Showing papers on "Vascular endothelial growth factor A published in 1993"
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that inhibition of the action of an angiogenic factor spontaneously produced by tumour cells may suppress tumour growth in vivo.
Abstract: The development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) is required for many physiological processes including embryogenesis, wound healing and corpus luteum formation. Blood vessel neoformation is also important in the pathogenesis of many disorders, particularly rapid growth and metastasis of solid tumours. There are several potential mediators of tumour angiogenesis, including basic and acidic fibroblast growth factors, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and transforming factors-alpha and -beta. But it is unclear whether any of these agents actually mediates angiogenesis and tumour growth in vivo. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell-specific mitogen and an angiogenesis inducer released by a variety of tumour cells and expressed in human tumours in situ. To test whether VEGF may be a tumour angiogenesis factor in vivo, we injected human rhabdomyosarcoma, glioblastoma multiforme or leiomyosarcoma cell lines into nude mice. We report here that treatment with a monoclonal antibody specific for VEGF inhibited the growth of the tumours, but had no effect on the growth rate of the tumour cells in vitro. The density of vessels was decreased in the antibody-treated tumours. These findings demonstrate that inhibition of the action of an angiogenic factor spontaneously produced by tumour cells may suppress tumour growth in vivo.
3,863 citations
TL;DR: Investigation of flk-1 receptor tyrosine kinase mRNA expression by in situ hybridization analysis revealed specific association with endothelial cells at all stages of mouse development, suggesting a major role of this ligand-receptor signaling system in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.
2,067 citations
TL;DR: The recombinant soluble human receptor binds vascular endothelial cell growth factor with high affinity and inhibits its mitogenic activity forascular endothelial cells; thus this soluble receptor could act as an efficient specific antagonist of vascular endothelium cell growthFactor in vivo.
Abstract: Vascular endothelial cell growth factor, a mitogen selective for vascular endothelial cells in vitro that promotes angiogenesis in vivo, functions through distinct membrane-spanning tyrosine kinase receptors. The cDNA encoding a soluble truncated form of one such receptor, fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor, has been cloned from a human vascular endothelial cell library. The mRNA coding region distinctive to this cDNA has been confirmed to be present in vascular endothelial cells. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor mRNA, generated by alternative splicing of the same pre-mRNA used to produce the full-length membrane-spanning receptor, encodes the six N-terminal immunoglobulin-like extracellular ligand-binding domains but does not encode the last such domain, transmembrane-spanning region, and intracellular tyrosine kinase domains. The recombinant soluble human receptor binds vascular endothelial cell growth factor with high affinity and inhibits its mitogenic activity for vascular endothelial cells; thus this soluble receptor could act as an efficient specific antagonist of vascular endothelial cell growth factor in vivo.
1,516 citations
TL;DR: VEGF associated with the ECM was bioactive, because endothelial cells cultured on ECM derived from cells expressing VEGF189 or V EGF206 were markedly stimulated to proliferate and can be released into a soluble and bioactive form by heparin or plasmin.
Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)mRNA undergoes alternative splicing events that generate four different homodimeric isoforms, VEGF121, VEGF165, VEGF189, or VEGF206. VEGF121 is a nonheparin-binding acidic protein, which is freely diffusible. The longer forms, VEGF189 or VEGF206, are highly basic proteins tightly bound to extracellular heparin-containing proteoglycans. VEGF165 has intermediate properties. To determine the localization of VEGF isoforms, transfected human embryonic kidney CEN4 cells expressing VEGF165, VEGF189, or VEGF206 were stained by immunofluorescence with a specific monoclonal antibody. The staining was found in patches and streaks suggestive of extracellular matrix (ECM). VEGF165 was observed largely in Golgi apparatus-like structures. Immunogold labeling of cells expressing VEGF189 or VEGF206 revealed that the staining was localized to the subepithelial ECM. VEGF associated with the ECM was bioactive, because endothelial cells cultured on ECM derived from cells expressing VEGF189 or VEGF206 were markedly stimulated to proliferate. In addition, ECM-bound VEGF can be released into a soluble and bioactive form by heparin or plasmin. ECM-bound VEGF189 and VEGF206 have molecular masses consistent with the intact polypeptides. The ECM may represent an important source of VEGF and angiogenic potential.
1,165 citations
TL;DR: VPF/VEGF has recently been found to have a role in wound healing and its expression by activated macrophages suggests that it probably also participates in certain types of chronic inflammation.
Abstract: Vascular permeability factor (VPF), also known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is a multifunctional cytokine expressed and secreted at high levels by many tumor cells of animal and human origin. As secreted by tumor cells, VPF/VEGF is a 34–42 kDa heparin-binding, dimeric, disulfide-bonded glycoprotein that acts directly on endothelial cells (EC) by way of specific receptors to activate phospholipase C and induce [Ca2+]i transients. Two high affinity VPF/VEGF receptors, both tyrosine kinases, have thus far been described. VPF/VEGF is likely to have a number of important roles in tumor biology related, but not limited to, the process of tumor angiogenesis. As a potent permeability factor, VPF/VEGF promotes extravasation of plasma fibrinogen, leading to fibrin deposition which alters the tumor extracellular matrix. This matrix promotes the ingrowth of macrophages, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. Moreover, VPF/VEGF is a selective endothelial cell (EC) growth factorin vitro, and it presumably stimulates EC proliferationin vivo. Furthermore, VPF/VEGF has been found in animal and human tumor effusions by immunoassay and by functional assays and very likely accounts for the induction of malignant ascites. In addition to its role in tumors, VPF/VEGF has recently been found to have a role in wound healing and its expression by activated macrophages suggests that it probably also participates in certain types of chronic inflammation. VPF/VEGF is expressed in normal development and in certain normal adult organs, notably kidney, heart, adrenal gland and lung. Its functions in normal adult tissues are under investigation.
846 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated by in situ hybridization that Flk-1 protein expression in the mouse embryo is restricted to the vascular endothelium and the umbilical cord stroma and may play a role in vascular development and regulation of vascular permeability.
Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor, induces endothelial proliferation in vitro and vascular permeability in vivo. The human transmembrane c-fms-like tyrosine kinase Flt-1 has recently been identified as a VEGF receptor. Flt-1 kinase has seven immunoglobulin-like extracellular domains and a kinase insert sequence, features shared by two other human gene-encoded proteins, kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) and FLT-4. In this study we show that the mouse homologue of KDR, Flk-1, is a second functional VEGF receptor. Flk-1 binds VEGF with high affinity, undergoes autophosphorylation, and mediates VEGF-dependent Ca2+ efflux in Xenopus oocytes injected with Flk-1 mRNA. We also demonstrate by in situ hybridization that Flk-1 protein expression in the mouse embryo is restricted to the vascular endothelium and the umbilical cord stroma. VEGF and its receptors Flk-1/KDR and Flt-1 may play a role in vascular development and regulation of vascular permeability.
826 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Data indicate that primary autochthonous human tumors of gastrointestinal origin regularly express both VPF mRNA and VPF protein and that adjacent stromal vessels express mRNAs for both known VPF receptors.
Abstract: Vascular permeability factor (VPF) is one of the most potent known inducers of microvascular hyperpermeability; in addition, it is a selective endothelial cell growth factor, hence its alternate name, vascular endothelial growth factor. VPF exerts its actions on the microvasculature by interacting with specific endothelial cell receptors. VPF is expressed by many transplantable animal tumors, by tumor cell lines in culture, and by certain normal cells in situ. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether and with what consistency VPF and its endothelial cell receptors are expressed in primary autochthonous human tumor of gastrointestinal tract origin, as determined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Twenty-one primary adenocarcinomas (17 colon, 2 stomach, 1 small bowel, and 1 pancreas) were studied. The malignant epithelial cells expressed VPF mRNA strongly, in contrast to normal epithelium, hyperplastic polyps, and adenomas, which expressed little or no VPF mRNA. VPF expression was further increased in tumor cells immediately adjacent to zones of tumor necrosis; in such areas, occasional stromal cells also expressed VPF mRNA. In the ten colon carcinomas studied, tumor cells stained for VPF protein by immunohistochemistry. The endothelial cells of nearby stromal blood vessels also stained for VPF by immunohistochemistry and in addition expressed mRNAs encoding the VPF receptors flt-1 and kdr as determined by in situ hybridization. Endothelial cells away from the tumor did not stain for VPF and no definite mRNA expression for flt-1 or kdr was detected by in situ hybridization. The ganglion cells of the myenteric plexus of normal bowel expressed VPF mRNA and protein. These data indicate that primary autochthonous human tumors of gastrointestinal origin regularly express both VPF mRNA and VPF protein and that adjacent stromal vessels express mRNAs for both known VPF receptors. VPF is likely to contribute to tumor growth by promoting angiogenesis and stroma formation, both directly, through its action as an endothelial cell growth factor, and indirectly, by increasing vascular permeability, thereby leading to plasma protein extravasation, fibrin deposition, and the eventual replacement of the resulting matrix with vascularized stroma.
711 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: An important role for VPF is suggested in the vascular biology of these two common human malignancies, tumor-associated microvascular hyperpermeability and angiogenesis.
Abstract: Vascular permeability factor (VPF), also known as vascular endothelial growth factor, is a secreted protein implicated in tumor-associated microvascular hyperpermeability and angiogenesis. Tumor cells in 11 of 12 renal cell carcinomas expressed high levels of VPF messenger RNA (mRNA) by in situ hybridization, the only exception being a case of the relatively avascular papillary variant. Expression was further accentuated adjacent to areas of necrosis. Both tumor cells and endothelial cells in small vessels adjacent to tumor stained strongly for VPF protein by immunohistochemistry. Endothelial cells did not express detectable VPF mRNA, but did express high levels of mRNA for the VPF receptors flt-1 and KDR indicating that the endothelial cell staining likely reflects binding of VPF secreted by adjacent tumor cells. Three transitional cell carcinomas also labeled strongly for VPF mRNA. These data suggest an important role for VPF in the vascular biology of these two common human malignancies.
583 citations
TL;DR: It is proposed that excessive expression of VEGF during gonadotropin-induced ovulation may contribute to the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndromes by virtue of the vascular permeabilization activity of this factor.
Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a secreted endothelial cell-specific mitogen. To evaluate whether VEGF may play a role in angiogenesis, we have determined the spatial and temporal patterns of expression of VEGF and VEGF receptors during natural angiogenic processes taking place within the female reproductive system. Four angiogenic processes were analyzed: neovascularization of ovarian follicles, neovascularization of the corpus luteum, repair of endometrial vessels, and angiogenesis in embryonic implantation sites. During all processes, VEGF mRNA was found to be expressed in cells surrounding the expanding vasculature. VEGF was predominantly produced in tissues that acquire new capillary networks (theca layers, lutein cells, endometrial stroma, and the maternal decidua, respectively). VEGF-binding activity, on the other hand, was found on endothelial cells of both quiescent and proliferating blood vessels. These findings are consistent with a role for VEGF in the targeting of angiogenic responses to specific areas. Using in situ hybridization, we show that VEGF is expressed in 10 different steroidogenic and/or steroid-responsive cell types (theca, cumulus, granulosa, lutein, oviductal epithelium, endometrial stroma, decidua, giant trophoblast cells, adrenal cortex, and Leydig cells). Furthermore, in some cells upregulation of VEGF expression is concurrent with the acquisition of steroidogenic activity, and expression in other cell types is restricted to a particular stage of the ovarian cycle. These findings suggest that expression of VEGF is hormonally regulated. We propose that excessive expression of VEGF during gonadotropin-induced ovulation may contribute to the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndromes by virtue of the vascular permeabilization activity of this factor.
573 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In situ hybridization showed that VEGF is expressed in vivo in rat glioma cells which reside along necrotic areas and therefore closely mimicks the expression pattern of V EGF observed in human glioblastoma, consistent with a role for VEGf in tumor- and hypoxia-induced angiogenesis.
Abstract: We have recently shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is produced by human malignant glioma cells and acts on tumor endothelial cells, which express VEGF receptors, suggesting that VEGF is a regulator of tumor angiogenesis. To investigate the feasibility of antiangiogenic brain tumor therapy, we developed an intracerebral (i.c.) rat glioma model. We used two transplantable rat glioma cells lines, C6 and GS-9L, to analyze VEGF regulation in vitro and expression of VEGF and its high affinity tyrosine kinase receptors, flt-1 and flk-1, in vivo. Glioma cells were transplanted i.c. or s.c. into syngeneic rats. C6 gliomas exhibit morphological characteristics of human glioblastoma multiforme such as necroses with palisading cells. Immunocytochemistry with von Willebrand factor showed that C6 gliomas are highly vascularized and therefore show another prominent feature of human glioblastoma. GS-9L gliosarcomas were less vascularized. In situ hybridization showed that VEGF is expressed in vivo in rat glioma cells which reside along necrotic areas and therefore closely mimicks the expression pattern of VEGF observed in human glioblastoma. flt-1 and flk-1 are specifically expressed in endothelial cells in the tumor and at the border between tumor and normal brain but are absent from endothelial cells in the normal brain proper. The action of VEGF may therefore be restricted to tumor endothelium. Upregulation of VEGF, but not acid fibroblast growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor B messenger RNA was observed in hypoxic C6 and GS-9L cells in vitro. These observations are consistent with a role for VEGF in tumor- and hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. Since the expression pattern of VEGF and its receptors in rat glioma appears to be indistinguishable from human glioblastoma multiforme, this model provides an excellent tool to study anti-angiogenic therapy.
549 citations
TL;DR: VEGF released by glioma cells in situ most likely accounts for pathognomonic histopathologic and clinical features of GBM tumors in patients, including striking tumor angiogenesis, increased cerebral edema and hypercoagulability manifesting as focal tumor necrosis, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism.
Abstract: Hypervascularity, focal necrosis, persistent cerebral edema, and rapid cellular proliferation are key histopathologic features of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and malignant of human brain tumors. By immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence, we definitively have demonstrated the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) in five out of five human glioma cell lines (U-251MG, U-105MG, D-65MG, D-54MG, and CH-235MG) and in eight human GBM tumor surgical specimens. In vitro experiments with glioma cell lines revealed a consistent and reliable relation between EGFr activation and VEGF production; namely, EGF (1-20 ng/ml) stimulation of glioma cells resulted in a 25-125% increase in secretion of bioactive VEGF. Conditioned media (CM) prepared from EGF-stimulated glioma cell lines produced significant increases in cytosolic free intracellular concentrations of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Neither EGF alone or CM from glioma cultures prepared in the absence of EGF induced [Ca2+]i increases in HUVECs. Preincubation of glioma CM with A4.6.1, a monoclonal antibody to VEGF, completely abolished VEGF-mediated [Ca2+]i transients in HUVECs. Likewise, induction by glioma-derived CM of von Willebrand factor release from HUVECs was completely blocked by A4.6.1 pretreatment. These observations provide a key link in understanding the basic cellular pathophysiology of GBM tumor angiogenesis, increased vascular permeability, and cellular proliferation. Specifically, EGF activation of EGFr expressed on glioma cells leads to enhanced secretion of VEGF by glioma cells. VEGF released by glioma cells in situ most likely accounts for pathognomonic histopathologic and clinical features of GBM tumors in patients, including striking tumor angiogenesis, increased cerebral edema and hypercoagulability manifesting as focal tumor necrosis, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism.
TL;DR: A significant role for VEGPF is suggested in the development of CNS tumor neovascularity and peritumoral edema and in capillary hemangioblastomas.
Abstract: Expression of the vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGPF) gene was investigated in human central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms and normal brain. Adsorption of capillary permeability activity from human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell conditioned medium and GBM cyst fluids by anti-VEGPF antibodies demonstrated that VEGPF is secreted by GBM cells and is present in sufficient quantities in vivo to induce vascular permeability. Cloning and sequencing of polymerase chain reaction-amplified GBM and normal brain cDNA demonstrated three forms of the VEGPF coding region (567, 495, and 363 nucleotides), corresponding to mature polypeptides of 189, 165, and 121 amino acids, respectively. VEGPF mRNA levels in CNS tumors vs. normal brain were investigated by the RNase protection assay. Significant elevation of VEGPF gene expression was observed in 81% (22/27) of the highly vascular and edema-associated CNS neoplasms (6/8 GBM, 8/8 capillary hemangioblastomas, 6/7 meningiomas, and 2/4 cerebral metastases). In contrast, only 13% (2/15) of those CNS tumors that are not commonly associated with significant neovascularity or cerebral edema (2/10 pituitary adenomas and 0/5 nonastrocytic gliomas) had significantly increased levels of VEGPF mRNA. The relative abundance of the forms of VEGPF mRNA was consistent in tumor and normal brain: VEGPF495 > VEGPF363 > VEGPF567. In situ hybridization confirmed the presence of VEGPF mRNA in tumor cells and its increased abundance in capillary hemangioblastomas. Our results suggest a significant role for VEGPF in the development of CNS tumor neovascularity and peritumoral edema.
TL;DR: In situ hybridization is used to show that the pattern of flt expression was consistent with localization in endothelium and suggests that VEGF might regulate endothelial differentiation, blood vessel growth, and vascular repair.
Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a polypeptide mitogen that stimulates the growth of endothelial cells in vitro and promotes the growth of blood vessels in vivo. We have recently shown that the fms-like receptor tyrosine kinase (flt) is a receptor for VEGF. Here we used in situ hybridization to show that, in adult mouse tissues, the pattern of flt expression was consistent with localization in endothelium. We also show that flt was expressed in endothelium during neovascularization of healing skin wounds and during early vascular development in mouse embryos. Moreover, flt was expressed in populations of embryonic cells from which endothelium is derived such as early yolk sac mesenchyme. The expression of flt in the endothelium of both developing and mature blood vessels suggests that VEGF might regulate endothelial differentiation, blood vessel growth, and vascular repair.
TL;DR: The coronary vascular effects of recombinant human and native guinea pig VEGF/VPF in isolated canine coronary arteries in the presence and absence of intimal endothelium, indomethacin, and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, a competitive nitric oxide synthase inhibitor is investigated.
Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor (VPF), has recently been shown to increase cytosolic free calcium in endothelial cells. In the present study, we investigated the coronary vascular effects of recombinant human and native guinea pig VEGF/VPF in isolated canine coronary arteries in the presence and absence of intimal endothelium, indomethacin, and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, a competitive nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. Addition of recombinant VEGF/VPF (1-660 pM) in coronary arteries that had been previously contracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha induced a slow, dose-dependent relaxation, reaching a maximum of -59.1 +/- 6.7% (mean +/- SE, n = 19). Mechanical disruption of the intimal endothelium completely abolished the observed relaxation. No direct vascular effect of recombinant VEGF/VPF on the endothelium-disrupted coronary arteries was noted. Pretreatment of endothelium-intact coronary arteries with 5 microM of indomethacin did not alter the observed relaxation (-57.3 +/- 7.0%, n = 18), whereas pretreatment with either NG-monomethyl-L-arginine or 10 microM of genistein, a known inhibitor of tyrosine kinase, significantly inhibited the relaxation. Addition of native VEGF/VPF (1-100 pM) also induced an endothelium-dependent relaxation in the isolated coronary arteries. Heating of recombinant VEGF/VPF (70 degrees C, 25 min) or prior incubation with a specific antibody raised against a VEGF/VPF peptide completely abolished the relaxation. Finally, recombinant VEGF/VPF stimulated a slow rise in cytosolic free calcium in cultured human endothelial cells that was qualitatively similar to that of native VEGF/VPF.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
TL;DR: Findings show that VEGFs, not FGFs, are the principal angiogenic growth factors secreted by these cells and that human endometrium expresses a secreted angiogenesis growth factor whose site of expression changes during the menstrual cycle.
Abstract: Repair of human endometrium after menstruation and preparation of the endometrium for implantation involves profound angiogenic changes. Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) is a recently identified growth factor with significant angiogenic properties. Four species of mRNA encoding VEGFs were identified in human endometrium and myometrium. All species were present throughout the menstrual cycle. Two species, VEGF165 and VEGF121, were present in peripheral leukocytes, indicating tissue-specific splicing of the two other VEGF transcripts. In situ hybridization of mRNA encoding VEGF was not restricted to vascular smooth muscle but was present in epithelial and stromal cells of endometrium throughout the cycle, and the distribution changed during the course of the cycle. All four species of VEGF were expressed by the endometrial carcinoma cell lines Ishikawa, HEC 1-A, and HEC 1-B. Estradiol increased steady-state levels of mRNA encoding VEGF in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HEC 1-A cells. Conditioned medium from these cells possessed angiogenic activity that was depleted by passage through a heparin affinity column. None of the cell lines demonstrated mRNA for acidic or basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), despite previous reports of the identification of immunoreactive basic FGF in HEC 1-A and HEC 1-B cells. These findings show that VEGFs, not FGFs, are the principal angiogenic growth factors secreted by these cells and that human endometrium expresses a secreted angiogenic growth factor whose site of expression changes during the menstrual cycle.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A human glioblastoma cell line produced VEGF, which enhanced the proliferation of BCE cells and induced an elongated shape in collagen gels, which increased the rate of proliferation and the number of cord-like structures in a synergistic manner.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the V EG/PF gene is expressed in the rat uterus, and that mRNA levels are rapidly enhanced by estrogen, which suggests that VEG/PF may be involved in the estrogen-induced increase in permeability and proliferation of uterine blood vessels.
Abstract: In the uterus, estrogen causes a rapid increase in microvascular permeability, followed later by growth of the endometrium, including the richly vascular stroma. Vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor (VEGF/VPF or VEG/PF) is an angiogenic protein that is not only a specific mitogen for endothelial cells, but also a potent stimulator of microvascular permeability. Because of these properties, it seems likely that VEG/PF might mediate estrogen-induced increases in uterine vascular permeability and blood vessel growth. Therefore, we determined whether the gene for VEG/PF is expressed in the rat uterus and if mRNA abundance is regulated by steroid hormones, using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The VEG/PF gene is alternatively spliced and gives rise to three transcripts coding for proteins of 188, 164, and 120 amino acids, which, in turn, form the active dimeric factors. Transcripts for VEG/PF mRNAs were detected in the uterus of the rat by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The mRNAs for the VEG/PF164 and VEG/PF120 subunits were the dominant forms expressed. Treatment with both estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3) rapidly induced an increase in the level of the two smaller transcripts. The increase was detectable as early as 0.5-1 h and peaked at 2 h. Levels of the two smaller transcripts then declined, but remained above control levels for 24 h. The degree of stimulation of VEG/PF mRNA levels was 8-fold at 2 h. VEG/PF188 mRNA levels were higher by 6 h compared to control values. The increase in VEG/PF mRNA levels in response to E2 was not contingent upon de novo protein synthesis, as it was not blocked by cycloheximide. The increase occurred as rapidly as that of the mRNA for Zif268, an estrogen-induced transcription factor. Progesterone also stimulated the expression (at 6 h) of VEG/PF164 and VEG/PF120, but not that of VEG/PF188. We conclude that the VEG/PF gene is expressed in the rat uterus, and that mRNA levels are rapidly enhanced by estrogen. This response suggests that VEG/PF may be involved in the estrogen-induced increase in permeability and proliferation of uterine blood vessels. The identification of VEG/PF as a primary response gene also suggests that VEG/PF expression may be a prerequisite for the subsequent expression or action of other growth factors in the uterus.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that human retinal pigment epithelial cells can synthesize the secreted angiogenic peptide vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro and in situ and may be important in the pathogenesis of ocular neovascularization.
TL;DR: That 16K hPRL is a potent antiangiogenic factor in in vitro and an in vivo assay raises the exciting potential of this peptide being capable of inhibiting tumor growth.
Abstract: The formation of a new blood supply, angiogenesis, is an essential component of carcinogenesis and unrestricted tumor growth. A substance capable of inhibiting angiogenesis would be of considerable therapeutic potential in the treatment of cancer. We previously reported that the 16-kilodalton N-terminal fragment of rat PRL (16K rPRL) was a potent inhibitor of capillary endothelial cell proliferation via a novel receptor. We now report that the nanomolar concentrations of recombinant human 16K PRL inhibit basal and basic fibroblast growth factor- or vascular endothelial growth factor-stimulated growth of bovine brain capillary endothelial cells. 16K human (h) PRL also inhibits stimulation of human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation by basic fibroblast growth factor. The organization of endothelial cells into capillary-like structures in type I collagen gels is also prevented by 16K hPRL. Furthermore, in an in vivo assay, the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay, 16K hPRL as well as 16K rP...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Preliminary results indicate that the PIGF gene has been conserved in evolution, since the human PlGF cDNA hybridizes to sequences present in the genomic DNA of Drosophila, Xenopus, chicken and mouse.
Abstract: We have previously reported on the identification of a cDNA (placenta growth factor, PlGF) coding for a novel angiogenic factor expressed in placental tissue that is similar to vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF). Biochemical and functional characterization of PlGF derived from transfected COS-1 cells revealed that it is a glycosylated dimeric secreted protein able to stimulate endothelial cell growth in vitro. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of the PlGF gene located on chromosome 14. At least two different mRNAs are produced from this single-copy gene in different cell lines and tissues. Sequence comparison of the polypeptides encoded by the two different isolated cDNAs indicates that they are identical except for the insertion of a highly basic 21 amino acid stretch at the carboxyl end of the protein. RNA expression analysis of several tissues, tumors and cell lines indicates differential distribution of the two PlGF mRNAs. Finally, preliminary results indicate that the PIGF gene has been conserved in evolution, since the human PlGF cDNA hybridizes to sequences present in the genomic DNA of Drosophila, Xenopus, chicken and mouse.
TL;DR: The results show that TGF-beta 1 exerts a biphasic effect on bFGF- and VEGF-induced angiogenesis in vitro, and support the notion that the nature of the angiogenic response elicited by a specific cytokine is contextual, i.e., depends on the presence and concentration of other cytokines in the pericellular environment of the responding endothelial cell.
TL;DR: It is concluded that hypoxic conditions may promote cardiac capillary cell growth by inducing VEGF expression.
TL;DR: Evidence is provided to support the hypothesis that VEGF plays an important role in the normal development of the embryo and supporting tissues in the presence of ubiquitous and persistent high affinity binding sites on vascular endothelial cells and precursors.
Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell mitogen and angiogenic inducer produced by a variety of cell lines and tissues. As a soluble protein that exhibits a unique target cell specificity for vascular endothelial cells, VEGF has the potential to play an important role in the development of the vascular system. To better understand the role of VEGF in the processes of vasculogenesis and embryonic angiogenesis, patterns of mRNA expression and [125I]VEGF-binding sites were examined in sections of rat embryos and surrounding tissues during the early stages of development. In situ hybridization revealed the most intense hybridization of VEGF mRNA in the giant trophoblast cells and the mesometrium of early postimplantation specimens. In contrast, only low levels of expression were detected in the embryo until later in embryonic development. Possible embryonic targets for this secreted protein, as identified by displaceable [125I] VEGF binding, were found in association with the early egg sac at E8 and evident in hemangioblasts (blood islands) within the yolk sac at E8-E11. In addition, at all stages, binding was observed along the lumina of blood vessels, of both maternal and embryonic origin. These results provide evidence to support the hypothesis that VEGF plays an important role in the normal development of the embryo and supporting tissues. In the presence of ubiquitous and persistent high affinity binding sites on vascular endothelial cells and precursors, the growth of the vascular system may be regulated in early development by regional expression of VEGF by trophoblast and maternally derived cells, and later on by cells within the embryo as they develop their differentiated phenotype.
TL;DR: expression of FLT4 and the other two members of this receptor family in human fetal tissues by Northern and in situ hybridization suggest that the receptor tyrosine kinases encoded by the FLT gene family may have distinct functions in the regulation of the growth/differentiation of blood vessels.
Abstract: The growth factor receptors expressed on endothelial cells are of special interest because of their potential to program endothelial cell growth and differentiation during development and neovascularization in various pathological states, such as wound healing and angiogenesis associated with tumorigenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor ([VEGF] also known as vascular permeability factor) is a potent mitogen and permeability factor, which has been suggested to play a role in embryonic and tumor angiogenesis. The newly cloned FLT4 receptor tyrosine kinase gene encodes a protein related to the VEGF receptors FLT1 and KDR/FLK-1. We have here studied the expression of FLT4 and the other two members of this receptor family in human fetal tissues by Northern and in situ hybridization. These results were also compared with the sites of expression of VEGF and the related placenta growth factor (PlGF). Our results reveal FLT4 mRNA expression in vascular endothelial cells in developing vessels of several organs. A comparison of FLT4, FLT1 and KDR/FLK-1 receptor mRNA signals shows overlapping, but distinct expression patterns in the tissues studied. Certain endothelia lack one or two of the three receptor mRNAs. These data suggest that the receptor tyrosine kinases encoded by the FLT gene family may have distinct functions in the regulation of the growth/differentiation of blood vessels.
TL;DR: The occurrence of two molecular forms of this endothelial specific growth factor suggests different physiological roles of the two forms during placental development and differentiation.
Abstract: Placenta Growth Factor (PlGF) was recently discovered as a secreted growth factor for vascular endothelial cells and based on its homology to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), can be classified as a new member of this growth factor family. We have carried out polymerase chain amplification (PCR) of RNA from human umbilical vein endothelial cells and placenta tissue and discovered a second species of PlGF, PlGF-2. PlGF-2 has a 21-amino acid insertion not present in PlGF-1 coding for a highly basic region near the C-terminus. This is similar to VEGF189. Northern analysis has shown, that the PlGF gene is expressed only in a limited number of cell types and tissues, e.g. human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVE) and placenta. Infection of Sf158 insect cells with recombinant baculoviruses specific for the two forms showed, that both, PlGF-1 and PlGF-2 are secreted efficiently into the supernatant and PlGF-2 can bind with high affinity to heparin. Both PlGF forms had a similar mitogenic potency for bovine aortic endothelial cells. Binding studies with 125I-VEGF165 demonstrate, that supernatant of PlGF expressing insect cells can compete for receptor binding. Similar to VEGF, PlGF can exist in different forms which are probably generated by differential splicing. The occurrence of two molecular forms of this endothelial specific growth factor suggests different physiological roles of the two forms during placental development and differentiation.
TL;DR: The findings indicate that VEGF/VPF is a tumor angiogenic factor, which is a vascular endothelial mitogen that can increase blood vessel permeability.
TL;DR: The expression pattern of Quek1 suggests that it could identify the putative precursor of both endothelial and hematopoietic lineages, the hemangioblast.
TL;DR: The molecular events involved in endothelial perception of injury and in regulation of gene expression by cytokines, reactive oxygen intermediates, and mechanical forces are discussed.
Abstract: Endothelial cells respond to injury with acute alterations in mediator generation and surface molecule expression. Endothelial cells may respond, depending on the stimulus, by altering the expression of various genes whose products are central to endothelial cell matrix remodeling, coagulation, and fibrinolysis, as well as interactions with polymorphonuclear leukocytes, platelets, and lymphocytes and in angiogenesis. These responses comprise endothelial activation or differentiation. The molecular events involved in endothelial perception of injury and in regulation of gene expression by cytokines, reactive oxygen intermediates, and mechanical forces are discussed. In addition, because endothelial cells from different sites exhibit heterogeneity regarding their injury responses, where possible this heterogeneity in endothelial gene expression is highlighted.
Patent•
15 Nov 1993TL;DR: In this paper, the use of ligands for the Flk-1 receptor for the modulation of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis is discussed, based on the demonstration that Flk1 tyrosine kinase receptor expression is associated with endothelial cells and identification of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as the high affinity ligand of Flk 1.
Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ligands for the Flk-1 receptor for the modulation of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. The invention is based, in part, on the demonstration that Flk-1 tyrosine kinase receptor expression is associated with endothelial cells and the identification of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as the high affinity ligand of Flk-1. These results indicate a major role for Flk-1 in the signaling system during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Engineering of host cells that express Flk-1 and the uses of expressed Flk-1 to evaluate and screen for drugs and analogs of VEGF involved in Flk-1 modulation by either agonist or antagonist activities is described. The invention also relates to the use of FLK-1 ligands, including VEGF agonists and antagonists, in the treatment of disorders, including cancer, by modulating vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.
TL;DR: Findings indicate that the expression of VEGF may confer on cells the ability to grow in vivo in the absence of transformation by purely paracrine mechanisms.
Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a mitogen with a specificity for endothelial cells in vitro and an angiogenic inducer in vivo. We tested the hypothesis that VEGF may confer on expressing cells a growth advantage in vivo. Dihydrofolatereductase--Chinese hamster ovary cells were transfected with expression vectors which direct the constitutive synthesis of VEGF. Neither the expression nor the exogenous administration of VEGF stimulated anchorage-dependent or anchorage-independent growth of Chinese hamster ovary cells in vitro. However, VEGF-expressing clones, unlike control cells, demonstrated an ability to proliferate in nude mice. Histologic examination revealed that the proliferative lesions were compact, well vascularized, and nonedematous. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that capillaries within the lesions were of the continuous type. These findings indicate that the expression of VEGF may confer on cells the ability to grow in vivo in the absence of transformation by purely paracrine mechanisms. Since VEGF is a widely distributed protein, this property may have relevance for a variety of physiological and pathological proliferative processes.