Receptor and Molecular Mechanism of AGGF1 Signaling in Endothelial Cell Functions and Angiogenesis

Author(s):  
Jingjing Wang ◽  
Huixin Peng ◽  
Ayse Anil Timur ◽  
Vinay Pasupuleti ◽  
Yufeng Yao ◽  
...  

Objective: Angiogenic factor AGGF1 (angiogenic factor and G-patch and FHA [Forkhead-associated] domain 1) promotes angiogenesis as potently as VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A) and regulates endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, migration, specification of multipotent hemangioblasts and venous ECs, hematopoiesis, and vascular development and causes vascular disease Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome when mutated. However, the receptor for AGGF1 and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be defined. Approach and Results: Using functional blocking studies with neutralizing antibodies, we identified α5β1 as the receptor for AGGF1 on ECs. AGGF1 interacts with α5β1 and activates FAK (focal adhesion kinase), Src, and AKT. Functional analysis of 12 serial N-terminal deletions and 13 C-terminal deletions by every 50 amino acids mapped the angiogenic domain of AGGF1 to a domain between amino acids 604-613 (FQRDDAPAS). The angiogenic domain is required for EC adhesion and migration, capillary tube formation, and AKT activation. The deletion of the angiogenic domain eliminated the effects of AGGF1 on therapeutic angiogenesis and increased blood flow in a mouse model for peripheral artery disease. A 40-mer or 15-mer peptide containing the angiogenic domain blocks AGGF1 function, however, a 15-mer peptide containing a single amino acid mutation from −RDD- to −RGD- (a classical RGD integrin-binding motif) failed to block AGGF1 function. Conclusions: We have identified integrin α5β1 as an EC receptor for AGGF1 and a novel AGGF1-mediated signaling pathway of α5β1-FAK-Src-AKT for angiogenesis. Our results identify an FQRDDAPAS angiogenic domain of AGGF1 crucial for its interaction with α5β1 and signaling.

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (8) ◽  
pp. 3242-3254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tristin D. Abair ◽  
Nada Bulus ◽  
Corina Borza ◽  
Munirathinam Sundaramoorthy ◽  
Roy Zent ◽  
...  

Abstract Integrin α1β1, the major collagen type IV receptor, is expressed by endothelial cells and plays a role in both physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. Because the molecular mechanisms whereby this collagen IV receptor mediates endothelial cell functions are poorly understood, truncation and point mutants of the integrin α1 subunit cytoplasmic tail (amino acids 1137-1151) were generated and expressed into α1-null endothelial cells. We show that α1-null endothelial cells expressing the α1 subunit, which lacks the entire cytoplasmic tail (mutant α1-1136) or expresses all the amino acids up to the highly conserved GFFKR motif (mutant α1-1143), have a similar phenotype to parental α1-null cells. Pro1144 and Leu1145 were shown to be necessary for α1β1-mediated endothelial cell proliferation; Lys1146 for adhesion, migration, and tubulogenesis and Lys1147 for tubulogenesis. Integrin α1β1–dependent endothelial cell proliferation is primarily mediated by ERK activation, whereas migration and tubulogenesis require both p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt activation. Thus, distinct amino acids distal to the GFFKR motif of the α1 integrin cytoplasmic tail mediate activation of selective downstream signaling pathways and specific endothelial cell functions.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 738
Author(s):  
Sasikarn Looprasertkul ◽  
Amornpun Sereemaspun ◽  
Nakarin Kitkumthorn ◽  
Kanidta Sooklert ◽  
Tewarit Sarachana ◽  
...  

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, especially antiangiogenesis, which are accomplished via inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. However, no research has been performed on the effects of AuNPs in pericytes, which play vital roles in endothelial cell functions and capillary tube formation during physiological and pathological processes. Therefore, the effects of AuNPs on the morphology and functions of pericytes need to be elucidated. This study treated human placental pericytes in monoculture with 20 nm AuNPs at a concentration of 30 ppm. Ki-67 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β) mRNA expression was measured using real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell migration was assessed by Transwell migration assay. The fine structures of pericytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, 30 ppm AuNP-treated pericytes and intact human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cocultured on Matrigel to form three-dimensional (3D) capillary tubes. The results demonstrated that AuNPs significantly inhibited proliferation, reduced PDGFR-β mRNA expression, and decreased migration in pericytes. Ultrastructural analysis of pericytes revealed AuNPs in late endosomes, autolysosomes, and mitochondria. Remarkably, many mitochondria were swollen or damaged. Additionally, capillary tube formation was reduced. We found that numerous pericytes on 3D capillary tubes were round and did not extend their processes along the tubes, which resulted in more incomplete tube formation in the treatment group compared with the control group. In summary, AuNPs can affect pericyte proliferation, PDGFR-β mRNA expression, migration, morphology, and capillary tube formation. The findings highlight the possible application of AuNPs in pericyte-targeted therapy for antiangiogenesis.


2002 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hainsworth Y. Shin ◽  
Michael L. Smith ◽  
Karen J. Toy ◽  
P. Mickey Williams ◽  
Rena Bizios ◽  
...  

Mechanical forces modulate endothelial cell functions through several mechanisms including regulation of gene transcription. In the present study, gene transcription by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) either maintained under control pressure (that is, standard cell culture conditions equivalent to 0.15 mmHg sustained hydrostatic pressure) or exposed to 60/20 mmHg sinusoidal pressures at 1 Hz were compared using Affymetrix GeneChip microarrays to identify cellular/molecular mechanisms associated with endothelial cell responses to cyclic pressure. Cyclic pressure selectively affected transcription of 14 genes that included a set of mechanosensitive proteins involved in hemostasis (tissue plasminogen activator), cell adhesion (integrin-α2), and cell signaling (Rho B, cytosolic phospholipase A2), as well as a unique subset of cyclic pressure-sensitive genes such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2. The present study also provided first evidence that VEGF-C, the most highly induced gene under 60/20 mmHg, mediated HUVEC proliferation in response to this cyclic pressure. Cyclic pressure is, therefore, a mechanical force that modulates endothelial cell functions (such as proliferation) by activating a specific transcriptional program.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Chen ◽  
Jinqun Li ◽  
Lizhen Li ◽  
Peng Liu ◽  
Yong Xiang ◽  
...  

Avian leukosis viruses (ALVs), a type of retrovirus responsible for various tumor diseases in chickens, are divided into 11 subgroups: ALV-A to ALV-K. After the envelope glycoproteins of ALV interact with the cellular receptor to initiate viral invasion, alterations in a few amino acids of the viral glycoproteins or cell receptors may trigger changes in their conformation and binding affinity. To identify the functional determinants of the ALV-K envelope protein that binds to Tva (a recently identified cellular receptor of ALV-K), using the strategy of continuous, segment-by-segment substitution of the gp85-encoded surface glycoprotein (SU) of ALV-K GDFX0602 with ALV-E ev-1 (using Tvb as the receptor), a series of chimeric soluble gp85 proteins were expressed for co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) analysis and a series of recombinant viruses with replication-competent avian retrovirus vectors containing Bryan polymerase (RCASBP) as their skeleton were created for transfecting to DF-1 cells and titer determination. The co-IP analysis, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and virus titer measurements revealed that the substitution of residues 194–198, 206–216 of hr1, residues 251–256 between hr1 and hr2, and residues 269–280 of hr2 were identified to reduce the binding of gp85 to Tva. The substitution of residues 194–221 in hr1 nullified the infectiveness of these viruses, similar to the effect of single amino acid mutations in K251E and L252I located between hr1 and hr2; continuous amino acid mutations in hr2 could not produce the same effect despite reducing their infectiveness. Finally, single amino acid mutations G196A and R198H nearly abolished the binding of gp85 to Tva and nullified the infectiveness of these viruses to DF-1. This study paves the way for exploring the molecular mechanisms of the binding of Tva to ALV-K SU.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana B. Cerezo ◽  
María Labrador ◽  
Andrés Gutiérrez ◽  
Ruth Hornedo-Ortega ◽  
Ana M. Troncoso ◽  
...  

Angiogenesis drives evolution and destabilisation of atherosclerotic plaques and the growth and expansion of tumour cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the main endogenous pro-angiogenic factor in humans. The aim was to provide insight into the anti-VEGF activity of bioactive compounds derived from aromatic amino acids (serotonin, melatonin, 3-indoleacetic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophol and hydroxytyrosol). Experiments involved endothelial cell migration (wound-healing assay), the molecular mechanisms (ELISA assay) and the downstream effects (phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLCγ1), protein kinase B (Akt) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) by Western blot) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The data suggest for the first time that hydroxytyrosol interacts with surface components of the endothelial cell membrane (, preventing VEGF from activating its receptor. Serotonin and 5-hydroxytryptophol significantly inhibited HUVEC migration (98% and 50%, respectively) following the same mechanism. Conversely to other bioactive compounds, the anti-angiogenic effect of melatonin, serotonin, 3-indoleacetic acid and 5-hydroxytryptophol is not mediated via PLCγ1. However, hydroxytyrosol inhibits PLCγ1 phosphorylation. Additionally, melatonin and serotonin maintained eNOS phosphorylation and hydroxytyrosol significantly activated eNOS—all via Akt. These data provide new evidence supporting the interest in melatonin, serotonin, 3-indoleacetic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophol and hydroxytyrosol for their further exploitation as anti-VEGF ingredients in food.


1999 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 202-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Albini ◽  
D. Noonan ◽  
L. Santi

The field of antiangiogenesis has shown a remarkably rapid evolution from the discovery at the bench to translation into the clinic. Currently a wide variety of compounds are in clinical trial as inhibitors of angiogenesis, and new compounds are being frequently added. The target cell of most angiogenesis inhibitors is the endothelial cell, with inhibitors that selectively affect a number of endothelial cell functions acquired during angiogenesis, including activation, proliferation, migration, invasion and survival. The endothelial cell may also be targeted by chemotherapeutic agents currently in use. The high doses and intermittent treatment schedules used to fight resistant tumor cells may be altered towards lower doses and chronic administration to obtain selective inhibition of angiogenic factor-stimulated endothelial cells as adjuvant therapy. Finally, gene therapy is a promising route for the delivery of novel protein inhibitors of angiogenesis, and is actively being investigated.


Author(s):  
Hu Huang ◽  
Madhu Sudhana Saddala ◽  
Anton Lennikov ◽  
Anthony Mukwaya ◽  
Lijuan Fan

Placental growth factor (PlGF or PGF) is a member of the VEGF family, which is known to play a critical role in pathological angiogenesis, inflammation, and endothelial cell barrier function. However, the molecular mechanisms by which PlGF mediates its effects in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) remain elusive. In this study, we performed transcriptome-wide profiling of differential gene expression for human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) treated with PlGF antibody. The effect of antibody treatment on the samples was validated using trans-endothelial electric resistance (TEER), and western blot. A total of 3760 genes (1750 upregulated and 2010 downregulated) were found to be differentially expressed between the control and PlGF antibody treatment group. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were used for gene ontology and enrichment analysis to identify gene function, signal pathway, and interaction networks. The gene ontology results revealed that catalytic activity (GO:0003824) of molecular function, cell (GO:0005623) of the cellular component, and cellular process (GO:0009987) were among the most enriched biological processes. Pathways such as TGF-β, VEGF-VEGFR2, p53, apoptosis, pentose phosphate pathway, and ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, were among the most enriched, and TGF-β1 was identified as a primary upstream regulator. These data provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of PlGF in mediating biological functions, in relation to DR.


