasingly recognized as major disease hallmarks and therapeutic targets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the different clinical features and common pathogenetic determinants of cerebrovascular diseases, highlighting major challenges, including the pressing need for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and focusing on emerging innovative features and promising benefits of nanomedicine strategies for early detection and targeted treatment of such diseases.Expert opinion: Specifically, we describe and discuss the multiple physico-chemical features and unique biological advantages of nanosystems, including nanodiagnostics, nanotherapeutics, and nanotheranostics, that may help improving diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases and neurological comorbidities, with an emphasis on CCM disease.

Differences of Angiogenesis Factors in Tumor and Diabetes Mellitus

Angiogenesis, as a process occurring under the regulation of a variety of factors, is one of the important ways of vascular development. It coexists in a variety of pathological and physiological processes. Now a large number of studies have proved that tumor growth, metastasis, and various vascular complications of diabetes are closely related to angiogenesis, and an increasing number of studies have shown that there are many common factors between the two. But angiogenesis is the opposite of the two: it is enhanced in tumors and suppressed in diabetes. Therefore, this review discusses the causes of the phenomenon from the expression of various factors affecting angiogenesis in these two diseases and their effects on angiogenesis in the relevant microenvironment, as well as the application status of these factors or cells as therapeutic targets in the treatment of these two diseases.

Dynamic change of MMP-9 in diabetic stroke visualized by optical imaging and treated with CD28 superagonist

By utilizing NIRF imaging, diabetic stroke mice were visualized with a trend of higher levels of MMP-9 than wild-type mice. CD28 SA down-regulated the expression of MMP-9 and represents a potential treatment to diabetic stroke.

Stroke treatment: Is exosome therapy superior to stem cell therapy?

Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability and death, and currently, ideal clinical treatment is lacking. Stem cell transplantation is a widely-used treatment approach for stroke. When compared with other types of stem cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been widely studied because of their many advantages. The paracrine effect is the primary mechanism for stem cells to play their role, and exosomes play an essential role in the paracrine effect. When compared with cell therapy, cell-free exosome therapy can prevent many risks and difficulties, and therefore, represents a promising and novel approach for treatment. In this study, we reviewed the research progress in the application of BMSCs-derived exosomes (BMSCs-exos) and BMSCs in the treatment of stroke. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of cell therapy and cell-free exosome therapy were described, and the possible factors that hinder the introduction of these two treatments into the clinic were analyzed. Furthermore, we reviewed the current optimization methods of cell therapy and cell-free exosome therapy. Taken together, we hypothesize that cell-free exosome therapy will have excellent research prospects in the future, and therefore, it is worth further exploring. There are still some issues that need to be further addressed. For example, differences between the in vivo microenvironment and in vitro culture conditions will affect the paracrine effect of stem cells. Most importantly, we believe that more preclinical and clinical design studies are required to compare the efficacy of stem cells and exosomes.

Endogenous Regulatory T Cells Promote M2 Macrophage Phenotype in Diabetic Stroke as Visualized by Optical Imaging

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an immunosuppressive role in various diseases, yet their function remains controversial in stroke and obscure in diabetic stroke. In the present study, Tregs were found downregulated in the peripheral blood of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) stroke models and patients compared with controls. In ischemic stroke mice (both T2DM and wild type), endogenous Tregs boosted by CD28SA increased CD206+ M2 macrophage/microglia cells, decreased infarct volumes, and improved neurological recovery. Our results demonstrated the potential of boosting Tregs for treating T2DM stroke. Furthermore, we utilized an optical imaging probe (IRD-αCD206) to target M2 macrophage/microglia cells and demonstrated its effect in visualizing M2 macrophage/microglia cells in vivo in ischemic brain tissue.

Circular RNA TLK1 Aggravates Neuronal Injury and Neurological Deficits after Ischemic Stroke via miR-335-3p/TIPARP

