Constitutive expression of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) gene family ligand and receptors on human upper and lower airway epithelial cells
INTERNATIONAL FORUM OF ALLERGY & RHINOLOGY
Authors: Lee, Hyun Sil; Kim, Jean
Abstract
BackgroundWe previously reported that vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) is abundantly expressed by primary human nasal epithelial cells (PNECs) and functions to promote cell hyperplasia in polyposis. Therefore, we aimed to examine the full expression profile of other members of the VEGF gene family of ligands and receptors, which may play a role in cell growth and the development of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). MethodsMessenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of VEGF genes, receptors, and co-receptors was examined from cultured PNECs (n= 4) and compared to that from primary human bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs; n= 4) and the BEAS2B cell line (n= 4) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and flow cytometry. ResultsWe report abundant expression of VEGFA, VEGFB, and VEGFC, detected by mRNA and flow cytometric analysis on PNECs. We herein report the novel finding that there is significant expression of VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGFR3, and both neuropilin co-receptors, NP1 and NP2, at baseline conditions on PNECs. Lower airway PBECs and BEAS2B cells displayed similar patterns of expression. ConclusionPNECs express high constitutive levels of the VEGF gene family homolog of ligands and receptors. Expression of multiple VEGF ligand-receptor combinations may function as redundant pathways to promote upper and lower airway epithelial cell growth during inflammation. (C) 2013 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
Expression of 4E-BP1 and phospho-4E-BP1 correlates with the prognosis of patients with clear cell renal carcinoma
CANCER MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
Authors: Li, Feng; Wang, Qingshui; Xiong, Xiaoxue; Wang, Chenyi; Liu, Xiaohua; Liao, Ziqiang; Li, Ke; Xie, Bifeng; Lin, Yao
Abstract
Background: Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is a key regulator of protein synthesis. Changes in eIF4E activity disproportionally affect the translation of a subset of oncogenic mRNAs in some cancers. Materials and methods: We have assessed the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), eIF4E, eIF4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs) and phospho-4E-BP1 in clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC; n= 101) using immunohistochemistry and analyzed the relevant mRNA levels and survival using online databases. Results: The protein levels of VEGFC, an eIF4E-regulated gene, were upregulated in ccRCC tissues compared with adjacent normal renal tissues, indicating an enhanced eIF4E activity in ccRCC. The expression of eIF4E had no significant changes in ccRCC tissues. However, 4E-BP1 and phospho-4E-BP1 were found to be overexpressed in ccRCC tissues (P< 0.05), and the high mRNA and protein levels of 4E-BP1 and phospho-4E-BP1 correlated with an unfavorable clinical outcome in ccRCC patients. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of PIK3CD and PIK3CG were enhanced in ccRCC. Conclusion: From these results, we could infer that the increase in eIF4E activity may be caused by the increased phospho-4E-BP1 level, which was probably due to the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway.