Non-endothelial Cells Research Articles

Local and Circulating Endothelial Cells Undergo Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT) in Response to Musculoskeletal Injury.

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has been implicated in a variety of aberrant wound healing conditions. However, unambiguous evidence of EndMT has been elusive due to limitations of in vitro experimental designs and animal models. In vitro experiments cannot account for the myriad ligands and cells which regulate differentiation, and in vivo tissue injury models may induce lineage-independent endothelial marker expression in mesenchymal cells. By using an inducible Cre model to mark mesenchymal cells (Scx-creERT/tdTomato + ) prior to injury, we demonstrate that musculoskeletal injury induces expression of CD31, VeCadherin, or Tie2 in mesenchymal cells. VeCadherin and Tie2 were expressed in non-endothelial cells (CD31−) present in marrow from uninjured adult mice, thereby limiting the specificity of these markers in inducible models (e.g. VeCadherin- or Tie2-creERT). However, cell transplantation assays confirmed that endothelial cells (ΔVeCadherin/CD31+/CD45−) isolated from uninjured hindlimb muscle tissue undergo in vivo EndMT when transplanted directly into the wound without intervening cell culture using PDGFRα, Osterix (OSX), SOX9, and Aggrecan (ACAN) as mesenchymal markers. These in vivo findings support EndMT in the presence of myriad ligands and cell types, using cell transplantation assays which can be applied for other pathologies implicated in EndMT including tissue fibrosis and atherosclerosis. Additionally, endothelial cell recruitment and trafficking are potential therapeutic targets to prevent EndMT.

Exosomes secreted by mesenchymal stem cells promote endothelial cell angiogenesis by transferring miR-125a.

Angiogenesis plays crucial roles in various physiological processes including wound healing and tissue repair. It requires a tight interaction between endothelial cells and their surrounding environment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), one of the non-endothelial cell types present in the perivascular environment, have been shown to secret exosomes to modulate intercellular communications between MSCs and their target cells. In this study, we initially isolated exosomes secreted by human adipose-derived MSCs (adMSC-Exo) and examined their roles in angiogenesis. We found that adMSC-Exo could be taken up by endothelial cells and significantly promote angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo Further study showed that miR-125a was enriched in adMSC-Exo, and repressed the expression of the angiogenic inhibitor delta-like 4 (DLL4) by targeting its 3' untranslated region. Additionally, adMSC-Exo and its exosomal transferred miR-125a could repress DLL4 expression and modulate endothelial cell angiogenesis through promoting formation of endothelial tip cells. In conclusion, our study indicates that adMSC-Exo can transfer miR-125a to endothelial cells and promote angiogenesis by repressing DLL4. adMSC-Exo, as a pro-angiogenic factor, might be a promising candidate for therapeutical tissue repair.

Vascular endothelial growth factor: Evidence for autocrine signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines affecting invasion.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known pivotal regulator of tumor angiogenesis. Apart from endothelial cells, it is also expressed in nonendothelial cells, including tumor cells themselves. Hence the aim of this study was to investigate the autocrine effects of VEGF in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) -derived cell lines. Two hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (Hep3B and HepG2) were screened for expression of VEGF by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its receptors VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, and neuropilin-1 expression by reverse transcriptase-PCR, respectively. Furthermore, VEGF transcript was silenced by siRNA and the effects on cell migration, viability, and proliferation were determined by the wound healing assay, MTT assay, and propidium iodide staining, respectively. Both Hep3B and HepG2 cell lines expressed VEGF and all the three receptors at high levels. VEGF siRNA inhibited VEGF expression significantly in both Hep3B and HepG2 cell lines. Silencing of VEGF showed decreased migration in the Hep3B cell line. In both cell lines tested, there was decreased cell viability but no effect on cellular proliferation. Our data indicates that autocrine signaling of VEGF through its receptors exists in HCC cell lines, which has important implications for tumor invasion, metastasis, and for designing interventional strategies.

IL-1 Signaling Is Critically Required in Stromal Cells in Kawasaki Disease Vasculitis Mouse Model: Role of Both IL-1α and IL-1β.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common cause of acute vasculitis and acquired cardiac disease among US children. We have previously shown that both TLR2/MyD88 and interleukin (IL)-1β signaling are required for the Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract-induced KD vasculitis mouse model. The objectives of this study were to investigate the cellular origins of IL-1 production, the role of CD11c(+) dendritic cells and macrophages, and the relative contribution of hematopoietic and stromal cells for IL-1 responsive cells, as well the MyD88 signaling, in Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract-induced KD mouse model of vasculitis. Using mouse knockout models and antibody depletion, we found that both IL-1α and IL-1β were required for Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract-induced KD. Both dendritic cells and macrophages were necessary, and we found that MyD88 signaling was required in both hematopoietic and stromal cells. However, IL-1 response and signaling were critically required in nonendothelial stromal cells, but not in hematopoietic cells. Our results suggest that IL-1α and IL-1β, as well as CD11c(+) dendritic cells and macrophages, are essential for the development of KD vasculitis and coronary arteritis in this mouse model. Bone marrow chimera experiments suggest that MyD88 signaling is important in both hematopoietic and stromal cells, whereas IL-1 signaling and response are required only in stromal cells, but not in endothelial cells. Determining the role of IL-1α and IL-1β and of specific cell types in the KD vasculitis mouse model may have important implications for the design of more targeted therapies and understanding of the molecular mechanisms of KD immunopathologies.

Functional roles of angiogenic factors and receptors on non-endothelial cells in the oropharyngeal cavity of the chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar)

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family belong to the platelet-derived growth factor supergene family and is involved in angiogenesis and mitogenesis. The VEGF–VEGFR system regulates endothelial cell proliferation, migration, vascular permeability, secretion and other non-endothelial cells functions. To clarify the possible role of endothelial and non-endothelial cells, VEGF and its receptors, vascular endothelial cell growth inhibitor (VEGI) were immunohistochemically examined in oropharyngeal organs. Ten adult partridges were used in this study and the pharynx and larynx were dissected together with the palate and tongue. VEGI, VEGF and its receptor were highly expressed in luminal epithelial and stromal cells, when compared to glandular epithelial and muscle cells (P < 0.05). Moreover, VEGF, its receptors and VEGI were expressed rather strongly in the endothelial cells of the blood capillaries and in both the endothelial and smooth muscle cells of the large and small blood vessels. In conclusion, VEGF and its receptors (flt1/fms, flk1/KDR and flt4) and VEGI were expressed by various cell groups at varying intensity in the oropharyngeal organs. This demonstrates that they play a critical role in the regulation and maintenance of the functions in cells different from endothelial ones as well as in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and angiogenesis.

Posters

Background:Commonly used islet transplantation protocols experiencesignificant islet injury and graft loss; therefore new methods to support thelong-term benefits of this treatment are needed. Recent studies have shownthat non-endothelial bone marrow-derived multipotent adult progenitor cells(MAPC) possess significant immune-modulating abilities and can secreteangiogenic molecules, which could make them ideal in islet transplantationprocedures to improve graft outcome.Methods:Islets (150) were co-transplanted with or without human MAPC(250 000), as separate or composite pellets, under the kidney capsule ofsyngeneic alloxan-induced diabetic C57BL/6 mice. Blood glucose levels werefrequently monitored and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests were carriedout. Grafts and serum were harvested at 2 and 5 weeks after transplantation.Results:Human MAPC were able to produce several angiogenic growthfactors, among which vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of themost important, and to induce angiogenesis in thein vivochorioallantoicmembrane (CAM) assay. Islet-human MAPC co-transplantation particularly asa composite pellet significantly improved the outcome of islet transplantation asmeasured by the initial glycemic control, diabetes reversal rate, glucosetolerance, and serum C-peptide concentration compared with transplantationof islets alone. Likewise islet-human MAPC recipients had increased intra-graftCD31 gene expression levels compared to islet alone recipients, suggestingstable blood vessel formation. Indeed, significantly more blood vessel area anddensity in addition to higher vessel/islet ratio were detected with islets-humanMAPC composites, which suggests that direct contact with human MAPC ismore beneficial than indirect contact for mouse islets.Conclusions:The present data encourage the use of human MAPC in islettransplantation protocols. Our results demonstrate the improvement of isletgraft function. (Less)

Suppressive Role of PPARγ-Regulated Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Adipocyte Lipolysis.

IntroductionMetabolic syndrome causes insulin resistance and is associated with risk factor clustering, thereby increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Recently, endothelial nitric oxide synthase deficient (eNOS-/-) mice have been reported to show metabolic disorders. Interestingly, eNOS has also been reported to be expressed in non-endothelial cells including adipocytes, but the functions of eNOS in adipocytes remain unclear.Methods and ResultsThe eNOS expression was induced with adipocyte differentiation and inhibition of eNOS/NO enhanced lipolysis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the administration of a high fat diet (HFD) was able to induce non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in eNOS-/- mice but not in wild type mice. A PPARγ antagonist increased eNOS expression in adipocytes and suppressed HFD-induced fatty liver changes.ConclusionseNOS-/- mice induce NASH development, and these findings provide new insights into the therapeutic approach for fatty liver disease and related disorders.

Hemangioblastic foci in human first trimester placenta: Distribution and gestational profile

IntroductionThe human placenta is a site of both hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis. There are reports of hemangioblastic foci (HAF) in the first trimester placenta, but little published information about their spatiotemporal incidence. MethodsWe have used semi-thin sections and whole mount staining techniques on archival early pregnancy hysterectomy material as well as freshly-collected termination tissue. ResultsWe report a description of the distribution of HAF, their gestational profile, and some characteristics of the constituent cells. We show crypt-shaped HAF are present in villi at different levels from 4 to 11 weeks and in the chorionic plate from 4 to 9 weeks. In the villous placenta, the foci often approach closely at one end to the trophoblast basement membrane. Morphologically they show remarkable similarity to those found in the yolk sac at similar stages. In some crypts, all cells are CD34+, but CD34 and nestin progressively segregate into the endothelial lineage. Brachyury is present in less differentiated cells. The erythroid lineage is dominant, as shown by the widespread expression of CD235a/glycophorin and characteristic erythroid morphologies, indicating various degrees of differentiation. However, CD41 is also present in non-endothelial cells. Initially a discontinuous UEA-1/CD31-positive endothelium forms at the periphery of the foci. These cells appear to become integrated into the developing vasculogenic/angiogenic vessel network. We also demonstrate that, independent of HAF, vasculogenesis occurs near the tips of growing villi during the first trimester. DiscussionWe suggest HAF interface with the developing vascular network, producing communication channels that allow erythrocytes to enter the placental-embryonic circulation. We speculate that the erythroid cells act as oxygen reservoirs during the period before flow of maternal blood through the intervillous space of the placenta, allowing a slow feed of oxygen-rich cells to the developing embryo.

Pharmacological evidence for a role of the transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) channel in endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis of human coronary artery endothelial cells

Unresolved endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, with the subsequent persistent activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) is a well-recognized mechanism of endothelial cell apoptosis with a major impact on the integrity of the endothelium during the course of cardiovascular diseases. As in other cell types, Ca2+ influx into endothelial cells can promote ER stress and/or contribute to mechanisms associated with it. In previous work we showed that in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) the Ca2+-permeable non-selective cation channel Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 3 (TRPC3) mediates constitutive Ca2+ influx which is critical for operation of inflammatory signaling in these cells, through a mechanism that entails coupling of TRPC3 constitutive function to activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII). TRPC3 has been linked to UPR signaling and apoptosis in cells other than endothelial, and CAMKII is a mediator of ER stress-induced apoptosis in various cell types, including endothelial cells. In the present work we used a pharmacological approach to examine whether in HCAECs TRPC3 and CAMKII also contribute to mechanisms of ER stress-induced apoptosis. The findings show for the first time that in HCAECs activation of the UPR and the subsequent ER stress-induced apoptosis exhibit a strong requirement for constitutive Ca2+ influx and that TRPC3 contributes to this process. In addition, we obtained evidence indicating that, similar to its roles in non-endothelial cells, CAMKII participates in ER stress-induced apoptosis in HCAECs.

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

Lymphatic system disorders such as primary lymphedema, lymphatic malformations and lymphatic tumors are rare conditions that cause significant morbidity but little is known about their biology. Isolating highly pure human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) from diseased and healthy tissue would facilitate studies of the lymphatic endothelium at genetic, molecular and cellular levels. It is anticipated that these investigations may reveal targets for new therapies that may change the clinical management of these conditions. A protocol describing the isolation of human foreskin LECs and lymphatic malformation lymphatic endothelial cells (LM LECs) is presented. To obtain a single cell suspension tissue was minced and enzymatically treated using dispase II and collagenase II. The resulting single cell suspension was then labelled with antibodies to cluster of differentiation (CD) markers CD34, CD31, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-3 (VEGFR-3) and PODOPLANIN. Stained viable cells were sorted on a fluorescently activated cell sorter (FACS) to separate the CD34LowCD31PosVEGFR-3PosPODOPLANINPos LM LEC population from other endothelial and non-endothelial cells. The sorted LM LECs were cultured and expanded on fibronectin-coated flasks for further experimental use.

Isolation of human lymphatic endothelial cells by multi-parameter fluorescence-activated cell sorting.

Lymphatic system disorders such as primary lymphedema, lymphatic malformations and lymphatic tumors are rare conditions that cause significant morbidity but little is known about their biology. Isolating highly pure human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) from diseased and healthy tissue would facilitate studies of the lymphatic endothelium at genetic, molecular and cellular levels. It is anticipated that these investigations may reveal targets for new therapies that may change the clinical management of these conditions. A protocol describing the isolation of human foreskin LECs and lymphatic malformation lymphatic endothelial cells (LM LECs) is presented. To obtain a single cell suspension tissue was minced and enzymatically treated using dispase II and collagenase II. The resulting single cell suspension was then labelled with antibodies to cluster of differentiation (CD) markers CD34, CD31, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-3 (VEGFR-3) and PODOPLANIN. Stained viable cells were sorted on a fluorescently activated cell sorter (FACS) to separate the CD34(Low)CD31(Pos)VEGFR-3(Pos)PODOPLANIN(Pos) LM LEC population from other endothelial and non-endothelial cells. The sorted LM LECs were cultured and expanded on fibronectin-coated flasks for further experimental use.

Endothelial Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase 1 Is an Important Regulator of Angiogenesis but Does Not Regulate Vascular Reactivity or Hemodynamic Homeostasis.

Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) enzymes are responsible for ADMA breakdown. It has been reported that endothelial DDAH1 accounts for the majority of ADMA metabolism. However, we and others have shown strong DDAH1 expression in a range of nonendothelial cell types, suggesting that the endothelium is not the only site of metabolism. We have developed a new endothelium-specific DDAH1 knockout mouse (DDAH1(En-/-)) to investigate the significance of endothelial ADMA in cardiovascular homeostasis. DDAH1 deletion in the DDAH1(En-/-) mouse was mediated by Tie-2 driven Cre expression. DDAH1 deletion was confirmed through immunocytochemistry, whereas Western blotting showed that DDAH1 remained in the kidney and liver, confirming expression in nonendothelial cells. Plasma ADMA was unchanged in DDAH1(En-/-) mice, and cultured aortas released amounts of ADMA to similar to controls. Consistent with these observations, vasoreactivity ex vivo and hemodynamics in vivo were unaltered in DDAH1(En-/-) mice. In contrast, we observed significantly impaired angiogenic responses both ex vivo and in vivo. We demonstrate that endothelial DDAH1 is not a critical determinant of plasma ADMA, vascular reactivity, or hemodynamic homeostasis. DDAH1 is widely expressed in a range of vascular and nonvascular cell types; therefore, the additive effect of DDAH1 expression in multiple organ systems determines plasma ADMA concentrations. Endothelial deletion of DDAH1 profoundly impairs the angiogenic capacity of endothelial cells, indicating that intracellular ADMA is a critical determinant of endothelial cell response.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 controls neural stem cell activation in mice and humans.

SUMMARYNeural stem cells (NSCs) continuously produce new neurons within the adult mammalian hippocampus. NSCs are typically quiescent but activated to self-renew or differentiate into neural progenitor cells. The molecular mechanisms of NSC activation remain poorly understood. Here, we show that adult hippocampal NSCs express vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 3 and its ligand VEGF-C, which activates quiescent NSCs to enter the cell cycle and generate progenitor cells. Hippocampal NSC activation and neurogenesis are impaired by conditional deletion of Vegfr3 in NSCs. Functionally, this is associated with compromised NSC activation in response to VEGF-C and physical activity. In NSCs derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), VEGF-C/VEGFR3 mediates intracellular activation of AKT and ERK pathways that control cell fate and proliferation. These findings identify VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling as a specific regulator of NSC activation and neurogenesis in mammals.

Isolation of myofibroblasts from mouse and human esophagus.

Murine and human esophageal myofibroblasts are generated via enzymatic digestion. Neonate (8-12 day old) murine esophagus is harvested, minced, washed, and subjected to enzymatic digestion with collagenase and dispase for 25 min. Human esophageal resection specimens are stripped of muscularis propria and adventitia and the remaining mucosa is minced, and subjected to enzymatic digestion with collagenase and dispase for up to 6 hr. Cultured cells express α-SMA and vimentin and express desmin weakly or not at all. Culture conditions are not conducive to growth of epithelial, hematopoietic, or endothelial cells. Culture purity is further confirmed by flow cytometric evaluation of cell surface marker expression of potential contaminating hematopoietic and endothelial cells. The described technique is straightforward and results in consistent generation of non-hematopoieitc, non-endothelial stromal cells. Limitations of this technique are inherent to the use of primary cultures in molecular biology studies, i.e., the unavoidable variability encountered among cultures established across different mice or humans. Primary cultures however are a more representative reflection of the in vivo state compared to cell lines. These methods also provide investigators the ability to isolate and culture stromal cells from different clinical and experimental conditions, allowing comparisons between groups. Characterized esophageal stromal cells can also be used in functional studies investigating epithelial-stromal interactions in esophageal disorders.

Abstract 17597: Endogenous Del-1 is a Negative Regulator of Ischemia-induced Angiogenesis by Interacting With the Leukocytic LFA-1 Integrin

Developmental endothelial locus-1 (Del-1) is an endothelial cell-derived secreted protein circulating in blood and associated with the cell surface and the extracellular matrix. As we previously demonstrated, Del-1 restricts leukocyte recruitment by inhibiting the β2-integrin, LFA-1. Leukocytes and progenitor cells (PC) may contribute to angiogenesis. The role of endogenous Del-1 in angiogenesis is elusive. We found, that physiological angiogenesis of the developing retina was not affected in the Del-1-/- mice compared to the wildtype (WT) mice. Surprisingly, Del-1-/- mice displayed a significantly increased angiogenic response compared to WT mice after induction of hind limb ischemia (144 ± 6 % increase of capillary density) and retinal ischemia (retinopathy of prematurity model) suggesting that endogenous Del-1 is an inhibitor of ischemia-induced neovascularization. Silencing of Del-1 with siRNA did not affect the angiogenic sprouting of endothelial cell (EC) spheroids, indicating that Del-1 blocks angiogenesis in a non-endothelial cell autonomous pathway. Soluble Del-1 blocked the adhesion of inflammatory cells on EC monolayers. In line with these results, ischemic muscles and ischemic retinae from Del-1-/- mice displayed an enhanced infiltration with inflammatory cells compared to the WT mice. Since Del-1 blocks inflammatory cell homing by inhibiting the leukocytic LFA-1-integrin, we addressed the role of the Del-1/LFA-1-integrin interaction on the inhibitory function of endogenous Del-1 on angiogenesis. Indeed, Del-1/LFA-1-double deficiency reversed the pro-angiogenic phenotype of the Del-1-/- mice to the level of WT mice in the model of hind limb ischemia. Thus, the inhibitory role of Del-1 on neovascularization is mediated by the interaction of Del-1 with the LFA-1-integrin. Moreover, Del-1-deficiency led to an increased homing of intravenously injected murine fluorescence-labeled WT Lin- BM PC in ischemic muscles in comparison to WT mice after the induction of hind limb ischemia. Taken together, Del-1 acts as a negative regulator of ischemia-induced angiogenesis by interacting with the LFA-1-integrin expressed in hematopoietic cells, thereby inhibiting the homing of hematopoietic cells to ischemic tissues.

Gln-362 of Angiopoietin-2 Mediates Migration of Tumor and Endothelial Cells through Association with α5β1 Integrin

Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) not only regulates angiogenesis by binding to its well known receptor Tie2 on endothelial cells but also controls sprouting of Tie2-negative angiogenic endothelial cells and invasion of Tie2-negative non-endothelial cells by binding to integrins. However, the molecular mechanism of the Ang-2/integrin association has been unclear. In this study, we found that the Gln-362 residue of Ang-2 was essential for binding to α5β1 integrin. A Q362E Ang-2 mutant, which still bound to Tie2, failed to associate with α5β1 integrin and was unable to activate the integrin downstream signaling of focal adhesion kinase. In addition, unlike wild-type Ang-2, the Q362E Ang-2 mutant was defective in mediating invasion of Tie2-negative glioma or Tie2-positive endothelial cells. Furthermore, the tailpiece domain of the α5 subunit in α5β1 integrin was critical for binding to Ang-2. Taken together, these results provide a novel insight into the mechanism of integrin regulation by Ang-2, which contributes to tumor invasion and endothelial cell migration in a Tie2-independent manner.

Extracellular Matrix Controls Notch Signaling via Integrin Activation and NICD Ubiquitination. (LB67)

The extracellular Matrix (ECM) has recently been implicated with the regulation of angiogenesis via manipulation of the Notch signaling system however the molecular basis for this has not been explored. We previously showed that the ECM protein microfibril‐associated glycoprotein 2 (MAGP2), suppresses Notch signaling in endothelial cells but promotes Notch signaling in non‐endothelial cells. The goal of this work was to dissect the molecular mechanism by which MAGP2 manipulates Notch signaling. We found that control of Notch by MAGP2 was not dependent on specific Notch receptor‐ligand expression patterns. Interestingly however, we found that mutation of the MAGP2 RGD to a non‐integrin binding RGE caused MAGP2 to promote rather than suppress Notch signaling in endothelial cells. Similarly, soluble integrin blocking RGD peptides and αVβ3 blocking antibodies also increased Notch signaling even in the absence of MAGP2. Further mechanistic dissection revealed that inhibitors of SRC and FAK kinases but not other kinases also increased Notch signaling. Interestingly, in addition to intensifying Notch signaling, RGD peptides and SRC inhibitors also triggered an increase in higher mobility NICD western blot bands and extended NICD half‐life. Our results suggest that these high mobility NICD bands are non‐ubiquitinated forms of NICD fragments. Collectively, we believe these results have revealed a previously undiscovered interaction between integrins and the Notch signaling system that acts to limit Notch signaling via ubiquitination and degradation of active NICD fragments. This novel mechanism may be responsible for ECM control of Notch signaling and angiogenesis.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH (NIGMS)

