Publications by year
2022
Li L, Zheng J, Stevens M, Oltean S (2022). A repositioning screen using an FGFR2 splicing reporter reveals compounds that regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transitions and inhibit growth of prostate cancer xenografts.
Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev,
25, 147-157.
Abstract:
A repositioning screen using an FGFR2 splicing reporter reveals compounds that regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transitions and inhibit growth of prostate cancer xenografts.
Research in the area of hallmarks of cancer has opened the possibility of designing new therapies based on modulating these cancer properties. We present here a screen designed to find chemicals that modulate epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) in prostate cancer. For screening, we used a repurposing library and, as a readout, an FGFR2-based splicing reporter, which has been shown previously to be a sensor for EMTs. Various properties of cancer cells were assessed, signaling pathways investigated, and in vivo experiments in nude mice xenografts performed. The screen yielded three hit compounds (a T-type Ca channel inhibitor, an L-type Ca channel inhibitor, and an opioid antagonist) that switch FGFR2 splicing and induce an epithelial phenotype in prostate cancer cells. The compounds affected differently various properties of cancer cells, but all of them decreased cell migration, which is in line with modulating EMTs. We further present mechanistic insights into one of the compounds, nemadipine-A. The administration of nemadipine-A intraperitoneally in a nude mouse xenograft model of prostate cancer slowed tumor growth. To conclude, we show that knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that connect alternative splicing and various cancer properties may be used as a platform for drug development.
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Ayine ML, Stevens M, Oltean S (2022). IDF21-0319 Novel compounds found to regulate VEGF-A alternative splicing in diabetic podocytes. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 186
Finch NC, Fawaz SS, Neal CR, Butler MJ, Lee VK, Salmon AJ, Lay AC, Stevens M, Dayalan L, Band H, et al (2022). Reduced Glomerular Filtration in Diabetes is Attributable to Loss of Density and Increased Resistance of Glomerular Endothelial Cell Fenestrations.
J Am Soc Nephrol,
33(6), 1120-1136.
Abstract:
Reduced Glomerular Filtration in Diabetes is Attributable to Loss of Density and Increased Resistance of Glomerular Endothelial Cell Fenestrations.
BACKGROUND: Glomerular endothelial cell (GEnC) fenestrations are recognized as an essential component of the glomerular filtration barrier, yet little is known about how they are regulated and their role in disease. METHODS: We comprehensively characterized GEnC fenestral and functional renal filtration changes including measurement of glomerular K f and GFR in diabetic mice (BTBR ob-/ob- ). We also examined and compared human samples. We evaluated Eps homology domain protein-3 (EHD3) and its association with GEnC fenestrations in diabetes in disease samples and further explored its role as a potential regulator of fenestrations in an in vitro model of fenestration formation using b.End5 cells. RESULTS: Loss of GEnC fenestration density was associated with decreased filtration function in diabetic nephropathy. We identified increased diaphragmed fenestrations in diabetes, which are posited to increase resistance to filtration and further contribute to decreased GFR. We identified decreased glomerular EHD3 expression in diabetes, which was significantly correlated with decreased fenestration density. Reduced fenestrations in EHD3 knockdown b.End5 cells in vitro further suggested a mechanistic role for EHD3 in fenestration formation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the critical role of GEnC fenestrations in renal filtration function and suggests EHD3 may be a key regulator, loss of which may contribute to declining glomerular filtration function through aberrant GEnC fenestration regulation. This points to EHD3 as a novel therapeutic target to restore filtration function in disease.
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2021
Star E, Stevens M, Gooding C, Smith CWJ, Li L, Ayine ML, Harper SJ, Bates DO, Oltean S (2021). A drug-repositioning screen using splicing-sensitive fluorescent reporters identifies novel modulators of VEGF-A splicing with anti-angiogenic properties.
Oncogenesis,
10(5).
