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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Modified In Vivo Matrix Gel Plug Assay for Angiogenesis Studies
Published on: June 30, 2023
[Involvement of AKT/eNOS in brain derived neurotrophic factor-induced angiogenesis]
Ya-dan Wang1, Yu Hu, Chun-yan Sun
1Institution of Hematology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongii Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
Objective:
To investigate the signaling pathways involved in brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) -induced angiogenesis and to provide a novel pathway to anti-angiogenesis in multiple myeloma.
Methods:
The phosphorylation of AKT and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in human umbilical venous epithelial cells (HUVEC) were detected by Western blot. The angiogenic activity in vitro was evaluated by transwell migration assay and tube formation assay. BDNF-induced in vivo angiogenic activity was evaluated by Matrigel plug assay. The concentration of NO was detected by nitric acid deoxidizase assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by FITC-Annexin V/PI double staining and flow cytometry.
Results:
BDNF activated the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/eNOS pathway in HUVEC in a time- and dose-dependent manner. BDNF-stimulated NO production was blocked by LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor. In vitro, BDNF induced HUVEC migration and tube formation on Matrigel, which could be significantly blocked by LY294002 and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) respectively; but BDNF induced HUVEC apoptosis could be blocked only by LY294002. In vivo, BDNF increased capillary ingrowth into subcutaneously implanted Matrigel plugs in mice, which could be significantly reduced in L-NAME treated mice.
Conclusion:
BDNF induces angiogenesis through the AKT/eNOS signaling kinase pathway. It may be a novel target for the anti-angiogenesis therapy for multiple myeloma.
Insights
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes angiogenesis via the AKT/eNOS pathway. This pathway presents a potential target for anti-angiogenesis therapies in multiple myeloma.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Context:
- Angiogenesis plays a critical role in the progression of multiple myeloma.
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in various cellular processes, including angiogenesis.
- Understanding the specific signaling pathways activated by BDNF is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the signaling mechanisms by which BDNF stimulates angiogenesis.
- To investigate the role of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) pathway in BDNF-induced angiogenesis.
- To explore the potential of targeting this pathway for anti-angiogenesis therapy in multiple myeloma.
Summary:
- BDNF activates the PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway in human umbilical venous epithelial cells (HUVECs) in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
- BDNF promotes HUVEC migration, tube formation, and NO production, effects inhibited by PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and eNOS inhibitor L-NAME.
- In vivo studies demonstrated that BDNF enhances capillary ingrowth, which is attenuated by L-NAME treatment, confirming the role of the AKT/eNOS pathway in BDNF-mediated angiogenesis.
Impact:
- Identifies the AKT/eNOS signaling pathway as a key mediator of BDNF-induced angiogenesis.
- Provides a novel molecular target for developing anti-angiogenesis strategies against multiple myeloma.
- Offers potential therapeutic avenues to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in multiple myeloma by targeting BDNF signaling.
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