Slit2 signaling through Robo1 and Robo2 is required for retinal neovascularization

Nat Med. 2015 May;21(5):483-91. doi: 10.1038/nm.3849. Epub 2015 Apr 20.

Abstract

Ocular neovascular diseases are a leading cause of blindness. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blockade improves vision, but not all individuals respond to anti-VEGF treatment, making additional means to prevent neovascularization necessary. Slit-family proteins (Slits) are ligands of Roundabout (Robo) receptors that repel developing axons in the nervous system. Robo1 expression is altered in ocular neovascular diseases, and previous in vitro studies have reported both pro- and anti-angiogenic effects of Slits. However, genetic evidence supporting a role for Slits in ocular neovascularization is lacking. Here we generated conditional knockout mice deficient in various Slit and Robo proteins and found that Slit2 potently and selectively promoted angiogenesis via Robo1 and Robo2 in mouse postnatal retina and in a model of ocular neovascular disease. Mechanistically, Slit2 acting through Robo1 and Robo2 promoted the migration of endothelial cells. These receptors are required for both Slit2- and VEGF-induced Rac1 activation and lamellipodia formation. Thus, Slit2 blockade could potentially be used therapeutically to inhibit angiogenesis in individuals with ocular neovascular disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Lung / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism*
  • Retina / embryology
  • Retina / metabolism
  • Retinal Neovascularization*
  • Roundabout Proteins
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • ROBO2 protein, human
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Robo2 protein, mouse
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Slit homolog 2 protein