RESUMEN
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine possible involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor (VEGFR)-1/Flt-1 in pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF)-promoted survival of retinal neurons. Methods: Survival of growth factor-deprived retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and R28 cells and activation of ERK-1/-2 MAP kinases were assessed in the presence of PEDF, placental growth factor (PlGF), and VEGF using cell cultures, viability assays and quantitation of ERK-1/-2 phosphorylation. VEGFR-1/Flt-1 expression was determined using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. VEGFR-1/Flt-1 was knocked down in R28 cells by small interfering RNA (siRNA). Binding of a PEDF-IgG Fc fusion protein (PEDF-Fc) to retinal neurons, immobilized VEGFR-1/Flt-1 and VEGFR-1/Flt-1-derived peptides was studied using binding assays and peptide scanning. Results: PEDF in combination with PlGF stimulated increased cell survival and ERK-1/-2 MAP kinase activation compared to effects of either factor alone. VEGFR-1/Flt-1 expression in RGCs and R28 cells was significantly upregulated by hypoxia, VEGF, and PEDF. VEGFR-1/Flt-1 ligands (VEGF and PlGF) or soluble VEGFR-1 (sflt-1) competed with PEDF-Fc for binding to R28 cells. Depleting R28 cells of VEGFR-1/Flt-1 resulted in reduced PEDF-Fc binding when comparing VEGFR-1/Flt-1 siRNA- and control siRNA-treated cells. PEDF-Fc interacted with immobilized sflt-1, which was specifically blocked by VEGF and PlGF. PEDF-Fc binding sites were mapped to VEGFR-1/Flt-1 extracellular domains D3 and D4. Peptides corresponding to D3 and D4 specifically inhibited PEDF-Fc binding to R28 cells. These peptides and sflt-1 significantly inhibited PEDF-promoted survival of R28 cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that PEDF can target VEGFR-1/Flt-1 and this interaction plays a significant role in PEDF-mediated neuroprotection in the retina.
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Western Blotting , Supervivencia Celular , Proteínas del Ojo , Factores de Crecimiento Nervioso , Serpinas , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Animales , Ratas , Células Cultivadas , Proteínas del Ojo/metabolismo , Proteínas del Ojo/genética , Factores de Crecimiento Nervioso/metabolismo , Factores de Crecimiento Nervioso/farmacología , Factores de Crecimiento Nervioso/genética , Fosforilación , Células Ganglionares de la Retina/metabolismo , Serpinas/metabolismo , Serpinas/farmacología , Serpinas/genética , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genéticaRESUMEN
Maxillary angiosarcoma, an aggressive tumor derived from vascular endothelial cells, is very rare. Recently, antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies have attracted considerable attention. We describe the clinical course of a patient with maxillary angiosarcoma and discuss the expression of VEGF signaling molecules assessed via immunohistological analysis. An 81-year-old man presented with an aggressive tumor in the left maxillary sinus. Biopsy revealed atypical nuclear cell proliferation, and the tumor was suspected to be a sarcoma. The maxillary malignancy was treated using a multidisciplinary approach with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and regional chemotherapy. Examination of the specimen obtained in the first surgery revealed maxillary angiosarcoma, found to be positive for CD31, while negative for CD34, D2-40, and factor â §. Although no pathological residual tumor was observed after the planned wide surgery, cervical lymph node and distant metastases occurred. The patient died 24 months after the first surgery. Staining revealed VEGF receptor (VEGFR) 1, VEGFR2, phosphorylated Ak strain transforming, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 positivity. Although our findings do not indicate that anti-VEGF therapy is beneficial for treating maxillary angiosarcomas, we found that VEGFR signaling pathways were activated in maxillary angiosarcomas similar to angiosarcomas originating at other sites. Herein, we report a case of maxillary angiosarcoma, focused on VEGFR and signaling pathway activation. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe VEGFR system immunostaining findings in maxillary angiosarcoma.
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Hemangiosarcoma , Transducción de Señal , Humanos , Masculino , Hemangiosarcoma/patología , Hemangiosarcoma/metabolismo , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Neoplasias Maxilares/patología , Neoplasias Maxilares/metabolismo , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Resultado FatalRESUMEN
It has been well acknowledged that maternal exposure to fine particulate matters (PM2.5) might lead to poor pregnancy outcomes including the intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) by interfering with the placental development. Our previous studies have demonstrated that maternal PM2.5 exposure induces IUGR, accompanied with increased maternal circulating TNFα level and impaired extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) invasion in mice. In this study, HTR8/SVneo cells, the immortalized human EVTs line, were used to assess effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of nicotinamide on the impaired EVTs invasion. Our results showed that, the placental FLT1 protein level was significantly increased whereas maternal serum nicotinamide concentration was remarkably decreased in PM2.5-exposured pregnant mice at GD17.5 (vaginal plug day=GD0.5), compared to that in normal GD17.5 pregnant mice. FLT1 expression in HTR8/SVneo cells was significantly up-regulated by TNFα treatment, and the down-regulated FLT1 expression effectively abated the inhibitory effects of TNFα on HTR8/SVneo cells migration and invasion. Meanwhile, TNFα promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NF-κB signaling pathway activation in HTR8/SVneo cells in a dose-dependent manner. Nicotinamide treatment significantly reversed the effects of TNFα on cell migration and invasion, as well as the FLT1 expression, ROS production and NF-κB pathway activation. In summary, increased TNFα induced by PM2.5 exposure inhibits EVTs invasion by activating the ROS/NF-κB/FLT1 signaling pathway, and this adverse effect could be attenuated by nicotinamide treatment, suggesting a potential application in the clinical intervention of PM2.5-induced IUGR.
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FN-kappa B , Niacinamida , Material Particulado , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno , Trofoblastos , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Trofoblastos/efectos de los fármacos , Trofoblastos/patología , Niacinamida/farmacología , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Material Particulado/toxicidad , Femenino , Animales , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Embarazo , Ratones , Humanos , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/toxicidad , Exposición Materna/efectos adversos , Trofoblastos ExtravellososRESUMEN
Acquired resistance to PARP inhibitors (PARPi) remains a treatment challenge for BRCA1/2-mutant breast cancer that drastically shortens patient survival. Although several resistance mechanisms have been identified, none have been successfully targeted in the clinic. Using new PARPi-resistance models of Brca1- and Bard1-mutant breast cancer generated in-vivo, we identified FLT1 (VEGFR1) as a driver of resistance. Unlike the known role of VEGF signaling in angiogenesis, we demonstrate a novel, non-canonical role for FLT1 signaling that protects cancer cells from PARPi in-vivo through a combination of cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic pathways. We demonstrate that FLT1 blockade suppresses AKT activation, increases tumor infiltration of CD8+ T cells, and causes dramatic regression of PARPi-resistant breast tumors in a T-cell-dependent manner. Moreover, PARPi-resistant tumor cells can be readily re-sensitized to PARPi by targeting Flt1 either genetically (Flt1-suppression) or pharmacologically (axitinib). Importantly, a retrospective series of breast cancer patients treated with PARPi demonstrated shorter progression-free survival in cases with FLT1 activation at pre-treatment. Our study therefore identifies FLT1 as a potential therapeutic target in PARPi-resistant, BRCA1/2-mutant breast cancer.
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Neoplasias de la Mama , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos , Inhibidores de Poli(ADP-Ribosa) Polimerasas , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Inhibidores de Poli(ADP-Ribosa) Polimerasas/farmacología , Inhibidores de Poli(ADP-Ribosa) Polimerasas/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias de la Mama/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Neoplasias de la Mama/genética , Neoplasias de la Mama/metabolismo , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos/genética , Humanos , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Femenino , Animales , Línea Celular Tumoral , Ratones , Proteína BRCA1/metabolismo , Proteína BRCA1/genética , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Poor placental angiogenesis is associated with several pregnancy complications including fetal growth restriction (FGR), which causes low birth weight (LBW) babies to have a high risk of growth disorders and metabolic disorders in adulthood. Recent research using syncytin knock-out mice showed significant disruption in the growth of placental vascularization. Syncytin-1 which encoded by ERVW-1 gene, is proposed to have a role in placental angiogenesis, but its relationship with other proangiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the placenta of LBW babies has not yet been determined. By knowing the mechanisms of FGR, more proactive preventive and therapeutic measures can be taken in the future. This study aimed to determine the expression of ERVW-1, proangiogenic gene VEGF and its receptor (FLT-1), and hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) in LBW placentas, and investigate the relationship between these genes' expression in the placenta of LBW babies. METHODS: Total RNA was extracted from placental tissue. Total RNA is used as a cDNA synthesis template, followed by qRT-PCR. Correlations of ERVW-1, VEGF, FLT-1 and HIF-1 genes' expression were analyzed by linear regression. RESULTS: The age and body mass index of mothers with LBW and normal birth weight (NBW) babies were not significantly different. ERVW-1 expression in LBW placentas was lower than in NBW placentas, but VEGF, FLT-1 and HIF-1 expressions were higher. ERVW-1 was negatively correlated with HIF-1 and VEGF. DISCUSSION: Low expression of ERVW-1 in the placenta of LBW babies may result in impaired placental angiogenesis and possibly lead to hypoxia.
