CCN2/CTGF regulates neovessel formation via targeting structurally conserved cystine knot motifs in multiple angiogenic regulators

FASEB J. 2012 Aug;26(8):3365-79. doi: 10.1096/fj.11-200154. Epub 2012 May 18.

Abstract

Blood vessels are formed during development and tissue repair through a plethora of modifiers that coordinate efficient vessel assembly in various cellular settings. Here we used the yeast 2-hybrid approach and demonstrated a broad affinity of connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) to C-terminal cystine knot motifs present in key angiogenic regulators Slit3, von Willebrand factor, platelet-derived growth factor-B, and VEGF-A. Biochemical characterization and histological analysis showed close association of CCN2/CTGF with these regulators in murine angiogenesis models: normal retinal development, oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), and Lewis lung carcinomas. CCN2/CTGF and Slit3 proteins worked in concert to promote in vitro angiogenesis and downstream Cdc42 activation. A fragment corresponding to the first three modules of CCN2/CTGF retained this broad binding ability and gained a dominant-negative function. Intravitreal injection of this mutant caused a significant reduction in vascular obliteration and retinal neovascularization vs. saline injection in the OIR model. Knocking down CCN2/CTGF expression by short-hairpin RNA or ectopic expression of this mutant greatly decreased tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. These results provided mechanistic insight into the angiogenic action of CCN2/CTGF and demonstrated the therapeutic potential of dominant-negative CCN2/CTGF mutants for antiangiogenesis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Lewis Lung / chemically induced
  • Connective Tissue Growth Factor / physiology*
  • Cystine Knot Motifs / drug effects*
  • Cystine Knot Motifs / genetics
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology
  • Mice
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / drug effects
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / physiology*
  • Retinal Vessels / growth & development
  • Two-Hybrid System Techniques

Substances

  • CCN2 protein, mouse
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Slit3 protein, mouse
  • Connective Tissue Growth Factor