The neuropeptide catestatin acts as a novel angiogenic cytokine via a basic fibroblast growth factor-dependent mechanism.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

The neuropeptide catestatin is an endogenous nicotinic cholinergic antagonist that acts as a pleiotropic hormone.

Objective

Catestatin shares several functions with angiogenic factors. We therefore reasoned that catestatin induces growth of new blood vessels.

Methods and results

Catestatin induced migration, proliferation, and antiapoptosis in endothelial cells and exerted capillary tube formation in vitro in a Matrigel assay, and such effects were mediated via G protein, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and Akt. Catestatin-induced endothelial cell functions are further mediated by basic fibroblast growth factor, as shown by blockade of effects by a neutralizing fibroblast growth factor antibody. Furthermore, catestatin released basic fibroblast growth fact

SUBMITTER: Theurl M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10798356 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature