Endothelial Cell News Volume 3.18 | May 28 2018

TOP STORY

A Rationally Designed NRP1-Independent Superagonist SEMA3A Mutant Is an Effective Anticancer Agent

Researchers rationally designed and generated a safe, parenterally deliverable, and neuropilin (NRP)1-independent SEMA3A point mutant isoform that, unlike its wild-type counterpart, binds PLXNA4 with nanomolar affinity and has much greater biochemical and biological activities in cultured endothelial cells. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

CD93 Promotes Integrin-β1 Activation and Fibronectin Fibrillogenesis during Tumor Angiogenesis

Scientists demonstrated that CD93 regulates integrin-β1-signaling and organization of fibronectin fibrillogenesis during tumor vascularization. In endothelial cells and mouse retina, CD93 was found to be expressed in endothelial filopodia and to promote filopodia formation. [J Clin Invest] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

The β3‐Integrin Endothelial Adhesome Regulates Microtubule‐Dependent Cell Migration

To understand precisely β3’s role in regulating integrin adhesion complexes in endothelial cells, investigators characterized, by mass spectrometry, the β3‐dependent adhesome. They showed that depletion of β3‐integrin in this cell type leads to changes in microtubule behavior that control cell migration. β3‐integrin regulates microtubule stability in endothelial cells through Rcc2/Anxa2‐driven control of active Rac1 localization. [EMBO Rep] Full Article | Press Release | Graphical Abstract

Discovery of Novel Pazopanib-Based HDAC and VEGFR Dual Inhibitors Targeting Cancer Epigenetics and Angiogenesis Simultaneously

A novel series of pazopanib hybrids as polypharmacological antitumor agents were developed based on the crosstalk between histone deacetylases (HDACs) and VEGF pathway. Among them, one ortho-aminoanilide 6d and one hydroxamic acid 13f exhibited considerable total HDACs and VEGFR-2 inhibitory activities. [J Med Chem] Abstract

Tacrolimus Prevents von Willebrand Factor Secretion by Allostimulated Human Glomerular Endothelium

The authors used a human in vitro model of glomerular endothelium expressing HLA class I and II antigens and demonstrated that anti‐HLA class II antibodies elicit a higher endothelial release of Von Willebrand factor (vWF) than class I anti‐HLAs in cell supernatants. They observed that tacrolimus treatment decreased vWF secretion after stimulation with both classes of anti‐HLAs and decreased platelet adhesion on allostimulated endothelial cells in a microfluidic chamber. [Am J Transplant] Abstract

Deubiquitinase Function of A20 Maintains and Repairs Endothelial Barrier after Lung Vascular Injury

Investigators showed that endothelial A20 is required for vascular endothelial cadherin expression at adherens junctions to maintain and repair the injured endothelial barrier. [Cell Death Discov] Full Article

MicroRNA Regulation of the MRN Complex Impacts DNA Damage, Cellular Senescence, and Angiogenic Signaling

The authors report an unexpected link between DNA damage response and angiogenic signaling that is buffered by a microRNA. They demonstrated that genotoxic stress-induced miR-494 inhibits the DNA repair machinery by targeting the MRE11a-RAD50-NBN (MRN) complex. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Novel Peptide GX1 Inhibits Angiogenesis by Specifically Binding to Transglutaminase-2 in the Tumorous Endothelial Cells of Gastric Cancer

Researchers screened the candidate receptor of GX1, transglutaminase-2 (TGM2), by co-immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry. They found that TGM2 was up-regulated in gastric cancer vascular endothelial cells and that GX1 receptor expression was suppressed correspondingly after TGM2 downregulation. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Homotypic Endothelial Nanotubes Induced by Wheat Germ Agglutinin and Thrombin

It is known that low numbers of endothelial cells can be interconnected by homotypic actin-driven tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) which could be important for intercellular transfer of information in vascular physiology. Scientists sought insight into the triggers for TNT formation. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Endothelial Progenitor Cells Improve the Therapeutic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sheets on Irradiated Bone Defect Repair in a Rat Model

