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Modulation of gene expression by α‐tocopherol and α‐tocopheryl phosphate
Author(s) -
Zingg JeanMarc,
Meydani Mohsen,
Azzi Angelo
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.556.5
Subject(s) - angiogenesis , gene expression , cd36 , gene , vascular endothelial growth factor , biology , signal transduction , microbiology and biotechnology , regulation of gene expression , chemistry , cancer research , vegf receptors , biochemistry
The natural occurring vitamin E analogue, α‐tocopheryl phosphate (αTP), has been reported to be more potent in reducing cell proliferation and the expression of the CD36 scavenger receptor than the un‐phosphorylated α‐tocopherol (αT). We have now assessed the effects of αT and αTP on gene expression in THP‐1 monocytes using gene arrays covering essentially all human genes. More genes are regulated by αTP than by αT and no correlation was found between the expression levels of αT‐ and αTP‐regulated genes, suggesting that two different signal transduction pathways are affected. A group of genes was further confirmed by quantitative real time RT‐PCR. The expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is induced by αTP at the mRNA and protein level. In vivo , the induction of VEGF by αTP may be relevant for cell survival and tissue homeostasis in several physiological conditions; strong induction of VEGF with higher concentrations of αTP could be used for therapeutic angiogenesis and show neuro‐, myo‐, and cardio‐protective effects. The mechanisms of VEGF regulation by αTP are currently further assessed. (This study is supported by USDA contract #58‐1950‐7‐707, and a fellowship to JMZ by Phosphagenics Ltd.).