PGE2 induces angiogenesis via MT1-MMP-mediated activation of the TGFbeta/Alk5 signaling pathway.
The development of a new vascular network is essential for the onset and progression of many pathophysiologic processes. Cyclooxygenase-2 displays a proangiogenic activity in in vitro and in vivo models, mediated principally through its metabolite prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). Here, we provide evidence for a novel signaling route through which PGE(2) activates the Alk5-Smad3 pathway in endothelial cells. PGE(2) induces Alk5-dependent Smad3 nuclear translocation and DNA binding, and the activation of this pathway involves the release of active TGFbeta from its latent form through a process mediated by the metalloproteinase MT1-MMP, whose membrane clustering is promoted by PGE(2). MT1-MMP-dependent transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) signaling through Alk5 is also required for PGE(2)-induced endothelial cord formation in vitro, and Alk5 kinase activity is required for PGE(2)-induced neovascularization in vivo. These findings identify a novel signaling pathway linking PGE(2) and TGFbeta, 2 effectors involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis, and reveal potential targets for the treatment of angiogenesis-related disorders.
Department of Vascular Biology and Inflammation, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain.
Arántzazu
A
Alfranca
Juan Manuel
JM
López-Oliva
Laura
L
Genís
Dolores
D
López-Maderuelo
Isabel
I
Mirones
Dolores
D
Salvado
Antonio J
AJ
Quesada
Alicia G
AG
Arroyo
Juan Miguel
JM
Redondo
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000502:physiology*; D042783:Endothelial Cells; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000166:cytology; D053511:Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D000077293:Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000166:cytology
D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; D000077293:Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I; C000625841:TGFBR1 protein, human; C000625842:Tgfbr1 protein, mouse; D053511:Matrix Metalloproteinase 14; D015232:Dinoprostone