Key Features
Enhance your research with our curated data sets and powerful platform features. Pluto Bio makes it simple to find and use the data you need.
Learn MoreRationale We previously identified somatic activating mutations in the KRAS gene in the endothelium of the majority of human sporadic brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs); a disorder characterized by direct connections between arteries and veins. However, whether this genetic abnormality alone is sufficient for lesion formation, as well as how active KRAS signaling contributes to AVM formation, remains unknown.; Objective To establish the first in vivo models of somatic KRAS gain of function in the endothelium in both mice and zebrafish in order to directly observe the phenotypic consequences of constitutive KRAS activity at a cellular level in vivo, and to test potential therapeutic interventions for AVMs.; Methods and Results Using both postnatal and adult mice, as well as embryonic zebrafish, we demonstrate that endothelial-specific gain of function mutations in Kras (G12D or G12V) are sufficient to induce bAVMs. Active KRAS signaling leads to altered endothelial cell morphogenesis and increased cell size, ectopic sprouting, expanded vessel lumen diameter, and direct connections between arteries and veins. Furthermore, we show that these lesions are not associated with altered endothelial growth dynamics or a lack of proper arteriovenous identity, but instead appear to feature exuberant angiogenic signaling. Finally, we demonstrate that KRAS-dependent AVMs in zebrafish are refractory to inhibition of the downstream effector PI3K, but instead require active MEK signaling.; Conclusions We demonstrate that active KRAS expression in the endothelium is sufficient for bAVM formation, even in the setting of uninjured adult vasculature. Furthermore, the finding that KRAS-dependent lesions are reversible in zebrafish suggests that MEK inhibition may represent a promising therapeutic treatment for AVM patients. SOURCE: Manuel,Eliezer,Cantu Gutierrez (mguiterr@bcm.edu) - Wythe Lab Baylor College of Medicine
View on GEOView in PlutoEnhance your research with our curated data sets and powerful platform features. Pluto Bio makes it simple to find and use the data you need.
Learn MoreUse Pluto's intuitive interface to analyze and visualize data for this experiment. Pluto's platform is equipped with an API & SDKs, making it easy to integrate into your internal bioinformatics processes.
Read about post-pipeline analysisView quality control data and experiment metadata for this experiment.
Request imports from GEO or TCGA directly within Pluto Bio.
Chat with our Scientific Insights team