Abstract | BACKGROUND: The semaphorins and their receptors, the plexins, are proteins related to c-Met and the scatter factors that have been implicated in an expanding signal transduction network involving co-receptors, RhoA and Ras activation and deactivation, and phosphorylation events. Our previous work has demonstrated that Semaphorin 4D ( Sema4D) acts through its receptor, Plexin-B1, on endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis in a RhoA and Akt-dependent manner. Since NF-κB has been linked to promotion of angiogenesis and can be activated by Akt in some contexts, we wanted to examine NF-κB in Sema4D treated cells to determine if there was biological significance for the pro-angiogenic phenotype observed in endothelium. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using RNA interference techniques, gel shifts and NF-κB reporter assays, we demonstrated NF-κB translocation to the nucleus in Sema4D treated endothelial cells occurring downstream of Plexin-B1. This response was necessary for endothelial cell migration and capillary tube formation and protected endothelial cells against apoptosis as well, but had no effect on cell proliferation. We dissected Plexin-B1 signaling with chimeric receptor constructs and discovered that the ability to activate NF-κB was dependent upon Plexin-B1 acting through Rho and Akt, but did not involve its role as a Ras inhibitor. Indeed, inhibition of Rho by C3 toxin and Akt by LY294002 blocked Sema4D-mediated endothelial cell migration and tubulogenesis. We also observed that Sema4D treatment of endothelial cells induced production of the NF-κB downstream target IL-8, a response necessary for angiogenesis. Finally, we could show through co-immunofluorescence for p65 and CD31 that Sema4D produced by tumor xenografts in nude mice activated NF-κB in vessels of the tumor stroma. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings provide evidence that Sema4D/ Plexin-B1-mediated NF-κB activation and IL-8 production is critical in the generation a pro-angiogenic phenotype in endothelial cells and suggests a new therapeutic target for the anti-angiogenic treatment of some cancers.
|
Authors | Ying-Hua Yang, Hua Zhou, Nada O Binmadi, Patrizia Proia, John R Basile |
Journal | PloS one
(PLoS One)
Vol. 6
Issue 10
Pg. e25826
( 2011)
ISSN: 1932-6203 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 22028792
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Retracted Publication)
|
Chemical References |
- Antigens, CD
- CD100 antigen
- Interleukin-8
- Nerve Tissue Proteins
- PLXNB1 protein, human
- Receptors, Cell Surface
- Semaphorins
- Transcription Factor RelA
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
- rhoA GTP-Binding Protein
|
Topics |
- Animals
- Antigens, CD
(genetics, pharmacology)
- Apoptosis
(drug effects)
- Capillaries
(drug effects, metabolism)
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Movement
(drug effects)
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
- Endothelial Cells
(cytology, drug effects, metabolism, pathology)
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
(drug effects)
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
(cytology, drug effects, metabolism)
- Humans
- Interleukin-8
(metabolism)
- Mice
- Neovascularization, Pathologic
(metabolism)
- Nerve Tissue Proteins
(genetics, metabolism)
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
(metabolism)
- Receptors, Cell Surface
(genetics, metabolism)
- Semaphorins
(genetics, pharmacology)
- Signal Transduction
(drug effects)
- Transcription Factor RelA
(metabolism)
- rhoA GTP-Binding Protein
(metabolism)
|