scholarly journals Snrk-1 is involved in multiple steps of angioblast development and acts via notch signaling pathway in artery-vein specification in vertebrates

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 113 (5) ◽  
pp. 1192-1199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Z. Chun ◽  
Sukhbir Kaur ◽  
Ganesh V. Samant ◽  
Ling Wang ◽  
Kallal Pramanik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Human Gene ◽  
Evolutionary Conservation ◽  
Notch Signaling Pathway ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Arteries And Veins

Abstract In vertebrates, molecular mechanisms dictate angioblasts' migration and subsequent differentiation into arteries and veins. In this study, we used a microarray screen to identify a novel member of the sucrose nonfermenting related kinase (snrk-1) family of serine/threonine kinases expressed specifically in the embryonic zebrafish vasculature and investigated its function in vivo. Using gain- and loss-of-function studies in vivo, we show that Snrk-1 plays an essential role in the migration, maintenance, and differentiation of angioblasts. The kinase function of Snrk-1 is critical for migration and maintenance, but not for the differentiation of angioblasts. In vitro, snrk-1 knockdown endothelial cells show only defects in migration. The snrk-1 gene acts downstream or parallel to notch and upstream of gridlock during artery-vein specification, and the human gene compensates for zebrafish snrk-1 knockdown, suggesting evolutionary conservation of function.

Abstract 116: Arterial Endothelial Cell Has Stronger Angiogenic Potential Compared To Venous Endothelial Cell Through Up-regulation Of Endogenous FGF2 And FGF5 Expression In 3D Microfluidic System

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ha-Rim Seo ◽  
Hyo Eun Jeong ◽  
Hyung Joon Joo ◽  
Seung-Cheol Choi ◽  
Jong-Ho Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Assay System ◽  
Vascular Density ◽  
Angiogenic Potential ◽  
Angiogenesis Assay

Background: Human body contains many kinds of different type of endothelial cells (EC). However, cellular difference of their angiogenic potential has been hardly understood. We compared in vitro angiogenic potential between arterial EC and venous EC and investigated its underlying molecular mechanisms. Method: Used human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) which was indicated from arterial EC and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) indicated from venous EC. To explore angiogenic potential in detail, we adopted a novel 3D microfluidic angiogenesis assay system, which closely mimic in vivo angiogenesis. Results: In 3D microfluidic angiogenesis assay system, HAEC demonstrated stronger angiogenic potential compared to HUVEC. HAEC maintained its profound angiogenic property under different biophysical conditions. In mRNA microarray sorted on up- regulated or down-regulated genes, HAEC demonstrated significantly higher expression of gastrulation brain homeobox 2 (GBX2), fibroblast grow factor 2 (FGF2), FGF5 and collagen 8a1. Angiogenesis-related protein assay revealed that HAEC has higher secretion of endogenous FGF2 than HUVEC. HAEC has only up-regulated FGF2 and FGF5 in this part of FGF family. Furthermore, FGF5 expression under vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) stimulation was higher in HAEC compared to HUVEC although VEGF-A augmented FGF5 expression in both HAEC and HUVEC. Those data suggested that FGF5 expression in both HAEC and HUVEC is partially dependent to VEGF-A stimulate. HUVEC and HAEC reduced vascular density after FGF2 and FGF5 siRNA treat. Conclusion: HAEC has stronger angiogenic potential than HUVEC through up-regulation of endogenous FGF2 and FGF5 expression

scholarly journals Assessment of phagocytic activity in live macrophages-tumor cells co-cultures by Confocal and Nomarski Microscopy

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalia Martinez-Marin ◽  
Courtney Jarvis ◽  
Thomas Nelius ◽  
Stéphanie Filleur
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Phagocytic Activity ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Functional Assay ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Multiple Cancer

Abstract Macrophages have been recognized as the main inflammatory component of the tumor microenvironment. Although often considered as beneficial for tumor growth and disease progression, tumor-associated macrophages have also been shown to be detrimental to the tumor depending on the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, understanding the molecular interactions between macrophages and tumor cells in relation to macrophages functional activities such as phagocytosis is critical for a better comprehension of their tumor-modulating action. Still, the characterization of these molecular mechanisms in vivo remains complicated due to the extraordinary complexity of the tumor microenvironment and the broad range of tumor-associated macrophage functions. Thus, there is an increasing demand for in vitro methodologies to study the role of cell–cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment. In the present study, we have developed live co-cultures of macrophages and human prostate tumor cells to assess the phagocytic activity of macrophages using a combination of Confocal and Nomarski Microscopy. Using this model, we have emphasized that this is a sensitive, measurable, and highly reproducible functional assay. We have also highlighted that this assay can be applied to multiple cancer cell types and used as a selection tool for a variety of different types of phagocytosis agonists. Finally, combining with other studies such as gain/loss of function or signaling studies remains possible. A better understanding of the interactions between tumor cells and macrophages may lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets against cancer.

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) induces heme oxygenase-1 expression and activity in KSHV-infected endothelial cells

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 103 (9) ◽  
pp. 3465-3473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shane C. McAllister ◽  
Scott G. Hansen ◽  
Rebecca A. Ruhl ◽  
Camilo M. Raggo ◽  
Victor R. DeFilippis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Heme Oxygenase ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Kaposi Sarcoma ◽  
Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽  
Spindle Cell Proliferation

Abstract Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most common AIDS-associated malignancy and is characterized by angiogenesis and the presence of spindle cells. Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is consistently associated with all clinical forms of KS, and in vitro infection of dermal microvascular endothelial cells (DMVECs) with KSHV recapitulates many of the features of KS, including transformation, spindle cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. To study the molecular mechanisms of KSHV pathogenesis, we compared the protein expression profiles of KSHV-infected and uninfected DMVECs. This comparison revealed that heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), the inducible enzyme responsible for the rate-limiting step in heme catabolism, was up-regulated in infected endothelial cells. Recent evidence suggests that the products of heme catabolism have important roles in endothelial cell biology, including apoptosis and angiogenesis. Here we show that HO-1 mRNA and protein are up-regulated in KSHV-infected cultures. Comparison of oral and cutaneous AIDS-KS tissues with normal tissues revealed that HO-1 mRNA and protein were also up-regulated in vivo. Increased HO-1 enzymatic activity in vitro enhanced proliferation of KSHV-infected DMVECs in the presence of free heme. Treatment with the HO-1 inhibitor chromium mesoporphyrin IX abolished heme-induced proliferation. These data suggest that HO-1 is a potential therapeutic target for KS that warrants further study. (Blood. 2004;103: 3465-3473)

scholarly journals DEPTOR Deficiency-Mediated mTORc1 Hyperactivation in Vascular Endothelial Cells Promotes Angiogenesis

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 520-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Ding ◽  
Lanlan Shan ◽  
Wenqing Nai ◽  
Xiaojun Lin ◽  
Ling Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Gene Knockout ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Cell ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Vascular Endothelial

Background/Aims: The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is essential for angiogenesis and embryonic development. DEP domain-containing mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR) is an mTOR binding protein that functions to inhibit the mTOR pathway In vitro experiments suggest that DEPTOR is crucial for vascular endothelial cell (EC) activation and angiogenic responses. However, knowledge of the effects of DEPTOR on angiogenesis in vivo is limited. This study aimed to determine the role of DEPTOR in tissue angiogenesis and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms. Methods: Cre/loxP conditional gene knockout strategy was used to delete the Deptor gene in mouse vascular ECs. The expression or distribution of cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) were detected by immunohistochemical staining or western blot. Tube formation assay was used to measure angiogenesis in vitro. Results: Deptor knockdown led to increased expression of CD31, VEGF and HIF-1α in heart, liver, kidney and aorta. After treatment with rapamycin, their expression was significantly down regulated. In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with DEPTOR-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA), which resulted in a significant increase in endothelial tube formation and migration rates. In contrast, DEPTOR overexpression markedly reduced the expression of CD31, VEGF and HIF-1α. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that deletion of the Deptor gene in vascular ECs resulted in upregulated expression of CD31 and HIF-1α, and further stimulated the expression of VEGF which promoted angiogenesis, indicating that disruption of normal angiogenic pathways may occur through hyperactivation of the mTORC1/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Sodium Tanshinone IIA Silate Exerts Microcirculation Protective Effects against Spinal Cord Injury In Vitro and In Vivo

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Xing Li ◽  
Dan Luo ◽  
Yu Hou ◽  
Yonghui Hou ◽  
Shudong Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Notch Signaling Pathway ◽  
Tanshinone Iia ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Cord Injury

Spinal cord microcirculation involves functioning endothelial cells at the blood spinal cord barrier (BSCB) and maintains normal functioning of spinal cord neurons, axons, and glial cells. Protection of both the function and integrity of endothelial cells as well as the prevention of BSCB disruption may be a strong strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) cases. Sodium Tanshinone IIA silate (STS) is used for the treatment of coronary heart disease and improves microcirculation. Whether STS exhibits protective effects for SCI microcirculation is not yet clear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effects of STS on oxygen-glucose deprivation- (OGD-) induced injury of spinal cord endothelial cells (SCMECs) in vitro and to explore effects on BSCB and neurovascular protection in vivo. SCMECs were treated with various concentrations of STS (1 μM, 3 μM, and 10 μM) for 24 h with or without OGD-induction. Cell viability, tube formation, migration, and expression of Notch signaling pathway components were evaluated. Histopathological evaluation (H&E), Nissl staining, BSCB permeability, and the expression levels of von Willebrand Factor (vWF), CD31, NeuN, and Notch signaling pathway components were analyzed. STS was found to improve SCMEC functions and reduce inflammatory mediators after OGD. STS also relieved histopathological damage, increased zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), inhibited BSCB permeability, rescued microvessels, protected motor neuromas, and improved functional recovery in a SCI model. Moreover, we uncovered that the Notch signaling pathway plays an important role during these processes. These results indicated that STS protects microcirculation in SCI, which may be used as a therapeutic strategy for SCI in the future.

scholarly journals The cerebral cavernous malformation proteins CCM2L and CCM2 prevent the activation of the MAP kinase MEKK3

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (46) ◽  
pp. 14284-14289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier Cullere ◽  
Eva Plovie ◽  
Paul M. Bennett ◽  
Calum A. MacRae ◽  
Tanya N. Mayadas
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cavernous Malformation ◽  
Body Axis ◽  
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Density Flow

Three genes, CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3, interact genetically and biochemically and are mutated in cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM). A recently described member of this CCM family of proteins, CCM2-like (CCM2L), has high homology to CCM2. Here we show that its relative expression in different tissues differs from that of CCM2 and, unlike CCM2, the expression of CCM2L in endothelial cells is regulated by density, flow, and statins. In vitro, both CCM2L and CCM2 bind MEKK3 in a complex with CCM1. Both CCM2L and CCM2 interfere with MEKK3 activation and its ability to phosphorylate MEK5, a downstream target. The in vivo relevance of this regulation was investigated in zebrafish. A knockdown of ccm2l and ccm2 in zebrafish leads to a more severe “big heart” and circulation defects compared with loss of function of ccm2 alone, and also leads to substantial body axis abnormalities. Silencing of mekk3 rescues the big heart and body axis phenotype, suggesting cross-talk between the CCM proteins and MEKK3 in vivo. In endothelial cells, CCM2 deletion leads to activation of ERK5 and a transcriptional program that are downstream of MEKK3. These findings suggest that CCM2L and CCM2 cooperate to regulate the activity of MEKK3.

scholarly journals L1CAM promotes ovarian cancer stemness and tumor initiation via FGFR1/SRC/STAT3 signaling

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Giordano ◽  
Alessandra Decio ◽  
Chiara Battistini ◽  
Micol Baronio ◽  
Fabrizio Bianchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
Tumor Formation ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Tumor Initiation ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Stat3 Signaling

Abstract Background Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been implicated in tumor progression. In ovarian carcinoma (OC), CSC drive tumor formation, dissemination and recurrence, as well as drug resistance, thus contributing to the high death-to-incidence ratio of this disease. However, the molecular basis of such a pathogenic role of ovarian CSC (OCSC) has been elucidated only to a limited extent. In this context, the functional contribution of the L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) to OC stemness remains elusive. Methods The expression of L1CAM was investigated in patient-derived OCSC. The genetic manipulation of L1CAM in OC cells provided gain and loss-of-function models that were then employed in cell biological assays as well as in vivo tumorigenesis experiments to assess the role of L1CAM in OC cell stemness and in OCSC-driven tumor initiation. We applied antibody-mediated neutralization to investigate L1CAM druggability. Biochemical approaches were then combined with functional in vitro assays to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional role of L1CAM in OCSC. Results We report that L1CAM is upregulated in patient-derived OCSC. Functional studies showed that L1CAM promotes several stemness-related properties in OC cells, including sphere formation, tumor initiation and chemoresistance. These activities were repressed by an L1CAM-neutralizing antibody, pointing to L1CAM as a druggable target. Mechanistically, L1CAM interacted with and activated fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1), which in turn induced the SRC-mediated activation of STAT3. The inhibition of STAT3 prevented L1CAM-dependent OC stemness and tumor initiation. Conclusions Our study implicate L1CAM in the tumorigenic function of OCSC and point to the L1CAM/FGFR1/SRC/STAT3 signaling pathway as a novel driver of OC stemness. We also provide evidence that targeting this pathway can contribute to OC eradication.

scholarly journals RIPK1 Expression Associates with Inflammation in Early Atherosclerosis in Humans and Can be Therapeutically Silenced to Reduce NF-κB Activation and Atherogenesis in Mice

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denuja Karunakaran ◽  
My-Anh Nguyen ◽  
Michele Geoffrion ◽  
Dianne Vreeken ◽  
Zachary Lister ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Oxidized Ldl ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Aortic Sinus ◽  
Atherosclerotic Lesions

Background: Chronic activation of the innate immune system drives inflammation and contributes directly to atherosclerosis. Previously, we showed that macrophages in the atherogenic plaque undergo RIPK3-MLKL-dependent programmed necroptosis in response to sterile ligands such as oxidized LDL and damage-associated patterns (DAMPs) and necroptosis is active in advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Upstream of the RIPK3-MLKL necroptotic machinery lies RIPK1, which acts as a master switch that controls whether the cell undergoes NFκB-dependent inflammation, caspase-dependent apoptosis or necroptosis in response to extracellular stimuli. We therefore set out to investigate the role of RIPK1 in the development of atherosclerosis, which is largely driven by NFκB-dependent inflammation at early stages. We hypothesize that, unlike RIPK3 and MLKL, RIPK1 primarily drives NFκB-dependent inflammation in early atherogenic lesions and knocking down RIPK1 will reduce inflammatory cell activation and protect against the progression of atherosclerosis. Methods: We examined expression of RIPK1 protein and mRNA in both human and mouse atherosclerotic lesions, and using loss-of-function approaches in vitro in macrophages and endothelial cells to measure inflammatory responses. We administered weekly injections of RIPK1 anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASO) to Apoe -/- mice fed a cholesterol-rich (Western) diet for 8 weeks. Results: We find RIPK1 expression is abundant in early-stage atherosclerotic lesions in both humans and mice. Treatment with RIPK1 ASOs led to a reduction in aortic sinus and en face lesion areas (47.2% or 58.8% decrease relative to control, p<0.01) and plasma inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-17A, p<0.05) compared to controls. RIPK1 knockdown in macrophages decreased inflammatory genes (NFκB, TNFα, IL-1α) and in vivo LPS- and atherogenic diet-induced NF-κB activation. In endothelial cells, knockdown of RIPK1 prevented NF-κB translocation to the nucleus in response to TNFα, where accordingly there was a reduction in gene expression of IL1B, E-selectin and monocyte attachment. Conclusions: We have identified RIPK1 as a central driver of inflammation in atherosclerosis by its ability to activate the NF-κB pathway and promote inflammatory cytokine release. Given the high levels of RIPK1 expression in human atherosclerotic lesions, our study suggests RIPK1 as a future therapeutic target to reduce residual inflammation in patients at high risk of coronary artery disease.

