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Multivalent proteoglycan modulation of FGF mitogenic responses in perivascular cells
Sabrina Cattaruzza1, Ugur Ozerdem, Martin Denzel
1S.O.C. for Experimental Oncology 2, The National Cancer Institute Aviano, CRO-IRCCS, Via Pedemontana Occidentale 12, 33081, Aviano, PN, Italy. sabrina.cattaruzza@libero.it
Perivascular NG2 proteoglycan is crucial for FGF-2-induced angiogenesis by retaining FGF-2 for receptor presentation. NG2 acts as a co-receptor for FGFRs, enhancing FGF signaling and pericyte response.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Angiogenesis Research
Background:
- Perivascular cell sprouting in angiogenesis relies on growth factor stimulation.
- The role of NG2/CSPG4 proteoglycan in pericyte response to growth factors is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of NG2 proteoglycan in FGF-induced corneal angiogenesis.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which NG2 influences FGF signaling and pericyte function.
Main Methods:
- Corneal angiogenesis assays in NG2 proteoglycan null mice.
- siRNA-mediated knockdown of NG2 in human cell lines.
- FGF receptor phosphorylation assays.
- Binding assays with recombinant proteins.
- Analysis of FGF receptor interactions using flow cytometry FRET.
Main Results:
- Corneal angiogenesis induced by FGF was impaired in NG2 null mice, unlike VEGF-induced angiogenesis.
- NG2-deficient pericytes showed reduced responsiveness to FGFs.
- NG2 directly binds FGF-2 in a core protein-dependent manner, retaining it on the cell membrane.
- NG2 acts as a co-receptor for FGFR1 and FGFR3, enhancing FGF signaling.
- NG2 phosphorylation upon FGF binding does not initiate independent signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Perivascular NG2 proteoglycan is essential for FGF-mediated angiogenesis.
- NG2 modulates FGF availability and enhances FGFR-mediated signal transduction.
- NG2's extracellular portion mediates its FGF co-receptor activity.
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