Are any VEGF-A with unnatural disulfide bonds?5 answersYes, research has explored the use of unnatural disulfide bonds in Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) proteins. Studies have focused on designing anti-VEGF peptides based on VEGFR-2 binding regions, incorporating random mutagenesis to enhance binding affinity, and grafting these peptides into stable frameworks like SFTI-1 and MCoTI-II. Additionally, investigations have utilized phage display to select disulfide-constrained peptides that disrupt VEGF receptor binding, with one study determining the structure of a VEGF/peptide complex using NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, there is evidence that hydrogen sulfide can modify disulfide bonds within VEGFR-2, affecting its kinase activity and cell migration properties. These findings collectively demonstrate the exploration of unnatural disulfide bonds in VEGF-related research.
Were mutations of cysteine residues in VEGF shown in any papers?5 answersMutations of cysteine residues in VEGF have been studied in research papers. Specifically, mutations converting Cys51 or Cys60 into serine in VEGF were investigated. These mutations resulted in VEGF variants that were poor inducers of proliferation in endothelial cells but retained wild-type activity in vascular permeability assays. Additionally, studies on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and VEGF, which are structurally related proteins, highlighted the importance of conserved cysteine residues in their dimeric structure. Furthermore, research on VEGFR-1 mutations in colorectal cancer patients identified novel variations, including one missense mutation involving a cysteine residue (Cys1110Ser) in the VEGFR-1 tyrosine kinase domain. These findings collectively demonstrate the significance of cysteine residues and their mutations in VEGF-related pathways and cancer biology.
How does VEGF-A inhibition affect the growth and spread of cancer cells?4 answersVEGF-A inhibition plays a crucial role in impacting the growth and spread of cancer cells. Studies have shown that VEGF-A is highly expressed in tumor cells, promoting angiogenesis and chemotherapy resistance. Inhibition of VEGF can alter the polarization and function of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), leading to decreased cancer cell proliferation and migration. Additionally, VEGF-A, along with other VEGF family members, is essential for tumor-associated angiogenesis and metastasis formation, highlighting its significance in cancer progression. Despite the clinical use of VEGF inhibitors in cancer treatment, challenges such as renal side effects have been observed, emphasizing the complexity of targeting VEGF signaling in cancer therapy. Overall, VEGF-A inhibition presents a promising therapeutic strategy to impede cancer cell growth and metastasis by targeting angiogenesis and immune tolerance mechanisms.
What is the expression pattern of VEGF-C during embryonic development?4 answersDuring embryonic development, VEGF-C mRNA expression was detected in mesenchymal cells of postimplantation mouse embryos, particularly in regions where lymphatic vessels undergo sprouting from embryonic veins, such as the perimetanephric, axillary, and jugular regions. VEGF-C was also highly expressed in the developing mesenterium, which is rich in lymphatic vessels. Additionally, VEGF-C expression was observed in adult mouse lung, heart, and kidney, where its major receptor VEGFR-3 was also prominent. The expression pattern of VEGF-C in relation to VEGFR-3 during the sprouting of the lymphatic endothelium in embryos suggests a paracrine mode of action and indicates that one of the functions of VEGF-C may be in the regulation of angiogenesis of the lymphatic vasculature.
What are most famous angiogenic motifs that have been studied recently?5 answersThe most famous angiogenic motifs that have been studied recently include the VHHQKLVFF sequence found in Abeta peptides, the C-terminal cystine knot motifs present in key angiogenic regulators such as Slit3, von Willebrand factor, platelet-derived growth factor-B, and VEGF-A, and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which guides the growth of new blood vessels. These motifs have been shown to play important roles in angiogenesis, which is the formation and sprouting of new blood vessels from pre-existing vascular structures. The Abeta peptide sequence VHHQKLVFF has been found to exhibit potent anti-angiogenic effects and may have clinical relevance as an anti-angiogenic agent. The C-terminal cystine knot motifs, particularly those found in connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF), have been shown to promote angiogenesis and have therapeutic potential for antiangiogenesis. VEGF has been extensively studied for its role in guiding the growth of new blood vessels.
What are the roles of endothelial cells in wound healing?3 answersEndothelial cells play important roles in wound healing. They secrete cytokines and growth factors that promote the proliferation and migration of various cell types involved in wound repair, such as epidermal stem cells, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. Additionally, endothelial cells can promote angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation, and collagen synthesis, thereby accelerating wound healing. Successful wound healing requires the formation of an optimal vascular network, which is facilitated by chemotaxis and angiogenesis mediated by endothelial cells. Furthermore, epithelial cells are needed to cover the wound defect and seal the wound environment, contributing to proper wound healing. Although bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) have been implicated in postnatal vascular growth, their differentiation into endothelial cells in wound healing appears to be limited. Instead, BMDCs primarily differentiate into macrophages, which have proangiogenic effects and contribute to wound healing.