
Netrins are secreted molecules with roles in axon guidance and angiogenesis. We identified Netrin-4 as a gene specifically overexpressed in VEGF-stimulated endothelial cells (EC) in vitro as well as in vivo . Knockdown of Netrin-4 expression in EC increased their ability to form tubular structures on Matrigel. To identify which receptor is involved, we showed by quantitative RT-PCR that EC express three of the six Netrin-1 cognate receptors: neogenin, Unc5B, and Unc5C. In contrast to Netrin-1, Netrin-4 bound only to neogenin but not to Unc5B or Unc5C receptors. Neutralization of Netrin-4 binding to neogenin by blocking antibodies abolished the chemotactic effect of Netrin-4. Furthermore, the silencing of either neogenin or Unc5B abolished Netrin-4 inhibitory effect on EC migration, suggesting that both receptors are essential for its function in vitro . Coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that Netrin-4 increased the association between Unc5B and neogenin on VEGF- or FGF-2-stimulated EC. Finally, we showed that Netrin-4 significantly reduced pathological angiogenesis in Matrigel and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization models. Interestingly, Netrin-4, neogenin, and Unc5B receptor expression was up-regulated in choroidal neovessel EC after laser injury. Moreover, Netrin-4 overexpression delayed tumor angiogenesis in a model of s.c. xenograft. We propose that Netrin-4 acts as an antiangiogenic factor through binding to neogenin and recruitment of Unc5B.
Male, Mice, Nude, Mice, Cell Line, Tumor, Animals, Humans, Nerve Growth Factors, [SDV.BC] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Cellular Biology, Cells, Cultured, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Neovascularization, Pathologic, Chemotaxis, Lasers, Endothelial Cells, Membrane Proteins, Prostatic Neoplasms, Neoplasms, Experimental, [SDV.MHEP.OS] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Sensory Organs, Cattle, Female, Netrins, Netrin Receptors
Male, Mice, Nude, Mice, Cell Line, Tumor, Animals, Humans, Nerve Growth Factors, [SDV.BC] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Cellular Biology, Cells, Cultured, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Neovascularization, Pathologic, Chemotaxis, Lasers, Endothelial Cells, Membrane Proteins, Prostatic Neoplasms, Neoplasms, Experimental, [SDV.MHEP.OS] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Sensory Organs, Cattle, Female, Netrins, Netrin Receptors
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