Induced E-selectin Expression Research Articles

Oxidative Stress Induces E-Selectin Expression through Repression of Endothelial Transcription Factor ERG.

Oxidative stress induces a prothrombotic state through enhancement of adhesion properties of the endothelium. E-selectin, an endothelial cell adhesion molecule, becomes a therapeutic target for venous thrombosis, whereas the regulatory mechanisms of its expression have not been fully understood. In the present study, we report that H2O2 treatment increases expression of E-selectin but decreases expression of the endothelial transcription factor ETS-related gene (ERG) in HUVECs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In BALB/c mice treated with hypochlorous acid, E-selectin expression is increased and ERG expression is decreased in endothelial cells of the brain and lung. RNA interference of ERG upregulates E-selectin expression, whereas transfection of ERG-expressing plasmid downregulates E-selectin expression in HUVECs. Knockdown or overexpression of ERG comprises H2O2-induced E-selectin expression in HUVECs. Deletion of the Erg gene in mice results in embryonic lethality at embryonic days 10.5-12.5, and E-selectin expression is increased in the Erg-/- embryos. No chromatin loop was found on the E-selectin gene or its promoter region by capture high-throughput chromosome conformation capture. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay determined that the -127 ERG binding motif mediates ERG-repressed E-selectin promoter activity. In addition, ERG decreases H2O2-induced monocyte adhesion. Together, ERG represses the E-selectin gene transcription and inhibits oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell adhesion.

Trypanosoma cruzi Exploits E- and P-Selectins To Migrate Across Endothelial Cells and Extracellular Matrix Proteins.

The Chagas disease parasite Trypanosoma cruzi must extravasate to home in on susceptible cells residing in most tissues. It remains unknown how T. cruzi undertakes this crucial step of its life cycle. We hypothesized that the pathogen exploits the endothelial cell programming leukocytes use to extravasate to sites of inflammation. Transendothelial migration (TEM) starts after inflammatory cytokines induce E-selectin expression and P-selectin translocation on endothelial cells (ECs), enabling recognition by leukocyte ligands that engender rolling cell adhesion. Here, we show that T. cruzi upregulates E- and P-selectins in cardiac ECs to which it binds in a ligand-receptor fashion, whether under static or shear flow conditions. Glycoproteins isolated from T. cruzi (TcEx) specifically recognize P-selectin in a ligand-receptor interaction. As with leukocytes, binding of P-selectin to T. cruzi or TcEx requires sialic acid and tyrosine sulfate, which are pivotal for downstream migration across ECs and extracellular matrix proteins. Additionally, soluble selectins, which bind T. cruzi, block transendothelial migration dose dependently, implying that the pathogen bears selectin-binding ligand(s) that start transmigration. Furthermore, function-blocking antibodies against E- and P-selectins, which act on endothelial cells and not T. cruzi, are exquisite in preventing TEM. Thus, our results show that selectins can function as mediators of T. cruzi transendothelial transmigration, suggesting a pathogenic mechanism that allows homing in of the parasite on targeted tissues. As selectin inhibitors are sought-after therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases and cancer metastasis, they may similarly represent a novel strategy for Chagas disease therapy.

Overcoming a Critical Obstacle Towards Effective and Safe CAR T-Cell Therapeutics

▪Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells have shown great promise in achieving stable remission of B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and are being utilized to treat a variety of other hematologic and non-hematologic malignancies. However, this therapy is associated with significant adverse effects (e.g., cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity), largely related to the high cell doses requisite for achieving therapeutic response(s). E-selectin, an endothelial molecule expressed on microvessels of bone marrow and tumors, is critical for extravasation of blood-borne cells. E-selectin binds to sialyl Lewis X (sLeX), a sialofucosylated tetrasaccharide motif decorating specialized glycoproteins and glycolipids on circulating cells. Given that better site-specific delivery of administered CAR T-cells would yield more efficacious immunotherapy while limiting off-target effects, we sought to determine whether these cells express E-selectin ligands.CAR T-cells targeting glioblastoma were created by lentiviral transduction of human T-cells with anti-EGFR-BBz-mCherry CAR construct. Transduced cells (T) and untransduced cells (UT) were subjected to stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 microbeads followed by culture expansion in presence of interleukin-2 (IL2) for 10 days (“10”). In some cases, cells were expanded for 7 additional days by co-culturing with irradiated U87 glioblastoma cell line (“17”). These cells were compared to resting T-cells (non-expanded; NE). Expression of sLeX on each T-cell population (NE, T10, T17, UT10 or UT17) was measured by flow cytometry.We observed that NE T-cells display moderate expression of sLeX as previously reported in literature (Silva, Fung et al., J. Immunol., 2017). T10 CAR T-cells display significantly lower sLeX compared to NE T-cells, while T17 CAR T-cells completely lack sLeX. Similar pattern of sLeX expression was observed on UT10 and UT17 populations, indicating that culture expansion progressively depletes sLeX expression on T-cells, regardless of transduction with a CAR construct.To analyze the capacity of CAR T-cells to bind E-selectin under hemodynamic shear conditions, we utilized a microfluidic flow chamber wherein T-cells are perfused over human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers treated with TNFα to induce E-selectin expression. Consistent with the observed cell surface sLeX levels, NE T-cells display robust rolling interactions on TNFα-stimulated HUVECs, whereas T10 and T17 CAR T-cells exhibit essentially no endothelial interactions. To overcome this shortfall, we assessed whether sLeX expression can be enforced on the CAR T-cell surface via glycoengineering using glycosyltransferase programmed stereosubstitution (GPS), i.e., fucosyltransferase-mediated α(1,3)-fucose installation that converts terminal sialylated type 2 lactosamines to sLeX. GPS engenders markedly increased CAR T-cell sLeX expression, yielding full (100%) sLeX -expression of the CAR T-cell populations, while increasing sLeX expression from a baseline of 20-30% to maximally 60-70% of the NE T-cell populations. The glycoengineered CAR T-cells display markedly enhanced (>20 fold) adhesive interactions on TNFα-stimulated endothelial cells compared to that of unfucosylated CAR T-cells. Collectively, our data indicate that culture expansion induces down-regulation of endogenous α(1,3)-fucosylation, and, importantly, the missing fucose can be restored via GPS. Finally, to assess whether the enforced E-selectin binding has a meaningful biologic effect, we examined homing of GPS-modified cells to an E-selectin bearing bed (marrow) within 24 hours of intravenous administration. We consistently observed >3-fold increase in marrow infiltrates of culture-expanded GPS-modified T-cells compared to their unmodified counterparts.Overall, these results draw attention to an inherent inability of CAR T-cells to migrate to sites where they are needed. Our data reveal that culture expanded T-cells lack E-selectin binding capacity, however, sLeX display can be enforced by cell surface glycoengineering. Improved E-selectin binding yields superior tissue colonization. As such, glycoengineering CAR T-cells may translate into lowering of cell dosing, thereby improving both the efficacy and safety, and reducing both cell expansion and clinical care costs, of this promising therapeutic approach. DisclosuresMaus:kite therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; windmil therapeutics: Consultancy; crispr therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; agentus: Consultancy, Research Funding; novartis: Consultancy; adaptimmune: Consultancy. Sackstein:Warrior Therapeutics LLC: Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties.

ROCK2 Regulates the Expression of Cell Adhesion Molecules and Cell-to-Cell Adhesion in Vascular Endothelial Cells

A pro-inflammatory lipid mediator, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), is a potent activator of the RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathway and has been shown to induce the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). LPA levels are elevated in the circulation of patients with acute coronary syndrome and has also been described inside human atherosclerotic specimens. However, the involvement of Rho-kinase isoforms (i.e., ROCK1, ROCK2) in LPA-mediated expression of CAMs in endothelial cells is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated isoform-specific roles of Rho-kinase in LPA-mediated E-selectin expression using human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). Exposure of HAEC to LPA resulted in an increase of E-selectin expression at both mRNA (real-time PCR) and protein (Western blot) levels. We confirmed increased Rho-kinase activity in the LPA-stimulated cells. Y-27632, a specific Rho-kinase inhibitor, completely abolished E-selectin protein expression, indicating that LPA induces E-selectin expression via Rho-kinase activation. LPA-induced E-selectin gene expression was strongly suppressed by a chemical inhibitor of NF-κB, indicating the contribution of NF-κB transactivation in this pathway. Intriguingly, phosphorylation of NF-κB RelA/p65 was decreased by Rho-kinase inhibition in the LPA-stimulated cells. Furthermore, using isoform specific siRNAs, we found that Rho-kinase isoform ROCK2 is the key mediator of LPA-induced E-selectin expression and cell adhesion between HAECs and human monocytic cells (THP-1). In the present study, we demonstrate that ROCK2 mediates LPA-induced expression of E-selectin via NF-κB signaling in endothelial cells. ROCK2 could be an important therapeutic target against atherosclerosis. Disclosure Y. Takeda: None. K. Matoba: None. D. Kawanami: None. Y. Nagai: None. T. Akamine: None. S. Ishizawa: None. Y. Kanazawa: None. T. Yokota: None. K. Utsunomiya: None.

