The Na ؉ /H ؉ exchanger regulatory factor-2 (NHERF-2) is an integral component of almost all endothelial cells (ECs), yet its endothelial function is not known. Here, we found that NHERF-2, is a key regulator of endothelial homeostasis because NHERF-2-silenced ECs proliferate at a much higher rate even in the absence of mitogens such as VEGF compared with control ECs. We further show that the hyperproliferation phenotype of NHERF-2-silenced EC is because of an accelerated cell cycle that is probably caused by a combination of the following factors: increased cytoplasmic calcium, increased expression of c-Myc, increased expression of cyclin D1, and reduced expression of p27. Using an experimental mouse model of human hemangioma, we found that the endothelial neoplasms derived from NHERF-2-silenced cells were much larger in volume than those derived from control cells. Thus, NHERF-2 is a negative regulator of endothelial proliferation and may have important roles in endothelial homeostasis and vascular modeling.
IntroductionThe maintenance of endothelial homeostasis is critical in preventing uncontrolled angiogenesis, permeability, thrombosis, and inflammation. 1 In this context, the VEGF is a critical regulator of both physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. 2 Originally identified on the basis of its permeability-inducing ability, 3 it is now recognized as a potent inducer of endothelial proliferation, migration, and survival. The effects of VEGF and its family members are mediated by structurally related receptors termed VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and more recently neuropilin 1 (NRP-1). Among these receptors VEGFR-2 has emerged as the predominant mediator of endothelial proliferation and migration. 4 In contrast VEGFR-1 is thought to mediate inhibitory and/or decoy effects in endothelial cells (ECs). 5 NRP-1, by contrast, was first found to act as a coreceptor enhancing VEGF binding to VEGFR-2. 6 However, we previously reported that in HUVECs, NRP-1 mediates ligand-induced migration but not proliferation. 7 The Na ϩ /H ϩ exchanger regulatory factors, NHERF-1 and NHERF-2, are 2 structurally related protein adapters that contain tandem PDZ domains. 8,9 They are primarily expressed in the brush border membrane of the proximal tubule, small intestine, and colon and regulate protein kinase A-mediated inhibition of the sodiumhydrogen exchanger (NHE-3). 10,11 In the recently developed NHERF-2 knockout mice Ca 2ϩ or cGMP-mediated inhibition of NHE-3 is abolished, resulting in higher basal fluid absorption rates in the ileum. 12 NHE-3 comprises a family of NHEs that extrude H ϩ (equivalents) generated metabolically in exchange for extracellular Na ϩ by an antiport mechanism. 13 Activation of NHE is a universal response to mitogenic stimulation 14 and has a permissive effect in promoting cell proliferation. 15 NHERF-2 is a human scaffold protein that connects plasma membrane proteins with members of the ezrin/moesin/radixin family and thereby helps to link them with the actin cytoskeleton and regulates their surface expression....