V Helfinger1, N Henke2, S Harenkamp1, M Walter1, J Epah1, C Penski3, M Mittelbronn3, K Schröder1. 1. Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany. 2. Institute for Biochemistry I/Pathobiochemistry, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany. 3. Neurological Institute (Edinger Institute) Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.
Abstract
AIM: The aim of this work was to identify the role of the NADPH oxidase Nox4 for tumour angiogenesis in a slow-growing tumour model in mice. METHODS: Tumour angiogenesis was studied in tumours induced by the carcinogen 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA) in wild-type and Nox knockout mice. Mice were killed when the tumour reached a diameter of 1.5 cm and tumour tissue was used for histological and molecular analysis. RESULTS: 3-methylcholanthrene induced fibrosarcoma in wild-type, Nox1y/-, Nox2y/- and Nox4-/- mice. Histological analysis of vessel density using anti-CD31 staining showed a significant 38% reduction in tumour vascularization in fibrosarcomas of Nox4-/- mice. In contrast, tumour angiogenesis was doubled in Nox1 knockout mice, whereas knockout of Nox2 had no effect on tumour-vessel density. As underlying mechanisms, we identified a defect in hypoxia signalling in Nox4-/- mice. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif-1α) accumulation in the tumours was attenuated as was the expression of the Hif-1α-dependent pro-angiogenic genes vascular endothelial growth factor-A, glucose transporter 1 and adrenomedullin. CONCLUSION: By regulating the tumour-vessel density through stabilization of Hif-1α and induction of VEGF expression, Nox4 promotes tumour angiogenesis and may represent a novel target for anti-angiogenic tumour therapy.
AIM: The aim of this work was to identify the role of the NADPH oxidase Nox4 for tumour angiogenesis in a slow-growing tumour model in mice. METHODS:Tumour angiogenesis was studied in tumours induced by the carcinogen 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA) in wild-type and Nox knockout mice. Mice were killed when the tumour reached a diameter of 1.5 cm and tumour tissue was used for histological and molecular analysis. RESULTS:3-methylcholanthrene induced fibrosarcoma in wild-type, Nox1y/-, Nox2y/- and Nox4-/- mice. Histological analysis of vessel density using anti-CD31 staining showed a significant 38% reduction in tumour vascularization in fibrosarcomas of Nox4-/- mice. In contrast, tumour angiogenesis was doubled in Nox1 knockout mice, whereas knockout of Nox2 had no effect on tumour-vessel density. As underlying mechanisms, we identified a defect in hypoxia signalling in Nox4-/- mice. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif-1α) accumulation in the tumours was attenuated as was the expression of the Hif-1α-dependent pro-angiogenic genes vascular endothelial growth factor-A, glucose transporter 1 and adrenomedullin. CONCLUSION: By regulating the tumour-vessel density through stabilization of Hif-1α and induction of VEGF expression, Nox4 promotes tumour angiogenesis and may represent a novel target for anti-angiogenic tumour therapy.