@article {859,
	title = {Study of the Synergistic Immunomodulatory and Antifibrotic Effects of Dual-Loaded Budesonide and Serpine1 siRNA Lipid{\textendash}Polymer Nanoparticles Targeting Macrophage Dysregulation in Tendinopathy},
	journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces},
	volume = {16},
	year = {2024},
	month = {May-04-2025},
	pages = {18643 - 18657},
	issn = {1944-8244},
	doi = {10.1021/acsami.4c02363},
	url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.4c02363},
	author = {L{\'o}pez-Cerd{\'a}, Sandra and Molinaro, Giuseppina and ParejaTello, Rub{\'e}n and Correia, Alexandra and K{\"u}nig, Sarojinidevi and Steinberger, Peter and Jeltsch, Michael and Hirvonen, Jouni T. and Barreto, Goncalo and St{\"o}ckl, Johannes and Santos, H{\'e}lder A.}
}
@article {588,
	title = {Factors regulating the substrate specificity of cytosolic phospholipase A2-alpha in vitro},
	journal = {Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids},
	volume = {1861},
	year = {2016},
	month = {2016/07/01/},
	pages = {1597},
	keywords = {Arachidonic acid, Bilayer, Catalytic site, Mass spectrometry, Micelle, Phospholipase A},
	author = {Batchu, Krishna C and H{\"a}nninen, Satu and Jha, Sawan K and Jeltsch, Michael and Somerharju, Pentti}
}
@article {527,
	title = {Lymphatic Vessels in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering},
	journal = {Tissue Engineering Part B},
	volume = {22},
	year = {2016},
	month = {2016},
	pages = {1-13},
	type = {Review},
	abstract = {Once a DOI is available for this article, the final publication will be available from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers at http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/TEN.TEB.2016.0034. The postprint manuscript is available from <a href="sites/jeltsch.org/files/Schaupper2016_TissueEngineering_Review.pdf">here</a> and for the next 30 days also from the publisher via this bit.ly shortcut: http://bit.ly/1VKjjMk.
},
	doi = {10.1089/ten.TEB.2016.0034},
	url = {http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/ten.TEB.2016.0034},
	author = {Schaupper, Mira V. and Jeltsch, Michael and Rohringer, Sabrina and Redl, Heinz and Holnthoner, Wolfgang}
}
@article {481,
	title = {Substrate efflux propensity is the key determinant of iPLA-β-mediated glycerophospholipid hydrolysised},
	journal = {Journal of Biological Chemistry},
	year = {2015},
	month = {2015/02/23},
	abstract = {A-type phospholipases (PLAs) are key players in glycerophospholipid (GPL)homeostasis and in mammalian cells, Ca2+-independent PLA-beta (iPLAβ) in particular has been implicated in this essential process.However, the regulation of this enzyme,which is necessary to avoid futile competition between synthesis and degradation, is not understood. Recently, we provided evidence that the efflux of the substrate molecules from the bilayer is the rate-limiting step in the hydrolysis of GPLs by some secretory nonhomeostatic) PLAs. To study if this is the case with iPLAβ as well a mass-spectrometric assay was employed to determine the rate of hydrolysis of multiple saturated and unsaturated GPL species in parallel using micelles or vesicle bilayers as the macrosubstrate. With micelles, the hydrolysis decreased with increasing acyl chain length independent of unsaturation and modest discrimination between acyl positional isomers was observed, presumably due to the differences in the structure of the sn1 and sn2 acyl binding sites of the protein. In striking contrast, no significant discrimination between positional isomers was observed with bilayers, and the rate of hydrolysis decreased with the acyl chain length logarithmically and far more than with micelles. These data provide compelling evidence that efflux of the substrate molecule from the bilayer, which also decreases monotonously with acyl chain length, is the rate-determining step in iPLAβ- mediated hydrolysis of GPLs in membranes. This finding is intriguing as it may help to understand how homeostatic PLAs are regulated and how degradation and biosynthesis are coordinated.},
	doi = {10.1074/jbc.M115.642835},
	url = {http://www.jbc.org/content/early/2015/02/23/jbc.M115.642835.abstract},
	author = {Batchu, Krishna Chaithanya and Hokynar, Kati and Jeltsch, Michael and Mattonet, Kenny and Somerharju, Pentti}
}
@article {441,
	title = {CCBE1 enhances lymphangiogenesis via ADAMTS3-mediated VEGF-C activation},
	journal = {Circulation},
	volume = {129},
	year = {2014},
	month = {05/2014},
	chapter = {1962-1971},
	abstract = {Background{\textemdash}Hennekam lymphangiectasia-lymphedema syndrome (OMIM 235510) is a rare autosomal recessive disease, which is associated with mutations in the collagen- and calcium-binding EGF domains 1 (CCBE1) gene. Because of the striking phenotypic similarity of embryos lacking either the Ccbe1 gene or the lymphangiogenic growth factor Vegfc gene, we searched for CCBE1 interactions with the VEGF-C growth factor signaling pathway, which is critical in embryonic and adult lymphangiogenesis.

Methods and Results{\textemdash}By analyzing VEGF-C produced by CCBE1-transfected cells, we found that while CCBE1 itself does not process VEGF-C, it promotes proteolytic cleavage of the otherwise poorly active 29/31-kDa form of VEGF-C by the A disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs-3 (ADAMTS3) protease, resulting in the mature 21/23-kDa form of VEGF-C, which induces increased VEGF-C receptor signaling. Adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) mediated transduction of CCBE1 into mouse skeletal muscle enhanced lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis induced by AAV-VEGF-C.

Conclusions{\textemdash}These results identify ADAMTS3 as a VEGF-C activating protease and reveal a novel type of regulation of a vascular growth factor by a protein that enhances its proteolytic cleavage and activation. The results suggest CCBE1 is a potential therapeutic tool for the modulation of lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in a variety of diseases that involve the lymphatic system, such as lymphedema or lymphatic metastasis.},
	keywords = {ADAMTS3, angiogenesis, CCBE1, endothelium, growth factors and cytokines, Hennekam Syndrome, metalloproteinase, vasculature, VEGF-C},
	doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.113.002779},
	url = {http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2014/02/19/CIRCULATIONAHA.113.002779.abstract},
	author = {Jeltsch, Michael and Jha, Sawan Kumar and Tvorogov, Denis and Anisimov, Andrey and Lepp{\"a}nen, Veli-Matti and Holopainen, Tanja and Kivel{\"a}, Riikka and Ortega, Sagrario and K{\"a}rp{\"a}nen, Terhi and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {426,
	title = {The basis for the distinct biological activities of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 ligands},
	journal = {Sci Signal},
	volume = {6},
	year = {2013},
	month = {2013},
	pages = {ra52},
	abstract = {<p>Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) regulate blood and lymphatic vessel development through VEGF receptors (VEGFRs). The VEGFR immunoglobulin homology domain 2 (D2) is critical for ligand binding, and D3 provides additional interaction sites. VEGF-B and placenta growth factor (PlGF) bind to VEGFR-1 with high affinity, but only PlGF is angiogenic in most tissues. We show that VEGF-B, unlike other VEGFs, did not require D3 interactions for high-affinity binding. VEGF-B with a PlGF-derived L1 loop (B-L1(P)) stimulated VEGFR-1 activity, whereas PlGF with a VEGF-B-derived L1 loop (P-L1(B)) did not. Unlike P-L1(B) and VEGF-B, B-L1(P) and PlGF were also angiogenic in mouse skeletal muscle. Furthermore, B-L1(P) also bound to VEGFR-2 and activated downstream signaling. These results establish a role for L1-mediated D3 interactions in VEGFR activation in endothelial cells and indicate that VEGF-B is a high-affinity VEGFR-1 ligand that, unlike PlGF, cannot efficiently induce signaling downstream of VEGFR-1.</p>},
	keywords = {PlGF, receptor tyrosine kinase, Signal Transduction, VEGF-B, VEGFR-1},
	issn = {1937-9145},
	doi = {10.1126/scisignal.2003905},
	author = {Anisimov, Andrey and Lepp{\"a}nen, Veli-Matti and Tvorogov, Denis and Zarkada, Georgia and Jeltsch, Michael and Holopainen, Tanja and Kaijalainen, Seppo and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {424,
	title = {Vascular endothelial growth factor-angiopoietin chimera with improved properties for therapeutic angiogenesis},
	journal = {Circulation},
	volume = {127},
	year = {2013},
	month = {01/2013},
	pages = {424-434},
	chapter = {424},
	abstract = {BACKGROUND:

There is an unmet need for proangiogenic therapeutic molecules for the treatment of tissue ischemia in cardiovascular diseases. However, major inducers of angiogenesis such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF/VEGF-A) have side effects that limit their therapeutic utility in vivo, especially at high concentrations. Angiopoietin-1 has been considered to be a blood vessel stabilization factor that can inhibit the intrinsic property of VEGF to promote vessel leakiness. In this study, we have designed and tested the angiogenic properties of chimeric molecules consisting of receptor-binding parts of VEGF and angiopoietin-1. We aimed at combining the activities of both factors into 1 molecule for easy delivery and expression in target tissues.
METHODS AND RESULTS:

The VEGF-angiopoietin-1 (VA1) chimeric protein bound to both VEGF receptor-2 and Tie2 and induced the activation of both receptors. Detailed analysis of VA1 versus VEGF revealed differences in the kinetics of VEGF receptor-2 activation and endocytosis, downstream kinase activation, and VE-cadherin internalization. The delivery of a VA1 transgene into mouse skeletal muscle led to increased blood flow and enhanced angiogenesis. VA1 was also very efficient in rescuing ischemic limb perfusion. However, VA1 induced less plasma protein leakage and myeloid inflammatory cell recruitment than VEGF. Furthermore, angioma-like structures associated with VEGF expression were not observed with VA1.
CONCLUSIONS:

The VEGF-angiopoietin-1 chimera is a potent angiogenic factor that triggers a novel mode of VEGF receptor-2 activation, promoting less vessel leakiness, less tissue inflammation, and better perfusion in ischemic muscle than VEGF. These properties of VA1 make it an attractive therapeutic tool.},
	author = {Andrey Anisimov and Denis Tvorogov and Annamari Alitalo and Veli-Matti Lepp{\"a}nen and Y An and EC Han and F Orsenigo and EI Ga{\'a}l and Tanja Holopainen and YJ Koh and Tuomas Tammela and P Korpisalo and Salla Keskitalo and Michael Jeltsch and Seppo Yl{\"a}-Herttuala and Elisabetta Dejana and GY Koh and C Choi and Pipsa Saharinen and Kari Alitalo}
}
@article {39,
	title = {Claudin-like protein 24 interacts with the VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 pathways and regulates lymphatic vessel development},
	journal = {Genes Dev},
	volume = {24},
	year = {2010},
	month = {2010/May/},
	pages = {875 - 80},
	abstract = {The Claudin-like protein of 24 kDa (CLP24) is a hypoxia-regulated transmembrane protein of unknown function. We show here that clp24 knockdown in Danio rerio and Xenopus laevis results in defective lymphatic development. Targeted disruption of Clp24 in mice led to enlarged lymphatic vessels having an abnormal smooth muscle cell coating. We also show that the Clp24(-/-) phenotype was further aggravated in the Vegfr2(+/LacZ) or Vegfr3(+/LacZ) backgrounds and that CLP24 interacts with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and VEGFR-3 and attenuates the transcription factor CREB phosphorylation via these receptors. Our results indicate that CLP24 is a novel regulator of VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 signaling pathways and of normal lymphatic vessel structure.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20439428},
	author = {Saharinen, Pipsa and Helotera, Hanna and Miettinen, Juho and Norrmen, Camilla and D{\textquoteright}Amico, Gabriela and Jeltsch, Michael and Langenberg, Tobias and Vandevelde, Wouter and Ny, Annelii and Dewerchin, Mieke and Carmeliet, Peter and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {42,
	title = {Effective suppression of vascular network formation by combination of antibodies blocking VEGFR ligand binding and receptor dimerization},
	journal = {Cancer Cell},
	volume = {18},
	year = {2010},
	month = {2010/Dec/},
	pages = {630 - 40},
	abstract = {Antibodies that block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have become an integral part of antiangiogenic tumor therapy, and antibodies targeting other VEGFs and receptors (VEGFRs) are in clinical trials. Typically receptor-blocking antibodies are targeted to the VEGFR ligand-binding site. Here we describe a monoclonal antibody that inhibits VEGFR-3 homodimer and VEGFR-3/VEGFR-2 heterodimer formation, signal transduction, as well as ligand-induced migration and sprouting of microvascular endothelial cells. Importantly, we show that combined use of antibodies blocking ligand binding and receptor dimerization improves VEGFR inhibition and results in stronger inhibition of endothelial sprouting and vascular network formation in vivo. These results suggest that receptor dimerization inhibitors could be used to enhance antiangiogenic activity of antibodies blocking ligand binding in tumor therapy.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21130043},
	author = {Tvorogov, Denis and Anisimov, Andrey and Zheng, Wei and Lepp{\"a}nen, Veli-Matti and Tammela, Tuomas and Laurinavicius, Simonas and Holnthoner, Wolfgang and Heloter{\"a}, Hanna and Holopainen, Tanja and Jeltsch, Michael and Kalkkinen, Nisse and Lankinen, Hilkka and Ojala, P{\"a}ivi M and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {41,
	title = {Suppressive effects of vascular endothelial growth factor-B on tumor growth in a mouse model of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumorigenesis},
	journal = {PLoS ONE},
	volume = {5},
	year = {2010},
	month = {2010//},
	pages = {e14109},
	abstract = {BACKGROUND: The family of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) contains key regulators of blood and lymph vessel development, including VEGF-A, -B, -C, -D, and placental growth factor. The role of VEGF-B during physiological or pathological angiogenesis has not yet been conclusively delineated. Herein, we investigate the function of VEGF-B by the generation of mouse models of cancer with transgenic expression of VEGF-B or homozygous deletion of Vegfb. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Ectopic expression of VEGF-B in the insulin-producing β-cells of the pancreas did not alter the abundance or architecture of the islets of Langerhans. The vasculature from transgenic mice exhibited a dilated morphology, but was of similar density as that of wildtype mice. Unexpectedly, we found that transgenic expression of VEGF-B in the RIP1-Tag2 mouse model of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumorigenesis retarded tumor growth. Conversely, RIP1-Tag2 mice deficient for Vegfb presented with larger tumors. No differences in vascular density, perfusion or immune cell infiltration upon altered Vegfb gene dosage were noted. However, VEGF-B acted to increase blood vessel diameter both in normal pancreatic islets and in RIP1-Tag2 tumors. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Taken together, our results illustrate the differences in biological function between members of the VEGF family, and highlight the necessity of in-depth functional studies of VEGF-B to fully understand the effects of VEGFR-1 inhibitors currently used in the clinic.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21124841},
	author = {Albrecht, Imke and Kopfstein, Lucie and Strittmatter, Karin and Schomber, Tibor and Falkevall, Annelie and Hagberg, Carolina E and Lorentz, Pascal and Jeltsch, Michael and Alitalo, Kari and Eriksson, Ulf and Christofori, Gerhard and Pietras, Kristian}
}
@article {43,
	title = {Vascular endothelial growth factor-B acts as a coronary growth factor in transgenic rats without inducing angiogenesis, vascular leak, or inflammation},
	journal = {Circulation},
	volume = {122},
	year = {2010},
	month = {2010/Oct/},
	pages = {1725 - 33},
	abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B) binds to VEGF receptor-1 and neuropilin-1 and is abundantly expressed in the heart, skeletal muscle, and brown fat. The biological function of VEGF-B is incompletely understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: Unlike placenta growth factor, which binds to the same receptors, adeno-associated viral delivery of VEGF-B to mouse skeletal or heart muscle induced very little angiogenesis, vascular permeability, or inflammation. As previously reported for the VEGF-B(167) isoform, transgenic mice and rats expressing both isoforms of VEGF-B in the myocardium developed cardiac hypertrophy yet maintained systolic function. Deletion of the VEGF receptor-1 tyrosine kinase domain or the arterial endothelial Bmx tyrosine kinase inhibited hypertrophy, whereas loss of VEGF-B interaction with neuropilin-1 had no effect. Surprisingly, in rats, the heart-specific VEGF-B transgene induced impressive growth of the epicardial coronary vessels and their branches, with large arteries also seen deep inside the subendocardial myocardium. However, VEGF-B, unlike other VEGF family members, did not induce significant capillary angiogenesis, increased permeability, or inflammatory cell recruitment. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF-B appears to be a coronary growth factor in rats but not in mice. The signals for the VEGF-B-induced cardiac hypertrophy are mediated at least in part via the endothelium. Because cardiomyocyte damage in myocardial ischemia begins in the subendocardial myocardium, the VEGF-B-induced increased arterial supply to this area could have therapeutic potential in ischemic heart disease.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20937974},
	author = {Bry, Maija and Kivel{\"a}, Riikka and Holopainen, Tanja and Anisimov, Andrey and Tammela, Tuomas and Soronen, Jarkko and Silvola, Johanna and Saraste, Antti and Jeltsch, Michael and Korpisalo, Petra and Carmeliet, Peter and Lemstr{\"o}m, Karl B and Shibuya, Masabumi and Yl{\"a}-Herttuala, Seppo and Alhonen, Leena and Mervaala, Eero and Andersson, Leif C and Knuuti, Juhani and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {37,
	title = {Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor-B in mouse heart alters cardiac lipid metabolism and induces myocardial hypertrophy},
	journal = {Circ Res},
	volume = {103},
	year = {2008},
	month = {2008/Oct/},
	pages = {1018 - 26},
	abstract = {Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-B is poorly angiogenic but prominently expressed in metabolically highly active tissues, including the heart. We produced mice expressing a cardiac-specific VEGF-B transgene via the alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter. Surprisingly, the hearts of the VEGF-B transgenic mice showed concentric cardiac hypertrophy without significant changes in heart function. The cardiac hypertrophy was attributable to an increased size of the cardiomyocytes. Blood capillary size was increased, whereas the number of blood vessels per cell nucleus remained unchanged. Despite the cardiac hypertrophy, the transgenic mice had lower heart rate and blood pressure than their littermates, and they responded similarly to angiotensin II-induced hypertension, confirming that the hypertrophy does not compromise heart function. Interestingly, the isolated transgenic hearts had less cardiomyocyte damage after ischemia. Significantly increased ceramide and decreased triglyceride levels were found in the transgenic hearts. This was associated with structural changes and eventual lysis of mitochondria, resulting in accumulation of intracellular vacuoles in cardiomyocytes and increased death of the transgenic mice, apparently because of mitochondrial lipotoxicity in the heart. These results suggest that VEGF-B regulates lipid metabolism, an unexpected function for an angiogenic growth factor.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18757827},
	author = {Karpanen, Terhi and Bry, Maija and Ollila, Hanna M and Sepp{\"a}nen-Laakso, Tuulikki and Liimatta, Erkki and Leskinen, Hanna and Kivel{\"a}, Riikka and Helkamaa, Teemu and Merentie, Mari and Jeltsch, Michael and Paavonen, Karri and Andersson, Leif C and Mervaala, Eero and Hassinen, Ilmo E and Yl{\"a}-Herttuala, Seppo and Oresic, Matej and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {35,
	title = {The tyrosine kinase inhibitor cediranib blocks ligand-induced vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 activity and lymphangiogenesis},
	journal = {Cancer Res},
	volume = {68},
	year = {2008},
	month = {2008/Jun/},
	pages = {4754 - 62},
	abstract = {Solid tumors express a range of factors required to sustain their growth and promote their dissemination. Among these are vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), the key angiogenic stimulant, and VEGF-C, a primary mediator of lymphangiogenesis. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors offer the potential to inhibit more than one kinase and impede tumor growth by multiple mechanisms. However, their potency toward individual targets can vary. Cediranib (RECENTIN; AZD2171) is an inhibitor of VEGF signaling that has been shown in experimental models to prevent VEGF-A-induced angiogenesis and primary tumor growth, yet the effects of cediranib on VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-3-mediated endothelial cell function and lymphangiogenesis are unknown. To better understand the activity of cediranib against VEGFR-3 and its associated signaling events compared with its activity against VEGFR-2, we used the receptor-specific ligands VEGF-E and VEGF-C156S. In human endothelial cells, cediranib inhibited VEGF-E-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 and VEGF-C156S-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-3 at concentrations of </=1nmol/L and inhibited activation of downstream signaling molecules. Additionally, cediranib blocked VEGF-C156S-induced and VEGF-E-induced proliferation, survival, and migration of lymphatic and blood vascular endothelial cells. In vivo, cediranib (6 mg/kg/d) prevented angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis induced by VEGF-E-expressing and VEGF-C156S-expressing adenoviruses, respectively. Cediranib (6 mg/kg/day) also blocked angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis induced by adenoviruses expressing VEGF-A or VEGF-C and compromised the blood and lymphatic vasculatures of VEGF-C-expressing tumors. Cediranib may, therefore, be an effective means of preventing tumor progression, not only by inhibiting VEGFR-2 activity and angiogenesis, but also by concomitantly inhibiting VEGFR-3 activity and lymphangiogenesis.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18559522},
	author = {Heckman, Caroline A and Holopainen, Tanja and Wirzenius, Maria and Keskitalo, Salla and Jeltsch, Michael and Yl{\"a}-Herttuala, Seppo and Wedge, Stephen R and J{\"u}rgensmeier, Juliane M and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {33,
	title = {Distinct architecture of lymphatic vessels induced by chimeric vascular endothelial growth factor-C/vascular endothelial growth factor heparin-binding domain fusion proteins},
	journal = {Circ Res},
	volume = {100},
	year = {2007},
	month = {2007/May/},
	pages = {1468 - 75},
	abstract = {Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D are composed of the receptor-binding VEGF homology domain and a carboxy-terminal silk homology domain that requires proteolytic cleavage for growth factor activation. Here, we explored whether the C-terminal heparin-binding domain of the VEGF(165) or VEGF(189) isoform also containing neuropilin-binding sequences could substitute for the silk homology domain of VEGF-C. Such VEGF-C/VEGF-heparin-binding domain chimeras were produced and shown to activate VEGF-C receptors, and, when expressed in tissues via adenovirus or adeno-associated virus vectors, stimulated lymphangiogenesis in vivo. However, both chimeras induced a distinctly different pattern of lymphatic vessels when compared with VEGF-C. Whereas VEGF-C-induced vessels were initially a dense network of small diameter vessels, the lymphatic vessels induced by the chimeric growth factors tended to form directly along tissue borders, along basement membranes that are rich in heparan sulfate. For example, in skeletal muscle, the chimeras induced formation of lumenized lymphatic vessels more efficiently than wild-type VEGF-C. We conclude that the matrix-binding domain of VEGF can target VEGF-C activity to heparin-rich basement membrane structures. These properties may prove useful for tissue engineering and attempts to regenerate lymphatic vessels in lymphedema patients.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17478733},
	author = {Tammela, Tuomas and He, Yulong and Lyytikk{\"a}, Johannes and Jeltsch, Michael and Markkanen, Johanna and Pajusola, Katri and Yl{\"a}-Herttuala, Seppo and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@conference {625,
	title = {Inhibiton of VEGF-C-induced VEGFR-3 activity and lymphatic endothelial cell function by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor AZD2171},
	booktitle = {98th Annual Meeting of the American-Association-for-Cancer-Research},
	year = {2007},
	month = {2007///},
	publisher = {American Association for Cancer Research},
	organization = {American Association for Cancer Research},
	address = {Los Angeles, CA},