Endothelial progenitor cells-bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) sheets showed enhanced osteogenic differentiation in vitro with increased expression of osteoblastic markers and osteogenesis related staining compared with BMSC sheets. [J Transl Med] Full Article

miR-128-3p Directly Targets VEGFC/VEGFR3 to Modulate the Proliferation of Lymphatic Endothelial Cells through Ca²⁺ Signaling

Investigators demonstrated that VEGFC significantly up-regulated lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation through VEGFR3; moreover, VEGFC/VEGFR3 induced Ca²⁺ signaling activation. [Int J Biochem Cell Biol] Abstract

Human Cancer Cells Suppress Behaviors of Endothelial Progenitor Cells through miR-21 Targeting IL6R

High levels of miR-21 in exosomes of human cancers dramatically inhibited behaviors of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and depletion of miR-21 abrogated the decreased proliferation, migration and invasion of EPCs induced by human cancer cells. [Microvasc Res] Abstract

Endothelial Dysfunction and Angiogenesis Impairment in the Aging Vasculature

The authors focus on cellular, molecular, and functional changes that occur in the endothelium during aging. They explore the links between oxidative and nitrative stress and the conserved molecular pathways affecting endothelial dysfunction and impaired angiogenesis during aging. [Nat Rev Cardiol] Abstract

Building Blood Vessels with Vascular Progenitor Cells

Scientists summarize the best-characterized sources of vascular progenitor cells and discuss advances in 3D printing and electrospinning using blended polymers for the creation of biomimetic vascular grafts. [Trends Mol Med] Abstract

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

PanOptica Doses First Patient with New Formulation of PAN-90806, a Novel, Topical Anti-VEGF Eye Drop, in Phase I/II Clinical Trial

PanOptica, Inc. announced that the company has dosed the first patient in a Phase I/II dose-ranging clinical trial of PAN-90806, a once-daily topical eye drop formulation of a small-molecule anti-VEGF for the treatment of neovascular eye diseases. [PanOptica, Inc.] Press Release

Eisai and Merck Provide Update on Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Lenvatinib in First-Line Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Eisai Co., Ltd. and Merck & Co. announced that the FDA has extended the action date for the sNDA for the multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor LENVIMA^® for the potential first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. [Eisai Co., Ltd.] Press Release

Italy’s New Prime Minister Defended Discredited Stem Cell Therapy

The electoral victory of two populist parties in March had Italian scientists worried that a new era of antiscientific policies might be around the corner—and appointment of Giuseppe Conte as the country’s new prime minister is making some even more nervous. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Scientist Who Received Millions from NIH Leaves Alabama Posts

A professor who received about $5 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health left his posts at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and Birmingham VA Medical Center last year after an investigation found evidence of image manipulation in 20 of his papers, Retraction Watch has learned. [The Scientist] Editorial

Plans for £100M Nobel Centre Blocked by Swedish Court

A Swedish court has blocked the construction of a major new Nobel Centre in Stockholm intended as the future venue for the world’s most prestigious arts and science awards. [The Guardian] Editorial

PM Will Pay to Have ‘Full Association’ with EU Research

The Prime Minister made the strongest commitment yet to “fully associate” the UK with the EU’s £68bn research program post-Brexit. Theresa May said the UK would be willing to make “an appropriate contribution” and in return it would expect a “suitable level of influence”. [BBC News] Editorial

NEW The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Conference
October 23-24, 2018
New York, New York, United States

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Endothelial Cell Biology (Blood Research Institute)

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Angiogenesis and Vessel Malformation (Karolinska Institutet)

Research Technologist – Endothelial Cell Biology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Vascular Smooth Muscle and Endothelial Cell Ion Channels (The University of Tennessee)

PhD Positions – Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism (VIB)

PhD Student – Hepatic Endothelial Cells (German Cancer Research Center)

Postdoctoral Fellows – Endothelial Cell Biology (KU Leuven)

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor – Translational and Vascular Biology (University of Texas Health Science Center)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Vascular Control of Adipose Tissue Metabolism (German Cancer Research Center)

PhD Student – Hepatic Endothelial Cells (German Cancer Research Center)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Endothelial Cell News? Click here to submit!

Comments or suggestions? Submit your feedback here.