Activated platelets provide a functional microenvironment for the antiangiogenic fragment of histidine-rich glycoprotein

• The angiogenesis inhibitor histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) constitutes one of several examples of molecules regulating both angiogenesis and hemostasis. The antiangiogenic properties of HRG are mediated via its proteolytically released histidine- and proline-rich (His/Pro-rich) domain.Using a combination of immunohistochemistry and massspectrometry, we here provide biochemical evidence for thepresence of a proteolytic peptide, corresponding to the antiangiogenic domain of HRG, in vivo in human tissue. This finding supports a role for HRG as an endogenous regulator of angiogenesis. Interestingly, the His/Pro-rich peptide bound to the vessel wall in tissue from cancer patients but not to the vasculature in tissue from healthy persons.Moreover, the His/Pro-rich peptide was found in close association with platelets. Relesate from in vitro–activated platelets promoted binding of the His/Pro-rich domain of HRG to endothelial cells, an effect mediated by Zn2+.Previous studies have shown that zinc-dependent bindingof the His/Pro-rich domain of HRG to heparan sulfate on endothelial cells is required for inhibition of angiogenesis.We describe a novel mechanism to increase the local concentration and activity of an angiogenesis inhibitor,which may reflect a host response to counteract angiogenesis during pathologic conditions. Our finding that tumor angiogenesis is elevated in HRG-deficient mice supports this conclusion.

Keyword

histidine-rich glycoprotein

angiogenesis

cancer

platelets

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

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ref (subject category)

art (subject category)