	abstract = {Solid tumors express a range of growth factors required to sustain their growth and promote their dissemination. Among these factors is vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), the key angiogenic stimulant, and VEGF-C, a primary mediator of lymphangiogenesis. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors can prevent VEGF signaling activity by targeting the VEGF receptors and are an effective approach to impede tumor progression. The indole-ether quinazoline AZD2171 is a highly potent ATP-competitive inhibitor of VEGFR-2 (KDR) kinase, with additional activity against VEGFR-1 (Flt-1) and -3 (Flt-4), that has been shown in experimental models to prevent VEGF-A-induced angiogenesis and primary tumor growth (Wedge et al. Cancer Res 2005;65:4389-4400). For these studies we wished to further assess the ability of AZD2171 to inhibit VEGFR-3 and its associated functions. Upon binding its ligands VEGF-C or -D, VEGFR-3 becomes activated with the resulting signaling cascade eventually translated into increased proliferation, survival and migration of lymphatic and blood vascular endothelial cells. At concentrations of <=1 nM AZD2171 inhibited VEGFR-3 phosphorylation in porcine aortic endothelial cells selectively expressing the human receptor, and in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMVECs). In HDMVECs, AZD2171 prevented phosphorylation of signaling molecules downstream of VEGFR-2 and -3, ERK1/2, Akt and CREB, induced by the VEGFR-2 and -3-specific ligands VEGF-E and -C156S, respectively. Additionally, AZD2171 blocked VEGF-E- and -C156S-induced proliferation of both lymphatic and blood vascular endothelial cells at similar concentrations, and prevented ligand-induced endothelial cell cord formation in a Matrigel assay. The effects of AZD2171 on VEGF-C-induced lymphangiogenesis are currently being assessed in vivo. These studies, together with previous results, not only demonstrate that AZD2171 may be an effective means of preventing tumor progression by inhibition of VEGFR-2 activity and angiogenesis, but may also prevent further tumor spread by inhibiting VEGFR-3 activity},
	url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-07-5809},
	author = {Heckman, Caroline A. and Holopainen, Tanja and Wirzenius, Maria and Keskitalo, Salla and Jeltsch, Michael and Wedge, Stephen R. and Jurgensmeier, Juliane M.}
}
@article {31,
	title = {Functional interaction of VEGF-C and VEGF-D with neuropilin receptors},
	journal = {FASEB J},
	volume = {20},
	year = {2006},
	month = {2006/Jul/},
	pages = {1462 - 72},
	abstract = {Lymphatic vascular development is regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3), which is activated by its ligands VEGF-C and VEGF-D. Neuropilin-2 (NP2), known to be involved in neuronal development, has also been implicated to play a role in lymphangiogenesis. We aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which NP2 is involved in lymphatic endothelial cell signaling. By in vitro binding studies we found that both VEGF-C and VEGF-D interact with NP2, VEGF-C in a heparin-independent and VEGF-D in a heparin-dependent manner. We also mapped the domains of VEGF-C and NP2 required for their binding. The functional importance of the interaction of NP2 with the lymphangiogenic growth factors was demonstrated by cointernalization of NP2 along with VEGFR-3 in endocytic vesicles of lymphatic endothelial cells upon stimulation with VEGF-C or VEGF-D. NP2 also interacted with VEGFR-3 in coprecipitation studies. Our results show that NP2 is directly involved in an active signaling complex with the key regulators of lymphangiogenesis and thus suggest a mechanism by which NP2 functions in the development of the lymphatic vasculature.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16816121},
	author = {K{\"a}rp{\"a}nen, Terhi and Heckman, Caroline A and Keskitalo, Salla and Jeltsch, Michael and Ollila, Hanna and Neufeld, Gera and Tamagnone, Luca and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {29,
	title = {Pathogenesis of persistent lymphatic vessel hyperplasia in chronic airway inflammation},
	journal = {J Clin Invest},
	volume = {115},
	year = {2005},
	month = {2005/Feb/},
	pages = {247 - 57},
	abstract = {Edema occurs in asthma and other inflammatory diseases when the rate of plasma leakage from blood vessels exceeds the drainage through lymphatic vessels and other routes. It is unclear to what extent lymphatic vessels grow to compensate for increased leakage during inflammation and what drives the lymphangiogenesis that does occur. We addressed these issues in mouse models of (a) chronic respiratory tract infection with Mycoplasma pulmonis and (b) adenoviral transduction of airway epithelium with VEGF family growth factors. Blood vessel remodeling and lymphangiogenesis were both robust in infected airways. Inhibition of VEGFR-3 signaling completely prevented the growth of lymphatic vessels but not blood vessels. Lack of lymphatic growth exaggerated mucosal edema and reduced the hypertrophy of draining lymph nodes. Airway dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and epithelial cells expressed the VEGFR-3 ligands VEGF-C or VEGF-D. Adenoviral delivery of either VEGF-C or VEGF-D evoked lymphangiogenesis without angiogenesis, whereas adenoviral VEGF had the opposite effect. After antibiotic treatment of the infection, inflammation and remodeling of blood vessels quickly subsided, but lymphatic vessels persisted. Together, these findings suggest that when lymphangiogenesis is impaired, airway inflammation may lead to bronchial lymphedema and exaggerated airflow obstruction. Correction of defective lymphangiogenesis may benefit the treatment of asthma and other inflammatory airway diseases.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15668734},
	author = {Baluk, Peter and Tammela, Tuomas and Ator, Erin and Lyubynska, Natalya and Achen, Marc G and Hicklin, Daniel J and Jeltsch, Michael and Petrova, Tatiana V and Pytowski, Bronislaw and Stacker, Steven A and Yl{\"a}-Herttuala, Seppo and Jackson, David G and Alitalo, Kari and McDonald, Donald M}
}
@article {30,
	title = {Vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor 3-mediated activation of lymphatic endothelium is crucial for tumor cell entry and spread via lymphatic vessels},
	journal = {Cancer Res},
	volume = {65},
	year = {2005},
	month = {2005/Jun/},
	pages = {4739 - 46},
	abstract = {Lymphangiogenic growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D have been shown to promote lymphatic metastasis by inducing tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis. In this study, we have investigated how tumor cells gain access into lymphatic vessels and at what stage tumor cells initiate metastasis. We show that VEGF-C produced by tumor cells induced extensive lymphatic sprouting towards the tumor cells as well as dilation of the draining lymphatic vessels, suggesting an active role of lymphatic endothelial cells in lymphatic metastasis. A significant increase in lymphatic vessel growth occurred between 2 and 3 weeks after tumor xenotransplantation, and lymph node metastasis occurred at the same stage. These processes were blocked dose-dependently by inhibition of VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) signaling by systemic delivery of a soluble VEGFR-3-immunoglobulin (Ig) fusion protein via adenoviral or adeno-associated viral vectors. However, VEGFR-3-Ig did not suppress lymph node metastasis when the treatment was started at a later stage after the tumor cells had already spread out, suggesting that tumor cell entry into lymphatic vessels is a key step during tumor dissemination via the lymphatics. Whereas lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis were significantly inhibited by VEGFR-3-Ig, some tumor cells were still detected in the lymph nodes in some of the treated mice. This indicates that complete blockade of lymphatic metastasis may require the targeting of both tumor lymphangiogenesis and tumor cell invasion.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15930292},
	author = {He, Yulong and Rajantie, Iiro and Pajusola, Katri and Jeltsch, Michael and Holopainen, Tanja and Yla-Herttuala, Seppo and Harding, Thomas and Jooss, Karin and Takahashi, Takashi and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {28,
	title = {Vascular endothelial growth factor C is required for sprouting of the first lymphatic vessels from embryonic veins},
	journal = {Nat Immunol},
	volume = {5},
	year = {2004},
	month = {2004/Jan/},
	pages = {74 - 80},
	abstract = {Lymphatic vessels are essential for immune surveillance, tissue fluid homeostasis and fat absorption. Defects in lymphatic vessel formation or function cause lymphedema. Here we show that the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is required for the initial steps in lymphatic development. In Vegfc-/- mice, endothelial cells commit to the lymphatic lineage but do not sprout to form lymph vessels. Sprouting was rescued by VEGF-C and VEGF-D but not by VEGF, indicating VEGF receptor 3 specificity. The lack of lymphatic vessels resulted in prenatal death due to fluid accumulation in tissues, and Vegfc+/- mice developed cutaneous lymphatic hypoplasia and lymphedema. Our results indicate that VEGF-C is the paracrine factor essential for lymphangiogenesis, and show that both Vegfc alleles are required for normal lymphatic development.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14634646},
	author = {Karkkainen, Marika J and Haiko, Paula and Sainio, Kirsi and Partanen, Juha and Taipale, Jussi and Petrova, Tatiana V and Jeltsch, Michael and Jackson, David G and Talikka, Marja and Rauvala, Heikki and Betsholtz, Christer and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {24,
	title = {Adenoviral VEGF-C overexpression induces blood vessel enlargement, tortuosity, and leakiness but no sprouting angiogenesis in the skin or mucous membranes},
	journal = {FASEB J},
	volume = {16},
	year = {2002},
	month = {2002/Jul/},
	pages = {1041 - 9},
	abstract = {Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGFRs) are important regulators of blood and lymphatic vessel growth and vascular permeability. The VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 signaling pathway is crucial for lymphangiogenesis, and heterozygous inactivating missense mutations of the VEGFR-3 gene are associated with hereditary lymphedema. However, VEGF-C can have potent effects on blood vessels because its receptor VEGFR-3 is expressed in certain blood vessels and because the fully processed form of VEGF-C also binds to the VEGFR-2 of blood vessels. To characterize the in vivo effects of VEGF-C on blood and lymphatic vessels, we have overexpressed VEGF-C via adenovirus- and adeno-associated virus-mediated transfection in the skin and respiratory tract of athymic nude mice. This resulted in dose-dependent enlargement and tortuosity of veins, which, along with the collecting lymphatic vessels were found to express VEGFR-2. Expression of angiopoietin 1 blocked the increased leakiness of the blood vessels induced by VEGF-C whereas vessel enlargement and lymphangiogenesis were not affected. However, angiogenic sprouting of new blood vessels was not observed in response to AdVEGF-C or AAV-VEGF-C. These results show that virally produced VEGF-C induces blood vessel changes, including vascular leak, but its angiogenic potency is much reduced compared with VEGF in normal skin.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12087065},
	author = {Saaristo, Anne and Veikkola, Tanja and Enholm, Berndt and Hyt{\"o}nen, Maija and Arola, Johanna and Pajusola, Katri and Turunen, Pa{\"\i}vi and Jeltsch, Michael and Karkkainen, Marika J and Kerjaschki, Dontscho and Bueler, Hansruedi and Yl{\"a}-Herttuala, Seppo and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {23,
	title = {Vascular endothelial growth factor-C-mediated lymphangiogenesis promotes tumour metastasis},
	journal = {EMBO J},
	volume = {20},
	year = {2001},
	month = {2001/Feb/},
	pages = {672 - 82},
	abstract = {Metastasis is a frequent and lethal complication of cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) is a recently described lymphangiogenic factor. Increased expression of VEGF-C in primary tumours correlates with dissemination of tumour cells to regional lymph nodes. However, a direct role for VEGF-C in tumour lymphangiogenesis and subsequent metastasis has yet to be demonstrated. Here we report the establishment of transgenic mice in which VEGF-C expression, driven by the rat insulin promoter (Rip), is targeted to beta-cells of the endocrine pancreas. In contrast to wild-type mice, which lack peri-insular lymphatics, RipVEGF-C transgenics develop an extensive network of lymphatics around the islets of Langerhans. These mice were crossed with Rip1Tag2 mice, which develop pancreatic beta-cell tumours that are neither lymphangiogenic nor metastatic. Double-transgenic mice formed tumours surrounded by well developed lymphatics, which frequently contained tumour cell masses of beta-cell origin. These mice frequently developed pancreatic lymph node metastases. Our findings demonstrate that VEGF-C-induced lymphangiogenesis mediates tumour cell dissemination and the formation of lymph node metastases.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11179212},
	author = {Mandriota, S J and Jussila, L and Jeltsch, M and Compagni, A and Baetens, D and Prevo, R and Banerji, S and Huarte, J and Montesano, R and Jackson, D G and Orci, L and Alitalo, K and Christofori, G and Pepper, M S}
}
@article {20,
	title = {Intravascular adenovirus-mediated VEGF-C gene transfer reduces neointima formation in balloon-denuded rabbit aorta},
	journal = {Circulation},
	volume = {102},
	year = {2000},
	month = {2000/Oct/},
	pages = {2262 - 8},
	abstract = {BACKGROUND: Gene transfer to the vessel wall may provide new possibilities for the treatment of vascular disorders, such as postangioplasty restenosis. In this study, we analyzed the effects of adenovirus-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C gene transfer on neointima formation after endothelial denudation in rabbits. For comparison, a second group was treated with VEGF-A adenovirus and a third group with lacZ adenovirus. Clinical-grade adenoviruses were used for the study. METHODS AND RESULTS: Aortas of cholesterol-fed New Zealand White rabbits were balloon-denuded, and gene transfer was performed 3 days later. Animals were euthanized 2 and 4 weeks after the gene transfer, and intima/media ratio (I/M), histology, and cell proliferation were analyzed. Two weeks after the gene transfer, I/M in the lacZ-transfected control group was 0. 57+/-0.04. VEGF-C gene transfer reduced I/M to 0.38+/-0.02 (P:<0.05 versus lacZ group). I/M in VEGF-A-treated animals was 0.49+/-0.17 (P:=NS). The tendency that both VEGF groups had smaller I/M persisted at the 4-week time point, when the lacZ group had an I/M of 0.73+/-0.16, the VEGF-C group 0.44+/-0.14, and the VEGF-A group 0. 63+/-0.21 (P:=NS). Expression of VEGF receptors 1, 2, and 3 was detected in the vessel wall by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. As an additional control, the effect of adenovirus on cell proliferation was analyzed by performing gene transfer to intact aorta without endothelial denudation. No differences were seen in smooth muscle cell proliferation or I/M between lacZ adenovirus and 0.9\% saline-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: Adenovirus-mediated VEGF-C gene transfer may be useful for the treatment of postangioplasty restenosis and vessel wall thickening after vascular manipulations.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11056103},
	author = {Hiltunen, M O and Laitinen, M and Turunen, M P and Jeltsch, M and Hartikainen, J and Rissanen, T T and Laukkanen, J and Niemi, M and Kossila, M and H{\"a}kkinen, T P and Kivel{\"a}, A and Enholm, B and Mansukoski, H and Turunen, A M and Alitalo, K and Yl{\"a}-Herttuala, S}
}
