Patient-driven discovery of CCN1 to rescue cutaneous wound healing in diabetes via the intracellular EIF3A/CCN1/ATG7 signaling by nanoparticle-enabled delivery.

Diabetic ulcers (DUs), a devastating complication of diabetes, are intractable for limited effective interventions in clinic. Based on the clinical samples and bioinformatic analysis, we found lower level of CCN1 in DU individuals. Considering the accelerated proliferation effect in keratinocytes, we propose the therapeutic role of CCN1 supplementation in DU microenvironment. To address the challenge of rapid degradation of CCN1 in protease-rich diabetic healing condition, we fabricated a nanoformulation of CCN1 (CCN1-NP), which protected CCN1 from degradation and significantly raised CCN1 intracellular delivery efficiency to 6.2-fold. The results showed that the intracellular CCN1 exhibited a greater anti-inflammatory and proliferative/migratory activities once the extracellular signal of CCN1 was blocked in vitro. The nanoformulation unveils a new mechanism that CCN1 delivered into cells interacted with Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit A (EIF3A) to downregulate autophagy-related 7 (ATG7). Furthermore, topical application of CCN1-NP had profound curative effects on delayed wound healing in diabetes both in vitro and in vivo. Our results illustrate a novel mechanism of intracellular EIF3A/CCN1/ATG7 axis triggered by nanoformulation and the therapeutic potential of CCN1-NP for DU management.

Cyr61 promotes Schwann cell proliferation and migration via αvß3 integrin.

BACKGROUND: Schwann cells (SCs) play a crucial role in the repair of peripheral nerves. This is due to their ability to proliferate, migrate, and provide trophic support to axon regrowth. During peripheral nerve injury, SCs de-differentiate and reprogram to gain the ability to repair nerves. Cysteine-rich 61 (Cyr61/CCN1) is a member of the CCN family of matrix cell proteins and have been reported to be abundant in the secretome of repair mediating SCs. In this study we investigate the function of Cyr61 in SCs. RESULTS: We observed Cyr61 was expressed both in vivo and in vitro. The promoting effect of Cyr61 on SC proliferation and migration was through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. SCs expressed αvß3 integrin and the effect of Cyr61 on SC proliferation and migration could be blocked via αvß3 integrin. Cyr61 could influence c-Jun protein expression in cultured SCs. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that Cyr61 promotes SC proliferation and migration via αvß3 integrin and regulates c-Jun expression. Our study contributes to the understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying SC's function during nerve injury, and thus, may facilitate the regeneration of peripheral nerves after injury.

Conjugation of the T1 sequence from CCN1 to fibrin hydrogels for therapeutic vascularization.

Hydrogel matrices with angiogenic properties are much desirable for therapeutic vascularization strategies, namely to provide vascular supply to ischemic areas, transplanted cells, or bioengineered tissues. Here we report the pro-angiogenic effect of fibrin (Fb) functionalization with the T1 sequence from the angiogenic inducer CCN1, forseeing its use in the injured brain and spinal cord. Fibrin functionalization with 40 µM of T1 peptide effectively improved cellular sprouting of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) in the absence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), without impacting the viscoelastic properties of Fb, cell viability, or proliferation. The pro-angiogenic effect of immobilized T1 was potentiated in the presence of VEGF and partially mediated through α6ß1 integrin. The tethering of T1 also enhanced sprouting of human cord blood-derived outgrowth endothelial cells (OEC). Still, to elicit such effect, a higher input T1 concentration was required (60 µM), in line with the lower protein levels of α6 and ß1 integrin subunits found in OEC comparing to hCMEC/D3, prior to embedment in Fb gel. Finally, the ability of T1-functionalized Fb in inducing cappilary invasion in vivo was assessed using the CAM assay, which evidenced a significant increase in the number of newly formed vessels at sites of implantation of T1-functionalized Fb, in the absence of soluble angiogenic factors. Overall these results demonstrate the potential of T1 peptide-presenting gels for use in therapeutic vascularization approaches. Considering T1 neurite-extension promoting capability and pro-angiogenic properties, T1-functionalized Fb hydrogels are particularly promising for application in the injured central nervous system.

Recombinant CCN1 prevents hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal rats.

BackgroundCystein-rich protein 61 (Cyr61/CCN1) is a member of the CCN family of matricellular proteins that has an important role in tissue development and remodeling. However, the role of CCN1 in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is unknown. Accordingly, we have investigated the effects of CCN1 on a hyperoxia-induced lung injury model in neonatal rats.MethodsIn experiment 1, newborn rats were randomized to room air (RA) or 85% oxygen (O2) for 7 or 14 days, and we assessed the expression of CCN1. In experiment 2, rat pups were exposed to RA or O2 and received placebo or recombinant CCN1 by daily intraperitoneal injection for 10 days. The effects of CCN1 on hyperoxia-induced lung inflammation, alveolar and vascular development, vascular remodeling, and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) were observed.ResultsIn experiment 1, hyperoxia downregulated CCN1 expression. In experiment 2, treatment with recombinant CCN1 significantly decreased macrophage and neutrophil infiltration, reduced inflammasome activation, increased alveolar and vascular development, and reduced vascular remodeling and RVH in the hyperoxic animals.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that hyperoxia-induced lung injury is associated with downregulated basal CCN1 expression, and treatment with CCN1 can largely reverse hyperoxic injury.

Cyr61 participates in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis via promoting MMP-3 expression by fibroblast-like synoviocytes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and potential mechanism of Cysteine-rich 61 (Cyr61) on stimulating MMP-3 expression by fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS: Primarily cultured RA FLS were treated with exogenous Cyr61 protein or Cyr61-siRNA, then, MMP-3 expression was analyzed by real-time PCR, western blotting and ELISA. Signal transduction pathways in Cyr61-induced MMP-3 production were examined by real-time PCR, western blotting, confocal microscopy, luciferase reporter assay. Mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were treated with anti-Cyr61 monoclonal antibodies (mAb), or IgG1 as control and MMP-3 in the joint was detected by IHC, real-time PCR and western blotting. RESULTS: High expressed MMP-3 and Cyr61 were positively correlated in RA ST; Cyr61 stimulated MMP-3 production in FLS of RA patients in an IL-1ß and TNF-α independent manner. Cyr61 induced MMP-3 could further enhance the invasive ability of RA FLS. Mechanistically, we found that Cyr61 promoted MMP-3 production via the P38, JNK-dependent AP-1 signaling pathway. Blockage of Cyr61 function with monoclonal antibody could decrease MMP-3 expression in the joints of CIA mice. CONCLUSION: This study provides new evidence that Cyr61 participates in RA pathogenesis not only as a pro-inflammatory factor but also plays a key role in bone erosion via promoting MMP-3 expression. We suggest that targeting of Cyr61 may represent a potential strategy in RA treatment.

CCN1 acutely increases nitric oxide production via integrin αvß3-Akt-S6K-phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase at the serine 1177 signaling axis.

Although CCN1 (also known as cysteine-rich, angiogenic inducer 61, CYR61) has been reported to promote angiogenesis and neovascularization in endothelial cells (ECs), its effects on endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production have never been studied. Using human umbilical vein ECs, we investigated whether and how CCN1 regulates NO production. CCN1 acutely increased NO production in a time- and dose-dependent manner, which was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) at serine 1177 (eNOS-Ser(1177)), but not that of eNOS-Thr(495) or eNOS-Ser(114). The level of total eNOS expression was unaltered. Treatment with either LY294002, a selective inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase known as an upstream kinase of Akt, or H-89, an inhibitor of protein kinase A, mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase 1, Rho-associated protein kinase 2, and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K), inhibited CCN1-stimulated eNOS-Ser(1177) phosphorylation and subsequent NO production. Ectopic expression of small interfering RNA against Akt and S6K significantly inhibited the effects of CCN1. Consistently, CCN1 increased the phosphorylation of Akt-Ser(473) and S6K-Thr(389). However, CCN1 did not alter the expression or secretion of VEGF, a known downstream factor of CCN1 and a potential upstream factor of Akt-mediated eNOS-Ser(1177) phosphorylation. Furthermore, neutralization of integrin αvß3 with corresponding antibody completely reversed all of the observed effects of CCN1. Moreover, CCN1 increased acetylcholine-induced relaxation in the rat aortas. Finally, we also found that CCN1-stimulated eNOS-Ser(1177) phosphorylation and NO production are true for other types of EC tested. In conclusion, CCN1 acutely increases NO production via activation of a signaling axis in integrin αvß3-Akt-S6K-eNOS-Ser(1177) phosphorylation, suggesting an important role for CCN1 in vasodilation.

The matricellular protein CCN1 mediates neutrophil efferocytosis in cutaneous wound healing.

Neutrophil infiltration constitutes the first step in wound healing, although their timely clearance by macrophage engulfment, or efferocytosis, is critical for efficient tissue repair. However, the specific mechanism for neutrophil clearance in wound healing remains undefined. Here we uncover a key role for CCN1 in neutrophil efferocytosis by acting as a bridging molecule that binds phosphatidylserine, the 'eat-me' signal on apoptotic cells and integrins αvß3/αvß5 in macrophages to trigger efferocytosis. Both knockin mice expressing a mutant CCN1 that is unable to bind αvß3/αvß5 and mice with Ccn1 knockdown are defective in neutrophil efferocytosis, resulting in exuberant neutrophil accumulation and delayed healing. Treatment of wounds with CCN1 accelerates neutrophil clearance in both Ccn1 knockin mice and diabetic Lepr(db/db) mice, which suffer from neutrophil persistence and impaired healing. These findings establish CCN1 as a critical opsonin in skin injury and suggest a therapeutic potential for CCN1 in certain types of non-healing wounds.

CCN1 induces hepatic ductular reaction through integrin αvß5-mediated activation of NF-κB.

Liver cholestatic diseases, which stem from diverse etiologies, result in liver toxicity and fibrosis and may progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. We show that CCN1 (also known as CYR61), a matricellular protein that dampens and resolves liver fibrosis, also mediates cholangiocyte proliferation and ductular reaction, which are repair responses to cholestatic injury. In cholangiocytes, CCN1 activated NF-κB through integrin αvß5/αvß3, leading to Jag1 expression, JAG1/NOTCH signaling, and cholangiocyte proliferation. CCN1 also induced Jag1 expression in hepatic stellate cells, whereupon they interacted with hepatic progenitor cells to promote their differentiation into cholangiocytes. Administration of CCN1 protein or soluble JAG1 induced cholangiocyte proliferation in mice, which was blocked by inhibitors of NF-κB or NOTCH signaling. Knock-in mice expressing a CCN1 mutant that is unable to bind αvß5/αvß3 were impaired in ductular reaction, leading to massive hepatic necrosis and mortality after bile duct ligation (BDL), whereas treatment of these mice with soluble JAG1 rescued ductular reaction and reduced hepatic necrosis and mortality. Blockade of integrin αvß5/αvß3, NF-κB, or NOTCH signaling in WT mice also resulted in defective ductular reaction after BDL. These findings demonstrate that CCN1 induces cholangiocyte proliferation and ductular reaction and identify CCN1/αvß5/NF-κB/JAG1 as a critical axis for biliary injury repair.

CCN1 secreted by tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes endothelial cell angiogenesis via integrin αv ß3 and AMPK.

CCN1 is highly expressed in cancer cells and has been identified in the secretome of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC). Although secreted CCN1 is known to promote angiogenesis, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we examined whether our recently-established tonsil-derived MSC (T-MSC) secrete CCN1 and, if any, how CCN1 promotes the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Compared with untreated control T-MSC, a higher level of CCN1 was secreted by T-MSC treated with activin A and sonic hedgehog, drugs known to induce endodermal differentiation. Expectedly, conditioned medium collected from differentiated T-MSC (DCM) significantly increased HUVEC migration and tube formation compared with that from control T-MSC (CCM), and these stimulatory effects were reversed by neutralization with anti-CCN1 antibody. Treatment with recombinant human CCN1 (rh-CCN1) alone also mimicked the stimulatory effects of DCM. Furthermore, treatment with either DCM or rh-CCN1 increased the phosphorylation of AMP kinase (AMPK), and ectopic expression of siRNA of the AMPK gene inhibited all observed effects of both DCM and rh-CCN1. However, no alteration of intracellular ATP levels or phosphorylation of LKB1, a well-known upstream factor of AMPK activation, was observed under our conditions. Finally, the neutralization of integrin α(v) ß(3) with anti-integrin α(v) ß(3) antibody almost completely reversed the effects of CCN1 on AMPK phosphorylation, and EC migration and tube formation. Taken together, we demonstrated that T-MSC increase the secretion of CCN1 in response to endodermal differentiation and that integrin α(v) ß(3) and AMPK mediate CCN1-induced EC migration and tube formation independent of intracellular ATP levels alteration.

CCN1 induces oncostatin M production in osteoblasts via integrin-dependent signal pathways.

Inflammatory response and articular destruction are common symptoms of osteoarthritis. Cysteine-rich 61 (CCN1 or Cyr61), a secreted protein from the CCN family, is associated with the extracellular matrix involved in many cellular activities like growth and differentiation. Yet the mechanism of CCN1 interacting with arthritic inflammatory response is unclear. This study finds CCN1 increasing expression of oncostatin m (OSM) in human osteoblastic cells. Pretreatment of αvß3 monoclonal antibody and inhibitors of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), c-Src, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and NF-κB inhibited CCN1-induced OSM expression in osteoblastic cells. Stimulation of cells with CCN1 increased phosphorylation of FAK, c-Src, PI3K, and NF-κB via αvß3 receptor; CCN1 treatment of osteoblasts increased NF-κB-luciferase activity and p65 binding to NF-κB element on OSM promoter. Results indicate CCN1 heightening OSM expression via αvß3 receptor, FAK, c-Src, PI3K, and NF-κB signal pathway in osteoblastic cells, suggesting CCN1 as a novel target in arthritis treatment.

CCN1 enhances angiogenic potency of bone marrow transplantation in a rat model of hindlimb ischemia.

Implantation of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) has been performed in ischemic tissues, for stimulation of angiogenesis, but the limited number of BM-MNCs in patients with hindlimb ischemia disease may offset their overall therapeutic efficacy. CCN1 is a novel and essential regulator during angiogenesis. We evaluated whether CCN1 and BM-MNC are capable of promoting angiogenesis in hindlimb ischemia. In this study, we created the rat model of hindlimb ischemia, and then the rats were randomly divided into four groups: CCN1 infusion plus BM-MNC transplantation (CCN1 + BM-MNCs group), CCN1 infusion plus PBS injection (CCN1 group), vehicle infusion plus BM-MNC transplantation (BM-MNCs group) and vehicle infusion plus PBS injection (control group). The combination of CCN1 and BM-MNC therapy could increase blood perfusion, capillary/muscle fiber ratio and tissue oxygenation in ischemic hindlimb. Moreover, CCN1 could not only inhibit the apoptosis of BM-MNCs, but also enhance the adhesiveness of BM-MNCs to HUVEC. Taken together, CCN1 enhanced angiogenesis of BM-MNC transplantation, and combining CCN1 with BM-MNC transplantation is a useful alternative for ischemic limbs.

Mesenchymal stem cell contact promotes CCN1 splicing and transcription in myeloma cells.

CCN family member 1 (CCN1), also known as cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61), belongs to the extracellular matrix-associated CCN protein family. The diverse functions of these proteins include regulation of cell migration, adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and survival/apoptosis, induction of angiogenesis and cellular senescence. Their functions are partly overlapping, largely non-redundant, cell-type specific, and depend on the local microenvironment. To elucidate the role of CCN1 in the crosstalk between stromal cells and myeloma cells, we performed co-culture experiments with primary mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and the interleukin-6 (IL-6)-dependent myeloma cell line INA-6. Here we show that INA-6 cells display increased transcription and induction of splicing of intron-retaining CCN1 pre-mRNA when cultured in contact with MSC. Protein analyses confirmed that INA-6 cells co-cultured with MSC show increased levels of CCN1 protein consistent with the existence of a pre-mature stop codon in intron 1 that abolishes translation of unspliced mRNA. Addition of recombinant CCN1-Fc protein to INA-6 cells was also found to induce splicing of CCN1 pre-mRNA in a concentration-dependent manner. Only full length CCN1-Fc was able to induce mRNA splicing of all introns, whereas truncated recombinant isoforms lacking domain 4 failed to induce intron splicing. Blocking RGD-dependent integrins on INA-6 cells resulted in an inhibition of these splicing events. These findings expand knowledge on splicing of the proangiogenic, matricellular factor CCN1 in the tumor microenvironment. We propose that contact with MSC-derived CCN1 leads to splicing and enhanced transcription of CCN1 which further contributes to the translation of angiogenic factor CCN1 in myeloma cells, supporting tumor viability and myeloma bone disease.

Cyr61 activates retinal cells and prolongs photoreceptor survival in rd1 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa.

Subretinal injections with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) rescue morphology as well as function of rod cells in mouse and rat animal models of retinitis pigmentosa. At the same time, it is postulated that this effect is indirect, mediated by activation of retinal Müller glial (RMG) cells. Here, we show that Cyr61/CCN1, one of the secreted proteins up-regulated in primary RMG after glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor stimulation, provides neuroprotective and pro-survival capacities: Recombinant Cyr61 significantly reduced photoreceptor (PR) cells death in organotypic cultures of Pde6b(rd1) retinas. To identify stimulated pathways in the retina, we treated Pde6b(rd1) retinal explants with Cyr61 and observed an overall increase in activated Erk1/2 and Stat3 signalling molecules characterized by activation-site-specific phosphorylation. To identify Cyr61 retinal target cells, we isolated primary porcine PR, RMG and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and exposed them separately to Cyr61. Here, RMG as well as RPE cells responded with induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2, Stat3 and Akt. In PR, no increase in phosphorylation in any of the studied proteins was detected, suggesting an indirect neuroprotective effect of Cyr61. Cyr61 may thus act as an endogenous pro-survival factor for PR, contributing to the complex repertoire of neuroprotective activities generated by RMG and RPE cells. We propose the following model of Cyr61 neuroprotection within the retina: Cyr61 stimulates retinal Müller glial (RMG) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and activates PI3K/Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)/Erk and Janus kinase(JAK)/Stat-signalling pathways in these cells. Phosphorylated Stat3 and Erk1/2 presumably translocate to the nucleus, induce transcriptional changes, which increase secretion of neuroprotective agents that protect photoreceptors (PR) from mutation-induced death.

The matricellular protein CCN1 suppresses lung cancer cell growth by inducing senescence via the p53/p21 pathway.

CCN1, a secreted matrix-associated molecule, is involved in multiple cellular processes. Previous studies have indicated that expression of CCN1 correlates inversely with the aggressiveness of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC); however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Using three NSCLC cell line systems, here we show that long-term treatment of cells with the recombinant CCN1 protein led to a permanent cell cycle arrest in G1 phase; cells remained viable as judged by apoptotic assays. CCN1-treated NSCLC cells acquired a phenotype characteristic of senescent cells, including an enlarged and flattened cell shape and expression of the senescence-associated ß-galactosidase. Immunoblot analysis showed that addition of CCN1 increased the abundance of hypo-phosphorylated Rb, as well as accumulation of p53 and p21. Silencing the expression of p53 or p21 by lentivirus-mediated shRNA production in cells blocked the CCN1-induced senescence. Furthermore, a CCN1 mutant defective for binding integrin α6ß1 and co-receptor heparan sulfate proteoglycans was incapable of senescence induction. Our finding that direct addition of CCN1 induces senescence in NSCLC cells provides a potential novel strategy for therapeutic intervention of lung cancers.

Coating decellularized equine carotid arteries with CCN1 improves cellular repopulation, local biocompatibility, and immune response in sheep.

