Angiopoietin-4 inhibits angiogenesis and reduces interstitial fluid pressure

Neoplasia. 2006 May;8(5):364-72. doi: 10.1593/neo.06127.

Abstract

Angiopoietins (Ang) are involved in the remodeling, maturation, and stabilization of the vascular network. Ang-4 was discovered more recently; thus, its effect on angiogenesis and its interplay with other angiogenic factors have not been equivocally established. The role of Ang-4 in angiogenesis was tested in Matrigel chambers implanted into the subcutaneous space of nude mice. Ang-4 inhibited the angiogenic response of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and GLC19 tumor cells. In Matrigel chambers with Ang-4-transfected cells, the mean response was significantly lower than that of mock cells. Subcutaneous tumor interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) was significantly lower in Ang-4-transfected GLC19 tumors than in mock-transfected tumors. IFP reduction in Ang-4-transfected tumors was comparable to the reduction seen after bevacizumab treatment. In vitro, we examined the effect of recombinant Ang-4 on endothelial cell migration in Boyden chambers. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration induced by bFGF and VEGF was inhibited by Ang-4 to control levels. In conclusion, we show that rhAng-4, as well as transfection with Ang-4, inhibits angiogenesis induced by GLC19 tumor cells and that Ang-4 expression reduces elevated tumor IFP. In addition, we demonstrate that rhAng-4 inhibits HUVEC migration and growth factor-induced angiogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Angiopoietins / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Collagen / pharmacology
  • Drug Combinations
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Laminin / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic*
  • Proteoglycans / pharmacology
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Transfection
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Angiopoietins
  • Drug Combinations
  • Laminin
  • Proteoglycans
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • angiopoietin 4
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • matrigel
  • Collagen