Hypoxic Proliferation of Osteosarcoma Cells Depends on Arginase II

Despite significant advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma, the overall survival has remained relatively unchanged for over two decades. Hypoxic conditions have been demonstrated in solid tumors and are associated with increased cell proliferation and angiogenesis. L-arginine metabolism by arginase produces L-ornithine, the precursor for polyamine and proline synthesis required for cellular proliferation. We hypothesized that hypoxia would increase cellular proliferation via arginase induction in human osteosarcoma cell lines.