Inhibition of endothelial cell activation by bHLH protein E2-2 and its impairment of angiogenesis

Blood. 2010 May 20;115(20):4138-47. doi: 10.1182/blood-2009-05-223057. Epub 2010 Mar 15.

Abstract

E2-2 belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors. E2-2 associates with inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) 1, which is involved in angiogenesis. In this paper, we demonstrate that E2-2 interacts with Id1 and provide evidence that this interaction potentiates angiogenesis. Mutational analysis revealed that the HLH domain of E2-2 is required for the interaction with Id1 and vice versa. In addition, Id1 interfered with E2-2-mediated effects on luciferase reporter activities. Interestingly, injection of E2-2-expressing adenoviruses into Matrigel plugs implanted under the skin blocked in vivo angiogenesis. In contrast, the injection of Id1-expressing adenoviruses rescued E2-2-mediated inhibition of in vivo angiogenic reaction. Consistent with the results of the Matrigel plug assay, E2-2 could inhibit endothelial cell (EC) migration, network formation, and proliferation. On the other hand, knockdown of E2-2 in ECs increased EC migration. The blockade of EC migration by E2-2 was relieved by exogenous expression of Id1. We also demonstrated that E2-2 can perturb VEGFR2 expression via inhibition of VEGFR2 promoter activity. This study suggests that E2-2 can maintain EC quiescence and that Id1 can counter this effect.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Blotting, Western
  • COS Cells
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Humans
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Inhibitor of Differentiation Protein 1 / genetics
  • Inhibitor of Differentiation Protein 1 / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / prevention & control*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • TCF Transcription Factors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • TCF Transcription Factors / genetics
  • TCF Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factor 4
  • Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Two-Hybrid System Techniques
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / metabolism

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors
  • ID1 protein, human
  • Idb1 protein, mouse
  • Inhibitor of Differentiation Protein 1
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • TCF Transcription Factors
  • TCF7L2 protein, human
  • Tcf4 protein, mouse
  • Tcf7l2 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factor 4
  • Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2