scholarly journals Placental Growth Factor Mediates Crosstalk Between Lung Cancer Cells and Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Controlling Cancer Vascularization and Growth

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 2534-2543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changjun He ◽  
Kaibin Zhu ◽  
Xue Bai ◽  
Yingbin Li ◽  
Dawei Sun ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Assistance with tumor-associated vascularization is needed for the growth and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recently, it was shown that placental growth factor (PLGF) expressed by NSCLC cells had a critical role in promoting the metastasis of NSCLC cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Methods: Here, we first established a NSCLC model in mice that allows us not only to isolate tumor cells from non-tumor cells in the tumor, but also to trace tumor cells in living animals. Levels of PLGF, its unique receptor Flt-1, as well as transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) was examined in tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) by RT-qPCR. A transwell well co-culture system and HUVEC assay were applied to study the crosstalk between NSCLC cells and TAM. Results: NSCLC cells produced and secreted PLGF to signal to tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) through surface expression of Flt-1 on macrophages. In a transwell co-culture system, PLGF secreted by NSCLC cells triggered macrophage polarization to a TAM subtype that promote growth of NSCLC cells. Moreover, polarized TAM seemed to secrete TGFβ1 to enhance the growth of endothelial cells in a HUVEC assay. Conclusion: The cross-talk between TAM and NSCLC cells via PLGF/Flt-1 and TGFβ receptor signaling may promote the growth and vascularization of NSCLC.

2009 ◽  
Vol 206 (11) ◽  
pp. 2407-2416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyoti Das ◽  
Guangwen Ren ◽  
Liying Zhang ◽  
Arthur I. Roberts ◽  
Xin Zhao ◽  
...  

Interleukin (IL)-17–producing T helper (Th17) cells play a critical role in the pathophysiology of several autoimmune disorders. The differentiation of Th17 cells requires the simultaneous presence of an unusual combination of cytokines: IL-6, a proinflammatory cytokine, and transforming growth factor (TGF) β, an antiinflammatory cytokine. However, the molecular mechanisms by which TGF-β exerts its effects on Th17 cell differentiation remain elusive. We report that TGF-β does not directly promote Th17 cell differentiation but instead acts indirectly by blocking expression of the transcription factors signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 4 and GATA-3, thus preventing Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation. In contrast, TGF-β had no effect on the expression of retinoic acid receptor–related orphan nuclear receptor γt, a Th17-specific transcription factor. Interestingly, in Stat-6−/−T-bet−/− mice, which are unable to generate Th1 and Th2 cells, IL-6 alone was sufficient to induce robust differentiation of Th17 cells, whereas TGF-β had no effect, suggesting that TGF-β is dispensable for Th17 cell development. Consequently, BALB/c Stat-6−/−T-bet−/− mice, but not wild-type BALB/c mice, were highly susceptible to the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, which could be blocked by anti–IL-17 antibodies but not by anti–TGF-β antibodies. Collectively, these data provide evidence that TGF-β is not directly required for the molecular orchestration of Th17 cell differentiation.


2006 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 1141-1144 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.P. Ramji ◽  
N.N. Singh ◽  
P. Foka ◽  
S.A. Irvine ◽  
K. Arnaoutakis

The regulation of macrophage cholesterol homoeostasis is of crucial importance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, an underlying cause of heart attack and stroke. Several recent studies have revealed a critical role for the cytokine TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β), a key regulator of the immune and inflammatory responses, in atherogenesis. We discuss here the TGF-β signalling pathway and its role in this disease along with the outcome of our recent studies on the action of the cytokine on the expression of key genes implicated in the uptake or efflux of cholesterol by macrophages and the molecular mechanisms underlying such regulation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 1210-1218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Ting Zhang ◽  
Yuqing Lou ◽  
Bo Yan ◽  
Shaohua Cui ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Neovascularization and invasion coordinate cancer metastases in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Recently, a substantial role of placental growth factor (PLGF) in cancer cell invasion has been acknowledged in several types of cancer, whereas a possible involvement of PLGF in the metastases of NSCLC has not been studied. Methods: Here, we analyzed the levels of PLGF and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in NSCLC specimens. We modified either PLGF or MMP9 levels in a NSCLC cell line A549, and examined the effects on the levels of MMP9 and PLGF. The cell invasiveness was quantified in a transwell cell migration assay. Pathway inhibitors were applied to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the control of MMP9 by PLGF. Results: We found that PLGF and MMP9 levels both significantly increased in the NSCLC specimens and were strongly correlated. Overexpression of PLGF in NSCLC cells increased the levels of MMP9 and cell invasiveness, while inhibition of PLGF in NSCLC cells decreased the levels of MMP9 and cell invasiveness. However, modification of MMP9 levels in NSCLC cells did not alter the levels of PLGF. These data suggest that PLGF may regulate MMP9 in NSCLC cells, but not vice versa. Moreover, inhibition of MMP9 in PLGF-overexpressing NSCLC cells abolished the effects of PLGF on cell invasiveness, suggesting that PLGF increases cell invasion via MMP9. Furthermore, suppression of MAPK-p38, but not suppression of either MAPK-p42/p44, or PI3k, or JNK signaling, substantially abolished the effect of PLGF on MMP9, suggesting that PLGF may activate MMP9 via MAPK-p38 signaling pathway. Conclusion: PLGF-stimulated cancer invasion may be mediated through its effects on MMP9 activation in NSCLC cells.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 4229-4229
Author(s):  
Mani Mohindru ◽  
Perry Pahanish ◽  
Robert Collins ◽  
Tony Navas ◽  
Linda Higgins ◽  
...  