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Recién Nacido de Bajo Peso , Placenta , Proteínas Gestacionales , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Embarazo , Femenino , Placenta/metabolismo , Humanos , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Recién Nacido , Adulto , Indonesia , Proteínas Gestacionales/metabolismo , Proteínas Gestacionales/genética , Factor 1 Inducible por Hipoxia/metabolismo , Factor 1 Inducible por Hipoxia/genética , Subunidad alfa del Factor 1 Inducible por Hipoxia/metabolismo , Subunidad alfa del Factor 1 Inducible por Hipoxia/genética , Adulto Joven , Retardo del Crecimiento Fetal/metabolismo , Retardo del Crecimiento Fetal/genéticaRESUMEN
The interaction between vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and VEGF receptor 1(VEGFR1) is a central focus for drug development in pathological angiogenesis, where aberrant angiogenesis underlies various anomalies necessitating therapeutic intervention. Identifying hotspots of these proteins is crucial for developing new therapeutics. Although machine learning techniques have succeeded significantly in prediction tasks, they struggle to pinpoint hotspots linked to angiogenic activity accurately. This study involves the collection of diverse VEGFA and VEGFR1 protein sequences from various species via the UniProt database. Electron-ion interaction Potential (EIIP) values were assigned to individual amino acids and transformed into frequency-domain representations using discrete Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). A consensus spectrum emerged by consolidating FFT data from multiple sequences, unveiling specific characteristic frequencies. Subsequently, the Stockwell Transform (ST) was employed to yield the hotspots. The Resonant Recognition Model (RRM) identified a characteristic frequency of 0.128007 with an associated wavelength of 1570 nm and RRM-ST identified hotspots for VEGFA (Human 36, 46, 48, 67, 71, 74, 82, 86, 89, 93) and VEGFR1 (Human 224, 259, 263, 290, 807, 841, 877, 881, 885, 892, 894, 909, 913, 1018, 1022, 1026, 1043). These findings were cross-validated by Hotspots Wizard 3.0 webserver and Protein Data Bank (PDB). The study proposes using a 1570 nm wavelength for photo bio modulation to boost VEGFA/VEGFR1 interaction in the condition that is needed. It also aims to reduce VEGFA/VEGFR2 interaction, limiting harmful angiogenesis in conditions like diabetic retinopathy. Also, the identified hotspots assist in designing agonistic or antagonistic peptides tailored to specific medical requirements with abnormal angiogenesis.
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Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/química , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Humanos , Neovascularización Patológica/metabolismo , Unión Proteica , AngiogénesisRESUMEN
The prevalence of breast cancer underscores the imperative for early diagnosis in guiding treatment decisions. This study introduces a novel contrast agent, Gd-DTPA-VGB3, derived from the peptide VGB3 targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR1) and VEGFR2, to enhance the contrast of conventional drug Magnevist in breast tumor MRI. The MRI contrast agent was synthesized on rink amide resin via Fmoc strategy, incorporating amino acids, and coupling to diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). Gadolinium (Gd)-DTPA-VGB3 displayed specific binding to VEGFR1/2 in a displacement binding assay. Gd-DTPA-VGB3 exhibited minimal cytotoxicity to normal MCF-10 cells while inhibiting 4T1 mammary carcinoma cell proliferation. Compared to Magnevist, Gd-DTPA-VGB3 demonstrated a 2.8-fold increase in contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) (355 vs. 125). Gd-DTPA-VGB3 exhibited enhanced accumulation in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice, resulting in significant signal intensity improvement. The findings highlight Gd-DTPA-VGB3's specific binding to VEGFRs, substantiating its potential as a candidate for enhancing MRI contrast in breast cancer diagnostics.
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Neoplasias de la Mama , Medios de Contraste , Gadolinio DTPA , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Gadolinio DTPA/química , Animales , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Femenino , Medios de Contraste/química , Humanos , Neoplasias de la Mama/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Ratones , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Péptidos/química , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) causes severe visual impairment. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), soluble CD59 (sCD59), and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) are potential therapeutic agents for nAMD, which target angiogenesis and the complement system. Using the AAV2/8 vector, two bi-target gene therapy agents, AAV2/8-PEDF-P2A-sCD59 and AAV2/8-sFLT-1-P2A-sCD59, were generated, and their therapeutic efficacy was investigated in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and Vldlr-/- mouse models. After a single injection, AAV2/8-mediated gene expression was maintained at high levels in the retina for two months. Both AAV2/8-PEDF-P2A-sCD59 and AAV2/8-sFLT-1-P2A-sCD59 significantly reduced CNV development for an extended period without side effects and provided efficacy similar to two injections of current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy. Mechanistically, these agents suppressed the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and nuclear factor-κB pathways, resulting in anti-angiogenic activity. This study demonstrated the safety and long-lasting effects of AAV2/8-PEDF-P2A-sCD59 and AAV2/8-sFLT-1-P2A-sCD59 in CNV treatment, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for nAMD.
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Neovascularización Coroidal , Dependovirus , Terapia Genética , Vectores Genéticos , Neovascularización Coroidal/terapia , Animales , Dependovirus/genética , Ratones , Terapia Genética/métodos , Vectores Genéticos/administración & dosificación , Vectores Genéticos/genética , Factores de Crecimiento Nervioso/genética , Factores de Crecimiento Nervioso/metabolismo , Proteínas del Ojo/genética , Proteínas del Ojo/metabolismo , Proteínas del Ojo/farmacología , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Antígenos CD59/genética , Antígenos CD59/metabolismo , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Humanos , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Parvovirinae/genética , Degeneración Macular/terapia , SerpinasRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) are tyrosine kinase receptors expressed on endothelial cells and tumor vessels and play an important role in angiogenesis. In this study, three repeats of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 binding peptide (VGB3) were genetically fused to the truncated diphtheria toxin (TDT), and its in vitro activity was evaluated. METHODS: The recombinant construct (TDT-triVGB3) was expressed in bacteria cells and purified with nickel affinity chromatography. The binding capacity and affinity of TDT-triVGB3 were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The inhibitory activity of TDT-triVGB3 on viability, migration, and tube formation of human endothelial cells was evaluated using MTT, migration, and tube formation assays. RESULTS: TDT-triVGB3 selectively detected VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 with high affinity in an enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay and significantly inhibited viability, migration, and tube formation of human endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: The developed TDT-triVGB3 is potentially a novel agent for targeting VEGFR1/ VEGFR2 over-expressing cancer cells.
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Inhibidores de la Angiogénesis , Movimiento Celular , Toxina Diftérica , Células Endoteliales de la Vena Umbilical Humana , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Humanos , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Toxina Diftérica/genética , Toxina Diftérica/farmacología , Toxina Diftérica/metabolismo , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células Endoteliales de la Vena Umbilical Humana/metabolismo , Inhibidores de la Angiogénesis/farmacología , Inhibidores de la Angiogénesis/genética , Inhibidores de la Angiogénesis/química , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/farmacología , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/metabolismo , Neovascularización Patológica/genética , Neovascularización Patológica/metabolismo , Neovascularización Patológica/patología , Neovascularización Patológica/tratamiento farmacológico , Expresión Génica , Células Endoteliales/metabolismo , Células Endoteliales/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
In previous animal model studies, we demonstrated the potential of rAAV2-sVEGFRv-1, which encodes a truncated variant of the alternatively spliced soluble version of VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR1), as a human gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Here, we elucidate in vitro some of the mechanisms by which rAAV2-sVEGFRv-1 exerts its therapeutic effects. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were infected with rAAV2-sVEGFRv-1 or a control virus vector in the presence of members of the VEGF family to identify potential binding partners via ELISA, which showed that VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor (PlGF) are all ligands of its transgene product. In order to determine the effects of rAAV2-sVEGFRv-1 on cell proliferation and permeability, processes that are important to the progression AMD and DR, HUVECs were infected with the therapeutic virus vector under the stimulation of VEGF-A, the major driver of the neovascularization that characterizes the forms of these conditions most associated with vision loss. rAAV2-sVEGFRv-1 treatment, as a result, markedly reduced the extent to which these processes occurred, with the latter determined by measuring zonula occludens 1 expression. Finally, the human microglial HMC3 cell line was used to show the effects of the therapeutic virus vector upon inflammatory processes, another major contributor to angiogenic eye disease pathophysiology, with rAAV2-sVEGFRv-1 reducing therein the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6. Combined with our previously published in vivo data, the in vitro activity of the expressed transgene here further demonstrates the great promise of rAAV2-sVEGFRv-1 as a potential human gene therapeutic for addressing angiogenic ocular conditions.
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Dependovirus , Terapia Genética , Células Endoteliales de la Vena Umbilical Humana , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Humanos , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Dependovirus/genética , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Terapia Genética/métodos , Vectores Genéticos/genética , Proliferación Celular , Degeneración Macular/terapia , Degeneración Macular/genética , Degeneración Macular/metabolismo , Retinopatía Diabética/terapia , Retinopatía Diabética/genética , Retinopatía Diabética/metabolismo , Factor B de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Factor B de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Placentario/genética , Factor de Crecimiento Placentario/metabolismoRESUMEN
Preeclampsia (PE) is a multifactorial pregnancy disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, posing significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. Despite extensive research, its complex pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. This narrative review aims to elucidate the intricate mechanisms contributing to PE, focusing on abnormal placentation, maternal systemic response, oxidative stress, inflammation, and genetic and epigenetic factors. This review synthesizes findings from recent studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses, highlighting key molecular and cellular pathways involved in PE. The review integrates data on oxidative stress biomarkers, angiogenic factors, immune interactions, and mitochondrial dysfunction. PE is initiated by poor placentation due to inadequate trophoblast invasion and improper spiral artery remodeling, leading to placental hypoxia. This triggers the release of anti-angiogenic factors such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin (sEng), causing widespread endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial abnormalities, and immune dysregulation further exacerbate the condition. Genetic and epigenetic modifications, including polymorphisms in the Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1) gene and altered microRNA (miRNA) expression, play critical roles. Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, and specific molecular pathways like the heme oxygenase-1/carbon monoxide (HO-1/CO) and cystathionine gamma-lyase/hydrogen sulfide (CSE/H2S) pathways show promise in mitigating preeclampsia's effects. PE is a complex disorder with multifactorial origins involving abnormal placentation, endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress. Despite advances in understanding its pathophysiology, effective prevention and treatment strategies remain limited. Continued research is essential to develop targeted therapies that can improve outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
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Estrés Oxidativo , Preeclampsia , Humanos , Preeclampsia/fisiopatología , Preeclampsia/metabolismo , Embarazo , Femenino , Epigénesis Genética , Inflamación/metabolismo , Biomarcadores , Placenta/metabolismo , Placenta/fisiopatología , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genéticaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated sex-specific pathogenesis mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease (AD) using single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) data. METHODS: Data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were searched using terms "Alzheimer's Disease", "single cell", and "Homo sapiens". Studies excluding APOE E4 and including comprehensive gender information with 10× sequencing methods were selected, resulting in GSE157827 and GSE174367 datasets from human prefrontal cortex samples. Sex-stratified analyses were conducted on these datasets, and the outcomes of the analysis for GSE157827 were compared with those of GSE174367. The findings were validated using expression profiling from the mouse dataset GSE85162. Furthermore, real-time PCR experiments in mice further confirmed these findings. The Seurat R package was used to identify cell types, and batch effects were mitigated using the Harmony R package. Cell proportions by sex were compared using the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test, and gene expression variability was displayed with an empirical cumulative distribution plot. Differentially expressed genes were identified using the FindMarkers function with the MAST test. Transcription factors were analyzed using the RcisTarget R package. RESULTS: Seven cell types were identified: astrocytes, endothelial cells, excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Additionally, five distinct subpopulations of both endothelial and microglial cells were also identified, respectively. Key findings included: (1) In endothelial cells, genes involved in synapse organization, such as Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R) and Fms Related Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 1(FLT1), showed higher expression in females with AD. (2) In microglial cells, genes in the ribosome pathway exhibited higher expression in males without AD compared to females (with or without AD) and males with AD. (3) Chromodomain Helicase DNA Binding Protein 2 (CHD2) negatively regulated gene expression in the ribosome pathway in male microglia, suppressing AD, this finding was further validated in mice. (4) Differences between Asians and Caucasians were observed based on sex and disease status stratification. CONCLUSIONS: IGF1R and FLT1 in endothelial cells contribute to AD in females, while CHD2 negatively regulates ribosome pathway gene expression in male microglia, suppressing AD in humans and mice.
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Enfermedad de Alzheimer , Células Endoteliales , Microglía , Receptor IGF Tipo 1 , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/genética , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Femenino , Animales , Masculino , Microglía/metabolismo , Humanos , Receptor IGF Tipo 1/genética , Receptor IGF Tipo 1/metabolismo , Ratones , Células Endoteliales/metabolismo , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Factores Sexuales , Proteínas de Unión al ADN/genética , Proteínas de Unión al ADN/metabolismo , Corteza Prefrontal/metabolismo , Ratones Endogámicos C57BLRESUMEN
Purpose: Recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells, such as retinal microglia/macrophages, in the subretinal space contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study aims to explore the functional role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), placental growth factor (PlGF) and VEGF-A/PlGF heterodimer in immune homeostasis and activation during pathological laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Methods: To investigate these roles, we utilized the PlGF-DE knockin (KI) mouse model, which is the full functional knockout (KO) of PlGF. In this model, mice express a variant of PlGF, named PlGF-DE, that is unable to bind and activate VEGFR-1 but can still form heterodimer with VEGF-A. Results: Our findings demonstrate that, although there is no difference in healthy conditions, PlGF-DE-KI mice exhibit decreased microglia reactivity and reduced recruitment of both microglia and monocyte-macrophages, compared to wild-type mice during laser-induced CNV. This impairment is associated with a reduction in VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) phosphorylation in the retinae of PlGF-DE-KI mice compared to C57Bl6/J mice. Corroborating these data, intravitreal delivery of PlGF or VEGF-A/PlGF heterodimer in PlGF-DE-KI mice rescued the immune cell response at the early phase of CNV compared to VEGF-A delivery. Conclusions: In summary, our study suggests that targeting PlGF and the VEGF-A/PlGF heterodimer, thereby preventing VEGFR-1 activation, could represent a potential therapeutic approach for the management of inflammatory processes in diseases such as AMD.
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Neovascularización Coroidal , Microglía , Factor de Crecimiento Placentario , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Animales , Ratones , Neovascularización Coroidal/metabolismo , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Macrófagos/inmunología , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Microglía/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Placentario/metabolismo , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismoRESUMEN
Abnormal placental angiogenesis during gestation resulting from high levels of anti-angiogenic factors, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1) and soluble endoglin, has been implicated in the progression of preeclampsia (PE). This heterogeneous syndrome (defined by hypertension with or without proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy) remains a major global health burden with long-term consequences for both mothers and child. Previously, we showed that in vivo systemic human (hsFLT1) overexpression led to reduced placental efficiency and PE-like syndrome in mice. Galectins (gal-1, -3 and -9) are critical determinants of vascular adaptation to pregnancy and dysregulation of the galectin-glycan circuits is associated with the development of this life-threatening disease. In this study, we assessed the galectin-glycan networks at the maternal-fetal interface associated with the hsFLT1-induced PE in mice. We observed an increase on the maternal gal-1 expression in the decidua and junctional zone layers of the placenta derived from hs FLT1high pregnancies. In contrast, placental gal-3 and gal-9 expression were not sensitive to the hsFLT1 overexpression. In addition, O- and N-linked glycan expression, poly-LacNAc sequences and terminal sialylation were down-regulated in hsFLT1 high placentas. Thus, the gal-1-glycan axis appear to play an important role counteracting the anti-angiogenic status caused by sFLT1, becoming critical for vascular adaptation at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Placenta , Preeclampsia , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Embarazo , Femenino , Animales , Humanos , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Ratones , Preeclampsia/metabolismo , Placenta/metabolismo , Glicosilación , Galectinas/metabolismo , Neovascularización Patológica/metabolismo , Modelos Animales de EnfermedadRESUMEN
Cervical cancer stands as a prevalent gynaecologic malignancy affecting women globally, often linked to persistent human papillomavirus infection. Biomarkers associated with cervical cancer, including VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and VEGF-E, show upregulation and are linked to angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. This research aims to employ in-silico methods to target tyrosine kinase receptor proteins-VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3, and identify novel inhibitors for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors receptors (VEGFRs). A comprehensive literary study was conducted which identified 26 established inhibitors for VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 receptor proteins. Compounds with high-affinity scores, including PubChem ID-25102847, 369976, and 208908 were chosen from pre-existing compounds for creating Deep Learning-based models. RD-Kit, a Deep learning algorithm, was used to generate 43 million compounds for VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 targets. Molecular docking studies were conducted on the top 10 molecules for each target to validate the receptor-ligand binding affinity. The results of Molecular Docking indicated that PubChem IDs-71465,645 and 11152946 exhibited strong affinity, designating them as the most efficient molecules. To further investigate their potential, a Molecular Dynamics Simulation was performed to assess conformational stability, and a pharmacophore analysis was also conducted for indoctrinating interactions.
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Aprendizaje Profundo , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Receptor 3 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Humanos , Receptor 3 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/antagonistas & inhibidores , Receptor 3 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/antagonistas & inhibidores , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/metabolismo , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/virología , Femenino , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/antagonistas & inhibidores , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas/farmacología , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas/uso terapéutico , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas/químicaRESUMEN
Endothelial and skeletal muscle lineages arise from common embryonic progenitors. Despite their shared developmental origin, adult endothelial cells (ECs) and muscle stem cells (MuSCs; satellite cells) have been thought to possess distinct gene signatures and signaling pathways. Here, we shift this paradigm by uncovering how adult MuSC behavior is affected by the expression of a subset of EC transcripts. We used several computational analyses including single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) to show that MuSCs express low levels of canonical EC markers in mice. We demonstrate that MuSC survival is regulated by one such prototypic endothelial signaling pathway (VEGFA-FLT1). Using pharmacological and genetic gain- and loss-of-function studies, we identify the FLT1-AKT1 axis as the key effector underlying VEGFA-mediated regulation of MuSC survival. All together, our data support that the VEGFA-FLT1-AKT1 pathway promotes MuSC survival during muscle regeneration, and highlights how the minor expression of select transcripts is sufficient for affecting cell behavior.
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Supervivencia Celular , Células Endoteliales , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Transducción de Señal , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Animales , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Ratones , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Células Endoteliales/metabolismo , Células Endoteliales/fisiología , Músculo Esquelético/metabolismo , Células Satélite del Músculo Esquelético/metabolismo , Células Satélite del Músculo Esquelético/fisiología , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , MasculinoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND/AIM: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress various anti-tumor immune responses in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and their control is considered essential to enhancing efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the strategy to regulate Tregs through the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated VEGF receptor (VEGFR) expression in subtypes of Tregs by analysis of public databases and through flow cytometry by investigating surgically resected specimens and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 26 patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). RESULTS: Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas colorectal adenocarcinoma dataset (n=592) showed that mRNA expression of both FLT1 (VEGFR1) and KDR (VEGFR2) was positively correlated with mRNA expression of FOXP3 as well as Treg signature. Clinical specimens revealed abundant VEGFR2 expression on Tregs, but very marginal VEGFR1 expression. The frequency of effector Tregs, the most immunosuppressive fraction of Tregs, was significantly higher in the tumor than in the PBMC and normal mucosa, and the majority of effector Tregs expressed VEGFR2. Furthermore, by using in vitro generated Tregs, the proportion of Tregs expressing IL-10 or TGF-ß1 was significantly inhibited by a VEGFR2 inhibitor. CONCLUSION: A therapeutic strategy targeting the VEGFR2 axis may have a potential to control effector Tregs in the CRC-TME.
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Neoplasias Colorrectales , Linfocitos T Reguladores , Microambiente Tumoral , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Humanos , Neoplasias Colorrectales/inmunología , Neoplasias Colorrectales/patología , Neoplasias Colorrectales/genética , Neoplasias Colorrectales/metabolismo , Linfocitos T Reguladores/inmunología , Linfocitos T Reguladores/metabolismo , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Receptor 2 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Masculino , Femenino , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Microambiente Tumoral/inmunología , Anciano , Persona de Mediana Edad , Linfocitos Infiltrantes de Tumor/inmunología , Linfocitos Infiltrantes de Tumor/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/genética , Interleucina-10/genética , Interleucina-10/metabolismo , Factores de Transcripción Forkhead/genética , Factores de Transcripción Forkhead/metabolismoRESUMEN
Anti-angiogenesis has emerged a promising strategy against colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy is greatly compromised by the up-regulated autophagy levels resulting from the evolutionary resistance mechanism and the presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) in CRC. Herein, we report a cationic polymer capable of blocking autophagic flux to deliver plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) for enhanced anti-angiogenic therapy against F. nucleatum-associated CRC. The autophagy-inhibiting cationic polymer, referred to as PNHCQ, is synthesized by conjugating hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) into 3,3'-diaminodipropylamine-pendant poly(ß-benzyl-L-aspartate) (PAsp(Nors)), which can be assembled and electrostatically interacted with sFlt-1 plasmid to form PNHCQ/sFlt-1 polyplexes. Hydrophobic HCQ modification not only boosts transfection efficiency but confers autophagy inhibition activity to the polymer. Hyaluronic acid (HA) coating is further introduced to afford PNHCQ/sFlt-1@HA for improved tumor targeting without compromising on transfection. Consequently, PNHCQ/sFlt-1@HA demonstrates significant anti-tumor efficacy in F. nucleatum-colocalized HT29 mouse xenograft model by simultaneously exerting anti-angiogenic effects through sFlt-1 expression and down-regulating autophagy levels exacerbated by F. nucleatum challenge. The combination of anti-angiogenic gene delivery and overall autophagy blockade effectively sensitizes CRC tumors to anti-angiogenesis, providing an innovative approach for enhanced anti-angiogenic therapy against F. nucleatum-resident CRC. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Up-regulated autophagy level within tumors is considered responsible for the impaired efficacy of clinic antiangiogenic therapy against CRC colonized with pathogenic F. nucleatum. To tackle this problem, an autophagy-inhibiting cationic polymer is developed to enable efficient intracellular delivery of plasmid DNA encoding soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and enhance anti-angiogenic therapy against F. nucleatum-associated CRC. HA coating that can be degraded by tumor-enriching hyaluronidase is further introduced for improved tumor targeting without compromising transfection efficiency. The well-orchestrated polyplexes achieve considerable tumor accumulation, efficient in vivo transfection, and effectively reinforce the sensitivity of CRC to the sFlt-1-derived anti-angiogenic effects by significantly blocking overall autophagy flux exacerbated by F. nucleatum challenge, thus harvesting robust antitumor outcomes against F. nucleatum-resident CRC.
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Autofagia , Neoplasias Colorrectales , Fusobacterium nucleatum , Fusobacterium nucleatum/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias Colorrectales/patología , Neoplasias Colorrectales/tratamiento farmacológico , Animales , Autofagia/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Técnicas de Transferencia de Gen , Ratones Desnudos , Ratones , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Terapia Genética/métodos , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Neovascularización Patológica/tratamiento farmacológico , Neovascularización Patológica/patología , Plásmidos , Inhibidores de la Angiogénesis/farmacología , Hidroxicloroquina/farmacología , Infecciones por Fusobacterium/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por Fusobacterium/complicacionesRESUMEN
The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model is frequently used to study preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. An improved understanding of influential factors might improve reproducibility and reduce animal use considering the variability in RUPP phenotype. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching Medline and Embase (until 28 March, 2023) for RUPP studies in murine. Primary outcomes included maternal blood pressure (BP) or proteinuria, fetal weight or crown-rump length, fetal reabsorptions, or antiangiogenic factors. We aimed to identify influential factors by meta-regression analysis. We included 155 studies. Our meta-analysis showed that the RUPP procedure results in significantly higher BP (MD = 24.1 mmHg; [22.6; 25.7]; n = 148), proteinuria (SMD = 2.3; [0.9; 3.8]; n = 28), fetal reabsorptions (MD = 50.4%; [45.5; 55.2]; n = 42), circulating soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) (SMD = 2.6; [1.7; 3.4]; n = 34), and lower fetal weight (MD = -0.4 g; [-0.47; -0.34]; n = 113. The heterogeneity (variability between studies) in primary outcomes appeared ≥90%. Our meta-regression identified influential factors in the method and time point of BP measurement, randomization in fetal weight, and type of control group in sFlt-1. The RUPP is a robust model considering the evident differences in maternal and fetal outcomes. The high heterogeneity reflects the observed variability in phenotype. Because of underreporting, we observed reporting bias and a high risk of bias. We recommend standardizing study design by optimal time point and method chosen for readout measures to limit the variability. This contributes to improved reproducibility and thereby eventually improves the translational value of the RUPP model.
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Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Retardo del Crecimiento Fetal , Preeclampsia , Útero , Retardo del Crecimiento Fetal/fisiopatología , Femenino , Embarazo , Preeclampsia/fisiopatología , Preeclampsia/diagnóstico , Animales , Ratones , Útero/irrigación sanguínea , Útero/fisiopatología , Presión Sanguínea , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/sangre , Receptor 1 de Factores de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Peso FetalRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To compare the mRNA expression of placental iron transporters (TfR-1 and FPN), markers of placental vascularization (VEGF and sFLT1) and marker of structural integrity (LMN-A) in term women with and without iron deficiency anemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 pregnant women were enrolled; 15 cases of iron deficiency anemia (Hb 7-10.9 gm/dL) and 15 gestational age matched healthy controls (Hb ≥ 11 gm/dL). Peripheral venous blood was collected for assessment of hemoglobin levels and serum iron profile. Placental tissue was used for assessing the mRNA expression of TfR-1, FPN, VEGF, sFLT-1 and LMN-A via real time PCR. RESULTS: Placental expression of TfR-1, VEGF and LMN-A was increased in pregnant women with anemia compared to healthy pregnant controls. Placental expression of sFLT-1 was decreased in pregnant women with anemia compared to healthy pregnant controls. There was no change in the placental expression of FPN. CONCLUSION: The increased expression of TfR-1, VEGF and LMN-A in cases of iron deficiency anemia are most likely to be compensatory in nature to help maintain adequate fetal iron delivery. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADDS TO THE CLINICAL WORK: Compensatory changes in the placenta aimed at buffering transport of iron to the fetus are seen in pregnant women with anemia compared to healthy pregnant controls.