Characterization of a bicyclic peptide neuropilin-1 (NP-1) antagonist (EG3287) reveals importance of vascular endothelial growth factor exon 8 for NP-1 binding and role of NP-1 in KDR signaling

Neuropilin-1 (NP-1) is a receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor-A165 (VEGF-A165) in endothelial cells. To define the role of NP-1 in the biological functions of VEGF, we developed a specific peptide antagonist of VEGF binding to NP-1 based on the NP-1 binding site located in the exon 7- and 8-encoded VEGF-A165 domain. The bicyclic peptide, EG3287, potently (K(i) 1.2 microM) and effectively (>95% inhibition at 100 microM) inhibited VEGF-A165 binding to porcine aortic endothelial cells expressing NP-1 (PAE/NP-1) and breast carcinoma cells expressing only NP-1 receptors for VEGF-A, but had no effect on binding to PAE/KDR or PAE/Flt-1. Molecular dynamics calculations, a nuclear magnetic resonance structure of EG3287, and determination of stability in media, indicated that it constitutes a stable subdomain very similar to the corresponding region of native VEGF-A165. The C terminus encoded by exon 8 and the three-dimensional structure were both critical for EG3287 inhibition of NP-1 binding, whereas modifications at the N terminus had little effect. Although EG3287 had no direct effect on VEGF-A165 binding to KDR receptors, it inhibited cross-linking of VEGF-A165 to KDR in human umbilical vein endothelial cells co-expressing NP-1, and inhibited stimulation of KDR and PLC-gamma tyrosine phosphorylation, activation of ERKs1/2 and prostanoid production. These findings characterize the first specific antagonist of VEGF-A165 binding to NP-1 and demonstrate that NP-1 is essential for optimum KDR activation and intracellular signaling. The results also identify a key role for the C-terminal exon 8 domain in VEGF-A165 binding to NP-1.     

Snake venom vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) exhibit potent activity through their specific recognition of KDR (VEGF receptor 2)

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165) exhibits multiple effects via the activation of two distinct endothelial receptor tyrosine kinases: Flt-1 (fms-like tyrosine kinase-1) and KDR (kinase insert domain-containing receptor). KDR shows strong ligand-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation in comparison with Flt-1 and mainly mediates the mitogenic, angiogenic, and permeability-enhancing effects of VEGF165. Here we show the isolation of two VEGFs from viper venoms and the characterization of their unique biological properties. Snake venom VEGFs strongly stimulated proliferation of vascular endothelial cells in vitro. Interestingly, the maximum activities were almost twice that of VEGF165. They also induced strong hypotension on rat arterial blood pressure compared with VEGF165 in vivo. A receptor binding assay revealed that snake venom VEGFs bound to KDR-IgG with high affinity (Kd = approximately 0.1 nm) as well as to VEGF165 but did not interact with Flt-1, Flt-4, or neuropilin-1 at all. Our data clearly indicate that snake venom VEGFs act through the specific activation of KDR and show potent effects. Snake venom VEGFs are a highly specific ligand to KDR and form a new group of the VEGF family.     

The interaction of neuropilin-1 with vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor flt-1

Neuropilin-1 (NP-1) was first identified as a semaphorin receptor involved in neuron guidance. Subsequent studies demonstrated that NP-1 also binds an isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as well as several VEGF homologs, suggesting that NP-1 may also function in angiogenesis. Here we report in vitro binding experiments that shed light on the interaction between VEGF165 and NP-1, as well as a previously unknown interaction between NP-1 and one of the VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases, VEGFR1 or Flt-1. BIAcore analysis demonstrated that, with the extracellular domain (ECD) of NP-1 immobilized at low density, VEGF165 bound with low affinity (K(d) = 2 microm) and fast kinetics. The interaction was dependent on the heparin-binding domain of VEGF165 and increased the affinity of VEGF165 for its signaling receptor VEGFR2 or kinase insert domain-containing receptor. The affinity of VEGF165 for the NP-1 ECD was greatly enhanced either by increasing the density of immobilized NP-1 (K(d) = 113 nm) or by the addition of heparin (K(d) = 25 nm). We attribute these affinity enhancements to avidity effects mediated by the bivalent VEGF165 homodimer or multivalent heparin. We also show that the NP-1 ECD binds with high affinity (K(d) = 1.8 nm) to domains 3 and 4 of Flt-1 and that this interaction inhibits the binding of NP-1 to VEGF165. Based on these results, we propose that NP-1 acts as a coreceptor for various ligands and that these functions are dependent on the density of NP-1 on the cell membrane. Furthermore, Flt-1 may function as a negative regulator of angiogenesis by competing for NP-1.     

VEGF-A and PlGF-1 stimulate chemotactic migration of human mesenchymal progenitor cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been indicated to play a role during endochondral ossification by stimulation of blood vessel invasion into hypertrophic cartilage resulting in its replacement by trabecular bone. We could demonstrate a dose-dependent chemoattractive effect of VEGF-A and PlGF-1, but not VEGF-E or VEGF-C, on human mesenchymal progenitor cells. Quantitative realtime PCR revealed the expression of VEGFR-1 (Flt-1), VEGFR-2 (KDR/Flk-1), and VEGFR-3 (Flt-4), which markedly declined during osteogenic differentiation. In addition, expression of neuropilin-1 and -2 was detected by RT-PCR. In an in vitro kinase assay, we could demonstrate activation of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 upon stimulation with specific ligands. These findings are consistent with the idea that the chemotactic effect of VEGF-A on MPC is mediated via VEGFR-1, and that VEGF-A and PlGF-1, have a functional role for recruitment of osteoprogenitor cells in the course of endochondral bone formation or remodeling.     

Neuropilin-1 mediates collapsin-1/semaphorin III inhibition of endothelial cell motility: functional competition of collapsin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor-165.

Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a receptor for two unrelated ligands with disparate activities, vascular endothelial growth factor-165 (VEGF165), an angiogenesis factor, and semaphorin/collapsins, mediators of neuronal guidance. To determine whether semaphorin/collapsins could interact with NRP1 in nonneuronal cells, the effects of recombinant collapsin-1 on endothelial cells (EC) were examined. Collapsin-1 inhibited the motility of porcine aortic EC (PAEC) expressing NRP1 alone; coexpressing KDR and NRP1 (PAEC/KDR/NRP1), but not parental PAEC; or PAEC expressing KDR alone. The motility of PAEC expressing NRP1 was inhibited by 65-75% and this inhibition was abrogated by anti-NRP1 antibody. In contrast, VEGF165 stimulated the motility of PAEC/KDR/NRP1. When VEGF165 and collapsin-1 were added simultaneously to PAEC/KDR/NRP1, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and COS-7/NRP1 cells, they competed with each other in EC motility, DRG collapse, and NRP1-binding assays, respectively, suggesting that the two ligands have overlapping NRP1 binding sites. Collapsin-1 rapidly disrupted the formation of lamellipodia and induced depolymerization of F-actin in an NRP1-dependent manner. In an in vitro angiogenesis assay, collapsin-1 inhibited the capillary sprouting of EC from rat aortic ring segments. These results suggest that collapsin-1 can inhibit EC motility as well as axon motility, that these inhibitory effects on motility are mediated by NRP1, and that VEGF165 and collapsin-1 compete for NRP1-binding sites.     

Neuropilin-1 binds vascular endothelial growth factor 165, placenta growth factor-2, and heparin via its b1b2 domain

Neuroplin-1 (NRP1), a receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members, has three distinct extracellular domains, a1a2, b1b2, and c. To determine the VEGF(165) and placenta growth factor 2 (PlGF-2)-binding sites of NRP1, recombinant NRP1 domains were expressed in mammalian cells as Myc-tagged, soluble proteins, and used in co-precipitation experiments with 125I-VEGF165 and 125I-PlGF-2. Anti-Myc antibodies immunoprecipitated 125I-VEGF165 and 125I-PlGF-2 in the presence of the b1b2 but not of the a1a2 and c domains. Neither b1 nor b2 alone was capable of binding 125I-VEGF165. In competition experiments, VEGF165 competed PlGF-2 binding to the NRP1 b1b2 domain, suggesting that the binding sites of VEGF165 and PlGF-2 overlap. The presence of the a1a2 domain greatly enhanced VEGF165, but not PlGF-2 binding to b1b2. Heparin enhanced the binding of both 125I-VEGF165 and 125I-PlGF-2 to the b1b2 domain by 20- and 4-fold, respectively. A heparin chain of at least 20-24 monosaccharides was necessary for binding. In addition, the b1b2 domain of NRP1 could bind heparin directly, requiring heparin oligomers of at least 8 monosaccharide units. It was concluded that an intact b1b2 domain serves as the VEGF165-, PlGF-2-, and heparin-binding sites in NRP1, and that heparin is a critical component for regulating VEGF165 and PlGF-2 interactions with NRP1 by physically interacting with both receptor and ligands.     

Vascular permeability factor (VPF)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) peceptor-1 down-modulates VPF/VEGF receptor-2-mediated endothelial cell proliferation, but not migration, through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent pathways

Vascular permeability factor (VPF)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) achieves its multiple functions by activating two receptor tyrosine kinases, Flt-1 (VEGF receptor-1) and KDR (VEGF receptor-2), both of which are selectively expressed on primary vascular endothelium. To dissect the respective signaling pathways and biological functions mediated by these receptors in primary endothelial cells with these two receptors intact, we developed a chimeric receptor system in which the N terminus of the epidermal growth factor receptor was fused to the transmembrane domain and intracellular domain of KDR (EGDR) and Flt-1 (EGLT). We observed that KDR, but not Flt-1, was responsible for VPF/VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and migration. Moreover, Flt-1 showed an inhibitory effect on KDR-mediated proliferation, but not migration. We also demonstrated that the inhibitory function of Flt-1 was mediated through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K)-dependent pathway because inhibitors of PI-3K as well as a dominant negative mutant of p85 (PI-3K subunit) reversed the inhibition, whereas a constitutively activated mutant of p110 introduced the inhibition to HUVEC-EGDR. We also observed that, in VPF/VEGF-stimulated HUVECs, the Flt-1/EGLT-mediated down-modulation of KDR/EGDR signaling was at or before intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization, but after KDR/EGDR phosphorylation. By mutational analysis, we further identified that the tyrosine 794 residue of Flt-1 was essential for its antiproliferative effect. Taken together, these studies contribute significantly to our understanding of the signaling pathways and biological functions triggered by KDR and Flt-1 and describe a unique mechanism in which PI-3K acts as a mediator of antiproliferation in primary vascular endothelium.     

The second immunoglobulin-like domain of the VEGF tyrosine kinase receptor Flt-1 determines ligand binding and may initiate a signal transduction cascade.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic inducer that mediates its effects through two high affinity receptor tyrosine kinases, Flt-1 and KDR. Flt-1 is required for endothelial cell morphogenesis whereas KDR is involved primarily in mitogenesis. Flt-1 has an alternative ligand, placenta growth factor (PlGF). Both Flt-1 and KDR have seven immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains in the extracellular domain. The significance and function of these domains for ligand binding and receptor activation are unknown. Here we show that deletion of the second domain of Flt-1 completely abolishes the binding of VEGF. Introduction of the second domain of KDR into an Flt-1 mutant lacking the homologous domain restored VEGF binding. However, the ligand specificity was characteristic of the KDR receptor. We then created chimeric receptors where the first three or just the second Ig-like domains of Flt-1 replaced the corresponding domains in Flt-4, a receptor that does not bind VEGF, and analyzed their ability to bind VEGF. Both swaps conferred upon Flt-4 the ability to bind VEGF with an affinity nearly identical to that of wild-type Flt-1. Furthermore, transfected cells expressing these chimeric Flt-4 receptors exhibited increased DNA synthesis in response to VEGF or PlGF. These results demonstrate that a single Ig-like domain is the major determinant for VEGF-PlGF interaction and that binding to this domain may initiate a signal transduction cascade.     

Identification of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-binding protein in the venom of eastern cottonmouth. A new role of snake venom myotoxic Lys49-phospholipase A2

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165) and its receptor KDR (kinase insert domain-containing receptor) are central regulators of blood vessel formation. We herein report a KDR-binding protein we have isolated in the venom of eastern cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus). Sequence analysis revealed the isolated KDR-binding protein (designated KDR-bp) is identical to Lys49-phosholipase A2 (Lys49PLA2), an inactive PLA2 homologue with strong myotoxicity, in which Lys49 substitutes Asp49, a key residue for binding the essential cofactor Ca2+. KDR-bp binds to the extracellular domain of KDR with subnanomolar affinity. KDR-bp also binds to a lesser extent with Flt-1 and IgG but not to other receptors with similar immunoglobulin-like domain structures such as platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha. The interaction between KDR-bp and KDR was blocked by VEGF165, and KDR-bp specifically inhibited VEGF165-stimulated endothelial cell proliferation, indicating KDR-bp is an antagonistic ligand for KDR. Lys49PLA2s from another snake venom were found to exhibit similar receptor binding properties to KDR-bp. This is the first report to demonstrate that an exogenous factor antagonizes VEGF and its receptor system. Our observation offers further insight into the as yet unknown molecular mechanism of myotoxic activity of snake venom Lys49PLA2s. Furthermore, KDR-bp would make a valuable tool for studying the structure and function of KDR, such as that expressed on skeletal muscle cells.     

Receptor-selective variants of human vascular endothelial growth factor. Generation and characterization

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a pleiotropic factor that exerts a multitude of biological effects through its interaction with two receptor tyrosine kinases, fms-like tyrosine kinase (Flt-1) or VEGF receptor 1 and kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) or VEGF receptor 2. Whereas it is commonly accepted that KDR is responsible for the proliferative activities of VEGF, considerable controversy and uncertainty exist about the role of the individual receptors in eliciting many of the other effects. Based on a comprehensive mutational analysis of the receptor-binding site of VEGF, an Flt-1-selective variant was created containing four substitutions from the wild-type protein. This variant bound with wild-type affinity to Flt-1, was at least 470-fold reduced in binding to KDR, and had no activity in cell-based assays measuring autophosphorylation of KDR or proliferation of primary human vascular endothelial cells. Using a competitive phage display strategy, two KDR-selective variants were discovered with three and four changes from wild-type, respectively. Both variants had approximately wild-type affinity for KDR, were about 2000-fold reduced in binding to Flt-1, and showed activity comparable with the wild-type protein in KDR autophosphorylation and endothelial cell proliferation assays. These variants will serve as useful reagents in elucidating the roles of Flt-1 and KDR.     

VEGFR-2-mediated increased proliferation and survival in response to oxygen and glucose deprivation in PlGF knockout astrocytes

In hypoxic/ischemic conditions, astrocytes are involved in neuroprotection and angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces angiogenesis and exhibits neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties. However, the role of placental growth factor (PlGF), a VEGF homolog, in these processes is unclear. Therefore, proliferation and survival studies were performed on PlGF knockout (PlGF-/-) and wild-type (PlGF+/+) mouse astrocytes. A significant increase in cell proliferation and survival to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) was observed in PlGF-/- compared to PlGF+/+ astrocytes. Interestingly, no PlGF protein expression was detected in PlGF+/+ astrocytes and no changes in VEGF protein levels were observed between the two genotypes. Real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry showed over-expression of VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in PlGF-/- compared with PlGF+/+ astrocytes. Confocal microscopy revealed nuclear, membrane, and cytoplasmic localization of VEGFR-2. In vivo over-expression of VEGFR-2 mRNA was also detected in PlGF-/- compared with PlGF+/+ astrocytes. Stimulation with VEGF165 resulted in increased proliferation in PlGF-/- compared with PlGF+/+ astrocytes. This effect was blocked by the VEGFR-2 antagonist, VEGF165b. The enhanced proliferation of PlGF-/- astrocytes correlated with increased phospho-extracellular-signal-regulated kinase-1/2 levels, while the resistance to OGD was independent of the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase/Akt pathway. These results suggest that VEGFR-2 mediates the enhanced proliferative/OGD resistant phenotype observed in PlGF-/- astrocytes.     

Neuropilin-1-VEGFR-2 complexing requires the PDZ-binding domain of neuropilin-1

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) acts as a hierarchically high switch of the angiogenic cascade by interacting with its high affinity VEGF receptors and with neuropilin co-receptors. VEGF(165) binds to both Neuropilin-1 (NP-1) and VEGFR-2, and it is believed that ligand binding forms an extracellular bridge between both molecules. This leads to complex formation, thereby enhancing VEGFR-2 phosphorylation and subsequent signaling. We found that inhibition of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) phosphorylation reduced complex formation between NP-1 and VEGFR-2, suggesting a functional role of the cytoplasmic domain of VEGFR-2 for complex formation. Correspondingly, deleting the PDZ-binding domain of NP-1 decreased complex formation, indicating that extracellular VEGF(165) binding is not sufficient for VEGFR-2-NP-1 interaction. Synectin is an NP-1 PDZ-binding domain-interacting molecule. Experiments in Synectin-deficient endothelial cells revealed reduced VEGFR-2-NP-1 complex formation, suggesting a role for Synectin in VEGFR-2-NP-1 signaling. Taken together, the experiments have identified a novel mechanism of NP-1 interaction with VEGFR-2, which involves the cytoplasmic domain of NP-1.     

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its cognate receptors in human pheochromocytomas

Pheochromocytomas are well-vascularized tumors, suggesting that a potent angiogenic factor may be involved in the mechanism of their formation. As vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent mitogen for vascular endothelial cells, here we have investigated the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF and the mRNA expression of its two receptors (Flt-1 and Flk-1/KDR) in pheochromocytomas tissue. An increase in VEGF mRNA (mainly isoforms VEGF(121) and VEGF(165)) and in VEGF protein expression were observed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively, compared to normal adrenomedullary tissue. Flk-1/KDR, and Flt-1 levels of mRNA were also increased markedly in tumors and correlated with levels of VEGF mRNA. Therefore, we speculate that upregulation of VEGF expression and its receptors might be important in the pathogenesis of pheochromocytomas.     

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in the human endometrium: modulation during the menstrual cycle

Angiogenesis is fundamental for human endometrial development and differentiation necessary for implantation. These vascular changes are thought to be mediated by the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), whose specific receptors have not been examined in detail thus far. We conducted the present study to determine, by immunocytochemistry and computerized image analysis of the functionalis, the expression and modulation of the receptors Flk-1/KDR and Flt-1, which mediate VEGF effects on endothelial mitogenicity, chemotaxis, and capillary permeability. VEGF receptors are expressed mainly in endometrial endothelial cells, with variations of intensity and number of stained capillaries related to the phase of the cycle. The number of capillaries immunostained for Flk-1/KDR was maximal in the proliferative phase (ratio Flk-1/CD34: 1), twice as high as the number of Flt-1-expressing capillaries (ratio Flt-1/CD34: 0.47). The staining intensity for Flk-1 decreased during the late proliferative and early secretory phases, to increase again in the midsecretory period. The number of Flt-1-labeled capillaries was about 2-fold higher in the secretory than in the proliferative phase; however, the proportion of Flt-1-positive cells did not change, owing to the associated increase in vascular density that characterizes progression of the functionalis from the proliferative to the secretory stage. The staining intensity for Flt-1 was higher during the late proliferative and secretory phases (especially in the midsecretory phase) and the premenstrual period. In contrast, the proportion of capillaries expressing Flk-1/KDR decreased in the secretory phase (ratio Flk-1/Von Willebrand factor: 0.55). Enhanced expression of Flk-1/KDR, and of Flt-1, on narrow capillary strands at the beginning of and during the proliferative phase may account for the rapid capillary growth associated with endometrial regeneration following menstrual shedding. The high coexpression of Flk-1/KDR and Flt-1 observed on capillaries during the midsecretory period correlates with an increase of endometrial microvascular density and of permeability characteristic of this phase of the cycle, which is a prerequisite for implantation. Finally, strong expression of Flt-1, but not Flk-1/KDR, was observed on dilated capillaries during the premenstrual period and the late proliferative phase, suggesting preferential association of Flt-1 with nonproliferating capillaries at those times; activation of this receptor by VEGF could be involved in premenstrual vascular hyperpermeability, edema, and extravasation of leukocytes. In addition to the endothelial localization, we found that epithelial cells expressed Flt-1 and Flk-1/KDR. We conclude that Flt-1 and Flk-1/KDR in the functionalis are modulated in parallel or independently according to the phase of the cycle, and that these changes are responsible for VEGF actions on endometrial vascular growth and permeability. The molecular mechanisms concerning these regulations will require further investigation.     

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in smooth muscle cells

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) has been typically considered to be an endothelial-specific growth factor. However, it was recently demonstrated that VEGF can interact with non endothelial cells. In this study, we tested whether vascular smooth muscles cells (VSMCs) can express VEGF receptors, such as flk-1, flt-1, and neuropilin (NP)-1, and respond to VEGF in vitro. In cultured VSMCs, flk-1 and flt-1 expression was inversely related to cell density. The expression of flk-1 was down-regulated with increasing passage numbers. However, NP-1 levels were not affected by cell density or passage numbers. Flk-1, Flt-1, and NP-1 protein levels were confirmed by Western Blotting. Although the functional mature form of Flk-1 protein is expressed at low levels in VSMCs, phosphorylation of Flk-1 following VEGF(165) stimulation was still observed. SMCs migrated significantly in response to VEGF(165) and VEGF-E, whereas Placenta Growth Factor (PlGF) induced migration only at higher concentrations. Since VEGF-E is a specific activator of flk-1 while PlGF specifically activates only flt-1, SMC migration induced by VEGF(165) is likely to be mediated primarily through the flk-1 receptor. VSMCs did not significantly proliferate in response to VEGF(165), PlGF, and VEGF-E. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate the presence of VEGF receptors on VSMCs that are functional. These studies also indicate that in vivo, VEGF may play a role in modulating the response of VSMCs.     

Regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling by miR-200b

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling plays an important role in angiogenesis. In the VEGF signaling pathway, the key components are VEGF and its receptors, Flt-1 and KDR. In this study, we show that transfection of synthetic miR-200b reduced protein levels of VEGF, Flt-1, and KDR. In A549 cells, miR-200b targeted the predicted binding sites in the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of VEGF, Flt-1, and KDR as revealed by a luciferase reporter assay. When transfected with miR-200b, the ability of HUVECs to form a capillary tube on Matrigel and VEGF-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 were significantly reduced. Taken together, these results suggest that miR-200b negatively regulates VEGF signaling by targeting VEGF and its receptors and that miR-200b may have therapeutic potential as an angiogenesis inhibitor.     

Analysis of biological effects and signaling properties of Flt-1 (VEGFR-1) and KDR (VEGFR-2). A reassessment using novel receptor-specific vascular endothelial growth factor mutants

Endothelial cells express two related vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinases, KDR (kinase-insert domain containing receptor, or VEGFR-2) and Flt-1 (fms-like tyrosine kinase, or VEGFR-1). Although considerable experimental evidence links KDR activation to endothelial cell mitogenesis, there is still significant uncertainty concerning the role of individual VEGF receptors for other biological effects such as vascular permeability. VEGF mutants that bind to either KDR or Flt-1 with high selectivity were used to determine which of the two receptors serves to mediate different VEGF functions. In addition to mediating mitogenic signaling, selective KDR activation was sufficient for the activation of intracellular signaling pathways implicated in cell migration. KDR stimulation caused tyrosine phosphorylation of both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and phospholipase Cgamma in primary endothelial cells and stimulated cell migration. KDR-selective VEGF was also able to induce angiogenesis in the rat cornea to an extent indistinguishable from wild type VEGF. We also demonstrate that KDR, but not Flt-1, stimulation is responsible for the induction of vascular permeability by VEGF.     

Angiogenic growth factor response to acute systemic exercise in human skeletal muscle.

We investigated whether acute systemic exercise increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor (KDR and Flt-1) mRNA, and VEGF protein in sedentary humans. Twelve sedentary subjects were recruited and performed 1 h of acute, cycle ergometer exercise at 50% of maximal oxygen consumption. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis before exercise and at 0, 2, and 4 h postexercise. Acute exercise significantly increased VEGF mRNA at 2 and 4 h and increased KDR and Flt-1 mRNA at 4 h postexercise. The sustained increase in VEGF mRNA through 4 h and the increases in KDR and Flt-1 at 4 h are different from their respective time course responses in rats. In contrast to the increase in VEGF mRNA postexercise, VEGF protein levels were decreased at 0 h postexercise. These results provide evidence in humans that 1) VEGF, KDR, and Flt-1 mRNA are increased by acute systemic exercise; 2) the time course of the VEGF, KDR, and Flt-1 mRNA responses are different from those previously reported in rats (Gavin TP and Wagner PD. Acta Physiol Scand 175: 201-209, 2002); and 3) VEGF protein is decreased immediately after exercise.