Erythropoietin disrupts hypoxia-inducible factor signaling in ovarian cancer cells.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) on HIF-1alpha induced angiogenic pathways in ovarian cancer cells.


METHODS
Using Western blots and both quantitative and non-quantitative RT-PCR, HIF-1alpha protein and VEGF transcription levels were assessed. Cell growth was measured using flow cytometry.


RESULTS
EPO treatment decreased hypoxia-induced HIF-1alpha protein levels and VEGF transcription, with no effect on cell growth. Inhibition of HIF-1alpha signaling by EPO was also observed in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.


CONCLUSIONS
These novel findings suggest that EPO may exhibit anti-angiogenic properties, thus encouraging further exploration of signaling pathways between EPO and HIF-1alpha.
Hale
Sarah A
SA
Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
Wong
Cheung
C
Lounsbury
Karen M
KM
D048708:Cell Growth Processes / Q000187:drug effects; D015687:Cell Hypoxia; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D017467:Receptors, Erythropoietin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
C497442:HIF1A protein, human; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017467:Receptors, Erythropoietin; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D004921:Erythropoietin