Regulation of tumor angiogenesis by Id+ marrow precursor

Weill Medical College Of Cornell Univ, New York NY

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective of this proposal is to examine the role of bone marrow (BM) - derived circulating endothelial precursor cells (CEPs) and hematopoietic cells (HCs) in the post natal regulation of angiogenesis. Despite recent identification of angiogenic factors regulating embryonic development, the role of such factors and effector cells in modulation of tumor angiogenesis is not clear. We intend to define the mechanisms whereby Id gene mediation along with the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, VEGFR1 (Flt-l) and VEGFR2 (FIK-1, KDR) regulate survival, proliferation, mobilization, and recruitment of CEPs and HCs. We have identified circulating CEPs, AC133 (+) VEGFR2 (+), capable of being recruited from BM to tumor vasculature bed, accelerating angiogenesis. We found that signaling through VEGFR2 is essential for CEP proliferation and that VEGF induces mobilization of a subset of VEGFR1 (+) HCs that affects initiation of the tumor vascular network. Also VEGF induced Id1 and Id3 expression in both BM derived CEPs and HCs. Further angiogenic defects (tumor growth, Matrigel vascularization) in Id1 and Id3 knock out (Id1+/-Id3-/-) mice were reversible by BM transplantation. Thus the primary angiogenic defect in (Id1+/-Id3-/-) mice may be due to dysregulated VEGF/VEGFR2 and perhaps VEGF/VEGFR1 signaling, causing mobilization failure. We hypothesize that VEGF-mediated upregulation of Id1 and/or Id3 is essential for mobilization of VEGFR1(+) HCs and VEGFR2(+) CEPs. Specific aims are: Determine the temporal and spatial expression patterns of Id genes, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2 on neovessels during tumor angiogenesis, 2) Define the role of chemokine signaling pathways for the regulation of Id gene and VEGF receptor expression during the mobilization of CEPs and HCs, 3) Assess the physiological significance and contributions of BM-derived CEPs and/or HCs to tumor angiogenesis in vivo models. These experiments will lead to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the recruitment of VEGF-responsive Id competent BM-derived precursors to the tumor vasculature bed and suggest new clinical strategies to block tumor growth.