Three Dimensional Microfluidic Cell Arrays for ex Vivo Drug Screening with Mimicked Vascular Flow

Currently, there are no reliable ex vivo models that predict anticancer drug responses in human tumors accurately. A comprehensive method of mimicking a 3D microenvironment to study effects of anticancer drugs on specific cancer types is essential. Here, we report the development of a three-dimensional microfluidic cell array (3D μFCA), which reconstructs a 3D tumor microenvironment with cancer cells and microvascular endothelial cells. To mimic the in vivo spatial relationship between microvessels and nonendothelial cells embedded in extracellular matrix, three polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layers were built into this array. The multilayer property of the device enabled the imitation of the drug delivery in a microtissue array with simulated blood circulation. This 3D μFCA system may provide better predictions of drug responses and identification of a suitable treatment for a specific patient if biopsy samples are used. To the pharmaceutical industry, the scaling-up of our 3D μFCA system may offer a novel high throughput screening tool.

Endothelial cadherins in cancer

Cadherins are cell adhesion receptors that play important roles in embryogenesis and tissue homoeostasis. Endothelial cells express various members of the cadherin superfamily, in particular vascular endothelial (VE-) cadherin, which is the main adhesion receptor of endothelial adherens junctions and neural (N-) cadherin, which is normally localized outside the junctions and may mediate adhesion between endothelial cells and non-endothelial cells. Dysregulation of cadherin expression has been implicated in tumor progression, in particular the loss of epithelial (E-) cadherin expression or function and the gain of N-cadherin. Moreover, more recently, aberrant expression of VE-cadherin was observed in certain cancer types. In breast carcinoma, VE-cadherin was shown to promote tumor cell proliferation and invasion through enhancing TGF-β signaling. Thus, in breast cancer, the cadherin switch involves another player, vascular endothelial cadherin, which is part of an intricate interplay of classical cadherins in breast cancer progression.

Endothelins as mediators in the modulation of cardiac performance

The role of endothelin in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology has been undeniable ever since its discovery. Endothelins in the heart are important for the development, growth and remodeling, as well as for the control of contractility and rhythm. Cardiac endothelial cells in the endocardium and myocardial capillaries represent the main source of endothelin, and cardiomyocytes are their primary targets. Endothelin-1 is one of the most potent substances with a positive inotropic effect known to man; subsequently endothelin plays a key role in the cardiac endothelial-myocardial interaction. The endothelins are a family of 21 amino acid peptidesof which there are three distinct isoforms endothelin-1, endothelin-2 and endothelin-3. Their effects are achieved by the activation of endothelin receptors, ETA and ETB, which belonging to the family of G protein-linked receptors. ETA and ETB receptors are densely distributed in cardiomyocytes, the cells of the cardiovascular system, coronary vascular and endocardial endothelial cells. Under physiological conditions, endothelin is synthesized in endothelial cells, while under pathophysiological conditions in the large number of non-endothelial cells of the heart as well. Endothelin-1 has positively inotropic and chronotropic effects. The administration of ET-1 causes coronary vasoconstriction, leads to myocardial ischemia and a lethal ventricular arrhythmia. In the acute myocardial infarction, ET-1 increases myocardial necrosis and arrhythmia but has a favorable effect on heart recovery after a myocardial infarction at an early stage of cardiac remodeling. ET-1 reverses acidosis-induced negative lusitropic and inotropic effects without the increase of intracellular calcium. Endothelin can resist the arrhythmogenic effects of catecholamines. Thus, low concentrations of endothelin have a protective effect on the heart. Primary indications for the administration of endothelin antagonists are heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and resistant arterial hypertension. Careful and well-designed clinical studies are needed to verify the therapeutic potential of new types of drugs in cardiovascular medicine.