U.S. patent application number 14/508994 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-12 for notch inhibition in the treatment and prevention of obesity.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.. Invention is credited to Elena Aikawa, Masanori Aikawa, Daiju Fukuda, Tetsuro Miyazaki.
Application Number | 20160130334 14/508994 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43923017 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160130334 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aikawa; Masanori ; et
al. |
May 12, 2016 |
NOTCH INHIBITION IN THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF OBESITY
Abstract
The present invention is directed to methods of treating or
preventing obesity by administering agents that inhibit the NOTCH
signaling pathway. Antibodies that inhibit the binding of Delta
like 4 ligand (Dll4) to NOTCH receptors may be used for this
purpose.
Inventors: |
Aikawa; Masanori; (Chestnut
Hill, MA) ; Fukuda; Daiju; (Brookline, MA) ;
Miyazaki; Tetsuro; (Brookline, MA) ; Aikawa;
Elena; (Chestnut Hill, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. |
Boston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
THE BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL,
INC.
Boston
MA
|
Family ID: |
43923017 |
Appl. No.: |
14/508994 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13461365 |
May 1, 2012 |
8889131 |
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14508994 |
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PCT/US2010/054798 |
Oct 29, 2010 |
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13461365 |
|
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61257026 |
Nov 1, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/158.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 3/06 20180101; C12N
2310/14 20130101; A61P 9/02 20180101; C07K 2317/20 20130101; A61P
15/10 20180101; C12N 15/1138 20130101; A61P 9/00 20180101; A61P
9/08 20180101; C12N 15/113 20130101; A61P 3/04 20180101; A61P 9/10
20180101; A61P 3/10 20180101; A61P 5/50 20180101; A61P 27/02
20180101; A61K 2039/505 20130101; C07K 2317/76 20130101; A61P 13/12
20180101; A61P 3/00 20180101; C07K 16/22 20130101; A61K 38/1709
20130101 |
International
Class: |
C07K 16/22 20060101
C07K016/22 |
Claims
1. A method of treating or preventing obesity in a patient,
comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically
effective amount of a compound that inhibits the NOTCH signaling
pathway.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said compound inhibits the
binding of a NOTCH ligand to a NOTCH receptor.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said compound is an antibody.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said antibody inhibits the
binding of Delta like 4 ligand (Dll4) to a NOTCH receptor.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said compound is an antibody that
binds to Dll4 and inhibits its binding to a NOTCH 3 receptor.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said method is used to treat an
obese patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m.sup.2 or
higher.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein said compound is an antibody that
inhibits the binding of Dll4 to a NOTCH receptor.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein said patient is treated by
administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising said antibody
and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein a sufficient amount of antibody is
administered at regular intervals over a period of 12-36 months to
reduce the BMI of said patient to below 25 kg/m.sup.2 and/or to
reduce the weight of said patient by at least 20%.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said compound is an antibody
that binds to Dll4 and inhibits its binding to NOTCH-3
receptors.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said compound is a is a
gamma-secretase inhibitor.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said patient is treated by
administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising said compound
and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said pharmaceutical composition
is in unit dosage form.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein a sufficient amount of compound
is administered at regular intervals over a period of 12-36 months
to reduce the BMI of said patient to below 25 kg/m.sup.2 and/or
reduce the weight of said patient by at least 20%.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein said method is used to prevent a
patient from becoming obese.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said compound is an antibody
that inhibits the binding of Dll4 to a NOTCH receptor.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein said compound is an antibody
that binds to Dll4 and inhibits its binding to a NOTCH 3
receptor.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said subject is treated by
administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising said antibody
and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said pharmaceutical composition
is in unit dosage form.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein said patient has been
identified as being at increased risk of becoming obese by a method
comprising: a) assaying a test biological sample derived from said
patient for the amount, function, or activity of a NOTCH component;
b) comparing the results obtained in step a) with those from one or
more samples from a control group, wherein a higher amount,
function, or activity of said NOTCH component in said test
biological sample is an indication that said patient is at
increased risk of becoming obese.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. Ser. No. 13/461,365,
filed on May 1, 2012. U.S. Ser. No. 13/461,365 is a
continuation-in-part application of international patent
application Serial No. PCT/US2010/054798 filed 29 Oct. 2010, which
published as PCT Publication No. WO 2011/053822 on 5 May 2011, and
which claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application
61/257,026, filed on 1 Nov. 2009.
[0002] Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 8,133,857 and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/358,425, filed on Jan. 25, 2012 (now
abandoned).
[0003] The foregoing applications, and all documents cited therein
or during their prosecution ("appin cited documents") and all
documents cited or referenced in the appin cited documents, and all
documents cited or referenced herein ("herein cited documents"),
and all documents cited or referenced in herein cited documents,
together with any manufacturer's instructions, descriptions,
product specifications, and product sheets for any products
mentioned herein or in any document incorporated by reference
herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and may be
employed in the practice of the invention. More specifically, all
referenced documents are incorporated by reference to the same
extent as if each individual document was specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to methods of treating or
preventing both obesity and metabolic syndrome by administering
agents that block or modulate the NOTCH signaling pathway. In
addition, the invention includes assays for identifying patients at
risk of developing these conditions and assays for identifying
therapeutic agents based upon their ability to block NOTCH
signaling.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Obesity, which often associates with other metabolic
disorders, has become a global threat to human health. In the
United States, over two-thirds of adults are overweight and
one-third is obese. The most serious and frequent major
complications of obesity are atherosclerosis and "heart
attack".
[0006] Metabolic syndrome (Sutherland, et al., Metabolic Syndrome
and Related Disorders 2:82-104 (2004); Esposito, et al., Nutr.
Metab. Cardiovasc. Dis. 14:228-232 (2004)), relates to obesity and
is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors including: 1)
abdominal obesity (excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen);
2) atherogenic dyslipidemia (high triglycerides; low HDL
cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol); 3) elevated blood pressure;
4) insulin resistance or glucose intolerance; 5) a prothrombotic
state (e.g., high fibrinogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1
in the blood); and 6) a proinflammatory state (e.g., elevated CRP
in the blood). Metabolic syndrome has become increasingly common in
developed countries and is closely associated with risk of coronary
heart disease (Malik, et al., Circulation 110:1245-1250 (2004);
Irabarren, et al., J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 48:1800-1807 (2006)).
Accumulating evidence suggests that the key features of metabolic
syndrome are closely associated with chronic inflammation
characterized by macrophage accumulation, increased cytokine
production, and activation of a network of inflammatory signaling
pathways.
[0007] Cardiometabolic syndrome includes obesity-related metabolic
disorders and atherosclerosis. Cardiometabolic disorders also
promote arterial and valvular calcification which may lead to
devastating clinical complications: acute myocardial infarction and
aortic stenosis. In addition, diabetes causes chronic kidney
disease that also leads to cardiovascular ectopic calcification and
acute myocardial infarction. Collectively, several major components
of the cardiometabolic syndrome, developed via interrelated
mechanisms, enhance each other through local or systemic
inflammation.
[0008] The NOTCH signaling pathway has been identified as playing
an important role in many diverse biological functions, including
cellular differentiation and proliferation (see U.S. Pat. No.
6,703,221). Mutations that increase NOTCH signaling have been
associated with the development of leukemia and inhibitors of NOTCH
are being studied for their potential use in the treatment of
neurological diseases and cancer (Artavanis-Tsakonas, et al.,
Science 284:770-776 (1999); Wang, et al., Science 306:269-271
(2004); Stockhausen, et al., Br. J. Cancer 92:751-759 (2005); Van
Es, et al., Nature 435:959-963 (2005)).
[0009] The NOTCH pathway is activated by four different
transmembrane receptor subtypes (designated as NOTCH-1-NOTCH-4)
that rely upon regulated proteolysis. Expression patterns of NOTCH
depend on cell type. Following ligand binding, the receptor
undergoes sequential cleavage by metalloproteases of the ADAM
family (Bru, et al., Mol. Cell 5:207-216 (2000); Mumm, et al., Mol.
Cell 5:197-206 (2000)) and the presenilin-dependent gamma-secretase
(Selkoe, et al., Annu. Rev. Neurosci. 26:565-97 (2003); De
Strooper, et al., Nature 398:518-522 (1999)). The final proteolytic
cleavage step permits the intracellular domain of the NOTCH
receptor to translocate to the cell nucleus where it interacts with
transcription factors to induce target gene expression.
[0010] In the cell nucleus, the NOTCH intracellular domain
undergoes ubiquitilation. Proteolytic processing of the NOTCH
precursor protein by furin-protease and its trafficking to the cell
membrane also determine turnover and availability of receptors,
and, in turn, activation of this signaling pathway. Altered
glycosylation of the Notch extracellular domain by Fringe protein
family members may also modify efficiency of ligand binding.
[0011] As mentioned above, inhibitors of NOTCH, particularly
gamma-secretase inhibitors, have received a great deal of attention
as possible therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurological
diseases (especially Alzheimer's disease) and cancer (especially
leukemia). The therapeutic use of these agents in treating or
preventing obesity or metabolic syndrome would represent a clear
advance in medicine and public health.
[0012] Citation or identification of any document in this
application is not an admission that such document is available as
prior art to the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is directed to methods of treating or
preventing obesity or a metabolic disease, disorder or syndrome in
a patient by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a
compound that inhibits or modulates the NOTCH signaling pathway.
Applicants refer to metabolic syndrome with a modified 2005
National Cholesterol Education Program-ATP III definition as 3 or
more of the following symptoms: waist circumference.gtoreq.40
inches in men, .gtoreq.35 inches in women; blood pressure
.gtoreq.130/85 mmHg; triglycerides .gtoreq.150 mg/dL; HDL
cholesterol.ltoreq.40 mg/dL in men, 50 mg/dL in women; and glucose
.gtoreq.100 mg/dL. Applicants categorize body mass index (BMI)
according to the WHO criteria: BMI .ltoreq.25 kg/m.sup.2=healthy
weight, BMI 25-29.9 kg/m.sup.2=overweight and BMI .gtoreq.30
kg/m.sup.2=obese.
[0014] As used herein, the term "therapeutically effective amount"
may refer to a sufficient amount of a NOTCH inhibitor to reduce,
when administered at regular intervals over a period of time (e.g.,
12-36 months), the body mass index of an obese patient to below 30
kg/m.sup.2 (preferably to below 25 kg/m.sup.2) or, alternatively,
the weight of an obese patient by at least 15% (and preferably 20
or 25%). With respect to metabolic syndrome, the term may refer to
a sufficient amount of a NOTCH inhibitor to reduce or eliminate,
when administered at regular intervals over a period of time (e.g.,
12-36 months), at least one of the symptoms associated with
metabolic syndrome mentioned above, and preferably, enough so that
the patient does not exhibit any of the symptoms. In the context of
prevention, a therapeutically effective amount may be a sufficient
dosage when administered at regular intervals to reduce the number
of patients becoming obese or developing metabolic syndrome by at
least 25% (and preferably at least 50 or 70%) relative to
clinically similar patients not receiving the inhibitor. The term
"clinically similar" may refer to patients that are not obese and
do not have metabolic syndrome or, alternatively, to patients that
have similar (e.g., within 15%) NOTCH signaling activity.
[0015] The term "NOTCH inhibitor" may refer to an agent capable of
blocking NOTCH signaling. Mechanisms of action of such NOTCH
inhibitors include, but are not limited to, inhibition of
gamma-secretase and subsequent suppression of NOTCH receptor
cleavage, inhibition of NOTCH trafficking to the cell membrane,
suppression of expression or function of ligands and/or receptors,
inhibition of ligand turnover, cleavage, and/or endocytosis,
modification of NOTCH glycosylation, alteration of ubiquitilation
of NOTCH components including the NOTCH intracellular domain,
modification of expression and/or activity of co-factors or
effectors (e.g., members of the MAML family, RBP-Jkappa/CBF-1), and
alteration of differentiation/population of undifferentiated cells
in bone marrow, circulating blood, or peripheral tissues (e.g.,
fat, arteries, veins, heart, heart valves, brain). Preferred
inhibitors may include receptor antagonists that block the binding
of NOTCH ligands to receptors, RNA interfering agents for NOTCH
components, blocking antibodies against NOTCH components, small
molecules and peptides that interfere with expression, function, or
activity of any NOTCH components, and gamma-secretase inhibitors.
An alternative approach would be a systemic or local delivery of a
DNA plasmid encoding a NOTCH component or a dominant negative form
of such a component. In addition, the agents to modulate Notch
signaling include the ones that can enhance expression or activity
of any Notch components that play an inhibitory role in this
signaling mechanism. These agents also include any biosimilars that
inhibit or modulate expression, function, or activity of any NOTCH
components.
[0016] In another aspect, levels of expression, function, or
activity of NOTCH components in a biological sample such as
peripheral blood may be used to determine whether, relative to a
control group, a subject that is not obese or that does not have a
metabolic disease, metabolic disorder or metabolic syndrome, is at
increased risk of developing these conditions in the future.
Results indicating that higher levels of NOTCH activity are present
in the patient may be an indication of increased risk. The "control
group" may be the general population of patients that are not obese
or have a metabolic disease, metabolic disorder or metabolic
syndrome or the group may be patients that appear normal and that
are matched to the patient in ways well known in the art, e.g., by
age, gender etc. The test biological sample may be blood, plasma,
serum, or urine. The Notch component tested for may be a NOTCH
receptor or a NOTCH ligand, particularly a ligand selected from the
group consisting of: Delta1 (or Delta-like 1/Dll1), Delta3
(Delta-like 3/Dll3), Delta4 (Delta-like 4/Dll4), Jagged1, and
Jagged2. Control samples may be selected using methods well known
in the art and might constitute, for example, blood, serum plasma
etc. from individuals known to be free of cardiovascular disease or
from the population in general. Such assays may also monitor
effects of existing or new therapies for the metabolic syndrome and
its complications.
[0017] Advanced molecular or functional imaging may enable the
visualization of biological or pathological processes in vivo. The
invention further proposes the use of expression or activity of
Notch signaling components as imaging biomarkers to identify
patients with subclinical metabolic disorders and associated
diseases, to predict future development of the metabolic syndrome
and its complications such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, aortic
stenosis, and to monitor effects of therapeutic agents or devices
against these diseases. Results indicating that higher levels of
NOTCH expression or activity may be present in the patient are an
indication of increased risk.
[0018] The invention also encompasses methods for assaying a test
compound to determine whether it has potential use in the treatment
or prevention of obesity or metabolic syndrome based upon its
effect on any features or measures of the NOTCH signaling pathway,
inhibition suggesting potential therapeutic value. For example,
test compounds may be incubated with gamma-secretase to determine
whether proteolytic cleavage is prevented. Alternatively,
receptor-binding assays may be performed using test compounds in
the presence of known ligands for NOTCH, e.g., Delta1 (Delta-like
1/Dll1), Delta4 (Delta-like 4/Dll4), Jagged 1 or Jagged 2 (see,
e.g., Ikeuchi, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 278:7751-7754 (2003)) to
determine the extent to which receptor binding is blocked.
RBP-Jkappa/CBF-1 activity or expression of known direct target
genes of NOTCH, including but not limited to the Hes and Hey family
members, may also be used to examine the effects of a test
compound. Compounds identified using these assays may undergo
further evaluation in animal models to test their safety and
potential clinical value.
[0019] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to not
encompass within the invention any previously known product,
process of making the product, or method of using the product such
that Applicants reserve the right and hereby disclose a disclaimer
of any previously known product, process, or method. It is further
noted that the invention does not intend to encompass within the
scope of the invention any product, process, or making of the
product or method of using the product, which does not meet the
written description and enablement requirements of the USPTO (35
U.S.C. .sctn.112, first paragraph) or the EPO (Article 83 of the
EPC), such that Applicants reserve the right and hereby disclose a
disclaimer of any previously described product, process of making
the product, or method of using the product.
[0020] It is noted that in this disclosure and particularly in the
claims and/or paragraphs, terms such as "comprises", "comprised",
"comprising" and the like can have the meaning attributed to it in
U.S. patent law; e.g., they can mean "includes", "included",
"including", and the like; and that terms such as "consisting
essentially of" and "consists essentially of" have the meaning
ascribed to them in U.S. patent law, e.g., they allow for elements
not explicitly recited, but exclude elements that are found in the
prior art or that affect a basic or novel characteristic of the
invention.
[0021] These and other embodiments are disclosed or are obvious
from and encompassed by, the following Detailed Description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The following detailed description, given by way of example,
but not intended to limit the invention solely to the specific
embodiments described, may best be understood in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
[0023] FIGS. 1A-1B depict two groups in which Ldlr.sup.-/- mice
were randomly assigned and fed a high-cholesterol/high-fat diet.
The mice were injected with 250 .mu.g of hamster anti-mouse Dll4
antibody (Dll4 Ab) or isotype control IgG (IgG) (BioXcell)
intraperitoneally twice a week from 8 weeks of age or 20 weeks of
age, for 12 weeks.
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts high-cholesterol/high-fat feeding promoting
expression of Dll4 mRNA and protein in adipose tissue and aorta in
a time-dependent manner, compared with normal-chow feeding.
[0025] FIG. 3 depicts an effect of bolus injection of Dll4 Ab (250
.mu.g) to Ldlr.sup.-/- mice on Notch target genes Hes1 and Hey1 in
peritoneal macrophages and adipose tissue.
[0026] FIGS. 4A-C depicts Dll4 Ab treatment retarded body weight
gain as compared with IgG in late-phase treatment. Dll4 Ab
treatment significantly reduced both fat weight and mass (DEXA
scan), and adipocyte size. Early-phase administration showed no
significant difference in body weight. Dll4 expression in 3T3-L1
adipocytes increased during differentiation in vitro, which may
explain no effects with early-phase administration.
[0027] FIG. 5 depicts the effects of Dll4 blockade on glucose
homeostasis. After treatment, while blood glucose levels after
4-hour fasting were similar in both groups, serum insulin levels
were lower in Ab-treated mice. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests
(GTT and ITT) revealed that Dll4 blockade sensitized fat-fed
Ldlr.sup.-/- mice to insulin.
[0028] FIG. 6 depicts the increased expression of adiponectin,
GLUT4, C/EBP.alpha. and IRS-1, relative to insulin sensitivity, in
adipose tissue of Ab-treated mice.
[0029] FIGS. 7A-B depict immunostaining and quantitative RT-PCR for
macrophage markers in adipose tissue, indicating that Dll4 Ab
treatment reduced macrophage accumulation.
[0030] FIG. 8 depicts reduction of proinflammatory molecules,
including monocyte chemoattractants MCP-1 and MIP-1.alpha., in
adipose tissue in Ab-treated animals.
[0031] FIGS. 9A-9B depict the effects of Dll4 blockade on
inflammatory properties of macrophages as examined by flow
cytometry using stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained from
epididymal fat. A proinflammatory subpopulation of
monocytes/macrophages (Ly6C high) was decreased in the fat of Dll4
Ab-treated animals whereas no changes were observed in circulating
monocytes and bone marrow cells.
[0032] FIG. 10 depicts the tendency for F4/80-positive macrophages
collected from SVF of Ab-treated animals to express lower levels of
pro-inflammatory M1 molecules (e.g. iNOS, IFN-.gamma., and IL-6)
and slightly higher levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10.
[0033] FIG. 11A depicts that enforced Dll4 expression and
recombinant Dll4 (rDll4) induced expression of pro-inflammatory M1
genes such as IL-1.beta. and iNOS and suppressed anti-inflammatory
M2 genes (e.g., IL-10). In contrast, FIG. 11B depicts that Dll4
blockade reduced iNOS induction and increased the M2 gene MRC1.
[0034] FIGS. 12A-C depict quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA for MCP-1
in adipocytes and SVF isolated from epididymal fat.
[0035] FIG. 13 depicts the effects of RNAi silencing of Dll4,
enforced Dll4 expression, and rDll4 on MCP-1 mRNA expression.
[0036] FIG. 14 depicts NF-.kappa.B activation by rDll4 (increased
degradation of I.kappa.B.alpha.) and suppression of rDll4-induced
MCP-1 expression by NF-.kappa.B inhibitor SN50 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
(left panel) and suppression of I.kappa.B.alpha. degradation in
adipose tissue of Dll4 Ab-treated mice (right panel).
[0037] FIG. 15 depicts reduction of lipid deposition (oil red O
staining) in the liver by Dll4 blockade, suggesting its effect on
fatty liver.
[0038] FIG. 16 depicts histological analyses of the aorta and
brachiocephalic artery, demonstrating that Dll4 Ab treatment
inhibited development of atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta and
brachiocephalic artery.
[0039] FIG. 17 depicts the effects of Dll4 Ab treatment on
expression of MCP-1, a potent chemokine, and macrophage
accumulation in the atherosclerotic aorta compared with the IgG
group, suggesting a potential mechanism by which Dll4 promotes
vascular inflammation.
[0040] FIGS. 18A-C depicts picrosirius red staining demonstrating
increased fibrillar collagen in plaques of Dll4 Ab-treated mice,
and von Kossa staining (calcium deposits) and alkaline phosphatase
(ALP) activity assay (osteogenic activity) indicating reduced
calcification by Dll4 blockade.
[0041] FIG. 19 depicts no appreciable effect of Dll4 blockade on
bone mineral density.
[0042] FIGS. 20A-C depict the effects of Dll4 Ab treatment on the
expression of osteogenic regulators, bone morphogenetic proteins
(BMPs), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in extracts from the
aorta.
[0043] FIG. 21 depicts phenotype of macrophages derived from Dll4
Ab-treated mice, as demonstrated by mRNA expression of BMPs and
MMPs.
[0044] FIG. 22 depicts mRNA expression of Notch3ICD of peritoneal
macrophages of 2 independent lines (Lines 1 and 2) of
macrophage-selective Notch3-ICD transgenic (Notch3tg) mice under
control of the macrophage scavenger receptor A (SR-A)
promoter/enhancer. Expression of the prototypical Notch target gene
Hes1 was higher in Notch3tg mice as compared to wild type mice,
suggesting that enforced expression of NotchICD induced Notch
signaling.
[0045] FIG. 23 depicts increased mRNA levels of iNOS and IL-1.beta.
in peritoneal macrophages obtained from Notch3tg mice, while these
Notch3tg macrophages expressed lower mRNA levels of arginase 1.
[0046] FIG. 24 depicts enforced expression of Notch3-ICD induced
NF-.kappa.B activation in peritoneal macrophages of Notch3tg mice,
as indicated by decreased accumulation of the endogenous inhibitor
by I.kappa.B.alpha..
[0047] FIG. 25 depicts Notch3 deletion in Notch3 deficient
(Notch3-/-) mice resulted in decreased iNOS expression in
peritoneal macrophages as compared with control sibling
littermates.
[0048] FIG. 26 depicts increased expression of CD36, SR-A and
lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) mRNA in macrophages
isolated from cholesterol-fed Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice, while CD36
mRNA expression was lower in Notch3-/- mouse macrophages.
[0049] FIG. 27 depicts greater lipid accumulation in peritoneal
macrophages isolated from cholesterol-fed Notch3tg:Ldlr.sup.-/-
mice as compared to those from Ldir.sup.-/- mice, suggesting that
NotchICD promotes foam cell formation.
[0050] FIGS. 28A-C depict atherosclerotic plaque size, lipid
accumulation, and macrophage content in the aorta of
cholesterol-fed Notch3tg:Ldlr.sup.-/- and Ldl-/- mice, indicating
that Notch3ICD accelerated these key features of atherosclerosis.
Notably, there were no appreciable differences in the lipid
profiles of these two groups.
[0051] FIG. 29 depicts higher expression levels of CD36, monocyte
chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1
(PAI-1) and the long pantraxin PTX3 mRNA in the aorta of
Notch3tg:Ldlr.sup.-/- mice.
[0052] FIGS. 30A-B depict the aorta of macrophage-selective
Notch3tg/Ldlr-/- mice after 24 weeks on high-fat and
high-cholesterol diet showed greater osteogenic activity (alkaline
phosphatase activity) and calcium deposit (von Kossa) compared to
Ldlr-/- littermates.
[0053] FIG. 31 depicts Notch3tg peritoneal macrophages expressing
higher levels of BMP-4 and -7 mRNA, inducers of osteoblast
differentiation, than those from littermate controls.
[0054] FIG. 32 depicts epididymal and inguinal fat weight in
Notch3tg/Ldlr-/- mice and Ldlr-/- littermates after 24 weeks on
high fat and high cholesterol diet.
[0055] FIG. 33 depicts Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice having larger
adipocytes size in epididymal fat than Ldlr-/- littermates.
[0056] FIG. 34 depicts cholesterol-fed Notch3-/-:Ldlr-/- mice
showing the lower ratio of epididymal and inguinal fat weight to
total body weight than Ldlr-/- littermates.
[0057] FIG. 35 depicts epididymal fat tissue and adipocytes of
Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice expressing mRNA levels of leptin.
[0058] FIG. 36 depicts increased mRNA expression of MCP-1, PAI-1,
PTX3 and adipocyte-specific fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4,
also known as Ap2) in Notch3tg adipocytes.
[0059] FIGS. 37A-B depicts Mac3 immunopositive cell number and
area, and expression of F4/80 mRNA in epididymal fat from
Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- and Ldlr-/- mice, indicating that NotchICD
increased macrophage accumulation in fat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0060] The present invention is based, in part, on the concept that
inhibition or modulation of NOTCH signaling can be used in the
treatment of obesity, related metabolic disorders and ensuing
cardiovascular complications. Therapeutic targets related to Notch
signaling include ligands such as Delta-like 1 (Dll1), Dll3, Dll4,
Jagged 1 and Jagged 2), receptors (Notch', Notch2, Notch3, and
Notch4), and all other co-factors, including but not limited to
Mastermind-like 1, 2, and 3 (MAML1-3) and RBP-Jkappa. The methods
include, but are not limited to, systemic or local administration
of blocking antibodies, peptides, and RNA therapeutics, e.g.,
small-interfering RNA oligonucleotides (siRNA oligos), antisense
oligonucleotides and biosimilars.
[0061] The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods in
which an inhibitor of NOTCH signaling is administered to a patient
to treat or prevent the development of either obesity or metabolic
syndrome. Any of the NOTCH inhibitors, including gamma-secretase
inhibitors, which have been described in the art may be used for
this purpose. References describing such inhibitors and the way in
which they can be made, purified, and used include: U.S. Pat. No.
5,703,129; U.S. Pat. No. 6,448,229; U.S. Pat. No. 6,683,091; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,756,511; U.S. Pat. No. 6,890,956; U.S. Pat. No.
6,984,626; U.S. Pat. No. 6,995,155; WO 01/70677; WO 02/081435; WO
03/018543; WO 00/50391; WO 03/0422646; WO 03/041735; U.S. published
application 2005-0227973; 2006-0030694; 2006-0004004; 2006-0009467;
2005-0261276; 2005-0143369; and 2005-0075320, all of which are
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0062] The compounds described above will typically be administered
to patients in a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound
along with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The carrier may
be any solvent, diluent, liquid or solid vehicle that is
pharmaceutically acceptable and typically used in formulating
drugs. Guidance concerning the making of pharmaceutical
formulations can be obtained from standard works in the art (see,
e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16.sup.th edition, E. W.
Martin, Easton, Pa. (1980)). In addition, pharmaceutical
compositions may contain any of the excipients that are commonly
used in the art. Examples of carriers or excipients that may be
present include, but are not limited to, sugars (e.g., lactose,
glucose and sucrose); starches, such as corn starch or potato
starch; cellulose and its derivatives (e.g., sodium carboxymethyl
cellulose, ethyl cellulose, or cellulose acetate); malt; gelatin;
talc; cocoa butter; oils (e.g., peanut oil, cottonseed oil,
safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil, or soybean oil);
glycols; buffering agents; saline; Ringer's solution; alcohols;
lubricants; coloring agents; dispersing agents; coating agents;
flavoring agents; preservatives; or antioxidants.
[0063] The invention is compatible with the delivery of compounds
by any route known in the art, including peroral, internal, rectal,
nasal, lingual, transdermal, intravenous, intra-arterial,
intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intracutaneous and subcutaneous
routes. The delivery methods also include drug eluting stents. The
most preferred route is oral, especially using dosage forms such as
tablets, capsules or solutions. In cases where a compound is
susceptible to degradation in the stomach of a patient, it may be
enterically coated or it may be administered parenterally.
[0064] It will be understood that pharmaceutical compositions may
contain any pharmaceutically acceptable form of an inhibitory
compound, i.e., any form which maintains therapeutic activity and
which does not cause unacceptable adverse effects when
administered. For example, a compound may be in the form of a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug.
[0065] Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include, but are
not limited to, pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions,
microemulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs. In
addition to the active compounds, liquid dosage form may contain
inert diluents commonly used in the art, such as, for example,
water, or other solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers, such
as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl
acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol,
1,3-butylene glycol, dimethyl formamide, oils, glycerol, alcohols,
polyethylene glycols, and fatty acid esters.
[0066] Injectable preparations may be in the form of sterile,
injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspensions, diluents or solvents
that may be used may include 1,3-butanediol, water, Ringer's
solution and isotonic saline solutions. In addition, oils or fatty
acids may be present.
[0067] As mentioned previously, the most preferred dosage forms
will be those for oral administration, particularly solid dosage
forms such as capsules, tablets, pills, powders or granules. In
these dosage forms, the active compound will typically be mixed
with at least one inert, pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or
carrier such as sodium citrate, or diacalcium phosphate and/or:
fillers or extenders such as starches, lactose, sucrose, glucose,
mannitol and silicic acid; binders such as, for example,
carboxymethyl cellulose, alginates, gelatin,
polyvinylpyrrolidinone, and acacia, humectants such as glycerol;
disintegrating agents such as calcium carbonate, silicates or
sodium carbonate; solution retarding agents such as paraffin;
absorption accelerators such as quaternary ammonium compound;
wetting agents such as cetyl alcohol or glycerol monostearate;
absorbents such as kaolin; and lubricants, such as talc, magnesium
stearate; sodium lauryl sulphate, etc. In addition, dosage forms
may include buffering and flavoring agents.
[0068] Pharmaceutical compositions will be administered to patients
in one or more unit dosage forms. A "unit dosage form" refers to a
single drug administration entity, e.g., a single tablet, capsule
or injection vial. The amount of inhibitory compound present should
be at least the amount required to reduce the symptoms associated
with obesity or metabolic syndrome when one or more unit dosage
forms are administered to a patient. On a biological level,
sufficient inhibitor should be present to substantially reduce
NOTCH signaling pathway activity. For example, a sufficient amount
of a gamma-secretase inhibitor may be included in unit dosage forms
to reduce gamma-secretase activity by 20%, 40%, 60% or more. The
exact dosages given and amount of inhibitor in unit dosage forms
may be determined for individual compounds using methods that are
well known in the art of pharmacology and may be further adjusted
by physicians on a case-by-case basis based upon clinical
considerations.
[0069] Subjects, particularly individuals that are obese or have
metabolic syndrome, or who are at high risk of becoming obese or
developing metabolic syndrome, may be treated by administering one
or more of the inhibitory compounds described above. As previously
mentioned, the exact dosage will depend upon the particular
compound being given and will be determined using procedures well
known in the art, balancing toxicity and therapeutic efficacy.
Compounds may also be given to test animals to study their effect
on the obesity or metabolic syndrome. In these cases, dosages are
limited only by toxicity. It should also be recognized that
inhibitory compounds may be administered as the sole active agents
in a dosage form, or they may be combined with other drugs to
improve overall effectiveness.
[0070] Assays designed to identify compounds of potential use in
the treatment or prevention of obesity and metabolic syndrome may
involve any method known in the art for identifying compounds that
inhibit the NOTCH signaling pathway. The most common assays will be
either enzymatic assays for inhibitors of gamma-secretase or assays
to identify agents that interfere with receptor binding. In the
former case, many different assays have been described in the art
which may be utilized for examining the effect of a test compound
on gamma-secretase activity. These include assays using
radiolabeled substrates followed by HPLC or TLC analysis (see,
e.g., Evin, et al., J. Pept. Sci. 1(2):132-139 (1995)); FACS assays
(Semee, et al., Eur. J. Biochem. 270:495-506 (2003)); and other in
vitro or in vivo assays (Pinnix, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 276:481-487
(2001); Xu, et al., Neurobiol. Aging 23(6):1023-1030 (2002); and
Holke, et al., FEBS J. 272:5544 (2005)). All of these references
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Commercially available assays such as the QTL Lightspeed assay (QTL
Biosystems, Santa Fe, N. Mex.) may also be used.
[0071] Receptor binding assays that may be adapted to identify
compounds that interfere with the binding of NOTCH ligands have
been described in the art and may be used in conjunction with the
present invention (see, e.g., Shimizu, et al., J. Biol. Chem.
274(46):32961-32969 (1999); Shimizu, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res.
Commun. 276(1):385-389 (2000), both of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety). In general, receptor
binding assays are performed using a source of NOTCH receptor
together with one of the ligands that are known to bind to the
receptor and with the compound being tested for binding activity.
As a source of receptor, mammalian cells that have been transformed
to recombinantly express NOTCH-1-NOTCH-4 may be used. The assay
itself may be performed either with intact cells or with membranes
prepared from the cells (see, e.g., Wang, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA 90:10230-10234 (1993)). The membranes or cells are
incubated with one of the ligands for the NOTCH receptor (e.g.,
Delta1 (Delta-like 1/Dll1), Delta4 (Delta-like 4/Dll4), Jagged 1 or
Jagged 2) and with a preparation of the compound being tested.
After binding is complete, the receptor is separated from the
solution containing ligand and test compound, e.g., by filtration,
and the amount of binding that has occurred is determined.
Preferably, the ligand used is detectably labeled with a
radioisotope such as .sup.125I, however, fluorescent
chemiluminescent or enzymatic labels can also be used.
[0072] Nonspecific binding may be determined by carrying out the
binding reaction in the presence of a large excess of unlabeled
ligand. For example, labeled ligand may be incubated with receptor
and test compound in the presence of a thousand-fold excess of
unlabeled ligand. Nonspecific binding should typically be
subtracted from total binding, i.e., binding in the absence of
unlabeled ligand, to arrive at the specific binding for each sample
tested. Other steps, such as washing, stirring, shaking, filtering
and the like may be included in the assays as necessary. Typically,
wash steps are included after the separation of membrane-bound
ligand from ligand remaining in solution and prior to quantitation
of the amount of ligand bound, e.g., by counting radioactive
isotope. The specific binding obtained in the presence of test
compound is compared with that obtained in the presence of labeled
ligand alone to determine the extent to which the test compound has
displaced receptor binding.
[0073] In performing binding assays, care must be taken to avoid
artifacts which may make it appear that a test compound is
interacting with the NOTCH receptor when, in fact, binding is being
inhibited by some other mechanism. For example, the compound being
tested should be in a buffer which does itself substantially
inhibit the bind of ligand to the NOTCH receptor and should,
preferably, be tested at several different concentrations. In
addition, it is desirable that compounds identified as displacing
the binding of ligand to receptor be reexamined in a concentration
range sufficient to perform a Scatchard analysis of the results.
This type of analysis is well known in the art and can be used for
determining the affinity of a test compound for receptor (see,
e.g., Ausubel, et al., Curr. Protocols in Mol. Biol. 11.2.1-11.219
(1993); Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology, Work, et al., NY (1978)). Computer programs may be used to
help in the analysis of results (see, e.g., Munson, Meth. Enzymol.
92:543-577 (1983)).
[0074] The effects/actions of compounds can also be determined by
other indicators of activated states of NOTCH signaling including,
but not limited to, receptor cleavage and/or nuclear translocation,
ligand cleavage and/or endocytosis, NOTCH trafficking to cell
membrane, expression of ligands and/or receptors, ligand turnover,
cleavage, and/or endocytosis, NOTCH glycosylation, ubiquitilation
of NOTCH components including NOTCH intracellular domain, and
expression and/or activity of co-factors or effectors (e.g.,
members of the MAML family, RBP-Jkappa/CBF-1), differentiated state
or population of undifferentiated cells in bone marrow, circulating
blood, spleen, or other tissues, and expression levels of known
direct target genes of NOTCH signaling including but not limited to
the Hes and Hey family members.
[0075] Inhibition or modulation of Notch signaling components can
prevent, retard, or improve various metabolic diseases or disorders
(e.g., obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes,
(including type 2 diabetes), and dyslipidemia) and their clinical
complications such as acute myocardial infarction ("heart attack")
and aortic stenosis and other cardiovascular complications such as
but not limited to atherosclerosis; chronic kidney disease
(particularly in view of diabetes impact on kidney vasculature);
arterial calcification; valvular calcification, including but not
limited to aortic or mitral calcification; valvular stenosis,
including but not limited to, aortic or mitral valve stenosis;
acute myocardial infarction; restenosis after coronary
intervention; accelerated tissue damage or delayed healing after
coronary intervention, including but not limited to: valve
implantation (including bioprosthetic valve implantation); stent
implantation; implantation of engineered tissues, allograft,
homograft (including but not limited to, Ross procedure),
bioprosthesis tissues, Dacron grafts or any synthetic or
bioprosthetic conduit; heart transplantation; arterial or vein
graft implantation (including but not limited to, saphenous vein
bypass grafts and hemodialysis AV shunts); stroke; and heart
failure; failure of vein grafts for coronary bypass surgery;
diabetic nephropathy; vasculitis; retinopathy; erectile
dysfunction; and non-cardiovascular complications such as, but not
limited to, pancreatitis; nonalcoholic fatty liver disease;
neuroinflammation; cognitive impairment; cancer.
[0076] Notch signaling components as therapeutic targets include,
but are not limited to: ligands (e.g., Dll4); receptors (e.g.,
Notch3); co-factors (e.g., RBP-J.kappa., MAML1); gamma-secretase
complex; ADAM-family members; and prototypical direct targets Hes
and Hey family genes. These Notch signaling components and related
molecules can also serve as circulating or imaging biomarkers for
diagnosis, monitoring, or risk prediction of cardiometabolic
disorders. In addition, inhibition or modulation of Notch signaling
leads to suppression of various dysmetabolic events, including but
not limited to, expression of gene products (e.g., IL-1.beta.,
iNOS), activation of signaling mechanisms (e.g., NF-.kappa.B, Akt,
MAPK), cell functions/phenotypes (e.g., fat and vascular
inflammation, fat hypertrophy, foam cell formation).
[0077] Cardiovascular therapeutic targets for Notch inhibition or
modulation also include, but are not limited to, the following
clinical problems: metabolic disorders that accelerate tissue
damage or delayed healing after coronary intervention (e.g., stent
implantation); heart transplantation; allograft, homograft (e.g.,
Ross procedure) or bioprosthesis valve implantation; arterial, vein
(e.g., saphenous vein bypass grafts, hemodialysis AV shunts) or
Dacron grafts; and any synthetic, bioprosthetic, or tissue
engineered conduits; metabolic disorders that delay healing of
injured tissues such as cardiac muscles following acute myocardial
infarction and ischemic brain after stroke; metabolic disorders
that accelerate development of heart failure; and metabolic
disorders that impair healing of injured tissues after any surgical
procedures. Other complications of metabolic disorders that may be
treated include diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease,
vasculitis, and retinopathy.
[0078] It is also known that metabolic syndrome positively
associates with risk of cancer. Thus, the detection of patients at
risk of developing metabolic syndrome also serves to identify
individuals at increased risk of developing cancer, and treatments
for metabolic syndrome may serve to reduce this risk.
[0079] Therapeutic targets include these metabolic disorders and
all the associated pathologic states, dysfunctions, and
complications in multiple organs (e.g., liver, pancreas, arteries,
veins, heart, heart valves, kidney, lung, skin, eye). Therapeutic
targets also include the brain and nervous system (e.g.,
neuroinflammation or cognitive impairment). In addition, Notch
inhibition or modulation targets failure of tissue-engineered
organs implanted in the dysmetabolic recipients and may be used
during in vitro processes to develop tissue-engineered conduits
before implantation (e.g., tissue-engineered scaffolds loaded with
Notch inhibitors or modulators). These engineered tissues include,
but are not limited to, arteries, veins, heart valves, liver, bone,
and ear. In addition, Notch inhibition or modulation targets
erectile dysfunction associated with metabolic disorders,
particularly insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
[0080] Measurements of Notch components in biological samples
including, but not limited to, peripheral blood or urine may
indicate the severity of metabolic disorders and/or predict
cardiovascular risk. These methods are also used to identify
subclinical features of metabolic disorders and thus predict future
development of cardiometabolic syndrome. Furthermore, measurements
of Notch components may be used to monitor the effects of existing
or new therapies. Metabolic disorders that may be detected include,
but are not limited to, obesity, dyslipidemia (particularly high
triglycerides and low high-density LDL or HDL), insulin resistance,
type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial and valvular calcification,
chronic kidney disease, pancreatitis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver
disease. Cardiovascular complications that may be identified,
predicted, or monitored in this manner include but are not limited
to: restenosis after coronary intervention; aortic valve
calcification and stenosis; mitral valve annulus calcification;
failure of vein grafts for coronary bypass surgery, and vasculitis.
The same procedure may also be used to determine the extent to
which metabolic organs (e.g., adipose tissue, liver) and other
related organs (e.g., arteries, veins, cardiac valves, kidney) have
an inflammatory nature which is likely to progress and cause more
serious problems.
[0081] Methods of measuring levels of Notch components or related
molecules in clinical or preclinical biological samples include but
are not limited to ELISA. For example, ELISA for Dll4 detects
increased levels of a soluble/shedded form of this ligand in the
plasma of patients with cardiometabolic syndrome or animal models
of cardiometabolic disorders.
[0082] Notch signaling components can serve as targets for clinical
or preclinical molecular imaging. As noted previously, molecular
imaging is a powerful tool for finding pathological tissues or
organs such as inflamed arteries or calcifying valves before
devastating clinical complications occur (e.g., heart attacks,
aortic stenosis). Identifying such subclinical lesions using
molecular imaging predicts future events and permits clinicians to
monitor the effects of new drugs or medical devices. Methods for
detecting the expression or activity of Notch signaling components
include, but are not limited to, optical or near infrared
fluorescence imaging, MRI, nuclear imaging (e.g., PET or SPECT),
ultrasound, and CT.
[0083] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
[0084] The present invention will be further illustrated in the
following Examples which are given for illustration purposes only
and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Delta-Like 4 Participates in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis
and Obesity: A Potential Common Mechanism for Cardiometabolic
Disorders
[0085] The present example examines whether the Notch ligand
Delta-like 4 (Dll4) contributes to the pathogenesis of
cardiometabolic disorders.
[0086] A. Methods
[0087] Mice and anti-Dll4 Ab Treatment
[0088] Eight-week-old male Ldlr.sup.-/- mice were purchased from
The Jackson Laboratory. Ldlr.sup.-/- mice were fed a high-fat,
high-cholesterol diet (D12108, Research Diets; 40% fat, 1.25%
cholesterol) from 8 weeks of age through the completion of the
study. All mice were housed on a 12-hour light/dark cycle, with
food and water ad libitum. Animal care and experimentation was
approved by the Harvard Medical School Institutional Animal Care
and Use Committee. Ldlr.sup.-/- mice were assigned randomly to two
groups and were injected with 250 .mu.g of hamster anti-mouse Dll4
antibody (Dll4 Ab) or isotype control IgG (IgG) (BioXcell)
intraperitoneally twice a week from 8 weeks of age or 20 weeks of
age, for 12 weeks (FIGS. 1A and 1B). Mice were weighed twice a
week. For bolus injection experiment, Applicants injected 250 .mu.g
of Dll4 Ab or IgG to fat-fed 10-week-old Ldlr.sup.-/- mice, and
harvested them at 6 hours after injection.
[0089] Histology and Immunohistochemical Analysis
[0090] At the time of the harvest, after blood collection,
Applicants perfused 0.9% sodium chloride solution at a constant
pressure via the left ventricle and then removed tissues
immediately. Thoracic aorta, aortic root, liver, and thymus were
embedded in OCT compound (TissueTek). Epididymal fat pads and small
intestines were embedded in paraffin after fixation with formalin
or 4% paraformaldehyde, respectively. Tissues were sectioned
serially (6 .mu.m intervals) and stained with hematoxylin and eosin
(H&E) for general morphology. Some sections were incubated with
anti-Mac3 antibody, anti-MCP-1 antibody (both from BD Biosciences),
and anti-Dll4 antibody (Rock Land) followed by the avidin-biotin
complex technique, and stained with ACE. Picrosirius red staining
was performed as described previously and viewed under polarized
microscope. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was detected
according to the manufacturer's instructions (alkaline phosphatase
substrate kit, Vector Laboratories). Calcium deposition in plaques
was detected by von Kossa staining, using a commercially available
kit (Polysciences, Inc.). To analyze adipocyte size, Applicants
measured the two-dimensional size of 100 adipocytes in five fields
and got the value by average of each field. Applicants also
performed PAS staining with sections from the small intestine,
using a commercially available staining kit (Sigma-Aldrich). Images
were captured and processed with OPTIPHOT (Nikon) with a digital
camera (DXM1200F, Nikon). Morphometric analysis was performed using
image analysis software (Image-Pro Plus 6.0, Media
cybernetics).
[0091] Ex Vivo Fluorescence Reflectance Imaging of the Aorta and
Aortic Valve
[0092] Ldlr.sup.-/- mice that received late-phase treatment were
used for fluorescence reflectance imaging. Two imaging agents were
administered to each mouse 24 hours before the harvest cross-linked
iron oxide (CLIO) 750 fluorescent nanoparticle (Jaffer, et al. Mol.
Imaging 5:85-92 (2006)) for detection of macrophage accumulation
and OsteoSense680 (VisEn) for detection of osteogenic activity.
After perfusion with 0.9% sodium chloride solution at a constant
pressure via the left ventricle, Applicants removed the heart and
aorta. Signals from macrophages and osteogenic activity were
detected on aortae using the Kodak Imaging Station 4000MM Pro
(Kodak). Laser scanning fluorescence microscopy (FLUOVIEW1000,
Olympus) was used on the opened aortic root to detect signals for
osteogenic activity. The target-to-background ratio was calculated
as described previously (Aikawa, et al., Circulation 119:1785-1794
(2009)).
[0093] Analysis of Metabolic Parameters
[0094] Serum insulin (Alpco), total cholesterol, and triglyceride
levels (Wako) were measured with commercially available kits after
four-hour fasting. Serum MCP-1 levels (Signosis) were measured with
samples obtained at the harvest. Glucose and insulin tolerance
tests were performed after 16 and 4 hours fasting, respectively.
Glucose and insulin solutions were injected into the peritoneal
cavity at doses of 1.0 mg/kg and 0.5 unit/kg, respectively. Blood
was collected via tail vein at different time points, and glucose
levels were measured with a glucometer.
[0095] Metabolic Studies
[0096] The details of indirect experiments were described
previously (Maeda, et al. Cell Metab. 1:107-119 (2005)). Mouse
physical activity was monitored with OPTO-M3 Activity Application
Device (Columbus Instruments). Each animal's movements (other than
scratching, grooming, digging, etc.) were determined using infrared
beams in x, y, and z axes and recorded for 48 consecutive hours.
Animals were placed in an indirect open circuit calorimeter (Oxymax
System, Columbus Instruments). Oxygen and carbon dioxide
concentrations by volume were monitored at the inlet and outlet
parts of a partially sealed chamber, through which a known flow of
ambient air is being forcibly ventilated. The concentration
difference measured between the parts was used to compute oxygen
consumption (VO.sub.2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO.sub.2).
The consumption and production information were presented in units
of ml/kg/min and normalized to 0.degree. C. and 760 mmHg. Food
intake was investigated with the Oxymax Feed Scale Device (Columbus
Instruments) and manual measurements.
[0097] Blood Pressure Measurement
[0098] Blood pressure of each mouse was measured with a
non-invasive blood pressure system (CODA, Kent Scientific
Corporation) in conscious animals. In each animal, the mean value
of three measurements was used for comparison.
[0099] Fractionation of Adipose Tissue
[0100] Previous papers describe fractionation of adipose tissue
(Hosooka, et al. Nat. Med. 14:188-193 (2008)). Applicants minced
epididymal fat pads in PBS containing 2% BSA, and then incubated it
on a shaking platform for 60 min at 37.degree. C. with the same
medium containing collagenase (1250 U/ml). Applicants then passed
the mixture through a nylon filter (pore size, 250 mm) to remove
undigested material and centrifuged the filtrate for 5 min at 200 g
at 4.degree. C. Applicants recovered floating cells and the pellet
as the mature adipocyte fraction and the stromal vascular fraction
(SVF), respectively.
[0101] Flow Cytometry Analysis
[0102] To investigate effects of Dll4 blockade on tissue
monocytes/macrophages and circulating leukocytes, Applicants
performed flow cytometry analysis (Swirski, et al., Science
325:612-616 (2009)). Samples were collected from Ldlr.sup.-/- mice
treated with Dll4 Ab or IgG for 12 weeks (n=3, per group).
Anti-Ly-6C-FITC, anti-B220-PE, anti-CD49b-PE, anti-CD90-PE,
anti-TER119-PE, anti-Ly-6G-PE, anti-NK1.1-PE, biotinylated-anti-MHC
class II, anti-F4/80-PE-Cy7, anti-CD1 lb-APC-Cy7, and
anti-CD11c-Alexa700 (BD Biosciences) were used for flow cytometric
analyses. Strep-PerCP (BD Biosciences) was used to label
biotinylated Ab. Monocytes were identified as CD11b.sup.high
(CD90/B220/CD49b/NK1.1/TER119/Ly-6G).sup.low
(F4/80/I-Ab/CD11c).sup.low Ly-6C.sup.high/low.
[0103] Neutrophils were identified as CD11b.sup.high
(CD90/B220/CD49b/NK1.1/Ly-6G).sup.high (F4/80/I-Ab/CD11c).sup.low
Ly-6C.sup.int. Data were acquired on an LSRII (BD Biosciences) and
analyzed with FlowJo v.8.5.2 (Tree Star, Inc.).
[0104] Isolation of Macrophages from Adipose Tissue
[0105] From SVF obtained from adipose tissue, Applicants isolated
F4/80-positive macrophages using magnetic sorting (EasySep system,
StemCell Technologies). SVF was obtained from Ldlr.sup.-/- mice
treated with Dll4 Ab or IgG for 12 weeks. Applicants used a
PE-conjugated anti-F4/80 antibody as a primary Ab (Biolegend).
[0106] Isolation of Residual Peritoneal Macrophages
[0107] At the time of harvest, Applicants collected residual
peritoneal macrophages by washing the peritoneal cavity with PBS.
Cells were seeded on plastic dishes and harvested after 16-hour
incubation in RPMI-1640 medium containing 5% FBS.
[0108] Cell Culture
[0109] 3T3-L1 preadipocytes (American Type Culture Collection) were
maintained in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) (Gibco)
containing 10% FBS.
[0110] Differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to mature adipocytes
was performed as previously described and used as differentiated
3T3-L1 adipocytes at day 10 after the induction of differentiation.
Differentiation was initiated two days after cells were confluent
by adding fresh medium containing 0.5 mM isobutylmethylxanthine, 1
.mu.M dexamethasone, and 10 .mu.g/ml insulin. After two days, the
methylisobutylxanthine and dexamethasone were removed and insulin
was maintained for two additional days. On day 4 and thereafter,
DMEM containing only 10% FBS was replaced every two days.
[0111] Differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were starved for 16 hours
and then used for in vitro experiments. For blockade Dll4-mediated
Notch signaling, Applicants treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes with Dll4 Ab
or IgG (10 .mu.g/ml) and .gamma.-secretase inhibitor (DAPT, 10
.mu.M) or DMSO for 24 hours. To activate Dll4-mediated Notch
signaling, Applicants seeded 3T3-L1 adipocytes to plates coated
with recombinant mouse Dll4 (rDll4) (1 .mu.g/ml), and then
harvested cells after 48-hour incubation (Williams, et al., Blood
107:931-939 (2006)). Applicants also used SN50 (25 .mu.g/ml)
NF-.kappa.B inhibitor to determine the interaction between Notch
signaling and the NF-.kappa.B pathway.
[0112] RAW264.7 cells (American Type Culture Collection) were also
maintained in DMEM containing 10% FBS. For blockade of
Dll4-mediated Notch signaling, Applicants pre-treated RAW264.7
cells with Dll4 Ab or IgG for 2 hours and then stimulated these
cells with 1 ng/ml LPS for 24 hours. LPS stimulation activates the
Notch signaling in RAW264.7 cells.
[0113] Transient Transfection and Luciferase Assay
[0114] Applicants transfected siRNA against mouse Dll4 (Dharmacon),
plasmid encoding mouse Dll4 (GeneCopoeia), RBP-J.kappa. reporter
(SABiosciences), and Notch3 intracellular domains (N3ICD) to 3T3-L1
adipocytes by electroporation (Nucleofector system; Amaxa)
according to the manufacturer's instructions. The Dll4-expressing
plasmid was also transfected to RAW264.7 cells. N3ICD was a
generous gift from Dr. Shigeru Chiba (Department of Clinical and
Experimental Hematology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human
Sciences, University of Tsukuba). Applicants transfected 2 .mu.g of
siRNA or plasmid to cells and harvested them 48 hours or 24 hours
after transfection, respectively. Applicants used 5 .mu.l of
RBP-J.kappa. reporter solution for each transfection. After
incubation for 24 hours, cells were seeded to rDll4-coated plates
and used for the luciferase assay after 48-hour incubation.
Luciferase activity was determined using a Dual-Luciferase Reporter
Assay System (Promega). Applicants transfected 5 .mu.g of N3ICD to
cells and harvested them 24 hours after transfection.
[0115] Immunocytochemistry
[0116] Differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes incubated in rDll4-coated
plates were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and permeabilized with
0.1% NP40. After blocking with 1% goat serum, cells were incubated
with a rabbit anti-p65 antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechnology),
followed by an Alexa Fluor 594-conjugated donkey anti-rabbit Ig
antibody (Molecular Probes). Nuclei were counterstained with
Hoechst 33342 (Sigma). Cells were observed under an ECLIPSE
TE2000-U (Nikon) equipped with a mercury illumination system and
SPOT RT Camera (Diagnostic Instruments, Inc.).
[0117] Real-Time Quantitative RT-PCR
[0118] Applicants synthesized cDNA from total RNA extracted from
tissues and cells. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was done with a
MyiQ single-color real-time PCR detection system (BioRad) and
PerfeCTa SYBR Green SuperMix for iQ (Quanta Biosciences). Data are
expressed in arbitrary units that were normalized by
.beta.-actin.
[0119] Immunoblotting
[0120] Lysates prepared from tissues and cells in lysis buffer
containing protease inhibitor cocktail (Sigma) and phosphatase
inhibitor cocktail (Roche) were separated with SDS-PAGE gels.
Applicants used the following antibodies: NF-.kappa.B p65 (Santa
Cruz Biotechnology), phospho-NF-.kappa.B p65 (Rock Land),
IK-B.alpha. (Cell Signaling), and .beta.-actin (Sigma).
[0121] Statistics
[0122] Data are expressed as mean.+-.SEM for continuous variables.
Comparison between two groups was performed by unpaired Student's
t-test. Comparisons of multiple groups were made by one-way ANOVA,
followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test. A P
value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
[0123] B. Results
[0124] Increasing incidence of obesity, a major component of the
metabolic disease cluster, closely associates with atherosclerosis
and represents the cardiometabolic syndrome. Accumulating evidence
links chronic inflammation, particularly accumulation of activated
macrophages, and cardiometabolic disorders (Hotamisligil, Nature
444:860-867 (2006)). Notch signaling, one of the fundamental
signaling mechanisms, regulates cell fate decisions
(Artavanis-Tsakonas, et al, Science 284:770-776 (1999)), and also
contributes to physiological homeostasis and pathological processes
in adults (Aster, et al., Annu. Rev. Pathol. 3:587-613 (2008);
Radtke, et al., Immunity 32:14-27 (2010)). Notch receptors
(Notch1-4) undergo proteolytic cleavage when bound by Delta-like
(Dll1, Dll3, Dll4) or Serrate (Jagged1, Jagged 2) ligands expressed
on adjacent cells, allowing nuclear translocation of the Notch
intracellular domain. Notch pathway components are expressed in a
cell-type-specific fashion and have diverse context-dependent
functions. Applicants recently showed that macrophages in human
atheromata express Dll4, previously known to be specific to
endothelial cells, and demonstrated that Dll4-triggered Notch
signaling promotes inflammatory responses in macrophages in vitro
(Fung, et al., Circulation 115:2948-2956 (2007)).
[0125] The present study tested the hypothesis in vivo that the
pro-inflammatory properties of Dll4 may contribute to the
pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disorders, using antibody blockade.
Generation, characterization, and effects of Applicants' Dll4 Ab
(HMD4-2) are described in recent papers. The use of neutralizing
anti-mouse Dll4 Ab enabled to circumvent the embryonic lethality
reported in Dll4-deficient mouse studies (Gale, et al. Proc. Natl
Acad. Sci. USA 101:15949-15954 (2004)). Applicants also performed
mechanistic experiments in vivo and in vitro to address the
mechanisms for the effects of Dll4 blockade on cardiometabolic
disorders.
[0126] Applicants first examined Dll4 expression in the
histological sections of epididymal adipose tissue and
atherosclerotic vascular lesions. Human white adipose tissues
expressed Dll4, as did atheromata as Applicants previously
described (Fung, et al., Circulation 115:2948-2956 (2007)).
Epididymal adipose tissue and atherosclerotic lesions of
32-week-old Ldlr.sup.-/- mice fed a high-fat diet (40% fat and
1.25% cholesterol) also expressed Dll4. High-fat feeding promoted
expression of Dll4 mRNA and protein in adipose tissue and aorta,
compared with normal-chow feeding (FIG. 2), suggesting that
pro-inflammatory environment promotes Dll4 expression as Applicants
reported previously (Fung, et al., Circulation 115:2948-2956
(2007)). Bolus injection of Dll4 Ab (250 .mu.g) to Ldlr.sup.-/-
mice revealed significant reduction of the prototypical Notch
target genes Hes1 and Hey1 in fat and peritoneal macrophages (FIG.
3). These results suggest that Dll4 Ab suppresses Notch signaling
in target organs and cells important in metabolic disease.
[0127] To investigate the effects of Dll4 Ab on the initiation and
progression of cardiometabolic disorders, Applicants administered
Dll4 Ab or isotype control IgG (250 .mu.g, i.p., twice a week) for
12 weeks to fat-fed Ldlr.sup.-/- mice from 8 weeks of age (early
phase treatment to prevent the disease initiation) or 20 weeks of
age (late phase for regression), respectively (FIGS. 1A and
1B).
[0128] Dll4 Ab retarded body weight gain compared with IgG in
late-phase treatment, although food intake was similar (FIG. 4A).
Dll4 Ab treatment significantly reduced both fat weight and mass
(FIG. 4B), and adipocyte size (FIG. 4C). Early-phase administration
showed no significant difference in body weight. Dll4 expression in
3T3-L1 adipocytes increased during differentiation in vitro, which
may explain no effects with early-phase administration.
[0129] Reduction of fat mass prompted us to examine the effects of
Dll4 blockade on glucose homeostasis. After treatment, while blood
glucose levels after 4-hour fasting were similar in both groups,
serum insulin levels were lower in Ab-treated mice (FIG. 5).
Glucose and insulin tolerance tests revealed that Dll4 blockade
sensitized fat-fed Ldlr.sup.-/- mice to insulin (FIG. 5). The
expression of adiponectin, GLUT4, C/EBP.alpha. and IRS-1 related to
insulin sensitivity also increased in adipose tissue of Ab-treated
mice (FIG. 6). Applicants did not observe significant differences
between groups in serum lipid levels and blood pressure.
Determining whether differences in energy expenditure in Dll4
Ab-treated mice could account for the differences in adiposity
employed indirect calorimetry and physical activity experiments
after 12 weeks of treatment. The rates of carbon dioxide
production, oxygen consumption, and physical activity in Ab-treated
mice tended to be higher than those in control mice, albeit with no
statistically significant differences at this experimental point.
Both groups of mice had similar respiratory quotient. Dll4 Ab
administration did not affect physical activity as examined by
infrared beams, and treated animals did not show any obvious signs
of distress.
[0130] Visceral obesity and insulin resistance associate closely
with increased accumulation of macrophages in adipose tissue
(Hotamisligil, Nature 444:860-867 (2006)). Therefore, Applicants
hypothesized that Dll4 blockade may reduce macrophage content
and/or activity in adipose tissue. Immunostaining and quantitative
RT-PCR for macrophage markers showed that Dll4 Ab administration
decreased macrophages in adipose tissue (FIGS. 7A-B). Adipose
tissue in Ab-treated animals also showed decreased expression of
proinflammatory molecules, including monocyte chemoattractants
MCP-1 and MIP-1.alpha. (FIG. 8).
[0131] In addition to the number of macrophages, phenotypic change
of macrophages towards pro-inflammatory status results in
acceleration of metabolic disorders (Chawla, Circ Res 106:1559-1569
(2010); Liang, et al., Circ Res 100:1546-1555 (2007)). Classically
activated ("M1") macrophages express increased levels of
pro-inflammatory genes (e.g., iNOS, IL-1.beta.), while
alternatively activated or anti-inflammatory ("M2") macrophages are
represented by genes, including IL-10 and mannose receptor (MRC1).
To address the mechanism by which Dll4 blockade improved metabolic
disorders, Applicants tested the hypothesis that Dll4 promotes
macrophage M1 polarization in vivo and in vitro. The effects of
Dll4 blockade on inflammatory properties of macrophages were
examined by flow cytometry using stromal vascular fraction (SVF)
obtained from epididymal fat. Dll4 Ab administration tended to
decrease Ly6C-high population in SVF, indicating reduction of the
pro-inflammatory subpopulation of monocytes/macrophages (Swirski,
et al., J. Clin. Invest. 117:195-205 (2007)), while producing no
effect in blood and bone marrow (FIG. 9A-B). Furthermore,
F4/80-positive macrophages collected from SVF of Ab-treated animals
expressed lower levels of pro-inflammatory M1 molecules (e.g. iNOS,
IFN-.gamma., and IL-6) and slightly higher levels of
anti-inflammatory IL-10 (FIG. 10), concurring with Applicants'
previous in vitro data on Dll4 binding to human primary macrophages
(Fung, et al., Circulation 115:2948-2956 (2007)). Applicants then
used gain- and loss-of-function systems using Dll4 expression
vector and recombinant Dll4 (rDll4), and siRNA-mediated Dll4
silencing in macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7 to explore
mechanisms underlying the observed inflammatory effects. Enforced
Dll4 expression and rDll4 induced expression of pro-inflammatory M1
genes such as IL-1.beta. and iNOS and suppressed anti-inflammatory
M2 genes (e.g., IL-10) (FIG. 11A). In contrast, Dll4 blockade
reduced iNOS induction and increased the M2 gene MRC1 (FIG. 11B).
These results indicate that the Dll4-mediated signaling may serve
as a molecular switch towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype of
macrophages.
[0132] MCP-1 promotes accumulation of macrophages in adipose tissue
and insulin resistance (Kanda, et al. J. Clin. Invest.
116:1494-1505 (2006)). To further explore the mechanisms by which
Dll4 Ab treatment decreased macrophage accumulation in adipose
tissue, the subsequent experiments focused on MCP-1. Along with RNA
expression in epididymal fat, serum MCP-1 levels in Ab-treated mice
were lower than those in IgG-treated mice (FIGS. 12A-B).
Quantitative RT-PCR using adipocytes and SVF isolated from
epididymal fat revealed that adipocytes were the major source of
MCP-1 production (FIG. 12C). Dll4 Ab treatment reduced MCP-1
expression in adipocytes. Ab treatment also decreased Notch target
gene Hey1 in adipocytes, suggesting suppression of Notch
signaling.
[0133] Loss-of-function and gain-of-function mechanistic studies
further examined in vitro the causal role of Dll4 in MCP-1
expression in adipocytes, using differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
RNAi silencing of Dll4 reduced MCP-1 RNA expression (FIG. 13).
DAPT, a .gamma.-secretase inhibitor that blocks Notch activation,
produced a similar effect. Overexpression experiments using the
Dll4-expressing plasmid increased MCP-1 expression (FIG. 13). To
further determine whether Dll4 regulates MCP-1 expression,
Applicants cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes on dishes coated with rDll4.
As shown, rDll4 promoted adipocyte MCP-1 expression (FIG. 13).
Stimulation of Notch signaling by rDll4 was confirmed via RBP-JK
reporter activity, which Dll4 Ab abrogated. The nuclear factor-KB
(NF-.kappa.B) pathway promotes MCP-1 transcription, and Applicants
previously demonstrated that Dll4-triggered Notch signaling induces
NF-.kappa.B activation (Fung, et al., Circulation 115:2948-2956
(2007)). In the present study, rDll4 increased phosphorylation of
NF.kappa.B subunit p65, degradation of I.kappa.B.alpha. (FIG. 14,
left panel), and nuclear translocation of p65 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
SN50, a cell-permeable peptide inhibitor of NF-.kappa.B, abrogated
Dll4-triggered MCP-1 induction (FIG. 14, center panel). These three
independent experiments demonstrated that Dll4-mediated signaling
stimulates the NF-.kappa.B pathway and MCP-1 expression.
Furthermore, Applicants' in vivo evidence indicated that Dll4 Ab
treatment inhibited NF-.kappa.B in epididymal fat (FIG. 14, right
panel), supporting in vitro data. To further investigate whether
Notch signaling indeed mediates MCP-1 induction, Applicants
performed transient transfection of Notch3 intracellular domain
(N3ICD) to adipocytes. N3ICD increased NF-.kappa.B p65
phosphorylation and MCP-1 expression.
[0134] Dll4 blockade improved several features typical of fatty
liver, the key component of the cardiometabolic syndrome: 1) weight
of liver, 2) lipid deposition (FIG. 15), 3) size of lipid droplets,
and 4) infiltration of inflammatory cells. Weight of other organs
did not differ significantly.
[0135] Accelerated atherogenesis, a key component of the
cardiometabolic syndrome, leads to acute thrombotic complications,
the most common cause of death in patients with metabolic diseases.
Histological analyses of the aorta and brachiocephalic arteries
demonstrated that Dll4 blockade improved various features typical
of atherosclerosis prone to acute events. Dll4 Ab-treated mice
tended to have milder stenosis of brachiocephalic arteries and
smaller atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic arch, especially in
early-phase Ab administration (FIG. 16). Dll4 Ab treatment
decreased MCP-1 expression and macrophage accumulation in the
atherosclerotic aorta compared with the IgG group (FIG. 17).
Applicants and others have established the role of macrophage
production of proteinases in collagen loss and atherosclerotic
plaque "instability," leading to acute vascular events (Aikawa, et
al., Cardiovasc. Pathol. 13:125-138 (2004)). Picrosirius red
staining demonstrated increased fibrillar collagen in plaques of
Dll4 Ab-treated mice (FIG. 18A). Several studies, including
Applicants' own, demonstrated that macrophages promote arterial
calcification (Aikawa, et al., Circulation 119:1785-1794 (2009))
and may cause acute vascular complications (Abedin, et al.,
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 24:1161-1170 (2004)).
Furthermore, evidence indirectly suggests that Notch regulates
calcification (Shimizu, et al., Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol.
29:1104-1111 (2009)). Dll4 Ab treatment significantly decreased
calcified areas and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in
atherosclerotic lesions (FIGS. 18B-C). Molecular imaging using
fluorescence reflectance demonstrated ex vivo that
macrophage-targeted fluorescent signal correlated well with
osteogenic activity, both of which decreased with Ab treatment in
parallel. Aortic valve calcification, an inflammatory disorder
leading to aortic stenosis and heart failure, is also a major
burden in clinical practice (Aikawa, et al., Circulation
119:1785-1794 (2009); Towler, J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 52:851-854
(2008)). Dll4 blockade tended to decrease thickness of aortic valve
leaflets, and osteogenic activity. While Dll4 blockade suppressed
ectopic cardiovascular calcification, this treatment did not
decrease bone mineral density (FIG. 19). Aortic expression of the
Notch target gene Hey2 decreased in Dll4 Ab-treated animals,
indicating suppression of Notch signaling.
[0136] Applicants explored molecular mechanisms of decreased plaque
inflammation and calcification, and increased collagen by Dll4
blockade. In consistent with reduced calcification, Dll4 Ab
treatment significantly decreased expression of osteogenic
regulators and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in extracts from
the aorta (FIGS. 20A-B). Ab treatment reduced the aortic expression
of MMP-9/gelatinase-A and MMP-13/collagenase-3, major enzymes
responsible for collagen loss (FIG. 20C). Because macrophages
promote calcification and matrix degradation, Applicants further
examined phenotype of macrophages derived from Ab-treated mice. In
peritoneal macrophages, Dll4 Ab decreased BMP2 and MMP-9 expression
(FIG. 21). In addition, complementary in vitro experiments using
the plasmid encoding Dll4 and Dll4 Ab in RAW264.7 cells indicated
that Dll4 promotes MMP-9 expression.
[0137] C. Discussion
[0138] A high-fat, high-cholesterol diet promoted Dll4 expression
in both white adipose tissue and atheromata in LDL
receptor-deficient (Ldlr.sup.-/-) mice. Dll4 antibody (Ab)
treatment in Ldlr.sup.-/- mice for 12 weeks retarded body weight
gain, reduced fat weight, and improved insulin resistance. These
changes were accompanied by diminished expression of MCP-1 and
macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue, and lower levels of
NF-.kappa.B activation. In vitro experiments with differentiated
3T3-L1 adipocytes revealed that Dll4-mediated Notch signaling
promotes MCP-1 expression via NF-.kappa.B activation, providing a
possible mechanism for these effects. Dll4 Ab also reduced MCP-1
expression, plaque burden, macrophage content, and calcification in
atherosclerotic plaques and the degree of fatty liver in
Ldlr.sup.-/- mice. These results suggest that the Dll4-Notch
signaling axis is a potential common mechanism for the pathogenesis
of cardiometabolic syndrome.
Example 2
Notch3 Signaling in Macrophages Promotes Obesity, Atherosclerosis
and Arterial Calcification in Hypercholesterolemic Mice
[0139] To test the hypothesis that Notch signaling in macrophages
promotes cardiometabolic disorders, including obesity, metabolic
syndrome, atherosclerosis and vascular calcification,
macrophage-selective Notch3-ICD transgenic (Notch3tg) mice under
control of the macrophage SR-A promoter/enhancer were used. The
findings from the study suggest that Notch3 signaling induces a
proinflammatory macrophage phenotype and that Notch3 activation in
macrophages promotes atherosclerosis, arterial calcification, and
visceral fat obesity in vivo.
[0140] A. Methods
[0141] Animal Preparation
[0142] All experiments conform to a protocol approved by the
Standing Committee on Animals of Harvard Medical School. Two
independent macrophage-selective Notch3 intracellular domain
transgenic (Notch3tg) mice were established under the control of
the macrophage scavenger receptor A (SR-A) promoter/enhancer by
gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. A FLAG-epitope-tagged
Notch3-ICD cDNA fragment (2.0 kb) was inserted downstream of the
SR-A promoter/enhancer (5.0 kb). Line 1 of Notch3tg mice, which had
a higher copy number than line 2, were then crossed into LDL
receptor knockout mice (Ldlr.sup.-/-) to render Notch3Tg mice
atherosclerosis susceptible, yielding Notch3tg:Ldlr.sup.-/- and
Ldlr-/- mice. Eight-week-old male Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice and Ldlr-/-
littermates (n=10 each) were given a high fat and high cholesterol
diet (Clinton/Cybulsky high fat rodent diet with 1.25% cholesterol,
Research Diets) for 24 weeks.
[0143] To examine if Notch3 deficiency affects cardiometabolic
syndrome, Notch3-/- mice were crossed into Ldlr-/- mice to render
Notch3-/- mice atherosclerotic susceptible, yielding
Notch3-/-:Ldlr-/- mice. Eight-week-old male Notch3-/-:Ldlr-/- mice
and Ldlr-/- littermates (n=10 each) were fed a high fat and high
cholesterol diet for 20 weeks.
[0144] Histological Analysis
[0145] Aorta samples were frozen in OCT compound, and 5-.mu.m
serial sections were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for
general morphology. Oil red O staining was used to detect lipid
deposits Alkaline phosphatase activity (a marker of early
osteogenic differentiation) was detected on cryosections according
to the manufacturer's instructions (alkaline phosphatase substrate
kit, Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, Calif.). Von Kossa silver
stain was used to histochemically image advanced calcification.
Immunohistochemistry with rat monoclonal antibody against mouse
Mac3 (BD Biosciences) was performed to detect macrophage
accumulation. For quantification of histological assays, captured
photomicrographs are transferred into an image analysis system
(ImagePro Plus 5.1, Media Cybernetics).
[0146] Epididymal fat was fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde solution
and embedded in paraffin, and 5-.mu.m serial sections were cut and
stained with hematoxylin and eosin, before area measurement (ImageJ
software) in more than 5 representative images and 150 cells per
mouse. Immunohistochemistry with rat monoclonal antibody against
mouse Mac3 (BD Pharmingen) were performed. Positive cells were
counted in 10 consecutive visual fields at the same magnification,
and positive staining area is calculated using an image analysis
system as described above.
[0147] Body Composition
[0148] Total body weight, epididymal fat weight and subcutaneous
fat weight were measured. Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice and Ldlr-/-
littermates (n=5 each) were subjected to dual-energy X-ray
absorptiometry (DEXA) for body composition analysis.
[0149] Lipids and Cytokines
[0150] Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels are determined by
kits (Cholesterol E Kit and LabAssay.TM. Triglyceride Kit; Wako
Chemicals). Serum Leptin levels were determined by Mouse Leptin
Elisa Kit (Crystal Chem INC).
[0151] Isolation of Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages
[0152] Twenty-week-old male Notch3tg mice and male wild type
littermates (n=6 each), and 20-week-old male Notch3-/-:Ldlr-/- mice
and male Ldlr-/- littermates (n=5 each) fed on high fat and high
cholesterol diet for 12 weeks were prepared. Three days after an
intraperitoneal injection of 4.0% thioglycolate, primary peritoneal
macrophages were harvested from mice, and cultured with Dulbecco's
modified Eagle's medium (DMEM). After incubation with DMEM for 1
hour, the culture media of adherent cells was changed to fresh DMEM
with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). After incubation for 72 hours,
adherent cells were harvested.
[0153] Effect of LPS Treatment on Notch3 Expression in Mouse
Primary Macrophages
[0154] Peritoneal macrophages were isolated from C57BL/6 mice (n=3)
as described above. After physiological concentration of LPS (5
ng/ml) treatment for 1 and 3 hours, adherent cells were
harvested.
[0155] Lipid Accumulation and Expression of Scavenger Receptors in
Peritoneal Macrophages on Atherogenic Diet
[0156] Eight-week-old male Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- and Ldlr-/- littermates
consumed a high fat and high cholesterol diet for 12 weeks.
Peritoneal macrophages were extracted from those mice and cultured
with DMEM. After incubation for 1 hour, adherent cells were stained
with Oil red O staining and harvested for extraction of total RNA
and proteins.
[0157] Isolation of Adipocytes and Macrophages from Epidydimal
Fat
[0158] Epididymal fat from male Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice and Ldlr-/-
littermates (n=5 each) after 24 weeks on high fat and high
cholesterol diet was minced in PBS containing 2% bovine serum
albumin (BSA) and 250 U/ml of collagenase type II (Worthington) and
was incubated at 37.degree. C. for 50 min. The digested tissue was
passed through a 70-.mu.m cell strainer (BD Biosciences) and the
flow-through centrifuged and floating cells were collected as the
adipocytes. After aspirating the supernatant, red blood cells were
lysed with ACK lysing buffer (Gibco), and the remaining cells are
collected as the stromal vascular cells (SVCs). Macrophages (CD1
lb-positive cells) and CD1 lb-negative cells are isolated from the
SVCs, using anti-CD11b labeled magnetic beads (Miltenyi Biotec,
Inc., Auburn, Calif.).
[0159] Indirect Effect of Notch3 Activated Macrophages on
Differentiated Adipocytes
[0160] Peritoneal macrophages isolated from male Notch3tg:Ldlr-/-
mice and Ldlr-/- littermates (n=5 each) after 12 weeks on high fat
and high cholesterol diet were cultured with DMEM with 10% FBS for
72 hours, and the culture media is changed to fresh DMEM. After
incubation with DMEM for 24 hours, the condition media was
collected. Murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes are cultivated and are
differentiated for 10 days as previously described. After serum
starvation for 24 hours, differentiated cells were stimulated with
the condition media (n=5 each), and harvested an hour after
stimulation.
[0161] Real-Time Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain
Reaction
[0162] Total RNA was isolated from tissue and cells with an RNAspin
Mini RNA isolation Kit (GE Healthcare, Buckinghamshire, UK).
Polymerase chain reaction detection and quantification of
Notch3ICD, Notch3, IL-1.beta., iNOS, TGF-.beta., mannose receptor,
arginase 1, MCP-1, PTX3, PAI-1, CD36, SR-A, LOX-1, BMP-2, BMP-4,
BMP-7, leptin, TNF-.alpha., adiponectin, FABP4, IL-6, HSL, and ATGL
was done with a MyiQ single-color real-time PCR detection system
and iQ SYBR Green Supermix (BioRad, Hercules, Calif.). Quantitative
PCR values were normalized by .beta.-actin. Relative fold changes
are calculated by the comparative threshold cycles (CT) method,
2-.sup.-.DELTA..DELTA.CT.
[0163] Western Blotting
[0164] After lysis in solubilization buffer, immunoblotting was
performed as described before, using specific antibodies against
amino acids of Notch3, CD36 (both from Santa Cruz Biotechnology
Inc), I.kappa.B-.alpha. (from Cell Signaling Technology), and
.beta.-actin (from Sigma-Aldrich), before densitometric analysis
(ImageJ software).
[0165] Determination of the Transgene Copy Number
[0166] Mouse tail DNA was extracted using DNeasy Blood and Tissue
Kit (QIAGEN). Transgene copy number was determined in both line 1
and line 2 of N3Tg mice by real-time PCR using the human SR-A
primers as previously described. Human genomic DNA was used to
generate a standard curve. The primer combination for human SR-A
was: forward primer: 5-GCTTGTTTCAACAACCCTTG-3 (SEQ ID NO: 1) and
reverse primer: 5-ATGACACATTCCTGCGTTGA-3 (SEQ ID NO: 2).
[0167] Statistical Analysis
[0168] Mann-Whitney U test was performed when 2 groups were
compared. Data are presented as mean.+-.SEM. P values <0.05 are
considered significant.
[0169] B. Results
[0170] Establishment of Macrophage-Selective N3ICDTg Mice
[0171] Applicants established 2 independent lines (Lines 1 and 2)
of macrophage-selective Notch3-ICD transgenic (Notch3tg) mice under
control of the macrophage scavenger receptor A (SR-A)
promoter/enhancer. The estimated numbers of transgene copies were
59 copies (58.8.+-.0.3, n=4) in Line 1 and 16 copies (16.1.+-.0.2,
n=4) in Line 2, respectively. Peritoneal macrophages of both Lines
1 and 2 Notch3tg mice showed approximately 8 and 5 times higher
mRNA expression of Notch3ICD compared to respective wild type
littermates (FIG. 22). Applicants used Line 1 of Notch3tg mice for
the following experiments due to a larger number of transgene
copies and higher expression of Notch3-ICD mRNA. A physiological
concentration of LPS (5 ng/ml) increased about 10 times Notch3ICD
mRNA levels in peritoneal macrophages from wild type mice in time
dependent manner, suggesting peritoneal macrophages isolated from
Notch3tg mice do not express exaggerated levels of Notch3ICD mRNA.
Line 1 of Notch3tg mice also expressed higher levels of Hes 1 mRNA
(FIG. 22), the conventional target gene of Notch signaling, in
peritoneal macrophages, compared with littermate control mice.
Furthermore, peritoneal macrophages of Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice fed on
high fat and high cholesterol diet for 12 weeks expressed greater
amount of Notch3-ICD protein (97 kDa) than those of Ldlr-/-
littermates whereas full-length of Notch3 (281 kDa) did not differ
between 2 groups.
[0172] Notch3 Signaling Pathway Regulate Macrophage Activation
[0173] Macrophage activation as gauged by proinflammatory molecules
plays a key role in chronic inflammatory disorders including
atherosclerosis and obesity. Inducible nitric oxide synthase
(iNOS), an injurious factor associated with the oxidative burst of
macrophages and various inflammatory diseases, represents a
commonly used marker for these proinflammatory phagocytes.
Peritoneal macrophages obtained from Notch3tg mice expressed a
higher mRNA level of iNOS than those from wild type littermates
(FIG. 23). Notch3tg macrophages also showed higher expression of
IL-1.beta., a pluripotent proinflammatory cytokine. These data in
Notch3tg mice suggest a "classical M1 form" of macrophage
activation. M1 macrophage polarization generally promotes cytotoxic
and inflammatory functions. In contrast, these Notch3tg macrophages
expressed a lower level of arginase 1 mRNA (FIG. 23), a molecule
generally considered to be associated with "alternatively"
activated, anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2).
[0174] NF-.kappa.B activation is a pleiotropic proinflammatory
transcription factor. Enforced expression of Notch3-ICD induced
NF-.kappa.B activation in peritoneal macrophages of Notch3tg mice,
as indicated by decreased accumulation of the endogenous inhibitor
by I.kappa.B.alpha.. (FIG. 24). To further address the role of
Notch3 in shifting macrophage polarization toward a proinflammatory
phenotype, Applicants employed a loss-of-function approach with
Notch3-deficient (Notch3-/-) mice. In peritoneal macrophages,
Notch3 deletion decreased iNOS expression as compared with control
sibling littermates (FIG. 25), providing an opposing finding to
Notch3-ICD expression. Collectively, these results suggest that
Notch3 signaling tends to promote a proinflammatory population of
macrophages.
[0175] Notch3 Signaling Avravates Macrophage Foam Cell
Formation
[0176] Excessive accumulation of lipids in macrophages via action
of scavenger receptors ("foam cell formation") also represents
atherogenic functions of these proinflammatory phagocytes.
Peritoneal macrophages of Notch3tg mice tend to express higher
levels of the major scavenger receptors, CD36 and SR-A. Macrophages
isolated from cholesterol-fed Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice showed higher
mRNA expression of CD36, SR-A and lectin-like oxidized LDL
receptor-1 (LOX-1) than those from Ldlr.sup.-/- littermates (FIG.
26). Macrophages of Notch3tg-:Ldlr-/- also produced higher protein
levels of CD36. In contrast, Notch3 deficiency tended to decrease
CD36 mRNA expression in peritoneal macrophages of Ldlr-/- mice
(FIG. 26), suggesting that Notch3 signaling in macrophages directly
or indirectly regulates scavenger receptor expression. Consistent
with increased expression of scavenger receptors, peritoneal
macrophages isolated from cholesterol-fed Notch3tg:Ldlr.sup.-/-
mice showed greater lipid accumulation compared to those from
Ldlr-/- littermates (FIG. 27).
[0177] Atherosclerotic Plaques of Macrophage Selective Notch3Tg
Mice were Larger and Contained More Macrophages
[0178] After 24 weeks on a high fat and high cholesterol diet,
total cholesterol (798.+-.75 vs. 789.+-.60 mg/dL) and triglyceride
(264.+-.35 vs. 270.+-.36 mg/dL) levels did not differ in
Notch3:Ldlr-/- mice and Ldlr-/- littermates. Food intake was also
similar in the two groups (2.7.+-.0.4 vs. 2.6.+-.0.3 g/day) during
the study period. Enforced expression of Notch3-ICD in macrophages
significantly increased atherosclerotic plaque size in
cholesterol-fed Ldl-/- mice (FIG. 28A). Atherosclerotic plaques of
Notch3tg;Ldl-/- mice showed increased lipid accumulation (oil red
O), as compared to Ldlr-/- littermates, in agreement with in vitro
data (FIG. 28B). In addition, the aorta of Notch3tg:/Ldlr-/- mice
contained more macrophages (Mac3 positive area) in the plaque (FIG.
28C).
[0179] Furthermore, Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice expressed higher levels
of CD36, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), plasminogen
activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and the long pantraxin PTX3 (FIG.
29). There was no significant difference of plaque size in
cholesterol-fed Notch3-/-:Ldlr-/- mice and Ldlr-/- littermates did
not differ significantly (47529.+-.8607 vs. 40290.+-.4474
pixels).
[0180] Macrophage Selective Expression of Notch3-ICD-Promoted
Aortic Calcification in Ldlr-/- Mice
[0181] The aorta of macrophage-selective Notch3tg/Ldlr-/- mice
after 24 weeks on high fat and high cholesterol diet showed greater
osteogenic activity (alkaline phosphatase activity) and calcium
deposit (von Kossa) compared to Ldlr-/- littermates (FIGS. 30A-B).
Notch3tg peritoneal macrophages expressed higher levels of BMP-4
and -7 mRNA, inducers of osteoblast differentiation, than those
from littermate controls, providing a possible mechanism of
accelerated aortic calcification (FIG. 31). In contrast, peritoneal
macrophages from Notch3-/-:Ldlr-/- mice tended to decrease BMP-4
mRNA expression. In addition, BMP-7 mRNA levels in the aorta of
Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice significantly increased after 24-week high
fat and high cholesterol diet. Alkaline phosphatase stained area
(10.2.+-.3.5 vs. 10.4.+-.3.1%) and calcified area (6.4.+-.2.2 vs.
5.7.+-.1.9%) in the plaque did not differ in Notch3-/-:Ldlr-/- mice
and Ldlr-/- littermates.
[0182] Macrophage Selective Notch3 Activation Promoted Visceral
Obesity
[0183] While accumulating evidence has associated macrophages with
obesity, a causal role of these proinflammatory phagocytes remains
to be established. To provide a mechanistic link between macrophage
activation and adiposity, Applicants further tested the hypothesis
in vivo that Notch-triggered macrophage activation promotes obesity
using macrophage-selective Notch3tg mice crossed with Ldlr-/-, a
commonly used model of metabolic disorders. Epididymal and inguinal
fat weight was significantly greater in Notch3tg/Ldlr-/- mice as
compared with Ldlr-/- littermates after 24 weeks on high fat and
high cholesterol diet while total body weights did not differ
between two groups (FIG. 32). The ratio of epididymal and inguinal
fat weight to body weight also increased in Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice
compared with Ldlr-/- mice (3.04.+-.0.32 vs. 2.05.+-.0.27 g and,
5.00.+-.0.16 vs. 3.67.+-.0.26, respectively). Dual energy X-ray
absorptiometry also showed increased fat mass in Notch3tg:Ldlr-/-
mice. Furthermore, Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice had larger adipocytes size
in epididymal fat than Ldlr-/- littermates (FIG. 33). In contrast,
cholesterol-fed Notch3-/-:Ldlr-/- mice showed the lower ratio of
epididymal and inguinal fat weight to total body weight than
Ldlr-/- littermates (FIG. 34). These results from gain-of-function
and loss-of-function studies suggest that Notch3 activation in
macrophages affects neighboring adipocytes and promotes visceral
adipocity.
[0184] Applicants further found that visceral fat tissue of
Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice expressed higher mRNA levels of leptin, an
important adipose-derived hormone associated with obesity, than
Ldlr-/- littermates (FIG. 35). Isolated adipocytes from
Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice also showed increased leptin mRNA expression
(FIG. 35). Consistent with these results, Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice
showed higher serum leptin levels while Notch3-/-:Ldlr-/- mice had
lower levels. In addition, Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice tended to increase
mRNA expression of several other molecules associated with
monocyte/macrophage recruitment into the tissue, atherogenesis,
thrombosis, and innate immunity (e.g., MCP-1, PAI-1 and PTX3) in
epididymal fat, while adiponectin and TNF-.alpha. mRNA levels did
not differ between both groups. Furthermore, mRNA expression of
hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), a key enzyme of lipolysis in fat
tissue, was lower in epididymal fat of Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice than
that of Ldlr-/- mice, whereas adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL),
an initiator of lipolysis in fat tissue, did not differ between 2
groups.
[0185] To further examine the role of adipocytes in these changes,
Applicants isolated adipocytes from epididymal fat of
Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice. Adipocytes derived from Notch3tg:Ldlr-/-
mice had higher expression of MCP-1, PAI-1 and PTX3 (FIG. 36).
Notch3tg adipocytes also tended to increase adipocyte-specific
fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4, also known as Ap2) expression,
a marker of adipocyte differentiation (FIG. 36). These results
further indicate that Notch3 activation in macrophages modulates
adipocyte function toward development of obesity.
[0186] Macrophage Selective Expression of Notch3-ICD Mice Induced
Macrophage Accumulation in Visceral Fat
[0187] Epididymal fat tissue from Notch3tg:Ldlr-/- mice contains
more macrophages than those from Ldlr-/- littermates as gauged by
Mac3 immunopositive area and expression of F4/80 mRNA (FIGS.
37A-B). These data suggest that Notch3 activation in macrophages
induces inflammatory burden in visceral fat tissue.
[0188] C. Discussion
[0189] The present study used macrophage selective transgenic mice
expressing Notch3-ICD, a constitutively active form, to test two
biological and mechanistic hypotheses: 1) Notch signaling promotes
macrophage activation in vivo; and 2) Notch-triggered macrophage
activation accelerates progression of atherosclerosis and obesity.
The results suggest that Notch3 activation in macrophages modulates
function of these phagocytes as well as neighboring adipocytes
toward development of cardiometabolic disorders.
[0190] The invention is further described by the following numbered
paragraphs:
1. A method of treating or preventing obesity in a patient,
comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically
effective amount of a compound that inhibits the NOTCH signaling
pathway. 2. The method of paragraph 1, wherein said patient has a
body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m.sup.2 or higher. 3. The method of
paragraph 1, wherein said compound is a gamma-secretase inhibitor.
4. The method of paragraph 1, wherein said compound inhibits said
NOTCH signaling pathway by a biological process selected from the
group consisting of: blocking the binding of a ligand to a Notch
receptor; blocking expression, function, or activity of any NOTCH
pathway component; interfering with Notch receptor trafficking or
cleavage; enhancing expression, function, or activity of any NOTCH
pathway component; and blocking the cleavage or endocytosis of a
Notch ligand. 5. The method of paragraph 4, wherein said Notch
receptor is of the NOTCH-1 receptor subtype, the NOTCH-2 receptor
subtype, the NOTCH-3 receptor subtype or the NOTCH-4 receptor
subtype. 9. The method of paragraph 1, wherein said compound is an
RNA interfering agent, a blocking antibody, a small molecule, a
peptide, a biosimilar, or a DNA plasmid. 10. A method of
determining whether, relative to a control group, a subject that is
not obese is at increased risk of becoming obese in the future,
comprising: [0191] a) assaying a test biological sample derived
from said subject or an imaging biomarker for the amount, function,
or activity of a NOTCH component that is present; [0192] b)
comparing the results obtained in step a with those from one or
more samples or imaging data from said control group; and [0193] c)
concluding that said subject is at increased risk of becoming obese
if the level of the amount, function, or activity of said NOTCH
component is higher in said test biological sample than in that of
said samples from said control group. 11. The method of paragraph
10, wherein said Notch component is a NOTCH receptor, a NOTCH
ligand selected from the group consisting of: Delta1 (or Delta-like
1/Dll1), Delta3 (Delta-like 3/Dll3), Delta4 (Delta-like 4/Dll4),
Jagged', and Jagged2, ADAM family proteinases, a gamma-secretase
component, MAML1-3, or RBP-Jkappa. 12. The method of either
paragraph 10 or paragraph 11, wherein said biological sample is a
sample of blood, plasma, serum, urine, tissue or cells. 13. A
method of treating or preventing metabolic syndrome in a patient,
comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically
effective amount of a compound that inhibits the NOTCH signaling
pathway. 14. The method of paragraph 13, wherein said patient has 3
or more of the following: waist circumference .gtoreq.40 inches in
men, .gtoreq.35 inches in women; blood pressure .gtoreq.130/85
mmHg; triglycerides .gtoreq.150 mg/dL; HDL cholesterol .ltoreq.40
mg/dL in men, 50 mg/dL in women; and glucose .gtoreq.100 mg/dL. 15.
The method of paragraph 13, wherein said compound is a
gamma-secretase inhibitor. 16. The method of paragraph 13, wherein
said compound inhibits said NOTCH signaling pathway by a biological
process selected from the group consisting of: blocking the binding
of a ligand to a Notch receptor; blocking expression, function, or
activity of any NOTCH pathway component; interfering with Notch
receptor trafficking or cleavage; enhancing expression, function,
or activity of any NOTCH pathway component; and blocking the
cleavage or endocytosis of a Notch ligand. 17. The method of
paragraph 16, wherein said Notch receptor is of the NOTCH-1
receptor subtype. 18. The method of paragraph 16, wherein said
Notch receptor is of the NOTCH-2 receptor subtype. 19. The method
of paragraph 16, wherein said Notch receptor is of the NOTCH-3
receptor subtype. 20. The method of paragraph 16, wherein said
Notch receptor is of the NOTCH-4 receptor subtype. 21. The method
of paragraph 13, wherein said compound is an RNA interfering agent,
a blocking antibody, a small molecule, a peptide, a biosimilar, or
a DNA plasmid. 22. A method of determining whether, relative to a
control group, a subject that does not have metabolic syndrome is
at increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome in the future,
comprising: [0194] a) assaying a test biological sample derived
from said subject or an imaging biomarker for the amount, function,
or activity of a NOTCH component that is present; [0195] b)
comparing the results obtained in step a with those from one or
more samples or imaging data from said control group; and [0196] c)
concluding that said subject is at increased risk of becoming obese
if the level of the amount, function, or activity of said NOTCH
component is higher in said test biological sample than in that of
said samples from said control group. 23. The method of paragraph
22, wherein said Notch component is a NOTCH receptor, a NOTCH
ligand selected from the group consisting of: Delta1 (or Delta-like
1/Dll1), Delta3 (Delta-like 3/Dll3), Delta4 (Delta-like 4/Dll4),
Jagged', and Jagged2, ADAM family proteinases, a gamma-secretase
component, MAML1-3, or RBP-Jkappa. 24. The method of either
paragraph 22 or paragraph 23, wherein said biological sample is a
sample of blood, plasma, serum, tissue or cells. 25. A method of
treating or preventing complications of metabolic disorders in a
patient, comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically
effective amount of a compound that inhibits the NOTCH signaling
pathway. 26. The method of paragraph 25, wherein said complications
of metabolic disorders are selected from the group consisting of:
cancer; chronic kidney disease; nonalcoholic fatty liver disease;
pancreatitis; atherosclerosis; arterial or valvular inflammation;
arterial or valvular calcification; vasculitis; retinopathy;
erectile dysfunction; heart failure; neuroinflammation; cognitive
impairment; accelerated tissue injury or delayed healing after
acute myocardial infarction, stroke, vein graft implantation, heart
transplantation, coronary intervention, stent implantation,
implantation of engineered tissues, implantation of allograft,
homograft, or bioprosthesis tissues, implantation of Dacron grafts
or any synthetic or biosprothetic conduits. 27. The method of
paragraph 26, wherein said compound is a gamma-secretase inhibitor.
28. The method of paragraph 27, wherein said compound inhibits said
NOTCH signaling pathway by a biological process selected from the
group consisting of: blocking the binding of a ligand to a Notch
receptor; blocking expression, function, or activity of any NOTCH
pathway component; interfering with Notch receptor trafficking or
cleavage; enhancing expression, function, or activity of any NOTCH
pathway component; and blocking the cleavage or endocytosis of a
Notch ligand. 29. The method of paragraph 28, wherein said Notch
receptor is of the NOTCH-1 receptor subtype. 30. The method of
paragraph 4, wherein said Notch receptor is of the NOTCH-2 receptor
subtype. 31. The method of paragraph 4, wherein said Notch receptor
is of the NOTCH-3 receptor subtype. 32. The method of paragraph 4,
wherein said Notch receptor is of the NOTCH-4 receptor subtype. 33.
The method of paragraph 25, wherein said compound is an RNA
interfering agent, a blocking antibody, a small molecule, a
peptide, a biosimilar, or a DNA plasmid. 34. A method of
determining whether, relative to a control group, a subject that
does not have clinically apparent complications of metabolic
disorders is at increased risk of developing these complications in
the future, comprising: [0197] a) assaying a test biological sample
derived from said subject or an imaging biomarker for the amount,
function, or activity of a NOTCH component that is present; [0198]
b) comparing the results obtained in step a with those from one or
more samples, or imaging data from said control group; and [0199]
c) concluding that said subject is at increased risk of becoming
having complications associated with metabolic disorders if the
level of the amount, function, or activity of said NOTCH component
is higher in said test biological sample than in that of said
samples from said control group. 35. The method of paragraph 34,
wherein said Notch component is a NOTCH receptor, a NOTCH ligand
selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to: Delta1
(or Delta-like 1/Dll1), Delta3 (Delta-like 3/Dll3), Delta4
(Delta-like 4/Dll4), Jagged1, and Jagged2, ADAM family proteinases,
a gamma-secretase component, MAML1-3, or RBP-Jkappa. 36. The method
of either paragraph 34 or paragraph 35, wherein said biological
sample is a sample of blood, plasma, serum, urine, tissue or
cells.
[0200] Having thus described in detail preferred embodiments of the
present invention, it is to be understood that the invention
defined by the above paragraphs is not to be limited to particular
details set forth in the above description as many apparent
variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit
or scope of the present invention.
Sequence CWU 1
1
2120DNAHomo sapiens 1gcttgtttca acaacccttg 20220DNAHomo sapiens
2atgacacatt cctgcgttga 20
* * * * *