Exploring the Antiangiogenic Potential of Solomonamide A Bioactive Precursors: In Vitro and in Vivo Evidences of the Inhibitory Activity of Solo F-OH During Angiogenesis

Marine sponges are a prolific source of bioactive compounds. In this work, the putative antiangiogenic potential of a series of synthetic precursors of Solomonamide A, a cyclic peptide isolated from a marine sponge, was evaluated. By means of an in vitro screening, based on the inhibitory activity of endothelial tube formation, the compound Solo F–OH was selected for a deeper characterization of its antiangiogenic potential. Our results indicate that Solo F–OH is able to inhibit some key steps of the angiogenic process, including the proliferation, migration, and invasion of endothelial cells, as well as diminish their capability to degrade the extracellular matrix proteins. The antiangiogenic potential of Solo F–OH was confirmed by means of two different in vivo models: the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and the zebrafish yolk membrane (ZFYM) assays. The reduction in ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in endothelial cells treated with Solo F–OH denotes that this compound could target the upstream components that are common to both pathways. Taken together, our results show a new and interesting biological activity of Solo F–OH as an inhibitor of the persistent and deregulated angiogenesis that characterizes cancer and other pathologies.

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Novel Nargenicin A1 Analog Inhibits Angiogenesis by Downregulating the Endothelial VEGF/VEGFR2 Signaling and Tumoral HIF-1α/VEGF Pathway

Biomedicines ◽

10.3390/biomedicines8080252 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 252

Author(s):

Jang Mi Han ◽

Ye Seul Choi ◽

Dipesh Dhakal ◽

Jae Kyung Sohng ◽

Hye Jin Jung

Keyword(s):

Capillary Tube ◽

Umbilical Vein ◽

Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽

Chorioallantoic Membrane ◽

Tube Formation ◽

Ags Cells ◽

Vegf Pathway ◽

Vegfr2 Signaling

Targeting angiogenesis is an attractive strategy for the treatment of angiogenesis-related diseases, including cancer. We previously identified 23-demethyl 8,13-deoxynargenicin (compound 9) as a novel nargenicin A1 analog with potential anticancer activity. In this study, we investigated the antiangiogenic activity and mode of action of compound 9. This compound was found to effectively inhibit in vitro angiogenic characteristics, including the proliferation, invasion, capillary tube formation, and adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Furthermore, compound 9 suppressed the neovascularization of the chorioallantoic membrane of growing chick embryos in vivo. Notably, the antiangiogenic properties of compound 9 were related to the downregulation of VEGF/VEGFR2-mediated downstream signaling pathways, as well as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression in HUVECs. In addition, compound 9 was found to decrease the in vitro AGS gastric cancer cell-induced angiogenesis of HUVECs by blocking hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and VEGF expression in AGS cells. Collectively, our findings demonstrate for the first time that compound 9 is a promising antiangiogenic agent targeting both VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling in ECs and HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in tumor cells.

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The recombinant lectin-like domain of thrombomodulin inhibits angiogenesis through interaction with Lewis Y antigen

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2011-08-376038 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 119 (5) ◽

pp. 1302-1313 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Cheng-Hsiang Kuo ◽

Po-Ku Chen ◽

Bi-Ing Chang ◽

Meng-Chen Sung ◽

Chung-Sheng Shi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endothelial Cells ◽

Egf Receptor ◽

Tube Formation ◽

Endothelial Tube Formation ◽

A Cell ◽

Lewis Y ◽

Tm Domain

AbstractLewis Y Ag (LeY) is a cell-surface tetrasaccharide that participates in angiogenesis. Recently, we demonstrated that LeY is a specific ligand of the recombinant lectin-like domain of thrombomodulin (TM). However, the biologic function of interaction between LeY and TM in endothelial cells has never been investigated. Therefore, the role of LeY in tube formation and the role of the recombinant lectin-like domain of TM—TM domain 1 (rTMD1)—in antiangiogenesis were investigated. The recombinant TM ectodomain exhibited lower angiogenic activity than did the recombinant TM domains 2 and 3. rTMD1 interacted with soluble LeY and membrane-bound LeY and inhibited soluble LeY-mediated chemotaxis of endothelial cells. LeY was highly expressed on membrane ruffles and protrusions during tube formation on Matrigel. Blockade of LeY with rTMD1 or Ab against LeY inhibited endothelial tube formation in vitro. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in HUVECs was LeY modified. rTMD1 inhibited EGF receptor signaling, chemotaxis, and tube formation in vitro, and EGF-mediated angiogenesis and tumor angiogenesis in vivo. We concluded that LeY is involved in vascular endothelial tube formation and rTMD1 inhibits angiogenesis via interaction with LeY. Administration of rTMD1 or recombinant adeno-associated virus vector carrying TMD1 could be a promising antiangiogenesis strategy.