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are expressed at high levels in the brain and are involved in various CNS diseases. However, the potential role of circRNAs in ischemic stroke-associated neuronal injury remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the important functions of circRNA TLK1 (circTLK1) in this process. The levels of circTLK1 were significantly increased in brain tissues in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. Knockdown of circTLK1 significantly decreased infarct volumes, attenuated neuronal injury, and improved neurological deficits. Furthermore, circTLK1 functioned as an endogenous miR-335-3p sponge to inhibit miR-335-3p activity, resulting in the increase of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-inducible poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase expression and a subsequent exacerbation of neuronal injury. Clinical studies confirmed increased levels of circTLK1 in the plasma of patients with acute ischemic stroke (59 males and 12 females). Our findings reveal a detrimental role of circTLK1 in ischemic brain injury.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The extent of neuronal injury after brain ischemia is a primary factor determining stroke outcomes. However, the molecular switches that control the death of ischemic neurons are poorly understood. While our previous studies indicated the involvement of circRNAs in ischemic stroke, the potential role of circRNAs in neuronal injury remains largely unknown. The levels of circTLK1 were significantly increased in the brain tissue and plasma isolated from animal models of ischemic stroke and patients. Knockdown of circTLK1 significantly decreased infarct volumes, attenuated neuronal injury, and improved subsequent long-term neurological deficits. To our knowledge, these results provide the first definitive evidence that circTLK1 is detrimental in ischemic stroke.

Antibody-Oriented Strategy and Mechanism for the Preparation of Fluorescent Nanoprobes for Fast and Sensitive Immunodetection

Nanoprobes have been widely used in biomedical engineering. However, antibodies are generally conjugated onto nanoparticles disorderly, which reduces their antigen recognition ability. The existing antibody orientation approaches are usually complex. Here, we developed and demonstrated a simple antibody-oriented strategy for the lateral flow immunoassay of cardiac troponin I by conjugating antibodies onto polystyrene nanospheres at the optimal pH. The binding amount and orientation of antibodies as well as the detection sensitivity were significantly improved. Although pH regulation is commonly used to optimize antibody conjugation, this paper illustrates the mechanism of its antibody orientation enhancement ability for the first time and reveals the important influences of the density, the charge distribution and hydrophilicity of the antibody, the control of the velocities of physical adsorption and chemical coupling, and other factors on antibody orientation. It is of great significance to understand and regulate antibody conjugation on the surface of micro- or nanospheres to construct high-performance probes for in vitro diagnosis applications.

Exosome-mediated targeted delivery of miR-210 for angiogenic therapy after cerebral ischemia in mice

Background

Accumulating evidence shows that microRNA-210 (miR-210) holds great promise to improve angiogenesis for brain tissue repair after cerebral ischemia. However, safe and efficient delivery of miR-210 via intravenous administration is still a challenge. In the past decade, exosomes have emerged as a novel endogenous delivery system. Here, c(RGDyK) peptide is conjugated to exosomes, and they are loaded with cholesterol-modified miR-210 (RGD-exo:miR-210).

Results

In a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model, the RGD-exo:miR-210 targets the lesion region of the ischemic brain after intravenous administration, resulting in an increase in miR-210 at the site. Furthermore, RGD-exo:miR-210 are administered once every other day for 14 days, and the expressions of integrin β₃, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD34 are significantly upregulated. The animal survival rate is also enhanced.

Conclusions

These results suggest a strategy for the targeted delivery of miR-210 to ischemic brain and provide an angiogenic agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12951-019-0461-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Novel insight into circular RNA HECTD1 in astrocyte activation via autophagy by targeting MIR142-TIPARP: implications for cerebral ischemic stroke

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are highly expressed in the central nervous system and are involved in the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological processes. However, the potential role of circRNAs in stroke remains largely unknown. Here, using a circRNA microarray, we showed that circular RNA Hectd1 (circHectd1) levels were significantly increased in ischemic brain tissues in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse stroke models and further validated this finding in plasma samples from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Knockdown of circHectd1 expression significantly decreased infarct areas, attenuated neuronal deficits, and ameliorated astrocyte activation in tMCAO mice. Mechanistically, circHECTD1 functions as an endogenous MIR142 (microRNA 142) sponge to inhibit MIR142 activity, resulting in the inhibition of TIPARP (TCDD inducible poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase) expression with subsequent inhibition of astrocyte activation via macroautophagy/autophagy. Taken together, the results of our study indicate that circHECTD1 and its coupling mechanism are involved in cerebral ischemia, thus providing translational evidence that circHECTD1 can serve as a novel biomarker of and therapeutic target for stroke.

