Endothelial MAP2K1 mutations in arteriovenous malformation activate the RAS/MAPK pathway

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a locally destructive congenital vascular anomaly caused by somatic mutations in MAP2K1. The mutation is isolated to endothelial cells (ECs). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mutant MAP2K1 on EC signaling and vascular network formation. Pathway effects were studied using both mutant MAP2K1 (K57N) human AVM tissue and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) engineered to overexpress the MAP2K1 (K57N) mutation. Western blot was used to determine cell signaling along the RAS/MAPK pathway. Geltrex tube formation assays were performed to assess EC vascular network formation. Cells were treated with a MAP2K1 inhibitor (Trametinib) to determine its effect on signaling and vascular tube formation. Human mutant MAP2K1-AVM ECs had similar baseline MEK1 and ERK1/2 expression with controls; however, mutant MAP2K1-AVM ECs produced significantly more phosphorylated ERK1/2 than wild-type ECs. Mutant MAP2K1 HUVECs demonstrated significantly more phosphorylated ERK1/2 than control HUVECs. Trametinib reduced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in mutant cells and prevented the ability of ECs to form vascular networks. AVM MAP2K1 mutations activate RAS/MAPK signaling in ECs. ERK activation and vascular network formation are reduced with Trametinib. Pharmacotherapy using MAP2K1 inhibitors may prevent the formation or progression of AVMs.