Fluorescence and Bioluminescence Imaging of Angiogenesis in Flk1-Nano-lantern Transgenic Mice

Angiogenesis is important for normal development as well as for tumour growth. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying angiogenesis are not fully understood, partly because of the lack of a good animal model for imaging. Here, we report the generation of a novel transgenic (Tg) mouse that expresses a bioluminescent reporter protein, Nano-lantern, under the control of Fetal liver kinase 1 (Flk1). Flk1-Nano-lantern BAC Tg mice recapitulated endogenous Flk1 expression in endothelial cells and lymphatic endothelial cells during development and tumour growth. Importantly, bioluminescence imaging of endothelial cells from the aortic rings of Flk1-Nano-lantern BAC Tg mice enabled us to observe endothelial sprouting for 18 hr without any detectable phototoxicity. Furthermore, Flk1-Nano-lantern BAC Tg mice achieved time-lapse luminescence imaging of tumour angiogenesis in freely moving mice with implanted tumours. Thus, this transgenic mouse line contributes a unique model to study angiogenesis within both physiological and pathological contexts

Design of a dual-ligand system using a specific ligand and cell penetrating peptide, resulting in a synergistic effect on selectivity and cellular uptake

In this study, a dual-ligand liposomal system comprised of a specific ligand and a cell penetrating peptide (CPP) is described to enhance selectivity and cellular uptake. Dual-ligand PEGylated liposomes were prepared by modifying the end of the PEG with an NGR motif peptide, followed by a surface coating of the liposomes with stearylated oligoarginine (STR-RX) The NGR motif recognizes CD13. a marker protein located on tumor endothelial cells A suitable number of RX units was determined to be R4, since it can be masked by the PEG aqueous layer Although no enhanced cellular uptake was observed when a single modification of PEGylated liposomes with either NGR- or STR-R4 was used, the dual-modification with NGR and STR-R4 stimulated uptake of PEGylated liposomes by CD13 positive cells, and this uptake was superior to that obtained by PEG-unmodified liposomes modified with STR-R4 The dual-ligand system shows a synergistic effect on cellular uptake Collectively, the dual-ligand system promises to be useful in the development efficient and specific drug delivery systems. (C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved

Size-controlled, dual-ligand modified liposomes that target the tumor vasculature show promise for use in drug-resistant cancer therapy

Anti-angiogenic therapy is a potential chemotherapeutic strategy for the treatment of drug resistant cancers. However, a method for delivering such drugs to tumor endothelial cells remains to be a major impediment to the success of anti-angiogenesis therapy. We designed liposomes (LPs) with controlled diameter of around 300 nm, and modified them with a specific ligand and a cell penetrating peptide (CPP) (a dual-ligand LP) for targeting CD13-expressing neovasculature in a renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We modified the LPs with an NGR motif peptide on the top of poly(ethylene glycol) and tetra-arginine (R4) on the surface of the liposome membrane as a specific and CPP ligand, respectively. The large size prevented extravasation of the dual-ligand LP, which allowed it to associate with target vasculature. While a single modification with either the specific or CPP ligand showed no increase in targetability, the dual-ligand enhanced the amount of delivered liposomes after systemic administration to OS-RC-2 xenograft mice. The anti-tumor activity of a dual-ligand LP encapsulating doxorubicin was evaluated and the results were compared with Doxil®, which is clinically used to target tumor cells. Even though Doxil showed no anti-tumor activity, the dual-ligand LP suppressed tumor growth because the disruption of tumor vessels was efficiently induced. The comparison showed that tumor endothelial cells (TECs) were more sensitive to doxorubicin by 2 orders than RCC tumor cells, and the disruption of tumor vessels was efficiently induced. Collectively, the dual-ligand LP is promising carrier for the treatment of drug resistant RCC via the disruption of TECs

Neurovascular Interactions in the Development of the Vasculature

Vertebrates have developed a network of blood vessels and nerves throughout the body that enables them to perform complex higher-order functions and maintain homeostasis. The 16th-century anatomical text ‘De humani corporis fabrica’ describes the networks of blood vessels and nerves as having a branching pattern in which they are closely aligned and run parallel one to another. This close interaction between adjacent blood vessels and nerves is essential not only for organogenesis during development and repair at the time of tissue damage but also for homeostasis and functional expression of blood vessels and nerves. Furthermore, it is now evident that disruptions in neurovascular interactions contribute to the progression of various diseases including cancer. Therefore, we highlight recent advances in vascular biology research, with a particular emphasis on neurovascular interactions

Tumor endothelial cell-specific drug delivery system using apelin-conjugated liposomes.

BACKGROUND: A drug delivery system specifically targeting endothelial cells (ECs) in tumors is required to prevent normal blood vessels from being damaged by angiogenesis inhibitors. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether apelin, a ligand for APJ expressed in ECs when angiogenesis is taking place, can be used for targeting drug delivery to ECs in tumors. METHODS AND RESULTS: Uptake of apelin via APJ stably expressed in NIH-3T3 cells was investigated using TAMRA (fluorescent probe)-conjugated apelin. Both long and short forms of apelin (apelin 36 and apelin 13) were taken up, the latter more effectively. To improve efficacy of apelin- liposome conjugates, we introduced cysteine, with its sulfhydryl group, to the C terminus of apelin 13, resulting in the generation of apelin 14. In turn, apelin 14 was conjugated to rhodamine-encapsulating liposomes and administered to tumor-bearing mice. In the tumor microenvironment, we confirmed that liposomes were incorporated into the cytoplasm of ECs. In contrast, apelin non-conjugated liposomes were rarely found in the cytoplasm of ECs. Moreover, non-specific uptake of apelin-conjugated liposomes was rarely detected in other normal organs. CONCLUSIONS: ECs in normal organs express little APJ; however, upon hypoxic stimulation, such as in tumors, ECs start to express APJ. The present study suggests that apelin could represent a suitable tool to effectively deliver drugs specifically to ECs within tumors

Changes in blood vessel maturation in the fibrous cap of the tumor rim

金沢大学医薬保健研究域医学系It is widely accepted that blood vessels in the tumor microenvironment are immature because mural cell (MC) adhesion to endothelial cells (ECs) is broadly lacking. Hyperpermeability of the tumor vasculature then results in interstitial hypertension that mitigates against penetration of anticancer drugs into the depths of the tumor. It has been suggested that treatment with angiogenesis inhibitors normalizes blood vessels, resulting in restoration of normal permeability and improved drug delivery. However, recent reports suggest that cancer cell invasion is induced from the edge of the tumor into peripheral areas after treatment with angiogenesis inhibitors. Therefore, it is important to assess the status of blood vessels in the fibrous cap at the tumor rim after antiangiogenesis therapy. In the present study, we found that mature blood vessels in which ECs are covered with MCs are present in the fibrous cap. After treatment with angiogenesis inhibitors, immature blood vessels were destroyed and vascular function was significantly improved, but maturing blood vessels in which ECs were covered with MCs remained visible. These maturing blood vessels showed a less dilated character after treatment with the angiogenesis inhibitors. It is widely accepted that well-matured blood vessels are sheathed in extracellular matrix (ECM) and that cancer cells migrate along tracks made of ECM collagen fibers. Therefore, our data indicate the importance of destroying maturing blood vessels outside the tumor parenchyma to prevent cancer cell invasion. © 2011 Japanese Cancer Association