Decellularized equine carotid arteries (dEAC) are potential alternatives to alloplastic vascular grafts although there are certain limitations in biocompatibility and immunogenicity. Here, dEAC were coated with the matricellular protein CCN1 and evaluated in vitro for its cytotoxic and angiogenic effects and in vivo for cellular repopulation, local biocompatibility, neovascularization, and immunogenicity in a sheep model. CCN1 coating resulted in nontoxic matrices not compromising viability of L929 fibroblasts and endothelial cells (ECs) assessed by WST-8 assay. Functionality of CCN1 was maintained as it induced typical changes in fibroblast morphology and MMP3 secretion. For in vivo testing, dEAC±CCN1 (n=3 each) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) protheses serving as controls (n=6) were implanted as cervical arteriovenous shunts. After 14 weeks, grafts were harvested and evaluated immunohistologically. PTFE grafts showed a patency rate of only 33% and lacked cellular repopulation. Both groups of bioartificial grafts were completely patent and repopulated with ECs and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). However, whereas dEAC contained only patch-like aggregates of SMCs and a partial luminal lining with ECs, CCN1-coated grafts showed multiple layers of SMCs and a complete endothelialization. Likewise, CCN1 coating reduced leukocyte infiltration and fibrosis and supported neovascularization. In addition, in a three-dimensional assay, CCN1 coating increased vascular tube formation in apposition to the matrix 1.6-fold. Graft-specific serum antibodies were increased by CCN1 up to 6 weeks after implantation (0.89±0.03 vs. 1.08±0.04), but were significantly reduced after 14 weeks (0.85±0.04 vs. 0.69±0.02). Likewise, restimulated lymphocyte proliferation was significantly lower after 14 weeks (1.78±0.09 vs. 1.32±0.09-fold of unstimulated). Thus, CCN1 coating of biological scaffolds improves local biocompatibility and accelerates scaffold remodeling by enhancing cellular repopulation and immunologic tolerance, making it a promising tool for generation of bioartificial vascular prostheses.

[Promoting effects of CYR61 on proliferation, migration and tube formation of choroid-retinal endothelial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of CYR61 (cysteine-rich 61; CCN1) on the proliferation, migration and tube formation of choroid-retinal endothelial cells (RF-6A cell line). METHODS: Experimental study. RF-6A cells were cultured and treated with CYR61 at different concentrations. Effects of CYR61 on cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis were observed by MTT assay, transwell assay and tube formation assay. RESULTS: When different concentrations of CYR61 (0, 5, 10, 100 and 500 µg/L) were used to treat RF-6A cells for 72 h, A(490) nm value of the MTT assay was changed dose-dependently (0.511, 0.522, 0.532, 0.597, 0.765 and 0.818), and the difference between different dosage groups was statistically significant (F = 318.828, P < 0.05). When RF-6A cells were treated with 400 µg/L CYR61 for different time periods (0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h), A(490) nm value increased with the extension of treatment time (0.533, 0.598, 0.643, 0.695 and 0.756), and the difference was statistically significant (F = 42.910, P < 0.05). In transwell assay, migrated cells in cells treated with different concentrations of CYR61 (40, 200, 400 µg/L and 400 µg/L + 25 mg/Lanti-CYR61 antibody), 80 µg/L VEGF, and negative control groups were 66.83 ± 3.87, 77.83 ± 4.26, 96.83 ± 3.49, 70.67 ± 3.83, 98.33 ± 3.14 and 62.00 ± 7.62 per high-power field, respectively. RF-6A cell migration capacity increased with increased concentration of CYR61 (F = 46.987, P < 0.05). In tube formation assay, numbers of tube in different concentrations of CYR61 (40, 200, 400 µg/L, 400 µg/L + 25 mg/L anti-CYR61 antibody), 80 µg/L VEGF and negative control groups were 34.33 ± 2.50, 60.67 ± 3.72, 88.17 ± 2.93, 51.17 ± 2.14, 90.83 ± 3.49 and 31.83 ± 3.31 per field. RF-6A cell tube formation capacity increased with increased concentration of CYR61 (F = 355.224, P < 0.05). There were equal effects between 400 µg/L CYR61 and 80 µg/L VEGF. Anti-CYR61 antibody could inhibit cell migration and tube formation promoted by CYR61. CONCLUSIONS: CYR61 can promote proliferation, migration and tube formation of choroid-retinal endothelial cells in vitro. CYR61 are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of retinal neovascularization.

Cysteine-rich matricellular protein improves callus regenerate in a rabbit trauma model.

PURPOSE: Open fractures with severe soft-tissue trauma are predisposed to poor bone healing. The vital coupling between osteo- and angiogenesis is disturbed. Cysteine-rich protein 61 (CYR61) is an angiogenic inducer promoting vascularisation. However, little is known about the effect of CYR61 on the callus regenerate after acute musculoskeletal trauma. Therefore, our aim was to determine whether local administration of CYR61: (1) has an influence on callus formation and remodelling, (2) increases bone volume and (3) partially restores callus stability. METHODS: A musculoskeletal trauma was created in 20 rabbits. To simulate fracture-site debridement, the limb was shortened. In the test group, a CYR61-coated collagen matrix was locally applied around the osteotomy. After ten days, gradual distraction was commenced (0.5 mm/12 h) to restore the original length. New bone formation was evaluated histomorphometrically, radiographically and biomechanically. RESULTS: Osseus consolidation occured in all animals. Average maximum callus diameter was higher in the test group [1.39 mm; standard deviation (SD) = 0.078 vs 1.26 mm (SD = 0.14); p = 0.096]. In addition, bone volume was higher (p = 0.11) in the test group, with a mean value of 49.73 % (SD = 13.68) compared with 37.6 % (SD = 5.91). Torsional strength was significantly higher (p = 0.005) in the test group [105.43 % (SD = 31.68 %) vs. 52.57 % (SD = 24.39)]. Instead, stiffness of the newly reconstructed callus decreased (64.21 % (SD = 11.52) vs. 71.30 % (SD = 32.25) (p = 0.81)). CONCLUSIONS: CYR61 positively influences callus regenerate after acute trauma, not only histologically and radiographically but also biomechanically, most probably by a CYR61-associated pathway.

NUR77 inhibits the expression of TIMP2 and increases the migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells induced by CYR61.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the function and mechanism of CYR61 on the migration and invasion of the trophoblast cell line, HTR-8/SVneo cells. STUDY DESIGN: The mRNA and protein levels of NUR77 in the placentas of normal and preeclampsia (PE) women were evaluated using real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Paraffin-embedded tissues were processed for localization of NUR77 protein in placental villus by immunohistochemistry. HTR-8/SVneo cells were cultured in the presence of CYR61, Ad-NUR77 or a small interfering RNA for NUR77 (Ad-sinur77). The expression of NUR77 in the HTR-8/SVneo cells was detected and the effects of CYR61 on the migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells were assessed in wound-healing and transwell experiments, respectively. Gelatin zymography was used to measure the MMP2 release in HTR-8/SVneo cells. RESULTS: NUR77 is significantly decreased in the placenta of women with PE compared with the levels during a normal pregnancy. CYR61 can significantly increase the expression of NUR77 in HTR-8/SVneo cells. CYR61, as well as NUR77, can promote HTR-8/SVneo cells migration and invasion, which can be blocked by Ad-sinur77. Both CYR61 and Ad-nur77 reduced the mRNA expression of TIMP2 in HTR-8/SVneo cells. CONCLUSIONS: CYR61 may promote HTR-8/SVneo cells migration and invasion through the upregulation of NUR77, leading to the increase of MMP2 release and the downregulation of TIMP2 expression.

Cell behavior on a CCN1 functionalized elastin-mimetic protein polymer.

We report the design of an elastin-mimetic triblock copolymer with the ability to guide endothelial cell adhesion, spreading, and migration while maintaining the elastomeric properties of the protein polymer. The V2 ligand sequence from matricellular protein CCN1 (cysteine-rich 61, CYR61) was multimerized and cloned into elastin polymer LysB10, creating LysB10.V2. Cell adhesion studies demonstrated that a LysB10.V2 surface density of at least 40 pmol/cm(2) was required to elicit cell attachment. Peptide blocking studies confirmed V2 specific engagement with integrin receptor α(v)ß(3) (P < 0.05) and we observed the formation of actin stress fiber networks and vinculin clustering, characteristic of focal adhesion assembly. Haptotatic migration assays demonstrated the ability of LysB10.V2 surfaces to stimulate migration of endothelial cells (P < 0.05). Significantly, we illustrated the ability of LysB10.V2 to support a quiescent endothelium. The CCN1 molecule functions to support many key biological processes necessary for tissue repair and thus presents a promising target for bioengineering applications. Collectively, our results demonstrate the potential to harness CCN1 specific function in the design of new scaffold materials for applications in regenerative medicine.