1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (02) ◽  
pp. 309-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy A Beacham ◽  
Miguel A Cruz ◽  
Robert I Handin

SummaryIntroduction of single amino acid substitutions into the C-terminal Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) site of von Willebrand Factor, referred to as RGD mutant vWF, selectively abrogated vWF binding to platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GpIIb/IIIa, αIIbβ3 and abolished human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) spreading, but not attachment, to RGD mutant vWF (Beacham, D. A., Wise, R. J., Turci, S. M. and Handin, R. I. 1992. J. Biol. Chem. 167, 3409-3415). These results suggested that in addition to the vitronectin receptor (VNR, αvβ3), a second endothelial membrane glycoprotein can mediate HUVEC adhesion to vWF. HUVEC attachment to wild-type (WT) and RGD-mutant vWF was reduced by two proteins known to block the vWF-platelet glycoprotein Ib/IX (GpIb/IX) interaction, the monoclonal antibody AS-7 and the recombinant polypeptide, vWF-A1. The addition of cytochalasin B or DNase I to disrupt potential GPIbα-cytoskeletal interactions enhanced the immunoprecipitation of endothelial GPIbα, caused HUVEC to round up, and increased HUVEC adhesion to RGD mutant vWF. These results indicate that while the VNR is the primary adhesion receptor for vWF, endothelial GPIbα can mediate HUVEC attachment to vWF. GpIb-dependent attachment could contribute to HUVEC adhesion under conditions when cell surface expression of the VNR is downregulated, and VNR-dependent adhesion is reduced.


1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (05) ◽  
pp. 1014-1019 ◽  
Author(s):  
W Craig Hooper ◽  
Donald J Phillips ◽  
Bruce L Evatt

SummaryWe have recently demonstrated that the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), could upregulate the production of protein S in the human hepatoma cell line, HepG-2, but not in endothelial cells. In this study, we have demonstrated that the combination of exogenous IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) could significantly upregulate protein S production in both primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and in the immortalized human microvascular endothelial cell line, HMEC-1. The IL-6/sIL-6R complex was also able to rapidly induce tyrosine phosphorylation of the IL-6 transducer, gpl30. Neutralizing antibodies directed against either IL-6 or gpl30 blocked protein S upregulation by the IL-6/sIL-6R complex. It was also observed that exogenous sIL-6R could also upregulate protein S by forming a complex with IL-6 constitutively produced by the endothelial cell. Two other cytokines which also utilize the gpl30 receptor, oncostatin M (OSM) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), were also able to upregulate endothelial cell protein S. This study demonstrates a mechanism that allows endothelial cells to respond to IL-6 and also illustrates the potential importance of circulating soluble receptors in the regulation of the anticoagulation pathway.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nidhi Gour ◽  
Bharti Koshti ◽  
Chandra Kanth P. ◽  
Dhruvi Shah ◽  
Vivek Shinh Kshatriya ◽  
...  

We report for the very first time self-assembly of Cysteine and Methionine to discrenible strucutres under neutral condition. To get insights into the structure formation, thioflavin T and Congo red binding assays were done which revealed that aggregates may not have amyloid like characteristics. The nature of interactions which lead to such self-assemblies was purported by coincubating assemblies in urea and mercaptoethanol. Further interaction of aggregates with short amyloidogenic dipeptide diphenylalanine (FF) was assessed. While cysteine aggregates completely disrupted FF fibres, methionine albeit triggered fibrillation. The cytotoxicity assays of cysteine and methionine structures were performed on Human Neuroblastoma IMR-32 cells which suggested that aggregates are not cytotoxic in nature and thus, may not have amyloid like etiology. The results presented in the manuscript are striking, since to the best of our knowledge,this is the first report which demonstrates that even non-aromatic amino acids (cysteine and methionine) can undergo spontaneous self-assembly to form ordered aggregates.


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