Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor family genes: when did the three genes phylogenetically segregate?

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor family in mammals contains three members, VEGFR1(Flt-1), VEGFR2(KDR/Flk-1) and VEGFR3 (Flt-4), which directly regulate the formation of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. These two circular systems are essential for the supply of O2 and nutrients to all tissues of the body as well as the drainage of excess fluids with waste metabolites from peripheral tissues. VEGF receptors have a characteristic structure with 7 Ig-like domains in the extracellular domain and a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase domain with a long kinase insert region. Recently, some novel findings on the phylogenetical conservation of VEGF receptor genes in animals were reported: the conservation of the VEGFR1/soluble-VEGFR1 gene in birds, and the conservation of the VEGFR-PDGFR-like receptor gene in nonvertebrates. Based on this new information as well as established observations, here the possibility is discussed that the three VEGFR genes phylogenetically segregated not at once when the vertebrates established, but in a step-wise manner: two genes first (the VEGFR1/R2 progenitor and the VEGFR3 gene), and subsequently the three genes VEGFR1, R2 and R3.     

The Mouse VLA-2 Homologue Supports Collagen and Laminin Adhesion but Not Virus Binding

Human VLA-2 (α₂β₁) mediates cellular adhesion to collagen and laminin and cell attachment by the human pathogen echovirus 1. We report here the cloning, sequencing and functional expression of the mouse VLA-2 α subunit homologue. This integrin subunit is closely related to its human counterpart, with 84% amino acid identity between the human and murine proteins. Conserved structural features include an identical number of amino acids, the presence of an I domain, and identity in the number and position of N-linked glycosylation sites and putative divalent cation binding regions. Murine and human α₂ show 30% amino acid divergence within the cytoplasmic tail, a difference that can be detected with antisera directed against the C-terminal peptides. Functionally, mouse α₂ was capable of mediating cell attachment to collagen and laminin, and responded to both intra- and extracellular signals with changes in its ligand affinity. In contrast, unlike its human homologue, mouse α₂ did not promote binding of echovirus 1. Comparison of the primary structure of the homologues leads us to predict that echovirus 1 may bind in the region of the first two thirds of the human α₂ I domain, where the sequences are most divergent, whereas more conserved flanking regions, and the conserved terminal one third of the I domain, may be involved in adhesion to collagen and laminin.     

Molecular cloning of Quek 1 and 2, two quail vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-like molecules

We have previously reported the cloning of two partial cDNAs corresponding to two quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), named Quek 1 and Quek 2, and their expression in endothelial cells of the early avian embryo. We here report the cloning of the full-size cDNAs for both molecules. Sequence comparison shows that Quek 1 and 2 share an overall amino acid (aa) identity of 49%. They both comprise seven extracellular immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domains, a single transmembrane domain, and an intracellular kinase domain split into two by a 70 aa insertion. These structural characteristics are shared by the members of the recently discovered VEGF receptor (VEGFR) family. We have compared the sequences of Quek 1 and 2 to the other VEGFRs. At the aa level, Quek 1 is most closely related to KDR/flk-1 (VEGFR 2) (aa identity of 69% and 71%, respectively). Quek 2 shows a similar degree of aa identity to flt-4 (VEGFR 3). Quek 1 and 2 display a lower homology to flt-1 (VEGFR 1) (about 45% aa identity). These data suggest that Quek 1 and 2 are the avian homologues of VEGFRs 2 and 3, respectively.     

Identification of multiple isoforms of the low-affinity human IgG Fc receptor

Two varieties of similar, but structurally distinct, cDNA clones for the human low-affinity receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (FcγRII) have been isolated. One type of clone was obtained from human B lymphocytes, and the other from PHA-activated peripheral T cells and monocytes. Transfection of both prototype clones into Cos-7 cells and subsequent specific staining with monoclonal antibodies of the CDw32 group confirmed the identification of the gene products. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA clone from B lymphocytes contains an open reading frame that encodes a protein of relative mass (M _r) 27000 with an extracellular domain of 179 amino acids containing three potential N-glycosylation sites, a 26 amino acid transmembrane domain, and a 44 amino acid cytoplasmic domain. The clones from peripheral T cells and monocytes both encoded a protein ofM _r 31000 with a 179 amino acid extracellular domain containing two potential N-glycosylation sites and a 26 amino acid transmembrane domain. The two types of clones had similar sequences in their immunoglobulin-like extracellular and transmembrane domains, but differed in their leader sequences and 3′-untranslated regions. The most notable difference between the clones was the presence of a distinctive 76 amino acid cytoplasmic domain in those isolated from T cells and monocytes.     

Intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity is required for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 ubiquitination, sorting and degradation in endothelial cells

The human endothelial vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2/kinase domain region, KDR/fetal liver kinase-1, Flk-1) tyrosine kinase receptor is essential for VEGF-mediated physiological responses including endothelial cell proliferation, migration and survival. How VEGFR2 kinase activation and trafficking are co-coordinated in response to VEGF-A is not known. Here, we elucidate a mechanism for endothelial VEGFR2 response to VEGF-A dependent on constitutive endocytosis co-ordinated with ligand-activated ubiquitination and proteolysis. The selective VEGFR kinase inhibitor, SU5416, blocked the endosomal sorting required for VEGFR2 trafficking and degradation. Inhibition of VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase activity did not block plasma membrane internalization but led to endosomal accumulation. Lysosomal protease activity was required for ligand-stimulated VEGFR2 degradation. Activated VEGFR2 codistributed with the endosomal hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (Hrs)/signal-transducing adaptor molecule (STAM) complex in a ligand and time-dependent manner, implying a role for this factor in sorting of ubiquitinated VEGFR2. Increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the Hrs subunit in response to VEGF-A links VEGFR2 activation and Hrs/STAM function. In contrast, VEGFR2 in quiescent cells was present on both the endothelial plasma membrane and early endosomes, suggesting constitutive recycling between these two compartments. This pathway was clathrin-linked and dependent on the AP2 adaptor complex as the A23 tyrphostin inhibited VEGFR2 trafficking. We propose a mechanism whereby the transition of endothelial VEGFR2 from a constitutive recycling itinerary to a degradative pathway explains ligand-activated receptor degradation in endothelial cells. This study outlines a mechanism to control the VEGF-A-mediated response within the vascular system.     

Multimerin-2 maintains vascular stability and permeability

Multimerin-2 is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein and member of the elastin microfibril interface-located (EMILIN) family of proteins. Multimerin-2 is deposited along blood vessels and we previously demonstrated that it regulates the VEGFA/VEGFR2 signaling axis and angiogenesis. However, its role in modulating vascular homeostasis remains largely unexplored. Here we identified Multimerin-2 as a key molecule required to maintain vascular stability. RNAi knockdown of Multimerin-2 in endothelial cells led to cell-cell junctional instability and increased permeability. Mechanistically cell-cell junction dismantlement occurred through the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 at Tyr951, activation of Src and phosphorylation of VE-cadherin. To provide an in vivo validation for these in vitro effects, we generated Multimerin-2^−/− (Mmrn2^−/−) mice. Although Mmrn2^−/− mice developed normally and displayed no gross abnormalities, endothelial cells displayed cell junctional defects associated with increased levels of VEGFR2 phospho-Tyr949 (the murine counterpart of human Tyr951), impaired pericyte recruitment and increased vascular leakage. Of note, tumor associated vessels were defective in Mmrn2^−/− mice, with increased number of small and often collapsed vessels, concurrent with a significant depletion of pericytic coverage. Consequently, the Mmrn2^−/− vessels were less perfused and leakier, leading to increased tumor hypoxia. Chemotherapy efficacy was markedly impaired in Mmrn2^−/− mice and this was associated with poor drug delivery to the tumor xenografts. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Multimerin-2 is required for proper vessel homeostasis and stabilization, and unveil the possibility to utilize expression levels of this glycoprotein in predicting chemotherapy efficacy.     

Preparation of extracellular domain 3 of human VEGF receptor‐2 and the monitoring of its real‐time binding to VEGF by biosensors

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) plays an important role in stimulating the proliferation of endothelial cells and improving the permeability of blood vessels, which is involved in tumor angiogenesis, a process that is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. In this study, we describe a method for high yield of recombinant extracellular domain 3 (KDR3) of human VEGFR‐2 in an Escherichia coli system with further purification by cation exchange chromatography and immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). The biological activity of recombinant KDR3 was performed by sequestering VEGF in HUVEC proliferation assay. The real‐time binding of human VEGF to immobilized KDR3 was monitored by a label‐free biosensor, Optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS). Under the given experimental conditions, the association rate constant k_a was 4.2 × 10³ M^?1 s^?1 and the dissociation rate k_d was 5.1 × 10^?3 s^?1. The dissociation constant K_D was then calculated to be 1.2 × 10^?6 M. The obtained values will serve as baseline parameters for the design of improved versions of recombinant soluble VEGF receptors and the evaluation of developed anti‐KDR antibodies. In addition, such a scenario established by the use of OWLS will potentiate the kinetic study of ligand/receptor and antigen/antibody. The receptor discussed here, which block VEGF binding to cell membrane KDR, have potential clinical application in the treatment of cancer and other diseases where pathological angiogenesis is involved. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009     

割手密醛脱氢酶ScALDH基因的克隆与表达分析

该研究从甘蔗细茎野生种(割手密Saccharum spontaneum)中克隆抗旱相关的基因Sc ALDH,并分析其在干旱处理条件下的表达情况和序列特征。利用RT-PCR技术克隆甘蔗的ALDH基因片段,并对其核苷酸和氨基酸序列进行分析。使用NCBI Blastx、ORF finder、Mega、NCBI Conserved Domain Search等程序对其分别进行不同物种氨基酸比较、开放阅读框(ORF)寻找、进化树及保守序列分析,并用Real Time-PCR分析所克隆基因在干旱胁迫前后的表达差异。结果表明:克隆出甘蔗的ALDH基因片段,总长度为1996bp,其中蛋白质编码区(CDS)全长1524bp,编码508个氨基酸;与其它物种ALDH类蛋白氨基酸序列有很高的同源性,有ALDH家族的保守序列,并含有完整的开放阅读框,系统进化树分析显示与玉米的蛋白质亲缘关系最近;Real timePCR数据表明,在干旱胁迫下,随着干旱时间的延长,该基因的表达量呈持续积累的表达模式。总体上来说,该基因对干旱胁迫显著表达。利用RT-PCR技术克隆的甘蔗ALDH基因,属于ALDH蛋白家族的一员,具有其典型的功能域,该基因在干旱胁迫过程中参与抗旱作用。该研究结果为野生种资源开发、优良抗旱亲本选择和培育抗旱性强甘蔗品种提供了参考依据。     

Phage-derived fully human antibody scFv fragment directed against human vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 blocked its interaction with VEGF

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR‐2) plays a critical role in tumor angiogenesis. None therapeutic antibodies targeting VEGFR‐2 are available in clinical use. Herein, we describe the screening of a new single‐chain antibody fragment (scFv) targeting extracellular domain 3 of human VEGFR‐2 (kinase insert domain‐containing receptor [KDR]3) from Griffin phage display scFv library. A comprehensive sequence analysis was performed to assign the framework and complementary‐determining regions. The scFv exerted particular binding sites to KDR3 on molecular docking, and the binding affinity was further convinced by binding analysis both in quantitative ELISA and real‐time kinetic determination by biosensors (K_D = 40 nM). Finally, the scFv was revealed to inhibit VEGF‐stimulated proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs; IC₅₀ = 5 nM) and to inhibit HUVEC migration significantly at 17 nM. Taken together, our results indicate that we have successfully isolated a scFv which differentially recognizes KDR3 and has potential clinical applications in the treatment of angiogenesis related diseases. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 28: 981–989, 2012     

Sequence conservation between porcine and human LRRK2

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a member of the ROCO protein superfamily (Ras of complex proteins (Roc) with a C-terminal Roc domain). Mutations in the LRRK2 gene lead to autosomal dominant Parkinsonism. We have cloned the porcine LRRK2 cDNA in an attempt to characterize conserved and therefore likely functional domains. The LRRK2 cDNA contains an open reading frame of 7,578 bp. The predicted LRRK2 protein consists of 2,526 amino acids of 86–93% identity with its mammalian couterparts. The deduced amino acid sequence of encoded porcine LRRK2 protein displays extensive homology with its human counterpart, with greatest similarities in those regions that contain the kinase domain, the Roc domain and the COR motif. Expression of porcine LRRK2 mRNA in various organs and tissues is similar to its human counterpart and not limited to the brain. The obtained data show that the LRRK2 sequence and expression patterns are conserved across species. The porcine LRRK2 gene was mapped to chromosome 5q25. The results obtained suggest that the LRRK2 gene might be of particular interest in our attempt to generate a transgenic porcine model for Parkinson’s disease. The sequence of the porcine LRRK2 cDNA, encoding the LRRK2/dardarin protein, and the genomic sequence of LRRK2 have been submitted to DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank under the Accessions Numbers EU019992, and EU019994, respectively.     

Selective Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) Identifies a Central Role for VEGFR‐2 in Human Aortic Endothelial Cell Responses to VEGF

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) are considered essential for angiogenesis. The VEGFR‐family proteins consist of VEGFR‐1/Flt‐1, VEGFR‐2/KDR/Flk‐1, and VEGFR‐3/Flt‐4. Among these, VEGFR‐2 is thought to be principally responsible for angiogenesis. However, the precise role of VEGFRs1–3 in endothelial cell biology and angiogenesis remains unclear due in part to the lack of VEGFR‐specific inhibitors. We used the newly described, highly selective anilinoquinazoline inhibitor of VEGFR‐2 tyrosine kinase, ZM323881 (5‐[[7‐(benzyloxy) quinazolin‐4‐yl]amino]‐4‐fluoro‐2‐methylphenol), to explore the role of VEGFR‐2 in endothelial cell function. Consistent with its reported effects on VEGFR‐2 [IC(50) < 2 nM], ZM323881 inhibited activation of VEGFR‐2, but not of VEGFR‐1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor. We studied the effects of VEGF on human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), which express VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2, but not VEGFR‐3, in the absence or presence of ZM323881. Inhibition of VEGFR‐2 blocked activation of extracellular regulated‐kinase, p38, Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS) by VEGF, but did not inhibit p38 activation by the VEGFR‐1‐specific ligand, placental growth factor (PlGF). Inhibition of VEGFR‐2 also perturbed VEGF‐induced membrane extension, cell migration, and tube formation by HAECs. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 inhibition also reversed VEGF‐stimulated phosphorylation of CrkII and its Src homology 2 (SH2)‐binding protein p130^Cas, which are known to play a pivotal role in regulating endothelial cell migration. Inhibition of VEGFR‐2 thus blocked all VEGF‐induced endothelial cellular responses tested, supporting that the catalytic activity of VEGFR‐2 is critical for VEGF signaling and/or that VEGFR‐2 may function in a heterodimer with VEGFR‐1 in human vascular endothelial cells.     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Oxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidines as Potent VEGFR‐2 Inhibitors

Tumor angiogenesis is mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and other protein kinases. Inhibition of these kinases presents an attractive approach for developing anticancer therapeutics. In this work, a series of 2,5,7‐trisubstituted oxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidines were synthesized, and their inhibitory activities were investigated against VEGFR‐2 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro. Compound 9n exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 0.33 and 0.29 μM for VEGFR‐2 kinase and HUVEC, respectively. A further kinase selectivity assay revealed that these compounds exhibit good VEGFR and moderate EGFR inhibitory activities. Docking analysis suggested a common mode of interaction at the ATP‐binding site of VEGFR‐2.     

Enhanced Extracellular Production of Heterologous Proteins in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus subtilis</Emphasis> by Deleting the C-terminal Region of the SecA Secretory Machinery

In this study, we examined the effects of modifying the C-terminal region of the SecA protein on the production of heterologous proteins in Bacillus subtilis. SecA was selected as a candidate among the components of the Sec system due to its ability to interact directly with both the precursors and membrane translocases. A phylogenetic comparison demonstrated that the C-terminal region is not well conserved among eubacterial SecA proteins. The deletion of the 61 amino acids at the C-terminal region led to an 83% increase in extracellular alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. thermostable alkaline cellulase (Egl-237) activity. Moreover, the productivity of human interferon α (hIFN-α2b) was increased by 2.2-fold compared to the wild-type SecA, by deletion of these 61 amino acids. We indicated that the deletion of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of SecA enhanced the secretion of two different heterologous protein, Egl-237 and hIFN-α2b. This study provides a useful method to enhance the extracellular production of heterologous proteins in B. subtilis.     