The Dual E-Selectin/CXCR4 Inhibitor, GMI-1359, Enhances Efficacy of Anti-Leukemia Chemotherapy in FLT3-ITD Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Aberrant activation of the FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) is driven by internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations in the FLT3 gene, which are commonly observed in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Hence, FLT3 represents an attractive therapeutic target in AML (Weisberg et al., 2002). Indeed, several small molecule FLT3 inhibitors including sorafenib have showed encouraging efficacy in reducing leukemia blasts in the peripheral blood in FLT3 mutated AML patients. However, these agents have little effect on leukemic stem cells in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment (Borthakur et al., 2011; Fathi and Chabner, 2011; Zhang et al., 2008).The BM microenvironment is enriched with cytokines and adhesion molecules, such as CXCR4 and E-selectin, which are believed to provide AML cells protection against chemotherapeutic agents (Horacek et al., 2013; Peled and Tavor, 2013). In fact, treatment with sorafenib markedly upregulated CXCR4 levels in FLT3 -mutated cells. In addition, leukemia cells can activate endothelial cells (EC) that induce adhesion of a sub-set of the leukemia cells through E-selectin. The adherent AML cells are sequestered in a nonproliferative state that further protects them from chemotherapy (Pezeshkian et al., 2013). Therefore, blocking CXCR4 and E-selectin in parallel could theoretically eliminate the protection provided by the interaction of leukemic cells with their BM microenvironment and enhance effectiveness of chemotherapy in FLT3-mutant AML patients. In the present study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a dual CXCR4 and E-selectin antagonist, GMI-1359 (GlycoMimetics, Inc., Rockville, MD), in targeting FLT3-ITD-mutant AML in vitro and in vivo. High levels of CXCR4 expression were observed in several human and murine AML cell lines, which was further increased in hypoxic (i.e., 1% oxygen) conditions that mimic the BM microenvironment. These FLT3 -ITD leukemic cell lines also expressed hypoxia-responsive, functional E-selectin ligands identified by reactivity with an antibody (HECA452) that binds the same carbohydrate epitope required for binding to E-selectin. One such E-selectin ligand CD44 increased in FLT3 -ITD cells cultured in hypoxia compared to those cultured in normoxia (i.e. 21% oxygen). In addition, hypoxia also enhanced CXCR4 expression on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and EC such as HUVEC. In hypoxic co-cultures of the FLT3 -ITD-mutant leukemia cells MV4-11 or MOLM14 with MSCs and ECs (i.e., HUVEC or TeloHAEC), the presence of the dual E-selectin/CXCR4 inhibitor GMI-1359 effectively reduced leukemic cell adhesion by ~ 50% to the MSC/EC feeder layer compared to the PBS-treated control (p<0.05), even in the presence of TNFa, which induces E-selectin expression in EC. However, an E-selectin specific inhibitor only reduced adhesion of MV4-11 and MOLM14 by ~ 20%. GMI-1359 markedly abrogated the protection provided by the BM microenvironment (i.e., hypoxia and/or MSC and EC) of Baf3-FLT3 -ITD leukemic cells treated with the FLT3 inhibitor sorafenib. Apoptosis was induced in 36.6%, 35.6% and 48.9% of leukemic cells cultured with sorafenib alone, sorafenib and an E-selectin inhibitor or sorafenib and GMI-1359, respectively.The significance of these in vitro findings were studied in vivo. Female SCID beige mice were injected iv with MV4-11 and followed for survival. Beginning 14 days post tumor injection, cohorts of mice (n=10/group) were treated with saline, GMI-1359 (40 mg/kg), standard chemotherapy cytarabine plus daunorubicin, or a combination of GMI-1359 and chemotherapy. Combined treatment of mice with GMI-1359 (40 mg/kg) and chemotherapy demonstrated a profound survival benefit compared to controls or chemotherapy alone at day 135 after leukemia cell injection (i.e., 67% vs. 11% or 30%, p=0.0011 and 0.0406, respectively). Single agent treatment with GMI-1359 was statistically indistinguishable from saline alone or chemotherapy alone. In a separate cohort of MV4.11-engrafted mice, the single administration of GMI-1359 increased circulating WBC and leukemic MV4-11cells, which persisted for at least 8 hrs. This effect was consistent with GMI-1359 disrupting the protective effects of the tumor microenvironment and mobilizing MV4-11 cells from the BM niche.. These findings provide the pre-clinical basis for the evaluation of GMI-1359 in patients with FLT3 -mutant AML. [Display omitted] DisclosuresZhang:Karyopharm: Research Funding. Fogler:GlycoMimetics, Inc.: Employment. Magnani:GlycoMimetics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

E-Selectin Mediated Adhesion and Migration of Endothelial Colony Forming Cells Is Enhanced by SDF-1α/CXCR4

ObjectiveEndothelial-colony forming cells (ECFCs) can be readily expanded from human umbilical cord blood and can facilitate repair of endothelial injury. E-selectin and SDF-1α are produced following endothelial injury and can regulate endothelial progenitor homing. Mechanisms of vascular repair specific to the mode of injury have not been well described in homogenous cell populations such as ECFCs and are needed for development of more effective vascular repair strategies.Methods and ResultsLipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxic injury to mature human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was compared with hypoxic and radiation injury. E-selectin expression in HUVEC cells is markedly increased (208-fold) following LPS-induced injury and facilitates increased ECFC adhesion and migration function in vitro. SDF-1α expression remains unchanged in LPS-treated HUVEC cells but increases more than 2 fold in fibroblasts undergoing similar endotoxic injury. SDF-1α induces expression of E-selectin ligands on ECFCs and facilitates greater E-selectin-mediated adhesion and migration of ECFCs in a CXCR4-dependent manner. Induction of E-selectin expression in HUVECs following hypoxic or radiation injury is negligible, however, while SDF-1α is increased markedly following hypoxia, highlighting injury-specific synergism between mediators of vascular repair.ConclusionE-selectin mediates adhesion and migration of ECFCs following endotoxic endothelial injury. SDF-1α augments E-selectin mediated ECFC adhesion and migration in a CXCR4-dependent manner.

Nitric Oxide–Producing Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Inhibit Vascular E-Selectin Expression in Human Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are sun-induced skin cancers that are particularly numerous and aggressive in immunosuppressed individuals. SCC evade immune detection at least in part by down-regulating E-selectin on tumor vessels, thereby restricting entry of skin homing T cells into tumors. We find that nitric oxide potently suppresses E-selectin expression on human endothelial cells and that SCC are infiltrated by nitric oxide-producing iNOS+ CD11b+ CD33+ CD11c− HLA-DR− myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). MDSC from SCC produced NO, TGFβ and arginase and inhibited endothelial E-selectin expression in vitro. MDSC from SCC expressed the chemokine receptor CCR2 and tumors expressed the CCR2 ligand HBD3, suggesting CCR2-HBD3 interactions may contribute to MDSC recruitment to SCC. Treatment of SCC in vitro with the iNOS inhibitor L-NNA induced E-selectin expression at levels comparable to imiquimod-treated SCC undergoing immunologic destruction. Our results suggest that local production of NO in SCC may impair vascular E-selectin expression. We show that MDSC are critical producers of NO in SCC and that NO inhibition restores vascular E-selectin expression, potentially enhancing T cell recruitment. iNOS inhibitors and other therapies that reduce NO production may therefore be effective in the treatment of SCC and their premalignant precursor lesions actinic keratoses.

E-Selectin Mediates Porphyromonas gingivalis Adherence to Human Endothelial Cells

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontal pathogen, may contribute to atherogenesis and other inflammatory cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about interactions between P. gingivalis and endothelial cells. E-selectin is a membrane protein on endothelial cells that initiates recruitment of leukocytes to inflamed tissue, and it may also play a role in pathogen attachment. In the present study, we examined the role of E-selectin in P. gingivalis adherence to endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) to induce E-selectin expression. Adherence of P. gingivalis to HUVECs was measured by fluorescence microscopy. TNF-α increased adherence of wild-type P. gingivalis to HUVECs. Antibodies to E-selectin and sialyl Lewis X suppressed P. gingivalis adherence to stimulated HUVECs. P. gingivalis mutants lacking OmpA-like proteins Pgm6 and -7 had reduced adherence to stimulated HUVECs, but fimbria-deficient mutants were not affected. E-selectin-mediated P. gingivalis adherence activated endothelial exocytosis. These results suggest that the interaction between host E-selectin and pathogen Pgm6/7 mediates P. gingivalis adherence to endothelial cells and may trigger vascular inflammation.

Isolation of the Stromal/Vascular Fraction of Murine Bone Marrow Dramatically Enhances MSC Yield, Allows Isolation of Marrow Endothelial Cells and Reveals Multiple Subpopulations of Stromal Cells.

AbstractAbstract 3861The bone marrow is the organ of residence of a population of multipotent progenitor cells most commonly referred to as mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) based upon their multilineage differentiation potential into bone, cartilage and adipose tissue. The capacity for MSC to contribute to tissue repair demonstrated by numerous previous reports has engendered considerable interest in their application to a broad range of cellular therapies. It follows that a robust reproducible methodology for obtaining high yields of MSC from preclinical animal models, such as rodents, would greatly facilitate the development of these various MSC-based cellular therapies. The plastic-adherent, clonogenic progenitors termed colony forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) originally identified by Freidenstein and colleagues that initiate MSC cultures are a rare population in the marrow of all mammalian species so far examined. This is particularly so in the case of the mouse where reported incidences of CFU-F are typically in the range of 1/200,000 bone marrow BM cells. The low incidence of CFU-F significantly complicates the isolation of homogeneous populations of MSC from mouse BM, a common problem being contamination with hematopoietic cells. Seeking to develop an improved methodology to harvest MSC from mouse using methods based on plastic adherent bone marrow, we took advantage of burgeoning evidence demonstrating the perivascular location of MSC not only in the bone marrow, but also in multiple tissues. We hypothesized that a potential reason for the low yield of mMSC from mBM is the flushing of the marrow used to remove single cells suspensions and the consequent destruction of the marrow vasculature, which may adversely affect recovery of MSC physically associated with the abluminal surface of blood vessels. Herein, we describe a simple methodology based on preparation of intact marrow plugs that yields distinct populations of both stromal and endothelial cells. BM plugs are subjected to 3 sequential rounds of digestion in collagenase/dispase and each fraction assayed for content of CFU-F. The recovery of CFU-F obtained by pooling the product of each digestion (1643+199) reproducibly exceeds that obtained using the standard BM flushing technique (13.3+1.9) by at least 2 orders of magnitude (P=<0.001; N = 8) with an accompanying 196-fold enrichment of CFU-F frequency. Purified BM stromal cell populations devoid of hematopoietic contamination are readily obtained by FACS at P0 and these demonstrate robust multilineage differentiation into bone, adipose and chondrogenic progeny using standard in vitro bioassays. A detailed immunophenotypic analysis of the P0 cultures demonstrated the existence of multiple stromal cell subpopulations many of the markers analyzed, including Sca-1, CD90, CD105, CD146 and PDGFRa, which was progressively lost with serial passaging. Discrete subpopulations of stromal cells identified at P0, in many cases had phenotypically identical counterparts in the BM cell suspensions prepared by serial digestion and we are in the process of quantitatively analyzing the evolution of selected phenotypes in vitro to provide clues as to the identity of the founder population of stromal cells that gives rise to ‘MSC’ in vitro. Finally, the phenotypic analysis of P0 cultures also revealed a discrete population of CD105BrightPDGFRaNeg cells representing a mean of 26.7% of hematopoietic lineage-negative cells. Upon isolation and serial propagation, the cells maintain expression of all of the vascular endothelial markers examined including CD31, CD105, VCAM-1, CD144 and MECA32 and also demonstrate inducible expression of E-selectin upon treatment with TNF-a. In conclusion, we describe a simple and robust methodology that, for the first time, allows the simultaneous isolation of both the stromal and vascular components of mouse BM. Secondly, the yield of ‘MSC’ afforded by this technique far exceeds that reported in any previous study. Thirdly, this technique reveals a level of stromal cell heterogeneity not apparent in previous analyses of mouse BM-derived MSC that more realistically reflects the likely complexity of stromal cell populations in vivo and represents a platform for the eventual prospective isolation of specific subpopulations. These studies will greatly enhance experimental strategies designed to analyze not only MSC identity but also the function of the vascular hematopoietic niche. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Integrated Pathways for Neutrophil Recruitment and Inflammation in Leprosy

Neutrophil recruitment is pivotal to the host defense against microbial infection, but it also contributes to the immunopathology of disease. We investigated the mechanism of neutrophil recruitment in human infectious disease by means of bioinformatic pathways analysis of the gene expression profiles in the skin lesions of leprosy. In erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), which occurs in patients with lepromatous leprosy and is characterized by neutrophil infiltration in lesions, the most overrepresented biological functional group was cell movement, including E-selectin, which was coordinately regulated with interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta). In vitro activation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), up-regulated in ENL lesions, triggered induction of IL-1beta, which together with interferon gamma induced E-selectin expression on and neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells. Thalidomide, an effective treatment for ENL, inhibited this neutrophil recruitment pathway. The gene expression profile of ENL lesions comprised an integrated pathway of TLR2 and Fc receptor activation, neutrophil migration, and inflammation, providing insight into mechanisms of neutrophil recruitment in human infectious disease.

Inhibition of CD40L induced E-selectin expression in endothelial cells through extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway

To investigate the regulatory effects of atorvastatin on CD40L induced E-selectin expression in endothelial cells and the association thereof with signal pathway. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were obtained from umbilical cord newly delivered and incubated with CD40L for 24 hours with or without pretreated by atorvastatin of the concentrations of 0.1, 1, or 10 micromol/L. The protein and mRNA levels of E-selectin were detected by flow cytometry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) respectively. The extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 activation was analyzed by Western blotting. The E-selectin mRNA expression level of the HUVECs treated by atorvastatin was lower than that of the CD40L stimulation group by 33.33% when the atorvastatin concentration was 1 micromol/L, and was lower by 45.16% when the atorvastatin concentration was 10 micromol/L. The E-selectin protein expression level of the HUVECs treated by atorvastatin was lower than that of the CD40L stimulation group by 48.68% when the atorvastatin concentration was 1 micromol/L, and was lower by 70.25% when the atorvastatin concentration was 10 micromol/L. The phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 was enhanced by CD40L stimulation and the CD40L induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 decreased by 81% +/- 6%, 73% +/- 5%, and 41% +/- 5% respectively after atorvastatin stimulation. Atorvastatin decreases the CD40L induced E-selectin expression in endothelial cells while atorvastatin at 0.1-10 micromol/L concentration-dependently through inhibiting the activation of ERK1/2.

Angiostatin K1-3 induces E-selectin via AP1 and Ets1: a mediator for anti-angiogenic action of K1-3.

Angiostatin, a circulating angiogenic inhibitor, is an internal fragment of plasminogen and consists of several isoforms, K1-3 included. We previously showed that K1-3 was the most potent angiostatin to induce E-selectin mRNA expression. The purpose of this study was to identify the mechanism responsible for K1-3-induced E-selectin expression and investigate the role of E-selectin in the anti-angiogenic action of K1-3. Quantitative real time RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses confirmed a time-dependent increase of E-selectin mRNA and protein induced by K1-3. Subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence microscopy showed the co-localization of K1-3-induced E-selectin with caveolin 1 (Cav1) in lipid rafts in which E-selectin may behave as a signaling receptor. Promoter-driven reporter assays and site-directed mutagenesis showed that K1-3 induced E-selectin expression via promoter activation and AP1 and Ets-1 binding sites in the proximal E-selectin promoter were required for E-selectin induction. The in vivo binding of both protein complexes to the proximal promoter was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Although K1-3 induced the activation of ERK1/2 and JNK, only repression of JNK activation attenuated the induction of E-selectin by K1-3. A modulatory role of E-selectin in the anti-angiogenic action of K1-3 was manifested by both overexpression and knockdown of E-selectin followed by cell proliferation assay. We show that K1-3 induced E-selectin expression via AP1 and Ets-1 binding to the proximal E-selectin promoter (-356/+1), which was positively mediated by JNK activation. Our findings also demonstrate E-selectin as a novel target for the anti-angiogenic therapy.

Diallyl Disulfide and Diallyl Trisulfide Suppress Oxidized LDL–Induced Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule and E-Selectin Expression through Protein Kinase A– and B–Dependent Signaling Pathways

Uptake of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) by vascular endothelial cells is a critical step in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. Adhesion molecules are upregulated by ox-LDL and numerous inflammatory cytokines and play a pivotal role in atherogenesis. In this study, we examined whether diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), and diallyl trisulfide (DATS), 3 major organosulfur compounds of garlic oil, reduce adhesion molecule expression induced by ox-LDL and, if so, through what mechanism. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were preincubated with 1 mmol/L DAS, 200μmol/L DADS, or 100μmol/L DATS for 16 h and then with 40 mg/L ox-LDL for an additional 24 h. ox-LDL induction of cellular and cell surface expression of E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 was suppressed by garlic allyl sulfides in the order DATS > DADS > DAS. The adhesion of HL-60 cells to endothelial cells was inhibited 27 and 33% and the production of cellular peroxides was inhibited 43 and 50% by DADS and DATS, respectively (P < 0.05). ox-LDL alone dephosphorylated protein kinase B (PKB) and cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB); such deactivation was reversed by DADS and DATS. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that the activation of CREB binding to DNA was consistent with changes in CREB phosphorylation. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 reversed the suppression of VCAM-1 by DADS and DATS, but the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin had no effect. In contrast, wortmannin abolished DADS- and DATS-induced suppression of ox-LDL–induced E-selectin expression. These results suggest that the suppression of ox-LDL–induced E-selectin and VCAM-1 expression by DADS and DATS and, thus, monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells is likely dependent on the PI3K/PKB or PKA/CREB signaling pathway in an adhesion molecule-specific manner. To our knowledge, this is the first report that garlic modulates ox-LDL–mediated leukocyte adhesion to human endothelial cells through the PKB and PKA pathways.

