Regulation of CXCL8/IL-8 expression by Zonula Occludens-1 in human breast cancer cells.

in Molecular Cancer Research (2012), 10(1), 121-32

Accumulating data now suggest that ZO-1, once delocalized from tight junctions, could be implicated in the regulation of tumor promoting genes. Because of their major implication in different steps of ... [more ▼]

Accumulating data now suggest that ZO-1, once delocalized from tight junctions, could be implicated in the regulation of tumor promoting genes. Because of their major implication in different steps of tumor progression, we investigated here the influence of ZO-1 on chemokines expression in breast cancer cells. Using GeneArray analysis to compare chemokine mRNA expression in breast tumor cells transfected with a siRNA against ZO-1, we identified CXCL-8/IL-8 as a major potential target of ZO-1 signaling, being strongly downregulated following ZO-1 siRNA transfection. Examining further the relationship between ZO-1 and IL-8, we first demonstrated that CXCL8/IL-8 expression correlates with a relocalization of ZO-1 in several breast cancer cell lines. Moreover, CXCL8/IL-8 is downregulated in invasive BT549 cells transfected with 3 different ZO-1 siRNA and overexpressed in non-invasive BT20 and SKBR3 cells transfected with vectors expressing ZO-1. We also provide evidence for an activation of the CXCL8/IL-8 promoter by ZO-1. Finally, we demonstrate that the regulation of CXCL8/IL-8 by ZO-1 is independent of the beta-catenin pathway. Our results thus clearly demonstrate an implication of ZO-1 in CXCL8/IL-8 regulation. Because of the major implications of CXCL8/IL-8 in tumor invasion, such a regulation could play an important role in breast cancer progression. [less ▲]

The Antiangiogenic 16K Prolactin Impairs Functional Tumor Neovascularization by Inhibiting Vessel Maturation

in PLoS ONE (2011), 6(11), 27318-27318

Background: Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, plays an essential role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. 16K hPRL, the antiangiogenic 16-kDa N-terminal ... [more ▼]

Background: Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, plays an essential role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. 16K hPRL, the antiangiogenic 16-kDa N-terminal fragment of human prolactin was shown to prevent tumor growth and metastasis by modifying tumor vessel morphology. Methodology/Principal Findings: Here we investigated the effect of 16K hPRL on tumor vessel maturation and on the related signaling pathways. We show that 16K hPRL treatment leads, in a murine B16-F10 tumor model, to a dysfunctional tumor vasculature with reduced pericyte coverage, and disruption of the PDGF-B/PDGFR-B, Ang/Tie2, and Delta/Notch pathways. In an aortic ring assay, 16K hPRL impairs endothelial cell and pericyte outgrowth from the vascular ring. In addition, 16K hPRL prevents pericyte migration to endothelial cells. This event was independent of a direct inhibitory effect of 16K hPRL on pericyte viability, proliferation, or migration. In endothelial cell-pericyte cocultures, we found 16K hPRL to disturb Notch signaling. Conclusions/Significance: Taken together, our data show that 16K hPRL impairs functional tumor neovascularization by inhibiting vessel maturation and for the first time that an endogenous antiangiogenic agent disturbs Notch signaling. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of 16K hPRL action and highlight its potential for use in anticancer therapy. [less ▲]

MT-MMPs as regulators of vessel stability associated with angiogenesis

in Frontiers in Pharmacology of Anti-Cancer Drugs (2011), 2:111

The development of vascular system depends on the coordinated activity of a number of distinct families of molecules including growth factors and their receptors, cell adhesion molecules, extracellular ... [more ▼]

The development of vascular system depends on the coordinated activity of a number of distinct families of molecules including growth factors and their receptors, cell adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, and proteolytic enzymes. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are a family of ECM degrading enzymes required for both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Increasing evidence, point to a direct role of membrane type-MMPs (MT-MMPs) in vascular system stabilization, maturation, and leakage. Our understanding of the nature of MT-MMP interaction with extracellular and cell surface molecules and their multiple roles in vessel walls and perivascular stroma may provide new insights into mechanisms underlying vascular cell-ECM interactions and cell fate decisions in pathological conditions. Regulation of vascular leakage by MT-MMP interactions with the ECM could also lead to novel targeting opportunities for drug delivery in tumor. This review will shed lights on the emerging roles of MT1-MMP and MT4-MMP in vascular system alterations associated with cancer progression. [less ▲]

Transient reduction of placental angiogenesis in PAI-1 deficient mice

in Physiological Genomics (2011), 43(4), 188-98

Murine placentation is associated with the invasion of maternal endometrium by trophoblasts and an extensive maternal and foetal angiogenesis. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is transiently ... [more ▼]

Murine placentation is associated with the invasion of maternal endometrium by trophoblasts and an extensive maternal and foetal angiogenesis. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is transiently produced by spongiotrophoblasts and trophoblast giant cells at 10.5-11.5 day post-coitum (dpc). Knowing the key contribution of PAI-1 in the regulation of angiogenesis, we have now analyzed the consequence of PAI-1 deficiency on murine placentation. Morphological and quantitative computer-assisted image analysis revealed abnormal placental morphology in PAI-1 (-/-) mice at 10.5 and 12.5 dpc. At 10.5 dpc, the genetic ablation of PAI-1 resulted in a transient reduction of both maternal and foetal vascularizations in the placenta and increased trophoblast cell density. This was associated with a poorer development of the labyrinth and an extension of the decidua. A larger spongiotrophoblast layer appeared at 12.5 dpc in PAI-1 deficient mice. Placental morphology was normalized at 14,5 dpc. Microarray analyses performed on laser capture microdissected labyrinths revealed that 46 genes were differentially expressed at 10.5 dpc between the two genotypes. However, only 11 genes were still differently modulated at 14.5 dpc when normalization of placental morphology had take place. This transcriptomic profiling highlighted a dysregulation in the expression of placenta-related cathepsin family members. All together our data provide evidence for a transient impaired placental morphology in PAI-1-deficient mice which is then normalized leading to normal embryonic development. [less ▲]

ADAM-8, a metalloproteinase, drives acute allergen-induced airway inflammation

in European Journal of Immunology (2011), 41(2), 380-91

Asthma is a complex disease linked to various pathophysiological events including the activity of proteinases. The multifunctional A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinases (ADAMs) displaying the ability to ... [more ▼]

Asthma is a complex disease linked to various pathophysiological events including the activity of proteinases. The multifunctional A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinases (ADAMs) displaying the ability to cleave membrane-bound mediators or cytokines appear to be key mediators in various inflammatory processes. In the present study, we have investigated ADAM-8 expression and production in a mouse model of allergen-induced airway inflammation. In allergen-exposed animals, increased expression of ADAM-8 was found in the lung parenchyma and in dendritic cells purified from the lungs. The potential role of ADAM-8 in the development of allergen-induced airway inflammation was further investigated by the use of an anti-ADAM-8 antibody and ADAM-8 knock-out animals. We observed a decrease in allergen-induced acute inflammation both in BALF and the peribronchial area in anti-ADAM-8 antibody-treated mice and in ADAM-8 deficient mice (ADAM-8-/-) after allergen exposure. ADAM-8 depletion led to a significant decrease of the CD11c+ lung dendritic cells. We also report lower levels of CCL11 and CCL22 production in antibody-treated mice and ADAM-8-/- mice that might be explained by decreased eosinophilic inflammation and lower numbers of dendritic cells, respectively. In conclusion, ADAM-8 appears to favour allergen-induced acute airway inflammation by promoting dendritic cell recruitment and CCL11 and CCL22 production. [less ▲]

Does isoforms 111 and 165 of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF111 and 165) improve transplanted ovarian tissue survival?

in Journal of Assisted Reproduction & Genetics (2011), 28

Lymphangiogenesis in post-natal tissue remodeling: Lymphatic endothelial cell connection with its environment.

in Molecular Aspects of Medicine (2011), 32(2), 146-158

The main physiological function of the lymphatic vasculature is to maintain tissue fluid homeostasis. Lymphangiogenesis or de novo lymphatic formation is closely associated with tissue inflammation in ... [more ▼]

The main physiological function of the lymphatic vasculature is to maintain tissue fluid homeostasis. Lymphangiogenesis or de novo lymphatic formation is closely associated with tissue inflammation in adults (i.e. wound healing, allograft rejection, tumor metastasis). Until recently, research on lymphangiogenesis focused mainly on growth factor/growth factor-receptor pathways governing this process. One of the lymphatic vessel features is the incomplete or absence of basement membrane. This close association of endothelial cells with the underlying interstitial matrix suggests that cell-matrix interactions play an important role in lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic functions. However, the exploration of interaction between extracellular matrix (ECM) components and lymphatic endothelial cells is in its infancy. Herein, we describe ECM-cell and cell-cell interactions on lymphatic system function and their modification occurring in pathologies including cancer metastasis. [less ▲]

Dentin Matrix Protein 1 induces membrane expression of VE-cadherin on endothelial cells and inhibits VEGF-induced angiogenesis by blocking VEGFR-2 phosphorylation.

in Blood (2011), 117(8), 2515-26

Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is a member of the Small Integrin-Binding LIgand N-linked Glycoproteins (SIBLINGs) family, a group of proteins initially described as mineralized extracellular matrices ... [more ▼]

Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is a member of the Small Integrin-Binding LIgand N-linked Glycoproteins (SIBLINGs) family, a group of proteins initially described as mineralized extracellular matrices components. More recently, SIBLINGs have been implicated in several key steps of cancer progression, including angiogenesis. Although pro-angiogenic activities have been demonstrated for two SIBLINGs, the role of DMP1 in angiogenesis has not been addressed yet. We demonstrated that this extracellular matrix protein induced the expression of VE-cadherin, a key regulator of intercellular junctions and contact inhibition of growth of endothelial cells that is also known to modulate VEGFR-2 activity, the major high affinity receptor for VEGF. DMP1 induced VE-cadherin and p27(Kip1) expression followed by cell cycle arrest in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in a CD44-dependent manner. VEGF-induced proliferation, migration and tubulogenesis responses were specifically blocked upon DMP1 pre-treatment of HUVEC. Indeed, subsequently to VE-cadherin induction, DMP1 inhibited VEGFR-2 phosphorylation and Src-mediated signaling. However, DMP1 did not interfere with bFGF-induced angiogenesis. In vivo, DMP1 significantly reduced laser-induced choroidal neovascularization lesions and tumor-associated angiogenesis. These data enable us to put DMP1 on the angiogenic chessboard for the first time and to identify this protein as a new specific inhibitor of VEGF-induced angiogenesis. [less ▲]

Invasion and metastatic dissemination in breast cancer: mechanisms

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2011), 66(5-6), 274-278

Metastases formation is a complex process involving genetic and epigenetic modifications leading to several molecular pathway dysfunctions and alterations in the production and fonction of a panel of ... [more ▼]

Metastases formation is a complex process involving genetic and epigenetic modifications leading to several molecular pathway dysfunctions and alterations in the production and fonction of a panel of molecular mediators. Recent studies have shed light on the importance of multiple interactions occuring between tumor cells and host cells involved in the elaboration of a microenvironment permissive for tumor cell survival and growth. These tumor-host interactions are decisive, not only in the primary tumor, but also in secondary sites colonized by tumor cells. Cancer appears more and more as a sytemic disease in which tumor cell is one of the pawn in the game. System of defense are rapidly overwhelmed and tumor cells hijack host cells to promote their dissemination that likely occurs at earlier stages than initially anticipated. In the present review, we describe the novel concepts of metastases formation based on recent transcriptomic analyses and new insights acquired on the tumor microenvironment in the primary tumor and in secondary foci. [less ▲]

Cellules Tumorales Circulantes : détection, caractérisation et intérêts cliniques

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2011), 66(5-6), 279-84

The metastatic process generates circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in bone marrow and other organs which can remain as occult metastases. Various methods and systems have ... [more ▼]

The metastatic process generates circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in bone marrow and other organs which can remain as occult metastases. Various methods and systems have been developed to allow the isolation and identification of those cells but major technical limitations still exist. Research on CTCs is a nevertheless tremendously growing field of cancer research because of their potential clinical applications. CTCs indeed convey predictive information for the development of metastasis and recurrence, and prognostic information regarding patient survival. CTCs enumeration could also be used to monitor the effectiveness of adjuvant treatments. Moreover, enhancing our basic understanding of the metastatic process, CTCs, and DTCs in particular, are thought to contain subpopulations of cells with stem cells properties that would be responsible for relapses. [less ▲]