Project description:While colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) is major cause of death of colorectal cancer, the mechanism of intrahepatic dissemination (trans-lymphatic metastasis) is not fully elucidated. Lymphangiogenesis can be the mechanism of the dissemination, but there are few evidences to prove it. In this study, we attempted to clarify the mechanism using syngeneic murine CRCLM model, especially focusing on vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), a promoter of lymphangiogenesis. We confirmed that 1) intrahepatic metastasis of CRCLM via lymphatic vessels was seen and lymphangiogenesis was upregulated in the CRCLM-bearing liver, 2) the degree of lymphangiogenesis and CRCLM was significantly correlated with the expression of VEGFC in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and 3) macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) was released from CRC cells under the stimulation of VEGFC and induced migration of immature bone marrow derived cells into the liver and differentiation into macrophage, which promoted dissemination of CRCLM. These findings suggest the possibility of therapeutic strategy targeting VEGFC / MIP-1α for diminishing CRCLM. In conclusion, VEGFC in CRC cells promoted trans-lymphatic metastasis of CRCLM by upregulation of lymphangiogenesis directly and indirectly via induction of macrophages derived from bone marrow cells.
Project description:Hematopoiesis advances cardiovascular disease by generating inflammatory leukocytes that attack the arteries, heart and brain. While it is well documented that the bone marrow niche regulates hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and hence the systemic leukocyte pool, it is less clear how cardiovascular disease affects the vasculature forming this niche. Here we show that arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction alter the anatomy and function of bone marrow vasculature. Hypertension and atherosclerosis instigated vascular fibrosis, leakage and endothelial dysfunction in the bone marrow. Myocardial infarction induced vascular leakage and bone marrow angiogenesis via Vegf signaling. Endothelial cell-specific deletion of the Vegf receptor 2 limited emergency hematopoiesis after myocardial infarction, indicating that new vasculature supports higher blood cell production. RNA-sequencing of bone marrow endothelial cells revealed inflammatory gene expression in mice with cardiovascular disease. Endothelial cell-specific deletion of interleukin 6 or versican, which were highly expressed in mice with atherosclerosis or myocardial infarction, respectively, reduced hematopoiesis and systemic myeloid cells. Taken together, cardiovascular disease affects the vascular bone marrow niche, thus influencing hematopoietic stem cell behavior and expanding innate immune cell supply to atherosclerotic plaque and ischemic myocardium. Interrupting this feed back loop may constrain cardiovascular inflammation.
Project description:High VEGFC mRNA expression of AML blasts is related to increased in vitro and in vivo drug resistance. The prognostic significance of VEGFC on long-term outcome and its associated gene expression profiles remain to be defined. We studied the effect of VEGFC on treatment outcome and investigated gene expression profiles associated with VEGFC using microarray data of 525 adult and 100 pediatric AML patients. High VEGFC expression appeared strongly associated with reduced complete remission rate, reduced overall and event-free survival (OS and EFS) in adult AML. Multivariable analysis established high VEGFC as prognostic indicator independent of cytogenetic risk, FLT3-ITD, NPM1, CEBPA, age and WBC. Also in pediatric AML high VEGFC was related to reduced OS. A unique series of differentially expressed genes was identified that distinguished AML with high VEGFC from AML with low VEGFC, i.e., 331 upregulated genes (representative of proliferation, VEGF-receptor activity, signal transduction) and 44 downregulated genes (e.g. related to apoptosis) consistent with a role in enhanced chemoresistance. In conclusion, high VEGFC predicts adverse long-term prognosis and provides prognostic information in addition to well-known prognostic factors. 98 bone marrow and peripheral blood samples were collected at diagnosis and frozen. They were later thawed and hybridized to Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 arrays.
Project description:Recent reports have suggested a protective role for vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) during acute cardiac lymphangiogenesis post MI. Glinton et al. report that defective efferocytosis by macrophages after experimental MI leads to a reduction in cardiac lymphangiogenesis and Vegfc expression.
Project description:Recent reports have suggested a protective role for vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) during acute cardiac lymphangiogenesis post MI. Glinton et al. report that defective efferocytosis by macrophages after experimental MI leads to a reduction in cardiac lymphangiogenesis and Vegfc expression.
Project description:High VEGFC mRNA expression of AML blasts is related to increased in vitro and in vivo drug resistance. The prognostic significance of VEGFC on long-term outcome and its associated gene expression profiles remain to be defined. We studied the effect of VEGFC on treatment outcome and investigated gene expression profiles associated with VEGFC using microarray data of 525 adult and 100 pediatric AML patients. High VEGFC expression appeared strongly associated with reduced complete remission rate, reduced overall and event-free survival (OS and EFS) in adult AML. Multivariable analysis established high VEGFC as prognostic indicator independent of cytogenetic risk, FLT3-ITD, NPM1, CEBPA, age and WBC. Also in pediatric AML high VEGFC was related to reduced OS. A unique series of differentially expressed genes was identified that distinguished AML with high VEGFC from AML with low VEGFC, i.e., 331 upregulated genes (representative of proliferation, VEGF-receptor activity, signal transduction) and 44 downregulated genes (e.g. related to apoptosis) consistent with a role in enhanced chemoresistance. In conclusion, high VEGFC predicts adverse long-term prognosis and provides prognostic information in addition to well-known prognostic factors.