Abstract Cytokines play important roles in the regulation of normal hematopoiesis and a balance between the actions of hematopoietic growth factors and myelosuppressive factors is required for optimal production of cells of different hematopoietic lineages. Even though the effects of Type I Interferons (IFNs α,β) and Transforming Growth Factor βs (TGF βs) as negative regulators of hematopoiesis are well documented, the exact molecular mechanisms by which such effects occur remain unknown. Our previous studies had shown that pharmacological inhibition of the p38 MAPK with commercially available inhibitors SB203580 and SB 202190 was able to reverse the myelosuppresion caused by IFN and TGF β. These inhibitors cannot be used in human studies due to toxicity and are also questioned for their selectivity in inhibiting the p38 MAPK. Thus, to confirm the role of p38 MAPK in regulating hematopoeisis, we conducted experiments with SD-282, a more potent and selective inhibitor of p38 α. SD-282 also performs very similarly in animal and cell models to a p38 inhibitor now in the clinic. Our results show that SD-282 is able to inhibit p38 MAPK selectively in primary human erythroid progenitors (at CFU-E stage of maturation) and suppress activation of downstream kinase MapKapK-2 after IFN α stimulation. In methycellulose clonogenic assays with mobilized CD34+ cells, IFN α treatment resulted in marked suppression of both erythroid (BFU-E) and myeloid (CFU-GM) colonies, which could be reversed in the presence of p38 inhibitor SD-282. In a similar manner TGF-β2 was not able to effectively inhibit both erythroid and myeloid colonies in the presence of p38 blockade by SD-282. In further studies, we demonstrate that the primary mechanism by which the p38 MAPK pathway mediates IFN mediated hematopoietic suppression is by regulation of cell cycle progression and is unrelated to induction of apoptosis. Treatment with p38 inhibitors led to significantly lesser numbers of cells in G0/G1 phase of cell cycle arrest induced by exposure to IFN α. Altogether, these findings confirm that the p38 MAPK signalling pathway is a common effector for type I IFN and TGF beta signaling in human hematopoietic progenitors and plays a critical role in the induction of the suppressive effects of these cytokines on normal hematopoiesis. Our studies also provide a rationale for the use of SD-282 and other p38 inhibitors in cytokine mediated hematological diseases.


2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (22) ◽  
pp. 4087-4099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher C. Valley ◽  
Donna J. Arndt-Jovin ◽  
Narain Karedla ◽  
Mara P. Steinkamp ◽  
Alexey I. Chizhik ◽  
...  

Mutations within the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/erbB1/Her1) are often associated with tumorigenesis. In particular, a number of EGFR mutants that demonstrate ligand-independent signaling are common in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including kinase domain mutations L858R (also called L834R) and exon 19 deletions (e.g., ΔL747-P753insS), which collectively make up nearly 90% of mutations in NSCLC. The molecular mechanisms by which these mutations confer constitutive activity remain unresolved. Using multiple subdiffraction-limit imaging modalities, we reveal the altered receptor structure and interaction kinetics of NSCLC-associated EGFR mutants. We applied two-color single quantum dot tracking to quantify receptor dimerization kinetics on living cells and show that, in contrast to wild-type EGFR, mutants are capable of forming stable, ligand-independent dimers. Two-color superresolution localization microscopy confirmed ligand-independent aggregation of EGFR mutants. Live-cell Förster resonance energy transfer measurements revealed that the L858R kinase mutation alters ectodomain structure such that unliganded mutant EGFR adopts an extended, dimerization-competent conformation. Finally, mutation of the putative dimerization arm confirmed a critical role for ectodomain engagement in ligand-independent signaling. These data support a model in which dysregulated activity of NSCLC-associated kinase mutants is driven by coordinated interactions involving both the kinase and extracellular domains that lead to enhanced dimerization.