ABBREVIATIONS

3-MA: 3-methyladenine; ACTB: actin beta; AIS: acute ischemic stroke; AS: primary mouse astrocytes; BECN1: beclin 1, autophagy related; BMI: body mass index; circHECTD1: circRNA HECTD1; circRNAs: circular RNAs; CBF: cerebral blood flow; Con: control; DAPI: 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; ECA: external carotid artery; FISH: fluorescence in situ hybridization; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; Gdna: genomic DNA; GFAP: glial fibrillary acidic protein; GO: gene ontology; HDL: high-density lipoprotein; IOD: integrated optical density; LDL: low-density lipoprotein; LPA: lipoprotein(a); MAP1LC3B: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MIR142: microRNA 142; mNSS: modified neurological severity scores; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; NIHSS: National Institute of Health Stoke Scale; OGD-R: oxygen glucose deprivation-reperfusion; PCR: polymerase chain reaction; PFA: paraformaldehyde; SQSTM1: sequestosome 1; TIPARP: TCDD inducible poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase; tMCAO: transient middle cerebral artery occlusion; TTC: 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride; UTR: untranslated region; WT: wild type.

Neuronal PirB Upregulated in Cerebral Ischemia Acts as an Attractive Theranostic Target for Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke is a complex disease with multiple etiologies and clinical manifestations. Paired immunoglobulin-like receptor B (PirB), which is originally thought to function exclusively in the immune system, is now also known to be expressed by neurons. A growing number of studies indicate that PirB can inhibit neurite outgrowth and restrict neuronal plasticity. The aim of the study is to investigate whether PirB can be an attractive theranostic target for ischemic stroke.

METHODS AND RESULTS

First, we investigated the spatial-temporal expression of PirB in multiple ischemic stroke models, including transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, photothrombotic cerebral cortex ischemia, and the neuronal oxygen glucose deprivation model. Then, anti-PirB immunoliposome nanoprobe was developed by thin-film hydration method and investigated its specific targeting in vitro and in vivo. Finally, soluble PirB ectodomain (sPirB) protein delivered by polyethylene glycol-modified nanoliposome was used as a therapeutic reagent for ischemic stroke by blocking PirB binding to its endogenous ligands. These results showed that PirB was significantly upregulated after cerebral ischemic injury in ischemic stroke models. Anti-PirB immunoliposome nanoprobe was successfully developed and specifically bound to PirB in vitro. There was accumulation of anti-PirB immunoliposome nanoprobe in the ischemic hemisphere in vivo. Soluble PirB ectodomains remarkably improved ischemic stroke model recovery by liposomal delivery system.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicated that PirB was a significant element in the pathological process of cerebral ischemia. Therefore, PirB may act as a novel theranostic target for ischemic stroke.

Circular RNA DLGAP4 Ameliorates Ischemic Stroke Outcomes by Targeting miR-143 to Regulate Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition Associated with Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are highly expressed in the CNS and regulate physiological and pathophysiological processes. However, the potential role of circRNAs in stroke remains largely unknown. Here, we show that the circRNA DLGAP4 (circDLGAP4) functions as an endogenous microRNA-143 (miR-143) sponge to inhibit miR-143 activity, resulting in the inhibition of homologous to the E6-AP C-terminal domain E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 expression. circDLGAP4 levels were significantly decreased in the plasma of acute ischemic stroke patients (13 females and 13 males) and in a mouse stroke model. Upregulation of circDLGAP4 expression significantly attenuated neurological deficits and decreased infarct areas and blood-brain barrier damage in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion mouse stroke model. Endothelial-mesenchymal transition contributes to blood-brain barrier disruption and circDLGAP4 overexpression significantly inhibited endothelial-mesenchymal transition by regulating tight junction protein and mesenchymal cell marker expression. Together, the results of our study are illustrative of the involvement of circDLGAP4 and its coupling mechanism in cerebral ischemia, providing translational evidence that circDLGAP4 serves as a novel therapeutic target for acute cerebrovascular protection.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological processes. However, whether circRNAs are involved in ischemic injury, particularly cerebrovascular disorders, remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate a critical role for circular RNA DLGAP4 (circDLGAP4), a novel circular RNA originally identified as a sponge for microRNA-143 (miR-143), in ischemic stroke outcomes. Overexpression of circDLGAP4 significantly attenuated neurological deficits and decreased infarct areas and blood-brain barrier damage in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion mouse stroke model. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the efficacy of circRNA injection in an ischemic stroke model. Our investigation suggests that circDLGAP4 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for acute ischemic injury.

MiR-205/YAP1 in Activated Fibroblasts of Breast Tumor Promotes VEGF-independent Angiogenesis through STAT3 Signaling

Tumor microenvironment contributes to tumor angiogenesis. However, the role of the activated cancer associated-fibroblasts (CAFs) in angiogenesis is still unclear. Here we report that miR-205/YAP1 signaling in the activated stromal fibroblasts plays a critical role in VEGF-independent angiogenesis in breast tumor. Methods: miR-205 expression was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR); YAP1 expression by qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry; IL11 and IL15 expression by qRT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA. Tube formation and three-dimensioned sprouting assays in vitro, and orthotopic Xenografts in vivo were conducted as angiogenesis experiments. The mechanism of miR-205/YAP1-mediated tumor angiogenesis was analyzed via overexpression and shRNA, siRNA, or antibody neutralization experiments in combination with anti-VEGF antibody or Axitinib. Results: miR-205/YAP1 signaling axis activates breast normal fibroblasts (NFs) into CAFs, promotes tubule formation and sprouting of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). Rescue of miR-205 in CAFs blunts angiogenesis processes. YAP1, a target of miR-205, does not regulate VEGF expression but specifically enhances IL11 and IL15 expressions, maintaining tumor angiogenesis even in the presence of Axitinib or after exhaustion of VEGF by neutralizing VEGF antibody. IL11 and IL15 released from CAFs activate STAT3 signaling in HUVECs. Blockage of IL11 and IL15 expression in CAFs results in the inactivation of STAT3-signaling in HUVECs and repression of the CAF-induced angiogenesis. The blunt angiogenesis halts the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells in vivo. Conclusions: These results provide a novel insight into breast CAF-induced tumor angiogenesis in a VEGF-independent manner.

Non-Invasive Monitoring of CNS MHC-I Molecules in Ischemic Stroke Mice

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The expression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules in the central nervous system, which are silenced under normal physiological conditions, have been reported to be induced by injury stimulation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether MHC-I molecules could serve as molecular targets for the acute phase of ischemic stroke and to assess whether a high-affinity peptide specific for MHC-I molecules could be applied in the near-infrared imaging of cerebral ischemic mice. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of MHC-I molecules in two mouse models of cerebral ischemic stroke and an in vitro model of ischemia. The NetMHC 4.0 server was used to screen a high-affinity peptide specific for mouse MHC-I molecules. The Rosetta program was used to identify the specificity and affinity of the screened peptide (histocompatibility-2 binding peptide, H2BP). The results demonstrated that MHC-I molecules could serve as molecular targets for the acute phase of ischemic stroke. Cy5.5-H2BP molecular probes could be applied in the near-infrared imaging of cerebral ischemic mice. Research on the expression of MHC-I molecules in the acute phase after ischemia and MHC-I-targeted imaging may not only be helpful for understanding the mechanism of ischemic and hypoxic brain injury and repair but also has potential application value in the imaging of ischemic stroke.

Nicotinamide Administration Improves Remyelination after Stroke

AIMS

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine whether nicotinamide administration could improve remyelination after stroke and reveal the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Adult male C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered with nicotinamide (200 mg/kg, daily) or saline after stroke induced by photothrombotic occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. FK866 (3 mg/kg, daily, bis in die), an inhibitor of NAMPT, and ANA-12 (0.5 mg/kg, daily), an antagonist of tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), were administered intraperitoneally 1 h before nicotinamide administration. Functional recovery, MRI, and histological assessment were performed after stroke at different time points.

RESULTS

The nicotinamide-treated mice showed significantly lower infarct area 7 d after stroke induction and significantly higher fractional anisotropy (FA) in the ipsilesional internal capsule (IC) 14 d after stroke induction than the other groups. Higher levels of NAD⁺, BDNF, and remyelination markers were observed in the nicotinamide-treated group. FK866 administration reduced NAD⁺ and BDNF levels in the nicotinamide-treated group. ANA-12 administration impaired the recovery from stroke with no effect on NAD⁺ and BDNF levels. Furthermore, lesser functional deficits were observed in the nicotinamide-treated group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Nicotinamide administration improves remyelination after stroke via the NAD⁺/BDNF/TrkB pathway.