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Accutin, a New Disintegrin, Inhibits Angiogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo by Acting as Integrin vβ3 Antagonist and Inducing Apoptosis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v92.9.3268 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 92 (9) ◽

pp. 3268-3276 ◽

Cited By ~ 90

Author(s):

Chia Hsin Yeh ◽

Hui-Chin Peng ◽

Tur-Fu Huang

Keyword(s):

Endothelial Cells ◽

Umbilical Vein ◽

Fluorescein Isothiocyanate ◽

Adenosine Diphosphate ◽

Tube Formation ◽

Platelet Glycoprotein ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Antiangiogenic Effect

Abstract Endothelial integrins play an essential role in angiogenesis and cell survival. Accutin, a new member of disintegrin family derived from venom of Agkistrodon acutus, potently inhibited human platelet aggregation caused by various agonists (eg, thrombin, collagen, and, adenosine diphosphate [ADP]) through the blockade of fibrinogen binding to platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (ie, integrin IIbβ3). In this report, we describe that accutin specifically inhibited the binding of monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 7E3, which recognizes integrin vβ3, to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), but not those of other anti-integrin MoAbs such as 2β1, 3β1, and 5β1. Moreover, accutin, but not the control peptide GRGES, dose-dependently inhibited the 7E3 interaction with HUVECs. Both 7E3 and GRGDS, but not GRGES or Integrelin, significantly blocked fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated accutin binding to HUVEC. In functional studies, accutin exhibited inhibitory effects on HUVEC adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen, fibronectin and vitronectin, and the capillary-like tube formation on Matrigel in a dose- and RGD-dependent manner. In addition, it exhibited an effective antiangiogenic effect in vivo when assayed by using the 10-day-old embryo chick CAM model. Furthermore, it potently induced HUVEC apoptotic DNA fragmentation as examined by electrophoretic and flow cytometric assays. In conclusion, accutin inhibits angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro by blocking integrin vβ3 of endothelial cells and by inducing apoptosis. The antiangiogenic activity of disintegrins might be explored as the target of developing the potential antimetastatic agents. © 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

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Apigenin Suppresses Angiogenesis by Inhibiting Tube Formation and Inducing Apoptosis

Natural Product Communications ◽

10.1177/1934578x1601101005 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 1934578X1601101

Author(s):

Hyun Ju Kim ◽

Mok-Ryeon Ahn

Keyword(s):

Umbilical Vein ◽

Chorioallantoic Membrane ◽

Tube Formation ◽

Anticancer Activities ◽

Apoptotic Pathway ◽

Inhibition Of Angiogenesis ◽

Induced Apoptosis ◽

Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Apigenin has been reported to exert angiogenic and anticancer activities in vitro. The mechanism of inhibition of angiogenesis by apigenin, however, has not been well-established. In this study, we investigated whether apigenin not only inhibited tube formation but also induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, strong antiangiogenic activity of apigenin was observed in the in vivo assay using chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). We also analyzed changes in survival signals and the apoptotic pathway through Western blotting. The results indicate that apigenin exerts its antiangiogenic effects through induction of endothelial apoptosis.

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The Functional Implications of Endothelial Gap Junctions and Cellular Mechanics in Vascular Angiogenesis

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers11020237 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 237 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Takayuki Okamoto ◽

Haruki Usuda ◽

Tetsuya Tanaka ◽

Koichiro Wada ◽

Motomu Shimaoka

Keyword(s):

Endothelial Cells ◽

Cell Migration ◽

Gap Junctions ◽

Gap Junction ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Tumor Development ◽

Tube Formation ◽

Cellular Mechanics

Angiogenesis—the sprouting and growth of new blood vessels from the existing vasculature—is an important contributor to tumor development, since it facilitates the supply of oxygen and nutrients to cancer cells. Endothelial cells are critically affected during the angiogenic process as their proliferation, motility, and morphology are modulated by pro-angiogenic and environmental factors associated with tumor tissues and cancer cells. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have revealed that the gap junctions of endothelial cells also participate in the promotion of angiogenesis. Pro-angiogenic factors modulate gap junction function and connexin expression in endothelial cells, whereas endothelial connexins are involved in angiogenic tube formation and in the cell migration of endothelial cells. Several mechanisms, including gap junction function-dependent or -independent pathways, have been proposed. In particular, connexins might have the potential to regulate cell mechanics such as cell morphology, cell migration, and cellular stiffness that are dynamically changed during the angiogenic processes. Here, we review the implication for endothelial gap junctions and cellular mechanics in vascular angiogenesis.

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Evaluation of Angiogenesis Assays

Biomedicines ◽

10.3390/biomedicines7020037 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 37 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Zachary I. Stryker ◽

Mehdi Rajabi ◽

Paul J. Davis ◽

Shaker A. Mousa

Keyword(s):

Endothelial Cells ◽

Tube Formation ◽

Angiogenic Activity ◽

In Vitro Methods ◽

Current State ◽

Angiogenesis Process ◽

Pertinent Information ◽

Exogenous Factors

Angiogenesis assays allow for the evaluation of pro- or anti-angiogenic activity of endogenous or exogenous factors (stimulus or inhibitors) through investigation of their pro-or anti- proliferative, migratory, and tube formation effects on endothelial cells. To model the process of angiogenesis and the effects of biomolecules on that process, both in vitro and in vivo methods are currently used. In general, in vitro methods monitor specific stages in the angiogenesis process and are used for early evaluations, while in vivo methods more accurately simulate the living microenvironment to provide more pertinent information. We review here the current state of angiogenesis assays as well as their mechanisms, advantages, and limitations.

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Cardioprotective Activity of Selected Polyphenols Based on Epithelial and Aortic Cell Lines. A Review

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25225343 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (22) ◽

pp. 5343

Author(s):

Michał Otręba ◽

Leon Kośmider ◽

Jerzy Stojko ◽

Anna Rzepecka-Stojko

Keyword(s):

Endothelial Cells ◽

Tube Formation ◽

Health Claims ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Endothelial Tube Formation ◽

Disease Therapy ◽

Species Production

Polyphenols have recently gained popularity among the general public as products and diets classified as healthy and containing naturally occurring phenols. Many polyphenolic extracts are available on the market as dietary supplements, functional foods, or cosmetics, taking advantage of clients’ desire to live a healthier and longer life. However, due to the difficulty of discovering the in vivo functions of polyphenols, most of the research focuses on in vitro studies. In this review, we focused on the cardioprotective activity of different polyphenols as possible candidates for use in cardiovascular disease therapy and for improving the quality of life of patients. Thus, the studies, which were mainly based on endothelial cells, aortic cells, and some in vivo studies, were analyzed. Based on the reviewed articles, polyphenols have a few points of action, including inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, decrease in reactive oxygen species production and endothelial tube formation, stimulation of acetylcholine-induced endothelium-derived mediator release, and others, which lead to their cardio- and/or vasoprotective effects on endothelial cells. The obtained results suggest positive effects of polyphenols, but more long-term in vivo studies demonstrating effects on mechanism of action, sensitivity, and specificity or efficacy are needed before legal health claims can be made.

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

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1159/000488619 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 46 (2) ◽

pp. 520-531 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

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.

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Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) inhibits angiogenesis via induction of apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v96.1.176 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 96 (1) ◽

pp. 176-181 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

Daisy W. J. van der Schaft ◽

Elly A. H. Toebes ◽

Judith R. Haseman ◽

Kevin H. Mayo ◽

Arjan W. Griffioen

Keyword(s):

Vascular Endothelial Cells ◽

Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽

Chorioallantoic Membrane ◽

Collagen Gel ◽

Tube Formation ◽

Therapeutic Modality ◽

Angiogenesis Assay ◽

Induction Of Apoptosis

Abstract Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) has been known for some time to function in killing bacteria and in neutralizing the effects of bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide. In the present study, BPI is found to be a novel endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis. Within the sub-μM range, BPI shows a concentration-dependent inhibition of endothelial cell (EC) proliferation that is mediated by cell detachment and subsequent induction of apoptosis. As measured by flow cytometric analysis of the percentage of subdiploid cells, apoptosis induction was half-maximal at about 250 nmol/L BPI. Apoptosis was confirmed by quantification of cells with nuclear fragmentation. Apoptosis was found to be EC specific. In an in vitro collagen gel-based angiogenesis assay, BPI at 1.8 μmol/L inhibited tube formation by 81% after only 24 hours. Evidence for in vivo inhibition of angiogenesis was obtained, using the chorioallantoic membrane assay in which BPI was seen to be significantly effective at concentrations as low as 180 nmol/L. This newly discovered function of BPI might provide a possible therapeutic modality for the treatment of various pathologic disorders that depend on angiogenesis.

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