Adrenomedullin gene dosage correlates with tumor and lymph node lymphangiogenesis

FASEB J. 2013 Feb;27(2):590-600. doi: 10.1096/fj.12-214080. Epub 2012 Oct 25.

Abstract

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a potent lymphangiogenic factor that promotes lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) proliferation through a pharmacologically tractable G-protein-coupled receptor. Numerous types of human cancers have increased levels of AM; however, the functional consequences of this fact have not been characterized. Therefore, we evaluated whether modulating adrenomedullin (Adm) gene dosage within tumor cells affects lymphangiogenesis. Murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells that overexpress or underexpress Adm were injected subcutaneously into C57BL/6 mice, and tumors were evaluated for growth and vascularization. A dosage range from ∼10 to 200% of wild-type Adm expression did not affect LLC proliferation in vitro or in vivo, nor did it affect angiogenesis. Notably, the dosage of Adm markedly and significantly influenced tumor lymphangiogenesis. Reduced Adm expression in tumors decreased the proliferation of LECs and the number of lymphatic vessels, while elevated tumor Adm expression led to enlarged lymphatic vessels. Moreover, overexpression of Adm in tumors induced sentinel lymph node lymphangiogenesis and led to an increased incidence of Ki67-positive foci within the lung. These data show that tumor-secreted AM is a critical factor for driving both tumor and lymph node lymphangiogenesis. Thus, pharmacological targeting of AM signaling may provide a new avenue for inhibition of tumor lymphangiogenesis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adrenomedullin / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Adrenomedullin / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Lewis Lung / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Lewis Lung / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Lewis Lung / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Lewis Lung / secondary
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Female
  • Gene Dosage
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphangiogenesis / genetics*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / genetics
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / pathology
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • RNA Interference
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • vascular endothelial growth factor A, mouse
  • Adrenomedullin