Regulation of tumor angiogenesis by the microtubule-binding protein CLIP-170

Protein Cell. 2013 Apr;4(4):266-76. doi: 10.1007/s13238-013-3007-z. Epub 2013 Apr 3.

Abstract

Angiogenesis, the expansion of preexisting blood vessels, is a complex process required for tumor growth and metastasis. Although current antiangiogenic strategies have shown promising results in several cancer types, identification of additional antiangiogenic targets is required to improve the therapeutic response. Herein, we show that the microtubule-binding protein CLIP-170 (cytoplasmic linker protein of 170 kDa) is highly expressed in breast tumor samples and correlates positively with blood vessel density. Depletion of CLIP-170 significantly impaired vascular endothelial tube formation and sprouting in vitro and inhibited breast tumor growth in mice by decreasing tumor vascularization. Our data further show that CLIP-170 is important for the migration but not the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells. In addition, CLIP-170 promotes the polarization of endothelial cells in response to the angiogenic stimulus. These findings thus demonstrate a critical role for CLIP-170 in tumor angiogenesis and suggest its potential as a novel antiangiogenic target.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Polarity
  • Female
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Transplantation, Heterologous

Substances

  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • cytoplasmic linker protein 170