Bioluminescence imaging of transplanted human endothelial colony-forming cells in an ischemic mouse model

Ischemic strokes are devastating events responsible for high mortality and morbidity worldwide each year. Endothelial colony-forming cell (ECFC) therapy holds promise for stroke treatment; however, grafted ECFCs need to be monitored better understand their biological behavior in vivo, so as to evaluate their safety and successful delivery. The objectives of this study are to visualize the fate of infused human cord blood derived ECFCs via bioluminescence imaging (BLI) in an ischemic stroke mouse model and to determine the therapeutic effects of ECFC transplantation. ECFCs derived from human umbilical cord blood were infected with lentivirus carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) and firefly luciferase (Luc2) double fusion reporter gene. Labeled ECFCs were grafted into a photothrombotic ischemic stroke mouse model via intra-arterial injection though the left cardiac ventricle. The homing of infused cells and functional recovery of stroke mice were evaluated using BLI, neurological scoring, and immunohistochemistry. Significantly, BLI signals were highest in the brain on day 1 and decreased steadily until day 14. GFP-positive cells were also found surrounding infarct border zones in brain sections using immunohistochemical staining, suggesting that ECFCs properly homed to the ischemic brain tissue. Using a modified neurological severity score assay and histological analysis of brain slices with CD31 immunostaining in brain tissue, double cortin analysis, and the TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, we demonstrated functional restoration, improved angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and decreased apoptosis in ischemic mice after ECFC infusion. Collectively, our data support that ECFCs may be a promising therapeutic agent for stroke.

Advancement in integrin facilitated drug delivery

The research of integrin-targeted anticancer agents has recorded important advancements in ingenious design of delivery systems, based either on the prodrug approach, or on nanoparticle carriers, but for now, none of these has reached a clinical stage of development. Past work in this area has been extensively reviewed by us and others. Thus, the purpose and scope of the present review is to survey the advancement reported in the last 3years, with focus on innovative delivery systems that appear to afford openings for future developments. These systems exploit the labelling with conventional and novel integrin ligands for targeting the interface of cancer cells and of endothelial cells involved in cancer angiogenesis, with the proteins of the extracellular matrix, in the circulation, in tissues, and in tumour stroma, as the site of progression and metastatic evolution of the disease. Furthermore, these systems implement the expertise in the development of nanomedicines to the purpose of achieving preferential biodistribution and uptake in cancer tissues, internalisation in cancer cells, and release of the transported drugs at intracellular sites. The assessment of the value of controlling these factors, and their combination, for future developments requires support of biological testing in appropriate mechanistic models, but also imperatively demand confirmation in therapeutically relevant in vivo models for biodistribution, efficacy, and lack of off-target effects. Thus, among many studies, we have tried to point out the results supported by relevant in vivo studies, and we have emphasised in specific sections those addressing the medical needs of drug delivery to brain tumours, as well as the delivery of oligonucleotides modulating gene-dependent pathological mechanism. The latter could constitute the basis of a promising third branch in the therapeutic armamentarium against cancer, in addition to antibody-based agents and to cytotoxic agents.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Knockdown Blocks the Angiogenic and Protective Effects of Angiotensin Modulation After Experimental Stroke

Angiotensin type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) have been shown to be neuroprotective and neurorestorative in experimental stroke. The mechanisms proposed include anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic effects, as well as stimulation of endogenous trophic factors leading to angiogenesis and neuroplasticity. We aimed to investigate the involvement of the neurotrophin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in ARB-mediated functional recovery after stroke. To achieve this aim, Wistar rats received bilateral intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) lentiviral particles or nontargeting control (NTC) vector, to knock down BDNF in both hemispheres. After 14 days, rats were subjected to 90-min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and received the ARB, candesartan, 1 mg/kg, or saline IV at reperfusion (one dose), then followed for another 14 days using a battery of behavioral tests. BDNF protein expression was successfully reduced by about 70 % in both hemispheres at 14 days after bilateral shRNA lentiviral particle injection. The NTC group that received candesartan showed better functional outcome as well as increased vascular density and synaptogenesis as compared to saline treatment. BDNF knockdown abrogated the beneficial effects of candesartan on neurobehavioral outcome, vascular density, and synaptogenesis. In conclusion, BDNF is directly involved in candesartan-mediated functional recovery, angiogenesis, and synaptogenesis.

Role of P38 MAPK on MMP Activity in Photothrombotic Stroke Mice as Measured using an Ultrafast MMP Activatable Probe

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) exert a dual effect in ischemic stroke and thus represent an ideal target for detection and therapy. However, to date, all clinical trials of MMP inhibitors have failed, and alternative drug candidates and therapeutic targets are urgently required. Nonetheless, further investigations are limited by the lack of non-invasive imaging techniques. Here, we report a novel, fast and ultrasensitive MMP activatable optical imaging probe for the dynamic visualization of MMP activity in photothrombotic stroke mice. This probe provides a significant signal enhancement in as little as 15 min, with the highest signal intensity occurring at 1 h post-injection, and shows high sensitivity in measuring MMP activity alterations, which makes it specifically suitable for the real-time visualization of MMP activity and drug discovery in preclinical research. Moreover, using this probe, we successfully demonstrate that the regulation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway is capable of modulating MMP activity after stroke, revealing a novel regulatory mechanism of postischemic brain damage and overcoming the limitations of traditional therapeutic strategies associated with MMP inhibitors by using a non-invasive molecular imaging method.

Bone Marrow Endothelial Progenitor Cell Transplantation After Ischemic Stroke: An Investigation Into Its Possible Mechanism

AIMS

We tested the hypothesis that endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-mediated functional recovery after stroke may be associated with the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway.

METHODS

Mice were infused with either EPCs or saline after being subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion. The EPC-treated mice also received intravenous injections of either Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, the NOS inhibitor) or saline.

RESULTS

The activation of eNOS and the expression of BDNF were significantly increased in ischemic brain of the EPC-treated mice, along with increased angiogenesis and neurogenesis. On diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), significant increases in fractional anisotropy and fiber count were observed in white matter, indicating axonal growth stimulated by EPCs. However, the EPC-treated mice that were received an L-NAME injection failed to exhibit the observed increases in angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and axonal growth. In addition, the neurons cocultured with EPCs in vitro exhibited the increased expression of BDNF and decreased apoptosis after oxygen-glucose deprivation compared with the control group. This EPC-induced protective effect was virtually absent in the L-NAME treatment group.

CONCLUSION

The eNOS/BDNF pathway may be involved in the EPC-mediated functional recovery of stroke mice. DTI is feasible for dynamically tracking the orientation of axonal projections after EPC treatment.

Cellular connections, microenvironment and brain angiogenesis in diabetes: Lost communication signals in the post-stroke period

Diabetes not only increases the risk but also worsens the motor and cognitive recovery after stroke, which is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Repair after stroke requires coordinated communication among various cell types in the central nervous system as well as circulating cells. Vascular restoration is critical for the enhancement of neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Given that vascular disease is a major component of all complications associated with diabetes including stroke, this review will focus on cellular communications that are important for vascular restoration in the context of diabetes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Cell Interactions In Stroke.

Applications of nanoparticles in cancer medicine and beyond: optical and multimodal in vivo imaging, tissue targeting and drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

Nanotechnology has opened up the way to the engineering of new organized materials endowed with improved performances. In the past decade, engineered nanoparticles (NPs) have been progressively implemented by exploiting synthetic strategies that yield complex materials capable of performing functions with applications also in medicine. Indeed, in the field of 'nanomedicine' it has been explored the possibility to design multifunctional nanosystems, characterized by high analytical performances and stability, low toxicity and specificity towards a given cell target.

AREA COVERED

In this review article, we summarize the advances in the engineering of NPs for biomedical applications, from optical imaging (OI) to multimodal OI and targeted drug delivery. For this purpose, we will provide some examples of how investigations in nanomedicine can support preclinical and clinical research generating innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in oncology.

EXPERT OPINION

The progressive breakthroughs in nanomedicine have supported the development of multifunctional and multimodal NPs. In particular, NPs are significantly impacting the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies since they allow the development of: NP-based OI probes containing more than one modality-specific contrast agent; surface functionalized NPs for specific 'molecular recognition'. Therefore, the design and characterization of innovative NP-based systems/devices have great applicative potential into the medical field.

Non-invasive monitoring of transplanted endothelial progenitor cells in diabetic ischemic stroke models

Endogenous endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are functionally impaired in hyperglycemia through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. However, the number and function of transplanted exogenous EPCs in diabetic animals remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to establish a non-invasive imaging strategy to monitor the homing of transplanted EPCs in diabetic stroke mice and to assess the effect of RWJ 67657, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, on the homing ability of exogenous EPCs. Bone marrow-derived EPCs were labeled in vitro with a multi-functional nanoprobe modified with paramagnetic chelators and fluorophores before being infused into stroke mice. The signal of the nanoprobe reached its peak on day 5 in both magnetic resonance imaging and near-infrared fluorescence imaging after EPC transplantation in wild-type stroke models. The signal enhancement of diabetic stroke models was significantly lower than that of wild-type controls. However, the signal intensity of diabetic stroke models significantly increased after oral administration of RWJ 67657, indicating that more transplanted EPCs migrated to the ischemic brain. Furthermore, the increased exogenous EPCs induced remarkably greater angiogenesis after stroke. These results suggest that this dual-modal imaging strategy is feasible for non-invasively monitoring transplanted cells in vivo.