Endothelial Cell News Volume 2.24 | Jul 17 2017

TOP STORY

Lymphatic Endothelial Cells Control Initiation of Lymph Node Organogenesis

Using cell-type-specific ablation of key molecules involved in lymphoid organogenesis, scientists found that initiation of lymph node development is dependent on lymphoid tissue inducer-cell-mediated activation of lymphatic endothelial cells and that engagement of mesenchymal stromal cells is a succeeding event. [Immunity] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Dll4 and Notch Signaling Couples Sprouting Angiogenesis and Artery Formation

Researchers showed with genetic experiments in postnatal mice that the level of active Notch signaling is more important than the direct Dll4-mediated cell–cell communication between endothelial cells. They identified endothelial expression of VEGF-A and of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 as key processes controlling Notch-dependent vessel growth. [Nat Cell Biol] Abstract | Press Release

Endothelial Notch Signaling Limits Angiogenesis via Control of Artery Formation

Investigators showed using live imaging in zebrafish that activation of Notch signaling is required in tip cells. Notch activation initially triggered expression of the chemokine receptor cxcr4a. This allowed for proper tip cell migration and connection to the pre-existing arterial circulation, ultimately establishing functional arterial–venous blood flow patterns. [Nat Cell Biol] Abstract

The Endothelial Transcription Factor ERG Mediates Angiopoietin-1-Dependent Control of Notch Signaling and Vascular Stability

The authors identified the transcription factor ERG as a key regulator of endothelial Notch signaling. They showed that ERG controls the balance between Notch ligands by driving Delta-like ligand 4 while repressing Jagged1 expression. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Annexin A2 Supports Pulmonary Microvascular Integrity by Linking Vascular Endothelial Cadherin and Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases

Scientists report that the phospholipid-binding protein, annexin A2 (ANXA2) functions to maintain vascular integrity in the face of alveolar hypoxia. They demonstrated that microvascular endothelial cells from Anxa2^−/− mice display reduced barrier function and excessive Src-related tyrosine phosphorylation of the adherens junction protein vascular endothelial cadherin. [J Exp Med] Abstract | Press Release

Tumor Matrix Stiffness Promotes Metastatic Cancer Cell Interaction with the Endothelium

Through quantitative mass spectrometry, researchers found that the matricellular protein CCN1/CYR61 is highly regulated by stiffness in endothelial cells. They showed that stiffness‐induced CCN1 activates β‐catenin nuclear translocation and signaling and that this contributes to upregulate N‐cadherin levels on the surface of the endothelium, in vitro. [EMBO J] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Gene Expression Profiles of Brain Endothelial Cells during Embryonic Development at Bulk and Single-Cell Levels

To explore the molecular mechanisms defining the unique nature of vascular development and differentiation in the brain, investigators generated high-resolution gene expression profiles of mouse embryonic brain endothelial cells using translating ribosome affinity purification and single-cell RNA sequencing. [Sci Signal] Abstract

Dickkopf1 Destabilizes Atherosclerotic Plaques and Promotes Plaque Formation by Inducing Apoptosis of Endothelial Cells through Activation of ER Stress

Scientists investigated Dickkopf1 (DKK1)’s effects on enlargement and destabilization of plaques by targeting endothelial cells and assessing the possible cellular mechanisms involved. The presence of DKK1 resulted in enlarged and destabilized atherosclerotic lesions and increased apoptosis, while silencing of DKK1 alleviated plaque formation and vulnerability in the whole progression of atherosclerosis. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Transdifferentiated Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Are a New Potential Cell Source for Endothelial Regeneration

Researchers tested the feasibility of the conversion of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) into functional endothelial cells (ECs) through the use of reprogramming factors. The SMC-converted ECs exhibited typical endothelial markers expression and endothelial functions in vitro, in vivo and in a disease model. [Sci Rep] Full Article

A Mammalian Mirtron miR-1224 Promotes Tube-Formation of Human Primary Endothelial Cells by Targeting Anti-Angiogenic Factor Epsin2

The authors found that the expression of miR-1224 was upregulated in capillary-like tube-forming human umbilical vein endothelial cells on Matrigel. Enforced expression of miR-1224 stimulated tube formation, whereas repression of endogenous miR-1224 inhibited formation. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Pericytes Extend Survival of ALS SOD1 Mice and Induce the Expression of Antioxidant Enzymes in the Murine Model and in iPSCs Derived Neuronal Cells from an ALS Patient

Scientists evaluated the therapeutic effect of human pericytes in vivo in SOD1 mice and in vitro in motor neurons and other neuronal cells derived from one amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient. Pericytes and mesenchymal stromal cells were derived from the same adipose tissue sample and were administered to SOD1 mice intraperitoneally. [Stem Cell Rev] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Microenvironmental Regulation of Tumor Angiogenesis

The authors discuss the extrinsic regulation of angiogenesis by the tumor microenvironment, highlighting potential vulnerabilities that could be targeted to improve the applicability and reach of anti-angiogenic cancer therapies. [Nat Rev Cancer] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the endothelial cell research field.

Feinstein Investigators Awarded $2.8M to Study Vascular Injury after Radiation Exposure

Feinstein Institute for Medical Research investigators Weng-Lang Yang, PhD, and Ping Wang, MD, have been awarded a five-year, $2.8 million U01 grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases to investigate the use of the human hormone ghrelin to reduce organ injury after exposure to high amounts of radiation. [Feinstein Institute for Medical Research (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

Amgen and Allergan to Discuss Data Supporting Biologics License Application for ABP 215, a Biosimilar Candidate to Avastin^® (Bevacizumab)

Amgen and Allergan plc. announced that the companies will discuss data supporting the ABP 215 Biologics License Application with the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee of the U.S. FDA. ABP 215 is a biosimilar candidate to Avastin^® and is the first bevacizumab biosimilar candidate to be considered by the FDA. [Amgen Inc.] Press Release

Two Female Scientists Sue Salk Institute, Alleging Discrimination at ‘Old Boys Club’

Two senior female scientists are suing their employer, the prestigious Salk Institute for Biological Studies, alleging pervasive, long-standing gender discrimination. In the pair of lawsuits, filed in California Superior Court in San Diego, plaintiffs Vicki Lundblad and Katherine Jones seek unspecified compensation for an array of harms. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

To Woo Public, Europe Opens Up on Animal Experiments, but U.S. Less Transparent

A London-based group that supports the use of animals in biomedical science began inviting the public to take an unusual digital tour of laboratories at four U.K. research institutions. At LabAnimalTour.org, users can watch a monkey with a bolt in its skull forage in its cage at a University of Oxford neuroscience lab and a technician check on some of the 8000 mice housed in one room at the Medical Research Council’s Harwell Institute. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Why a Flat 2018 Budget Could Tie NSF’s Hands

What would a flat budget mean for the National Science Foundation (NSF)? For many agencies, it means maintaining the status quo. And NSF may have trouble doing anything other than that thanks to some pointed instructions from a key legislator. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Towards Transformative Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease
October 24, 2017
New York, New York, United States

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Vascular Pathophysiology (Johns Hopkins University)

NEW Assistant Professor – Vascular and Microvascular Biophysics (Western University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Brain Endothelium (University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Endocrinology (The University of Tennessee Health Science Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Vascular Biology (University Hospital of Bonn)

Associate Scientist – Cardiovascular Research (University of Iowa Hospital)

Postdoctoral Position – Angiogenesis and Tumor Biology (University of Illinois)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Vascular Cell Signaling (Louisiana State University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Tumor and Immune Angiogenesis (Stanford University)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Cardiopulmonary Molecular Biology (Hannover Medical School)

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