Abstract:
A drug-repositioning screen using splicing-sensitive fluorescent reporters identifies novel modulators of VEGF-A splicing with anti-angiogenic properties
AbstractAlternative splicing of the vascular endothelial growth factor a (VEGF-A) terminal exon generates two protein families with differing functions. Pro-angiogenic VEGF-Axxxa isoforms are produced via selection of the proximal 3′ splice site of the terminal exon. Use of an alternative distal splice site generates the anti-angiogenic VEGF-Axxxb proteins. A bichromatic splicing-sensitive reporter was designed to mimic VEGF-A alternative splicing and was used as a molecular tool to further investigate this alternative splicing event. Part of VEGF-A’s terminal exon and preceding intron were inserted into a minigene construct followed by the coding sequences for two fluorescent proteins. A different fluorescent protein is expressed depending on which 3′ splice site of the exon is used during splicing (dsRED denotes VEGF-Axxxa and EGFP denotes VEGF-Axxxb). The fluorescent output can be used to follow splicing decisions in vitro and in vivo. Following successful reporter validation in different cell lines and altering splicing using known modulators, a screen was performed using the LOPAC library of small molecules. Alterations to reporter splicing were measured using a fluorescent plate reader to detect dsRED and EGFP expression. Compounds of interest were further validated using flow cytometry and assessed for effects on endogenous VEGF-A alternative splicing at the mRNA and protein level. Ex vivo and in vitro angiogenesis assays were used to demonstrate the anti-angiogenic effect of the compounds. Furthermore, anti-angiogenic activity was investigated in a Matrigel in vivo model. To conclude, we have identified a set of compounds that have anti-angiogenic activity through modulation of VEGF-A terminal exon splicing.
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2020
Finch NC, Fawaz SS, Neal CR, Butler M, Lee V, Lay A, Stevens M, Dayalan L, Band H, Mellor H, et al (2020). Loss of filtration function in diabetic glomeruli is associated with ultrastructural changes in glomerular endothelial cell fenestrations.
2019
Kikuchi R, Stevens M, Harada K, Oltean S, Murohara T (2019). Anti-angiogenic isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor-A in cardiovascular and renal disease.
,
88, 1-33.
Abstract:
Anti-angiogenic isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor-A in cardiovascular and renal disease
Accumulating evidence suggests that pathologic interactions between the heart and the kidney can contribute to the progressive dysfunction of both organs. Recently, there has been an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to increasing obesity rates. It has been reported that obesity causes various heart and renal disorders and appears to accelerate their progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is a major regulator of angiogenesis and vessel permeability, and is associated with CVD and CKD. It is now recognized that alternative VEGF-A gene splicing generates VEGF-A isoforms that differ in their biological actions. Proximal splicing that includes an exon 8a sequence results in pro-angiogenic VEGF-A 165 a, whereas distal splicing inclusive of exon 8b yields the anti-angiogenic isoform of VEGF-A (VEGF-A 165 b). This review highlights several recent preclinical and clinical studies on the role of VEGF-A 165 b in CVD and CKD as a novel function of VEGF-A. This review also discusses potential therapeutic approaches of the use of VEGF-A in clinical settings as a potential circulating biomarker for CVD and CKD.
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Brooks H, Addeo A, Comins C, Stevens M, Li L, Wade L, Oltean S (2019). Detection of Genomic Mutations in Blood and Urine ctDNA in Lung Adenocarcinoma with EGFR Mutation on Tissue - an Interim Progress Report.
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Stevens M, Oltean S (2019). Modulation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Activity through Alternative Splicing of Ligands and Receptors in the VEGF-A/VEGFR Axis.
Cells,
8(4).
Abstract:
Modulation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Activity through Alternative Splicing of Ligands and Receptors in the VEGF-A/VEGFR Axis.
Vascular endothelial growth factor a (VEGF-A) signaling is essential for physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Alternative splicing of the VEGF-A pre-mRNA gives rise to a pro-angiogenic family of isoforms with a differing number of amino acids (VEGF-Axxxa), as well as a family of isoforms with anti-angiogenic properties (VEGF-Axxxb). The biological functions of VEGF-A proteins are mediated by a family of cognate protein tyrosine kinase receptors, known as the VEGF receptors (VEGFRs). VEGF-A binds to both VEGFR-1, largely suggested to function as a decoy receptor, and VEGFR-2, the predominant signaling receptor. Both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 can also be alternatively spliced to generate soluble isoforms (sVEGFR-1/sVEGFR-2). The disruption of the splicing of just one of these genes can result in changes to the entire VEGF-A/VEGFR signaling axis, such as the increase in VEGF-A165a relative to VEGF-A165b resulting in increased VEGFR-2 signaling and aberrant angiogenesis in cancer. Research into this signaling axis has recently focused on manipulating the splicing of these genes as a potential therapeutic avenue in disease. Therefore, further research into understanding the mechanisms by which the splicing of VEGF-A/VEGFR-1/VEGFR-2 is regulated will help in the development of drugs aimed at manipulating splicing or inhibiting specific splice isoforms in a therapeutic manner.
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Stevens M, Oltean S (2019). Modulation of the Apoptosis Gene Bcl-x Function Through Alternative Splicing.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS,
10 Author URL.
Stevens M, Star E, Lee M, Innes E, Li L, Bowler E, Harper S, Bates DO, Oltean S (2019). The VEGF-A exon 8 splicing-sensitive fluorescent reporter mouse is a novel tool to assess the effects of splicing regulatory compounds in vivo.
RNA Biol,
16(12), 1672-1681.
Abstract:
The VEGF-A exon 8 splicing-sensitive fluorescent reporter mouse is a novel tool to assess the effects of splicing regulatory compounds in vivo.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A is differentially spliced to give two functionally different isoform families; pro-angiogenic, pro-permeability VEGF-Axxx and anti-angiogenic, anti-permeability VEGF-Axxxb. VEGF-A splicing is dysregulated in several pathologies, including cancer, diabetes, and peripheral arterial disease. The bichromatic VEGF-A splicing-sensitive fluorescent reporter harboured in a transgenic mouse is a novel approach to investigate the splicing patterns of VEGF-A in vivo. We generated a transgenic mouse harbouring a splicing-sensitive fluorescent reporter designed to mimic VEGF-A terminal exon splicing (VEGF8ab) by insertion into the ROSA26 genomic locus. dsRED expression denotes proximal splice site selection (VEGF-Axxx) and eGFP expression denotes distal splice site selection (VEGF-Axxxb). We investigated the tissue-specific expression patterns in the eye, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, kidney, and pancreas, and determined whether the splicing pattern could be manipulated in the same manner as endogenous VEGF-A by treatment with the SRPK1 inhibitor SPHINX 31. We confirmed expression of both dsRED and eGFP in the eye, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, kidney, and pancreas, with the highest expression of both fluorescent proteins observed in the exocrine pancreas. The ratio of dsRED and eGFP matched that of endogenous VEGF-Axxx and VEGF-Axxxb. Treatment of the VEGF8ab mice with SPHINX 31 increased the mRNA and protein eGFP/dsRED ratio in the exocrine pancreas, mimicking endogenous VEGF-A splicing. The VEGF-A exon 8 splicing-sensitive fluorescent reporter mouse is a novel tool to assess splicing regulation in the individual cell-types and tissues, which provides a useful screening process for potentially therapeutic splicing regulatory compounds in vivo.
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Stevens M, Neal CR, Craciun EC, Dronca M, Harper SJ, Oltean S (2019). The natural drug DIAVIT is protective in a type II mouse model of diabetic nephropathy.
PLoS One,
14(3).
Abstract:
The natural drug DIAVIT is protective in a type II mouse model of diabetic nephropathy.
There is evidence to suggest that abnormal angiogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis drive diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, there is no specific treatment to counteract these processes. We aimed to determine whether DIAVIT, a natural Vaccinium myrtillus (blueberry) and Hippophae Rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) extract, is protective in a model of type II DN. Diabetic db/db mice were administered DIAVIT in their drinking water for 14 weeks. We assessed the functional, structural, and ultra-structural phenotype of three experimental groups (lean+vehicle, db/db+vehicle, db/db+DIAVIT). We also investigated the angiogenic and fibrotic pathways involved in the mechanism of action of DIAVIT. Diabetic db/db mice developed hyperglycaemia, albuminuria, and an increased glomerular water permeability; the latter two were prevented by DIAVIT. db/db mice developed fibrotic glomeruli, endothelial insult, and glomerular ultra-structural changes, which were not present in DIAVIT-treated mice. Vascular endothelial growth factor a (VEGF-A) splicing was altered in the db/db kidney cortex, increasing the pro-angiogenic VEGF-A165 relative to the anti-angiogenic VEGF-A165b. This was partially prevented with DIAVIT treatment. Delphinidin, an anthocyanin abundant in DIAVIT, increased the VEGF-A165b expression relative to total VEGF-A165 in cultured podocytes through phosphorylation of the splice factor SRSF6. DIAVIT, in particular delphinidin, alters VEGF-A splicing in type II DN, rescuing the DN phenotype. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of natural drugs in DN through the manipulation of gene splicing and expression.
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2018
Stevens M, Payne M, Innes E, Torregrossa RO, Wood M, Stevens MKO, Whiteman MO, Oltean SO (2018). A novel mitochondria-targeted hydrogen sulfide delivery molecule prevents uraemia and diabetes-induced renal cell oxidative stress.
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Stevens M, Payne M, Innes E, Torregrossa RO, Wood M, Stevens MKO, Whiteman MO, Oltean SO (2018). A novel mitochondria‐targeted hydrogen sulfide delivery molecule prevents uraemia and diabetes‐induced renal cell oxidative stress. The FASEB Journal, 32(S1), 619.10-619.10.
Stevens M, Oltean S (2018). Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease.
J Vis Exp(136).
Abstract:
Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease.
The use of murine models to mimic human kidney disease is becoming increasingly common. Our research is focused on the assessment of glomerular function in diabetic nephropathy and podocyte-specific VEGF-A knock-out mice; therefore, this protocol describes the full kidney work-up used in our lab to assess these mouse models of glomerular disease, enabling a vast amount of information regarding kidney and glomerular function to be obtained from a single mouse. In comparison to alternative methods presented in the literature to assess glomerular function, the use of the method outlined in this paper enables the glomerular phenotype to be fully evaluated from multiple aspects. By using this method, the researcher can determine the kidney phenotype of the model and assess the mechanism as to why the phenotype develops. This vital information on the mechanism of disease is required when examining potential therapeutic avenues in these models. The methods allow for detailed functional assessment of the glomerular filtration barrier through measurement of the urinary albumin creatinine ratio and individual glomerular water permeability, as well as both structural and ultra-structural examination using the Periodic Acid Schiff stain and electron microscopy. Furthermore, analysis of the genes dysregulated at the mRNA and protein level enables mechanistic analysis of glomerular function. This protocol outlines the generic but adaptable methods that can be applied to all mouse models of glomerular disease.
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Stevens M, Oltean S (2018). Modulation of VEGF-A Alternative Splicing as a Novel Treatment in Chronic Kidney Disease.
Genes (Basel),
9(2).
Abstract:
Modulation of VEGF-A Alternative Splicing as a Novel Treatment in Chronic Kidney Disease.
