Netrin-4 inhibits angiogenesis via binding to neogenin and recruitment of Unc5B

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Aug 26;105(34):12491-6. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0804008105. Epub 2008 Aug 21.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chemotaxis
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lasers / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / blood supply
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic*
  • Nerve Growth Factors / genetics
  • Nerve Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Nerve Growth Factors / physiology*
  • Netrin Receptors
  • Netrins
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Protein Binding / physiology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
  • Transplantation, Heterologous
  • Up-Regulation / genetics

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • NTN4 protein, human
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Netrin Receptors
  • Netrins
  • Ntn4 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • UNC5B protein, human
  • neogenin