Sequence,evolution and ligand binding properties of mammalian Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines

The Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokine, DARC, acts as a widely expressed promiscuous chemokine receptor and as the erythrocyte receptor for Plasmodium vivax. To gain insight into the evolution and structure/function relations of DARC, we analyzed the binding of anti-human Fy monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and human chemokines to red blood cells (RBCs) from 11 nonhuman primates and two nonprimate mammals, and we elucidated the structures of the DARC genes from gorilla, gibbon, baboon, marmoset, tamarin, night monkey and cattle. CXCL-8 and CCL-5 chemokine binding analysis indicated that the promiscuous binding profile characteristic of DARC is conserved across species. Among three mAbs that detected the Fy6 epitope by flow cytometric analysis of human and chimpanzee RBCs, only one reacted with night monkey and squirrel monkey. Only chimpanzee RBCs bound a significant amount of the anti-Fy3 mAb. Fy3 was also poorly detected on RBCs from gorilla, baboon and rhesus monkey, but not from new world monkeys. Alignment of DARC homologous sequences allowed us to construct a phylogenetic tree in which all branchings were in accordance with current knowledge of primate phylogeny. Although DARC was expected to be under strong internal and external selection pressure, in order to maintain chemokine binding and avoid Plasmodium vivax binding, respectively, our present study did not provide arguments in favor of a selection pressure on the extracellular domains involved in ligand specificity. The amino acid variability of DARC-like polypeptides was found to be well correlated with the hydrophylicity indexes, with the highest divergence on the amino-terminal extracellular domain. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences highlighted the conservation of some amino acid residues, which should prove to be critical for the structural and functional properties of DARC.     

VEGFR2 Trafficking,Signaling and Proteolysis is Regulated by the Ubiquitin Isopeptidase USP8

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) regulates many aspects of vascular function. VEGF‐A binding to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) stimulates endothelial signal transduction and regulates multiple cellular responses. Activated VEGFR2 undergoes ubiquitination but the enzymes that regulate this post‐translational modification are unclear. In this study, the de‐ubiquitinating enzyme, USP8, is shown to regulate VEGFR2 trafficking, de‐ubiquitination, proteolysis and signal transduction. USP8‐depleted endothelial cells displayed altered VEGFR2 ubiquitination and production of a unique VEGFR2 extracellular domain proteolytic fragment caused by VEGFR2 accumulation in the endosome–lysosome system. In addition, perturbed VEGFR2 trafficking impaired VEGF‐A‐stimulated signal transduction in USP8‐depleted cells. Thus, regulation of VEGFR2 ubiquitination and de‐ubiquitination has important consequences for the endothelial cell response and vascular physiology.      

Sequence variation in two lignin biosynthesis genes,cinnamoyl CoA reductase (CCR) and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase 2 (CAD2)

Cinnamoyl CoA reductase (CCR) and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase 2 (CAD2) are genes which may influence variation in lignin content and composition within plants. Sequence variation within these genes may be responsible for changes in enzyme activity and/or specificity, which could cause variation in lignin content or composition. This study examines sequence variation within these two genes in Eucalyptus globulus, an important species used in pulp and paper-making. Twenty-one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the exons of CCR, of which nine were neutral mutations and 12 were missense mutations. Six of the missense mutations affected highly conserved amino acids within the protein sequence of CCR. Eight SNPs were identified in the CAD2 exons, six of which were neutral mutations and two which were missense mutations. One of the missense mutations affected a highly conserved amino acid within the protein sequence. In addition, 32 SNPs were identified in the CCR introns along with four insertion/deletions and two polyA length variation regions. Polymorphism affecting highly conserved amino acids may alter enzyme function and this molecular variation may be linked to variation in lignin profiles. Selecting positive alleles which produce favourable lignin profiles would be advantageous in tree breeding programs.