Prox1 physically and functionally interacts with COUP-TFII to specify lymphatic endothelial cell fate

Blood. 2009 Feb 19;113(8):1856-9. doi: 10.1182/blood-2008-03-145789. Epub 2008 Sep 24.

Abstract

Specification of endothelial cell (EC) fate during vascular development is controlled by distinct key regulators. While Notch plays an essential role in induction of arterial phenotypes, COUP-TFII is required to maintain the venous EC identity. Homeodomain transcription factor Prox1 functions to reprogram venous ECs to lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). Here, we report that the venous EC fate regulator COUP-TFII is expressed in LECs throughout development and physically interacts with Prox1 to form a stable complex in various cell types including LECs. We found that COUP-TFII functions as a coregulator of Prox1 to control several lineage-specific genes including VEGFR-3, FGFR-3, and neuropilin-1 and is required along with Prox1 to maintain LEC phenotype. Together, we propose that the physical and functional interactions of the 2 proteins constitute an essential part in the program specifying LEC fate and may provide the molecular basis for the hypothesis of venous EC identity being the prerequisite for LEC specification.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COUP Transcription Factor II / genetics
  • COUP Transcription Factor II / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cell Lineage / physiology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Endothelial Cells / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic System / cytology
  • Lymphatic System / embryology*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • COUP Transcription Factor II
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • NR2F2 protein, human
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • prospero-related homeobox 1 protein