Expression of VEGFR-2 and AC133 by circulating human CD34(+) cells identifies a population of functional endothelial precursors

Blood. 2000 Feb 1;95(3):952-8.

Abstract

Emerging data suggest that a subset of circulating human CD34(+) cells have phenotypic features of endothelial cells. Whether these cells are sloughed mature endothelial cells or functional circulating endothelial precursors (CEPs) is not known. Using monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to the extracellular domain of the human vascular endothelial receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), we have shown that 1.2 +/- 0.3% of CD34(+) cells isolated from fetal liver (FL), 2 +/- 0.5% from mobilized peripheral blood, and 1.4 +/- 0.5% from cord blood were VEGFR-2(+). In addition, most CD34(+)VEGFR-2(+) cells express hematopoietic stem cell marker AC133. Because mature endothelial cells do not express AC133, coexpression of VEGFR-2 and AC133 on CD34(+) cells phenotypically identifies a unique population of CEPs. CD34(+)VEGFR-2(+) cells express endothelial-specific markers, including VE-cadherin and E-selectin. Also, virtually all CD34(+)VEGFR-2(+) cells express the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and migrate in response to stromal-derived factor (SDF)-1 or VEGF. To quantitate the plating efficiency of CD34(+) cells that give rise to endothelial colonies, CD34(+) cells derived from FL were incubated with VEGF and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2. Subsequent isolation and plating of nonadherent FL-derived VEGFR-2(+) cells with VEGF and FGF-2 resulted in differentiation of AC133(+ )VEGFR-2(+) cells into adherent AC133(-)VEGFR-2(+)Ac-LDL(+ )(acetylated low-density lipoprotein) colonies (plating efficiency of 3%). In an in vivo human model, we have found that the neo-intima formed on the surface of left ventricular assist devices is colonized with AC133(+)VEGFR-2(+) cells. These data suggest that circulating CD34(+) cells expressing VEGFR-2 and AC133 constitute a phenotypically and functionally distinct population of circulating endothelial cells that may play a role in neo-angiogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • AC133 Antigen
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, CD34 / analysis
  • Biomarkers
  • Cadherins / analysis
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Lineage
  • Chemokine CXCL12
  • Chemokines, CXC / pharmacology
  • E-Selectin / analysis
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / pharmacology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology*
  • Fetal Blood / cytology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / classification
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lymphokines / pharmacology
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / genetics
  • Peptides / genetics
  • Peptides / metabolism*
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / biosynthesis*
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / immunology
  • Receptors, Growth Factor / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Growth Factor / genetics
  • Receptors, Growth Factor / immunology
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Substances

  • AC133 Antigen
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, CD34
  • Biomarkers
  • CXCL12 protein, human
  • Cadherins
  • Chemokine CXCL12
  • Chemokines, CXC
  • E-Selectin
  • Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Glycoproteins
  • Lymphokines
  • PROM1 protein, human
  • Peptides
  • Receptors, Growth Factor
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
  • cadherin 5
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor