The CXC-Chemokine CXCL4 Interacts with Integrins Implicated in Angiogenesis

The human CXC-chemokine CXCL4 is a potent inhibitor of tumor-induced angiogenesis. Considering that CXCL4 is sequestered in platelet α-granules and released following platelet activation in the vicinity of vessel wall injury, we tested the hypothesis that CXCL4 might function as a ligand for integrins. Integrins are a family of adhesion receptors that play a crucial role in angiogenesis by regulating early angiogenic processes, such as endothelial cell adhesion and migration. Here, we show that CXCL4 interacts with αvβ3 on the surface of αvβ3-CHO. More importantly, human umbilical vein endothelial cells adhere to immobilized CXCL4 through αvβ3 integrin, and also through other integrins, such as αvβ5 and α5β1. We further demonstrate that CXCL4-integrin interaction is of functional significance in vitro, since immobilized CXCL4 supported endothelial cell spreading and migration in an integrin-dependent manner. Soluble CXCL4, in turn, inhibits integrin-dependent endothelial cell adhesion and migration. As a whole, our study identifies integrins as novel receptors for CXCL4 that may contribute to its antiangiogenic effect

Utilizing Targeted Gene Therapy with Nanoparticles Binding Alpha v Beta 3 for Imaging and Treating Choroidal Neovascularization

Purpose: The integrin αvβ3 is differentially expressed on neovascular endothelial cells. We investigated whether a novel intravenously injectable αvβ3 integrin-ligand coupled nanoparticle (NP) can target choroidal neovascular membranes (CNV) for imaging and targeted gene therapy. Methods: CNV lesions were induced in rats using laser photocoagulation. The utility of NP for in vivo imaging and gene delivery was evaluated by coupling the NP with a green fluorescing protein plasmid (NP-GFPg). Rhodamine labeling (Rd-NP) was used to localize NP in choroidal flatmounts. Rd-NP-GFPg particles were injected intravenously on weeks 1, 2, or 3. In the treatment arm, rats received NP containing a dominant negative Raf mutant gene (NP-ATPμ-Raf) on days 1, 3, and 5. The change in CNV size and leakage, and TUNEL positive cells were quantified. Results: GFP plasmid expression was seen in vivo up to 3 days after injection of Rd-NP-GFPg. Choroidal flatmounts confirmed the localization of the NP and the expression of GFP plasmid in the CNV. Treating the CNV with NP-ATPμ-Raf decreased the CNV size by 42% (P<0.001). OCT analysis revealed that the reduction of CNV size started on day 5 and reached statistical significance by day 7. Fluorescein angiography grading showed significantly less leakage in the treated CNV (P<0.001). There were significantly more apoptotic (TUNEL-positive) nuclei in the treated CNV. Conclusion: Systemic administration of αvβ3 targeted NP can be used to label the abnormal blood vessels of CNV for imaging. Targeted gene delivery with NP-ATPμ-Raf leads to a reduction in size and leakage of the CNV by induction of apoptosis in the CNV

Clinical recording of laser-induced fluorescence spectra for evaluation of tumour demarcation feasibility in selected clinical specialities

Laser-induced autofluorescence spectra from humans were recorded in vivo at three different clinics in a study aimed at investigating the capability of this method to discriminate between malignant tumours and normal surrounding tissues. For the recordings a mobile trolley with the necessary equipment was constructed for use in an examination room or in an operating theatre environment. Laser light was guided through a 600m optical fibre to the target tissue. The fluorescence from the excited tissue was collected with the same fibre and was fed to an optical multichannel analyser. Two excitation wavelengths were used (337 and 405 nm) in order to optimize the fluorescence signals in two interesting wavelength regions (380–500 and 550–700 nm). Oral and oropharyngeal tumours excited with 405 nm light contained detectable endogenous porphyrins and were in this way discriminated from the normal mucosa. Astrocytoma grade III–IV fluorescence different from that of normal brain tissue, while tumours in the bronchial tree were not detectable using the spectral shape of the pure tissue autofluorescence

Tissue diagnostics using laser-induced fluorescence

We have performed extensive investigations of laser-induced fluorescence in animal and human tissue aimed at instant tissue characterization. Autofluorescence, as well as specific fluorescence from HPD/DHE and other photosensitizers, has been utilized. The studies have been focused on the demarcation of malignant tumours and atheroscleortic plaques. A nitrogen laser or an excimer-pumped dye laser was used to induce fluorescence, which was analysed with an intensified optical multichannel system. A fibre-optic sensor system was developed for the clinical work. Multi-colour fluorescence imaging has also been demonstrated along a line and equipment for two-dimensional imaging is being constructed. Dimensionless spectroscopic functions, which are not affected by factors that are clinically uncontrollable have been employed for optimum tissue discrimination. The investigations have so far been performed in a time-integrated mode, but time-resolved studies are now being initiated to fully exploit the diagnostic power of tissue laser-induced fluorescence. In addition to a presentation of our own work a brief review of tissue fluorescence studies performed by other groups is also given