VEGFR2 Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Its Own Transcription
2011

VEGFR2 Regulates Its Own Transcription

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Domingues Inês, Rino José, Demmers Jeroen A. A., de Lanerolle Primal, Santos Susana Constantino Rosa

Primary Institution: Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

Hypothesis

Does VEGFR2 act as a transcription factor to regulate its own expression?

Conclusion

Nuclear VEGFR2 can bind to and activate its own promoter, suggesting a mechanism for amplifying the angiogenic response.

Supporting Evidence

  • VEGFR2 binds to the Sp1-responsive region of its own promoter.
  • Nuclear VEGFR2 interacts with several nuclear proteins, including Sp1.
  • VEGFR2's DNA binding is dependent on its activation by VEGF.
  • Blocking VEGFR2 activation reduces its binding to its own promoter.

Takeaway

VEGFR2, a protein involved in blood vessel formation, can move into the cell nucleus and help make more of itself, which could help in healing and growth.

Methodology

The study used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, EMSA assays, and luciferase reporter assays to investigate VEGFR2's role in transcription.

Limitations

The study does not identify the specific DNA sequence that VEGFR2 binds to in the promoter.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.007

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025668

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication