Esm1 modulates endothelial tip cell behavior and vascular permeability by enhancing VEGF bioavailability

SF Rocha, M Schiller, D Jing, H Li, S Butz… - Circulation …, 2014 - Am Heart Assoc
SF Rocha, M Schiller, D Jing, H Li, S Butz, D Vestweber, D Biljes, HCA Drexler…
Circulation research, 2014Am Heart Assoc
Rationale: Endothelial cell–specific molecule 1 (Esm1) is a secreted protein thought to play
a role in angiogenesis and inflammation. However, there is currently no direct in vivo
evidence supporting a function of Esm1 in either of these processes. Objective: To
determine the role of Esm1 in vivo and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods and
Results: We generated and analyzed Esm1 knockout (Esm1 KO) mice to study its role in
angiogenesis and inflammation. Esm1 expression is induced by the vascular endothelial …
Rationale:
Endothelial cell–specific molecule 1 (Esm1) is a secreted protein thought to play a role in angiogenesis and inflammation. However, there is currently no direct in vivo evidence supporting a function of Esm1 in either of these processes.
Objective:
To determine the role of Esm1 in vivo and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Methods and Results:
We generated and analyzed Esm1 knockout (Esm1KO) mice to study its role in angiogenesis and inflammation. Esm1 expression is induced by the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in endothelial tip cells of the mouse retina. Esm1KO mice showed delayed vascular outgrowth and reduced filopodia extension, which are both VEGF-A–dependent processes. Impairment of Esm1 function led to a decrease in phosphorylated Erk1/2 (extracellular-signal regulated kinases 1/2) in sprouting vessels. We also found that Esm1KO mice displayed a 40% decrease in leukocyte transmigration. Moreover, VEGF-induced vascular permeability was decreased by 30% in Esm1KO mice and specifically on stimulation with VEGF-A165 but not VEGF-A121. Accordingly, cerebral edema attributable to ischemic stroke–induced vascular permeability was reduced by 50% in the absence of Esm1. Mechanistically, we show that Esm1 binds directly to fibronectin and thereby displaces fibronectin-bound VEGF-A165 leading to increased bioavailability of VEGF-A165 and subsequently enhanced levels of VEGF-A signaling.
Conclusions:
Esm1 is simultaneously a target and modulator of VEGF signaling in endothelial cells, playing a role in angiogenesis, inflammation, and vascular permeability, which might be of potential interest for therapeutic applications.
Am Heart Assoc