The microRNA-30 family targets DLL4 to modulate endothelial cell behavior during angiogenesis

Blood. 2012 Dec 13;120(25):5063-72. doi: 10.1182/blood-2012-04-423004. Epub 2012 Oct 18.

Abstract

Delta-like 4 (DLL4), a membrane-bound ligand belonging to the Notch signaling family, plays a fundamental role in vascular development and angiogenesis. We identified a conserved microRNA family, miR-30, which targets DLL4. Overexpression of miR-30b in endothelial cells led to increased vessel number and length in an in vitro model of sprouting angiogenesis. Microinjection of miR-30 mimics into zebrafish embryos resulted in suppression of dll4 and subsequent excessive sprouting of intersegmental vessels and reduction in dorsal aorta diameter. Use of a target protector against the miR-30 site within the dll4 3'UTR up-regulated dll4 and synergized with Vegfa signaling knockdown to inhibit angiogenesis. Furthermore, restoration of miR-30b or miR-30c expression during Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) infection attenuated viral induction of DLL4. Together these results demonstrate that the highly conserved molecular targeting of DLL4 by the miR-30 family regulates angiogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Line
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / blood supply
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells / virology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / physiology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics*
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic*
  • Up-Regulation
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics
  • Zebrafish / embryology

Substances

  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • MIRN30 microRNA, zebrafish
  • MIRN30b microRNA, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • MicroRNAs
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • delta protein