Vascular endothelial growth factor upregulates pigment epithelium-derived factor expression via VEGFR-1 in human retinal pigment epithelial cells

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2003 Apr 11;303(3):962-7. doi: 10.1016/s0006-291x(03)00446-7.

Abstract

We previously demonstrated that differentiated retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells express high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), and a critical balance between VEGF and PEDF is important to prevent the development of choroidal neovascularization. We report here that VEGF secreted by RPE cells upregulates PEDF expression via VEGFR-1 in an autocrine manner. PEDF mRNA and protein expression was downregulated by neutralizing antibody against VEGF in differentiated human RPE cells. VEGFR-1 neutralization decreased PEDF mRNA and protein expression whereas anti-VEGFR-2 antibody had no effect. Addition of placenta growth factor (PlGF) restored PEDF expression in the presence of anti-VEGF antibody. These results demonstrate a regulatory interaction between angiogenesis stimulators and inhibitors to maintain homeostasis in normal human retina.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / physiology*
  • Eye Proteins*
  • Feedback
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / physiology*
  • Lymphokines / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Lymphokines / physiology*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic
  • Nerve Growth Factors*
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / blood supply
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / cytology
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / drug effects
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / physiology*
  • Placenta Growth Factor
  • Pregnancy Proteins / pharmacology
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • Proteins / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Serpins / biosynthesis
  • Serpins / genetics*
  • Up-Regulation
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / genetics*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / metabolism
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / metabolism
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Substances

  • Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Eye Proteins
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Lymphokines
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • PGF protein, human
  • Pregnancy Proteins
  • Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Serpins
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
  • pigment epithelium-derived factor
  • Placenta Growth Factor
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2