BMP9 signaling promotes the normalization of tumor blood vessels

Oncogene. 2020 Apr;39(14):2996-3014. doi: 10.1038/s41388-020-1200-0. Epub 2020 Feb 10.

Abstract

The presence of an immature tumor vascular network contributes to cancer dissemination and the development of resistance to therapies. Strategies to normalize the tumor vasculature are therefore of significant therapeutic interest for cancer treatments. VEGF inhibitors are used clinically to normalize tumor blood vessels. However, the time frame and dosage of these inhibitors required to achieve normalization is rather narrow, and there is a need to identify additional signaling targets to attain vascular normalization. In addition to VEGF, the endothelial-specific receptor Alk1 plays a critical role in vascular development and promotes vascular remodeling and maturation. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the effects of the Alk1 ligand BMP9 on tumor vascular formation. BMP9 overexpression in Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) tumors significantly delayed tumor growth. Blood vessels in BMP9-overexpressing LLC tumors displayed markers of vascular maturation and were characterized by increased perivascular cell coverage. Tumor vasculature normalization was associated with decreased permeability and increased perfusion. These changes in vascular function in BMP9-overexpressing LLC tumors resulted in significant alterations of the tumor microenvironment, characterized by a decrease in hypoxia and an increase in immune infiltration. In conclusion, we show that BMP9 promotes vascular normalization in LLC tumors that leads to changes in the microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activin Receptors, Type I / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Blood Vessels / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Female
  • Growth Differentiation Factor 2 / metabolism*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Tumor Microenvironment / physiology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Gdf2 protein, mouse
  • Growth Differentiation Factor 2
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Activin Receptors, Type I