2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 1062-1069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bixia Pan ◽  
Guohui Liu ◽  
Zongpei Jiang ◽  
Dongwen Zheng

Background/Aims: Since renal fibrosis always predisposes end-stage renal disease, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the progression of renal fibrosis may substantially improve the understanding and treatment for renal failure. Previous studies have highlighted an important counteraction between transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ1) and bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7) in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells during chronic renal injury. Macrophages are also believed to play a critical role in renal fibrosis. However, the relationship between macrophages and EMT is unknown. Methods: Here, we used a mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model to address to these questions, and analyzed macrophage and its subpopulations purified by flow cytometry. Results: We found that the recruited macrophages are polarized to a M2 subtype after renal injury. M2 macrophages released high levels TGFβ1 to suppress BMP7 to enhance EMT-induced renal fibrosis. Depletion of M2 macrophages, but not of M1 macrophages, specifically inhibited EMT, and subsequently the renal fibrosis. Adoptive transplantation of M2 macrophages deteriorated renal fibrosis. Conclusion: Thus, our study highlights M2 macrophages as a critical target for treating renal fibrosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2580
Author(s):  
Won Kil Lee ◽  
Yeongyeong Kim ◽  
Heejin Jang ◽  
Joo Hye Sim ◽  
Hye Jin Choi ◽  
...  

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is one of the most refractory diseases in humans and is characterized by severe central fatigue accompanied with various symptoms that affect daily life, such as impaired memory, depression, and somatic pain. However, the etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of CFS remain unknown. To investigate the pathophysiological role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, we injected a cytokine into the lateral ventricle of a C57BL/6 mouse. The intracranial injection of TGF-β1 increased the immobility duration in a forced swimming test (FST) and time spent at the closed arm in elevated plus maze (EPM) analysis. The mice injected with TGF-β1 into their brain showed increased sensitivity to pain in a von Frey test, and had a decreased retention time on rotarod and latency time in a bright box in a passive avoidance test. In addition, the serum levels of muscle fatigue biomarkers, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK), were significantly increased after administration of TGF-β1. Intracranial injection of TGF-β1 significantly reduced the production of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the ventral tegmental area, accompanied by a decreased level of dopamine in the striatum. The suppression of TH expression by TGF-β1 was confirmed in the human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y. These results, which show that TGF-β1 induced fatigue-like behaviors by suppressing dopamine production, suggest that TGF-β1 plays a critical role in the development of central fatigue and is, therefore, a potential therapeutic target of the disease.


Author(s):  
Yiping Hu ◽  
Juan He ◽  
Lianhua He ◽  
Bihua Xu ◽  
Qingwen Wang

AbstractTransforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a critical role in the pathological processes of various diseases. However, the signaling mechanism of TGF-β in the pathological response remains largely unclear. In this review, we discuss advances in research of Smad7, a member of the I-Smads family and a negative regulator of TGF-β signaling, and mainly review the expression and its function in diseases. Smad7 inhibits the activation of the NF-κB and TGF-β signaling pathways and plays a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Specifically, Smad7 can not only attenuate growth inhibition, fibrosis, apoptosis, inflammation, and inflammatory T cell differentiation, but also promotes epithelial cells migration or disease development. In this review, we aim to summarize the various biological functions of Smad7 in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, cancers, and kidney diseases, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of the transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of Smad7.


2007 ◽  
Vol 204 (5) ◽  
pp. 1083-1093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hye-Ryun Kang ◽  
Chun Geun Lee ◽  
Robert J. Homer ◽  
Jack A. Elias

Semaphorin (SEMA) 7A regulates neuronal and immune function. In these studies, we tested the hypothesis that SEMA 7A is also a critical regulator of tissue remodeling. These studies demonstrate that SEMA 7A and its receptors, plexin C1 and β1 integrins, are stimulated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in the murine lung. They also demonstrate that SEMA 7A plays a critical role in TGF-β1–induced fibrosis, myofibroblast hyperplasia, alveolar remodeling, and apoptosis. TGF-β1 stimulated SEMA 7A via a largely Smad 3–independent mechanism and stimulated SEMA 7A receptors, matrix proteins, CCN proteins, fibroblast growth factor 2, interleukin 13 receptor components, proteases, antiprotease, and apoptosis regulators via Smad 2/3–independent and SEMA 7A–dependent mechanisms. SEMA 7A also played an important role in the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. TGF-β1 and bleomycin also activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (PKB)/AKT via SEMA 7A–dependent mechanisms, and PKB/AKT inhibition diminished TGF-β1–induced fibrosis. These observations demonstrate that SEMA 7A and its receptors are induced by TGF-β1 and that SEMA 7A plays a central role in a PI3K/PKB/AKT-dependent pathway that contributes to TGF-β1–induced fibrosis and remodeling. They also demonstrate that the effects of SEMA 7A are not specific for transgenic TGF-β1, highlighting the importance of these findings for other fibrotic stimuli.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document