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Contrasting effects of VEGF gene disruption in embryonic stem cell‐derived versus oncogene‐induced tumors
Author(s) -
ViloriaPetit Alicia,
Miquerol Lucile,
Yu Joanne L.,
Gertsenstein Marina,
Sheehan Capucine,
May Linda,
Henkin Jack,
Lobe Corrinne,
Nagy Andras,
Kerbel Robert S.,
Rak Janusz
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.1093/emboj/cdg408
Subject(s) - biology , embryonic stem cell , stem cell , cancer research , gene , oncogene , vegf receptors , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology , cell cycle
Previous gene targeting studies have implicated an indispensable role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in tumor angiogenesis, particularly in tumors of embryonal or endocrine origin. In contrast, we report here that transformation of VEGF‐deficient adult fibroblasts (MDF528) with ras or neu oncogenes gives rise to highly tumorigenic and angiogenic fibrosarcomas. These aggressive VEGF‐null tumors (528ras, 528neu) originated from VEGF −/− embryonic stem cells, which themselves were tumorigenically deficient. We also report that VEGF production by tumor stroma has a modest role in oncogene‐driven tumor angiogenesis. Both ras and neu oncogenes down‐regulated at least two endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis [pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) and thrombospondin 1 (TSP‐1)]. This is functionally important as administration of an antiangiogenic TSP‐1 peptide (ABT‐526) markedly inhibited growth of VEGF −/− tumors, with some ingress of pericytes. These results provide the first definitive genetic demonstration of the dispensability of tumor cell‐derived VEGF in certain cases of ‘adult’ tumor angiogenesis, and thus highlight the importance of considering VEGF‐independent as well as VEGF‐dependent pathways when attempting to block this process pharmacologically.