Intermitted Pharmacologic Pretreatment by Xenon, Isoflurane, Nitrous Oxide, and the Opioid Morphine Prevents Tumor Necrosis Factor α–induced Adhesion Molecule Expression in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

The barrier properties of the endothelium are of critical importance during pathophysiologic processes. These barrier properties depend on an intact cytoskeleton and are regulated by cell adhesion molecules. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is known to induce cell adhesion molecule expression. In myocardium, the protective effect by xenon and isoflurane preconditioning was found to be linked to the cytoskeleton. The authors investigated the impact of different anesthetics and morphine on TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were isolated from three different preparations. Cells were either left untreated or pretreated with xenon, nitrous oxide, isoflurane (each 0.43 minimum alveolar concentration), or morphine (100 ng/ml) and stimulated with 10 ng/ml TNF-alpha. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence-activated cell sorting of intracellular cell adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and E-selectin were performed. Transcriptional activity of nuclear factor kappaB was assessed by infrared electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Tumor necrosis factor alpha significantly induced messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of cell adhesion molecules as well as transcriptional activity of nuclear factor kappaB. All four agents prevented TNF-alpha-induced mRNA and protein expression of intracellular cell adhesion molecule 1. Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 expression was only blocked by the inhalational anesthetics and not by morphine. None of the four agents had an effect on TNF-alpha induced E-selectin expression. TNF-alpha-induced transcriptional activity of nuclear factor kappaB was decreased by all four agents. These results suggest a protective effect of anesthetics on TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell damage.

Glycated Human Serum Albumin Induces Interleukin 8 mRNA Expression through Reactive Oxygen Species and NADPH Oxidase-Dependent Pathway in Monocyte-Derived U937 Cells

Glycated human serum albumin (Glc-HSA) has previously been reported (Higai K., et al., 2006) to induce E-selectin expression on human umbilical vein endothelial cells through activation of NADPH oxidase; however, Glc-HSA signaling in monocytes remains obscure. To clarify the influence on human monocyte-derived U937 cells, U937 cells were stimulated with Glc-HSA and glycoaldehyde-dimer-modified HSA (GA-HSA) for 2 h in the absence and presence of the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor calphostin and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin; interleukin-8 (IL-8) mRNA expression was determined by RT-PCR. As a result, IL-8 mRNA expression in U-937 cells was time- and dose-dependently enhanced by stimulation with Glc-HSA and GA-HSA. Furthermore, promoter activity of the IL-8 reporter gene was enhanced approximately 2-fold by stimulation with Glc-HSA and GA-HSA. Nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) reporter genes were also enhanced although CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) was not affected. IL-8 mRNA expression was suppressed by NAC and apocynin but not calphostin in cells stimulated with Glc-HSA; however, its expression in cells stimulated with GA-HSA was suppressed by calphostin but not NAC. These results indicated that IL-8 mRNA expression was upregulated by NFkappaB and AP-1 in U937 cells stimulated with Glc-HSA and GA-HSA, but the signaling pathways were different.

Targeted imaging of human endothelial-specific marker in a model of adoptive cell transfer

Imaging of endothelial-specific markers is critically important in non-invasive detection of early signs of vascular pathologies (eg inflammation, atherosclerosis and angiogenesis). A model of adoptive human endothelial cell (HUVEC) transfer was used to test-specific imaging probes for human vascular disease consisting of cross-linked iron oxide (CLIO) nanoparticles conjugated to anti-human E-selectin (CLIO-F(ab′)2). To perform in vivo imaging of E-selectin expression in functional blood vessels, human vascular endothelium cells (HUVECs) were implanted in athymic mice in Matrigel solution, which served as a temporary neovascularization scaffold after the solidification. The formation of HUVEC-containing vessels was established by histology and microscopy. CLIO-F(ab′)2 probes were administered via an i.v. injection following the induction of E-selectin expression by IL-1β. High-resolution MR images were obtained before and after the administration of CLIO-F(ab′)2, which showed specific hypointensity only if treated with IL-1β. A three-times higher CLIO-induced MR signal decrease on T2* images was measured in HUVEC implants in response to IL-1β treatment. Image signal intensity did not change in control animals that: (1) harbored Matrigel alone, (2) in the absence of IL-1β treatment or (3) in animals injected with CLIO linked to the idiotype-matched control F(ab′)2. Experiments in an adoptive transfer model demonstrated that HUVEC-containing neovessels are perfused and that IL-1β inducible E-selectin expression in these vessels is detectable with non-invasive imaging by using targeted nanoparticles.

Hepatocyte growth factor suppresses acute renal inflammation by inhibition of endothelial E-selectin

Vascular endothelial activation, marked by de novo expression of E-selectin, is an early and essential event in the process of leukocyte extravasation and inflammation. Evidence suggests that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) ameliorates inflammation in animal models of renal disease, implying that HGF might inhibit specific components of the inflammatory response. This study examined the effect of HGF on endothelial E-selectin expression in acute inflammation induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. In vitro, HGF suppressed TNF-α-induced cell surface expression of E-selectin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and inhibited E-selectin mediated monocytic adhesion to endothelial monolayers. HGF activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)–Akt that in turn inhibited its downstream transducer glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3. Blockade of the PI3K–Akt pathway with specific inhibitors abrogated HGF induced inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3 and suppression of E-selectin. In addition, selective inhibition of GSK3 activity by lithium suppressed TNF-α-induced E-selectin expression and monocytic adhesion, reminiscent of the action of HGF. Moreover, ectopic expression of an uninhibitable mutant GSK3β, in which the regulatory serine-9 is replaced by alanine, abolished HGF's suppressive effect on endothelial E-selectin. In vivo, administration of exogenous HGF reduced endothelial expression of E-selectin induced by bolus injection of TNF-α. This was associated with less sequestration of circulating fluorescence-labeled macrophages in the kidney. These findings suggest that HGF ameliorates acute renal inflammation in part by downregulating E-selectin mediated macrophage adhesion to the inflamed endothelium.

Amadori-modified glycated albumin predominantly induces E-selectin expression on human umbilical vein endothelial cells through NADPH oxidase activation

Background Protein glycation is closely linked to endothelial-cell dysfunction and vascular complications in diabetes. Glycated albumin is reported to induce cellular signaling similar to advanced glycation endoproducts (AGEs), however, cellular signaling remains obscure. Method We stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by glycated human serum albumin (Glc-HSA), determined E-selectin expression by real-time PCR and immunometric methods, and estimated cellular signaling by using various signaling molecule inhibitors and confocal microscopy. Results Glc-HSA-induced E-selectin expression was 10 or 20 times more than that induced with 3 kinds of AGEs-HSAs, which was not suppressed by anti-receptor for AGEs (RAGE) antibody. Glc-HSA-induced E-selectin expression was completely suppressed by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium chloride and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl- l-cysteine. Confocal microscopic analysis also revealed intracellular accumulation of ROS. Glc-HSA-induced E-selectin expression was suppressed by the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002, the protein kinase B (PKB) inhibitor ML-9, the IκB kinase (IKK) inhibitor BAY117082, and the Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125, On the other hand, the protein kinase C inhibitors calphostin C and H-7 did not suppress Glc-HSA-induced E-selectin expression. Conclusion Glc-HSA induces activation of NADPH oxidase, PKB-IKK and JNK, then E-selectin gene transcription is upregulated by nuclear-translocated NF-κB and AP-1.

Endothelial expression of E-selectin is induced by the platelet-specific chemokine platelet factor 4 through LRP in an NF-κB–dependent manner

AbstractThe involvement of platelets in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has recently gained much attention. Platelet factor 4 (PF4), a platelet-specific chemokine released on platelet activation, has been localized to atherosclerotic lesions, including macrophages and endothelium. In this report, we demonstrate that E-selectin, an adhesion molecule involved in atherogenesis, is up-regulated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to PF4. Induction of E-selectin RNA is time and dose dependent. Surface expression of E-selectin, as measured by flow cytometry, is also increased by PF4. PF4 induces E-selectin expression by activation of transcriptional activity. Activation of nuclear factor-κB is critical for PF4-induced E-selectin expression, as demonstrated by promoter activation studies and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Further, we have identified the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein as the cell surface receptor mediating this effect. These results demonstrate that PF4 is able to increase expression of E-selectin by endothelial cells and represents another potential mechanism by which platelets may participate in atherosclerotic lesion progression.

Infliximab induces potent anti-inflammatory responses by outside-to-inside signals through transmembrane TNF-α

Both infliximab (chimeric anti-tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha antibody) and etanercept (p75 TNF-alpha receptor/immunoglobulin G fusion protein) are effective against rheumatoid arthritis, but only infliximab induces clinical remission in Crohn's disease. To clarify this difference in clinical efficacy, we investigated reverse signaling through transmembrane TNF-alpha (mTNF) by these 2 anti-TNF agents. We stably transfected wild-type and cytoplasmic serine-replaced mutant forms of mTNF in human Jurkat T cells. Cells were stimulated with infliximab and etanercept and then analyzed for E-selectin expression, reactive oxygen species accumulation, apoptosis, and cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry. Interleukin-10 and interferon-gamma were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Phospho-c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, Bax, Bak, p21(WAF1/CIP1), caspase-8, and caspase-3 were examined by immunoblotting. Both anti-TNF agents induced E-selectin expression, but only infliximab induced interleukin-10 production, apoptosis, and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were abolished by substitution of all 3 cytoplasmic serine residues of mTNF by alanine residues. Infliximab induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species and up-regulation of Bax, Bak, and p21(WAF1/CIP1) proteins, suggesting the involvement of p53 activation. Moreover, phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase was necessary for infliximab-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. We revealed the mTNF motifs and the downstream intracellular molecular events essential for reverse signaling through mTNF. The biologic effects of mTNF elicited by infliximab should be important action mechanisms of this potent anti-inflammatory agent in addition to the neutralization of soluble TNF-alpha. These observations will provide insight into the novel role of mTNF in inflammation.