Vascular endothelial growth factor a (VEGF-A) is a prominent pro-angiogenic and pro-permeability factor in the kidney. Alternative splicing of the terminal exon of VEGF-A through the use of an alternative 3' splice site gives rise to a functionally different family of isoforms, termed VEGF-Axxxb, known to have anti-angiogenic and anti-permeability properties. Dysregulation of the VEGF-Axxx/VEGF-Axxxb isoform balance has recently been reported in several kidney pathologies, including diabetic nephropathy (DN) and Denys-Drash syndrome. Using mouse models of kidney disease where the VEGF-A isoform balance is disrupted, several reports have shown that VEGF-A165b treatment/over-expression in the kidney is therapeutically beneficial. Furthermore, inhibition of certain splice factor kinases involved in the regulation of VEGF-A terminal exon splicing has provided some mechanistic insight into how VEGF-A splicing could be regulated in the kidney. This review highlights the importance of further investigation into the novel area of VEGF-A splicing in chronic kidney disease pathogenesis and how future studies may allow for the development of splicing-modifying therapeutic drugs.
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Stevens M, Neal CR, Salmon AHJ, Bates DO, Harper SJ, Oltean S (2018). Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A165b Restores Normal Glomerular Water Permeability in a Diphtheria-Toxin Mouse Model of Glomerular Injury.
Nephron,
139(1), 51-62.
Abstract:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A165b Restores Normal Glomerular Water Permeability in a Diphtheria-Toxin Mouse Model of Glomerular Injury.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Genetic cell ablation using the human diphtheria toxin receptor (hDTR) is a new strategy used for analysing cellular function. Diphtheria toxin (DT) is a cytotoxic protein that leaves mouse cells relatively unaffected, but upon binding to hDTR it ultimately leads to cell death. We used a podocyte-specific hDTR expressing (Pod-DTR) mouse to assess the anti-permeability and cyto-protective effects of the splice isoform vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A165b). METHODS: the Pod-DTR mouse was crossed with a mouse that over-expressed VEGF-A165b specifically in the podocytes (Neph-VEGF-A165b). Wild type (WT), Pod-DTR, Neph-VEGF-A165b and Pod-DTR X Neph-VEGF-A165b mice were treated with several doses of DT (1, 5, 100, and 1,000 ng/g bodyweight). Urine was collected and the glomerular water permeability (LpA/Vi) was measured ex vivo after 14 days. Structural analysis and podocyte marker expression were also assessed. RESULTS: Pod-DTR mice developed an increased glomerular LpA/Vi 14 days after administration of DT (all doses), which was prevented when the mice over-expressed VEGF-A165b. No major structural abnormalities, podocyte ablation or albuminuria was observed in Pod-DTR mice, indicating this to be a mild model of podocyte disease. However, a change in expression and localisation of nephrin within the podocytes was observed, indicating disruption of the slit diaphragm in the Pod-DTR mice. This was prevented in the Pod-DTR X Neph-VEGF-A165b mice. CONCLUSION: Although only a mild model of podocyte injury, over-expression of the anti-permeability VEGF-A165b isoform in the podocytes of Pod-DTR mice had a protective effect. Therefore, this study further highlights the therapeutic potential of VEGF-A165b in glomerular disease.
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2017
Stevens M, Neal CR, Salmon AHJ, Bates DO, Harper SJ, Oltean S (2017). VEGF-A165 b protects against proteinuria in a mouse model with progressive depletion of all endogenous VEGF-A splice isoforms from the kidney.
J Physiol,
595(19), 6281-6298.
Abstract:
VEGF-A165 b protects against proteinuria in a mouse model with progressive depletion of all endogenous VEGF-A splice isoforms from the kidney.
KEY POINTS: Progressive depletion of all vascular endothelial growth factor a (VEGF-A) splice isoforms from the kidney results in proteinuria and increased glomerular water permeability, which are both rescued by over-expression of VEGF-A165 b only. VEGF-A165 b rescues the increase in glomerular basement membrane and podocyte slit width, as well as the decrease in sub-podocyte space coverage, produced by VEGF-A depletion. VEGF-A165 b restores the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule in glomerular endothelial cells and glomerular capillary circumference. VEGF-A165 b has opposite effects to VEGF-A165 on the expression of genes involved in endothelial cell migration and proliferation. ABSTRACT: Chronic kidney disease is strongly associated with a decrease in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor a (VEGF-A). However, little is known about the contribution of VEGF-A splice isoforms to kidney physiology and pathology. Previous studies suggest that the splice isoform VEGF-A165 b (resulting from alternative usage of a 3' splice site in the terminal exon) is protective for kidney function. In the present study, we show, in a quad-transgenic model, that over-expression of VEGF-A165 b alone is sufficient to rescue the increase in proteinuria, as well as glomerular water permeability, in the context of progressive depletion of all VEGF-A isoforms from the podocytes. Ultrastructural studies show that the glomerular basement membrane is thickened, podocyte slit width is increased and sub-podocyte space coverage is reduced when VEGF-A is depleted, all of which are rescued in VEGF-A165 b over-expressors. VEGF-A165 b restores the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 in glomerular endothelial cells and glomerular capillary circumference. Mechanistically, it increases VEGF receptor 2 expression both in vivo and in vitro and down-regulates genes involved in migration and proliferation of endothelial cells, otherwise up-regulated by the canonical isoform VEGF-A165. The results of the present study indicate that manipulation of VEGF-A splice isoforms could be a novel therapeutic avenue in chronic glomerular disease.
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2016
Stevens M, Oltean S (2016). Alternative Splicing in CKD.
J Am Soc Nephrol,
27(6), 1596-1603.
Abstract:
Alternative Splicing in CKD.
Alternative splicing (AS) has emerged in the postgenomic era as one of the main drivers of proteome diversity, with ≥94% of multiexon genes alternatively spliced in humans. AS is therefore one of the main control mechanisms for cell phenotype, and is a process deregulated in disease. Numerous reports describe pathogenic mutations in splice factors, splice sites, or regulatory sequences. Additionally, compared with the physiologic state, disease often associates with an abnormal proportion of splice isoforms (or novel isoforms), without an apparent driver mutation. It is therefore essential to study how AS is regulated in physiology, how it contributes to pathogenesis, and whether we can manipulate faulty splicing for therapeutic advantage. Although the disease most commonly linked to deregulation of AS in several genes is cancer, many reports detail pathogenic splice variants in diseases ranging from neuromuscular disorders to diabetes or cardiomyopathies. A plethora of splice variants have been implicated in CKDs as well. In this review, we describe examples of these CKD-associated splice variants and ideas on how to manipulate them for therapeutic benefit.
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2015
Oltean S, Qiu Y, Ferguson JK, Stevens M, Neal C, Russell A, Kaura A, Arkill KP, Harris K, Symonds C, et al (2015). Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A165b is Protective and Restores Endothelial Glycocalyx in Diabetic Nephropathy.
J Am Soc Nephrol,
26(8), 1889-1904.
Abstract:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A165b is Protective and Restores Endothelial Glycocalyx in Diabetic Nephropathy.
Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of ESRD in high-income countries and a growing problem across the world. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is thought to be a critical mediator of vascular dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy, yet VEGF-A knockout and overexpression of angiogenic VEGF-A isoforms each worsen diabetic nephropathy. We examined the vasculoprotective effects of the VEGF-A isoform VEGF-A165b in diabetic nephropathy. Renal expression of VEGF-A165b mRNA was upregulated in diabetic individuals with well preserved kidney function, but not in those with progressive disease. Reproducing this VEGF-A165b upregulation in mouse podocytes in vivo prevented functional and histologic abnormalities in diabetic nephropathy. Biweekly systemic injections of recombinant human VEGF-A165b reduced features of diabetic nephropathy when initiated during early or advanced nephropathy in a model of type 1 diabetes and when initiated during early nephropathy in a model of type 2 diabetes. VEGF-A165b normalized glomerular permeability through phosphorylation of VEGF receptor 2 in glomerular endothelial cells, and reversed diabetes-induced damage to the glomerular endothelial glycocalyx. VEGF-A165b also improved the permeability function of isolated diabetic human glomeruli. These results show that VEGF-A165b acts via the endothelium to protect blood vessels and ameliorate diabetic nephropathy.
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