scholarly journals The Role of Methionine Aminopeptidase 2 in Lymphangiogenesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 5148
Author(s):  
Rawnaq Esa ◽  
Eliana Steinberg ◽  
Dvir Dror ◽  
Ouri Schwob ◽  
Mehrdad Khajavi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Methionine Aminopeptidase ◽  
Zebrafish Model ◽  
Lymphatic Capillary ◽  
Intracellular Enzyme

During the metastasis process, tumor cells invade the blood circulatory system directly from venous capillaries or indirectly via lymphatic vessels. Understanding the relative contribution of each pathway and identifying the molecular targets that affect both processes is critical for reducing cancer spread. Methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAp2) is an intracellular enzyme known to modulate angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the additional role of MetAp2 in lymphangiogenesis. A histological staining of tumors from human breast-cancer donors was performed in order to detect the level and the localization of MetAp2 and lymphatic capillaries. The basal enzymatic level and activity in vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells were compared, followed by loss of function studies determining the role of MetAp2 in lymphangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. The results from the histological analyses of the tumor tissues revealed a high MetAp2 expression, with detectable sites of co-localization with lymphatic capillaries. We showed slightly reduced levels of the MetAp2 enzyme and MetAp2 mRNA expression and activity in primary lymphatic cells when compared to the vascular endothelial cells. The genetic and biochemical manipulation of MetAp2 confirmed the dual activity of the enzyme in both vascular and lymphatic remodulation in cell function assays and in a zebrafish model. We found that cancer-related lymphangiogenesis is inhibited in murine models following MetAp2 inhibition treatment. Taken together, our study provides an indication that MetAp2 is a significant contributor to lymphangiogenesis and carries a dual role in both vascular and lymphatic capillary formation. Our data suggests that MetAp2 inhibitors can be effectively used as anti-metastatic broad-spectrum drugs.

scholarly journals Elevated expression of NEU1 sialidase in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis provokes pulmonary collagen deposition, lymphocytosis, and fibrosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 310 (10) ◽  
pp. L940-L954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina G. Luzina ◽  
Virginia Lockatell ◽  
Sang W. Hyun ◽  
Pavel Kopach ◽  
Phillip H. Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Recombinant Adenovirus ◽  
Global Gene Expression

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) poses challenges to understanding its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms and the development of better therapies. Previous studies suggest a pathophysiological role for neuraminidase 1 (NEU1), an enzyme that removes terminal sialic acid from glycoproteins. We observed increased NEU1 expression in epithelial and endothelial cells, as well as fibroblasts, in the lungs of patients with IPF compared with healthy control lungs. Recombinant adenovirus-mediated gene delivery of NEU1 to cultured primary human cells elicited profound changes in cellular phenotypes. Small airway epithelial cell migration was impaired in wounding assays, whereas, in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, NEU1 overexpression strongly impacted global gene expression, increased T cell adhesion to endothelial monolayers, and disrupted endothelial capillary-like tube formation. NEU1 overexpression in fibroblasts provoked increased levels of collagen types I and III, substantial changes in global gene expression, and accelerated degradation of matrix metalloproteinase-14. Intratracheal instillation of NEU1 encoding, but not control adenovirus, induced lymphocyte accumulation in bronchoalveolar lavage samples and lung tissues and elevations of pulmonary transforming growth factor-β and collagen. The lymphocytes were predominantly T cells, with CD8+ cells exceeding CD4+ cells by nearly twofold. These combined data indicate that elevated NEU1 expression alters functional activities of distinct lung cell types in vitro and recapitulates lymphocytic infiltration and collagen accumulation in vivo, consistent with mechanisms implicated in lung fibrosis.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document