Aberrant proliferation in CXCR7+ endothelial cells via degradation of the retinoblastoma protein

PLoS One. 2013 Jul 23;8(7):e69828. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069828. Print 2013.

Abstract

Angiogenesis is a critical factor in the growth and dissemination of solid tumors. Indeed, tumor vasculature is abnormal and contributes to the development and spread of malignancies by creating a hostile microenvironment. The alternative SDF-1/CXCL12 receptor, CXCR7, is frequently and specifically expressed in tumor-associated vessels. In this study, we examine the role of endothelium-expressed CXCR7 in tumor vascular dysfunction by specifically examining the contribution of CXCR7 to endothelial cell (EC) proliferation. We demonstrate that CXCR7 expression is sufficient to drive post-confluent growth in EC cultures. Further, we provide a novel mechanism for CXCR7-mediated proliferation via proteasomal degradation of the tumor suppressor protein Rb. These findings identify a heretofore unappreciated role for CXCR7 in vascular dysfunction and confirm this receptor as a plausible target for anti-tumor therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Lymphatic / cytology
  • Endothelium, Lymphatic / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Mutation
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / metabolism
  • Protein Array Analysis
  • Receptors, CXCR / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, CXCR / genetics
  • Receptors, CXCR / metabolism*
  • Retinoblastoma Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • ACKR3 protein, human
  • Ligands
  • Receptors, CXCR
  • Retinoblastoma Protein
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex