The ubiquitin-proteasome system meets angiogenesis

Mol Cancer Ther. 2012 Mar;11(3):538-48. doi: 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-11-0555. Epub 2012 Feb 21.

Abstract

A strict physiological balance between endogenous proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors controls endothelial cell functions, such that endothelial cell growth is normally restrained. However, in pathologic angiogenesis, a shift occurs in the balance of regulators, favoring endothelial growth. Much of the control of angiogenic events is instigated through hypoxia-induced VEGF expression. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a central role in fine-tuning the functions of core proangiogenic proteins, including VEGF, VEGFR-2, angiogenic signaling proteins (e.g., the PLCγ1 and PI3 kinase/AKT pathways), and other non-VEGF angiogenic pathways. The emerging mechanisms by which ubiquitin modification of angiogenic proteins control angiogenesis involve both proteolytic and nonproteolytic functions. Here, I review recent advances that link the UPS to regulation of angiogenesis and highlight the potential therapeutic value of the UPS in angiogenesis-associated diseases.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Angiogenic Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / physiopathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / prevention & control
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / physiology*
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Ubiquitin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Angiogenic Proteins
  • Ubiquitin
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex