Pathological Lymphangiogenesis Is Modulated by Galectin-8-Dependent Crosstalk between Podoplanin and Integrin-Associated VEGFR-3 The authors demonstrated that a carbohydrate-binding protein, galectin-8, promotes pathological lymphangiogenesis. Galectin-8 is markedly upregulated in inflamed human and mouse corneas, and galectin-8 inhibitors reduce inflammatory lymphangiogenesis. [Nat Commun] Abstract | Press Release Endogenous Transmembrane TNF-Alpha Protects against Premature Senescence in Endothelial Colony Forming Cells The authors determined the role of transmembrane ™TNF-α in the proliferation of endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs). They showed that tmTNF-α expression on ECFCs selects for higher proliferative potential and when removed from the cell surface promotes ECFC senescence. [Circ Res] Abstract MicroRNA-17~92 Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Progression by Targeting Angiogenesis Researchers found that transgenic mice overexpressing microRNA (miR)-17~92 specifically in epithelial cells of the small and large intestines exhibited decreased tumor size and tumor angiogenesis in azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced colorectal cancer model as compared to their littermates control. [Cancer Lett] Abstract EphA1 Activation Promotes the Homing of Endothelial Progenitor Cells to Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Tumor Neovascularization through the SDF-1/CXCR4 Signaling Pathway Scientists found that the up-regulation of EphA1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells could affect not only the chemotaxis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to tumor cells and endothelial cells but also the tube formation ability of EPCs in a paracrine fashion. [J Exp Clin Cancer Res] Abstract Cathepsin L in Tumor Angiogenesis and Its Therapeutic Intervention by the Small Molecule Inhibitor KGP94 The authors examined the contribution of cathepsin L (CTSL) to breast cancer angiogenesis and evaluated the anti-angiogenic efficacy of CTSL inhibitor KGP94. In vitro assessments demonstrated a significant decrease in various angiogenic properties such as endothelial cell sprouting, migration, invasion, tube formation and proliferation in the presence of KGP94. [Clin Exp Metastasis] Abstract Differentiation of Human CD14+ Monocytes: An Experimental Investigation of the Optimal Culture Medium and Evidence of a Lack of Differentiation along the Endothelial Line Researchers determined the optimal culturing media for human CD14+ monocytes and evaluated whether these cells are capable of differentiating into vascular endothelial cells. [Exp Mol Med] Full Article The Proton-Sensing G-Protein Coupled Receptor GPR4 Promotes Angiogenesis in Head and Neck Cancer Researchers explored the role of GPR4 in acid exposure and tumor angiogenesis in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). They confirmed that overexpressing GPR4 in SCCHN cells could increase the expression and secretion of IL6, IL8 and VEGFA at pH 5.9. [PLoS One] Full Article Distinctive Role of Vasohibin-1A and Its Splicing Variant Vasohibin-1B in Tumor Angiogenesis Scientists compared the effects of vasohibin-1 (VASH1)A and VASH1B on tumor angiogenesis. When endothelial cells (ECs) were transfected with VASH1A or VASH1B cDNAs, VASH1B transfectants—but not VASH1A ones—induced autophagic cell death of ECs. [Cancer Gene Ther] Abstract |