Gene expression changes associated with the anti-angiogenic activity of kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Biol Chem. 2008 Jun;389(6):765-71. doi: 10.1515/BC.2008.088.

Abstract

Kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3, also known as prostate-specific antigen, PSA) is a chymotrypsin-like kallikrein that has anti-angiogenic properties. We have previously shown in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model that the anti-angiogenic effect of KLK3 is related to its enzyme activity. However, the mechanism of this effect remains to be clarified. To this end, we used a DNA microarray to study KLK3-induced changes in gene expression associated with reduction of HUVEC tube formation. Among the 41,000 genes studied, 311 were differentially expressed between control and KLK3-treated cells. These changes were enriched in several pathways, including those associated with proteasome, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, focal adhesion and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Furthermore, the changes were opposite to those previously described to occur during tubulogenesis. In conclusion, our results show that KLK3 induces gene expression changes in HUVECs. Although these changes might be relevant for the mechanism by which KLK3 exerts its anti-angiogenic activity, it cannot be judged from the present results whether they reflect the primary mechanism mediating the effect of KLK3 or are secondary to morphogenic differentiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Angiostatic Proteins / genetics
  • Angiostatic Proteins / metabolism*
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Humans
  • Kallikreins / genetics
  • Kallikreins / metabolism*
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Umbilical Veins / cytology*
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Angiostatic Proteins
  • Kallikreins