Endophilin-A2 dependent VEGFR2 endocytosis promotes sprouting angiogenesis

Nat Commun. 2019 May 28;10(1):2350. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-10359-x.

Abstract

Endothelial cell migration, proliferation and survival are triggered by VEGF-A activation of VEGFR2. However, how these cell behaviors are regulated individually is still unknown. Here we identify Endophilin-A2 (ENDOA2), a BAR-domain protein that orchestrates CLATHRIN-independent internalization, as a critical mediator of endothelial cell migration and sprouting angiogenesis. We show that EndoA2 knockout mice exhibit postnatal angiogenesis defects and impaired front-rear polarization of sprouting tip cells. ENDOA2 deficiency reduces VEGFR2 internalization and inhibits downstream activation of the signaling effector PAK but not ERK, thereby affecting front-rear polarity and migration but not proliferation or survival. Mechanistically, VEGFR2 is directed towards ENDOA2-mediated endocytosis by the SLIT2-ROBO pathway via SLIT-ROBO-GAP1 bridging of ENDOA2 and ROBO1. Blocking ENDOA2-mediated endothelial cell migration attenuates pathological angiogenesis in oxygen-induced retinopathy models. This work identifies a specific endocytic pathway controlling a subset of VEGFR2 mediated responses that could be targeted to prevent excessive sprouting angiogenesis in pathological conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acyltransferases / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Polarity / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Cell Survival / genetics
  • Endocytosis / genetics
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / genetics*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism
  • Retinal Vessels / cytology
  • Retinal Vessels / growth & development
  • Roundabout Proteins
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / metabolism*
  • p21-Activated Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Acyltransferases
  • 2-acylglycerophosphate acyltransferase
  • Kdr protein, mouse
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2
  • p21-Activated Kinases
  • Slit homolog 2 protein