Characterization of a novel form of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2B) and expressionof VEGF and angiopoietin-2 during chicken testicular development and regression

Citation
J. Mezquita et al., Characterization of a novel form of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2B) and expressionof VEGF and angiopoietin-2 during chicken testicular development and regression, BIOC BIOP R, 260(2), 1999, pp. 492-498
Citations number
21
Categorie Soggetti
Biochemistry & Biophysics
Journal title
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
ISSN journal
0006291X → ACNP
Volume
260
Issue
2
Year of publication
1999
Pages
492 - 498
Database
ISI
SICI code
0006-291X(19990705)260:2<492:COANFO>2.0.ZU;2-B
Abstract
The complex process of angiogenesis is controlled by the vascular endotheli al growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors and by the recently isolated angi opoietin-1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) that signal through the trans membrane endothelial receptor tyrosine kinase Tie2. We report here the char acterization of a novel form of Ang-2 (Ang-2B) with a truncated aminotermin al domain resulting from an alternative splicing of the gene. While previou s reports have found the expression of Ang-2 limited to the embryo, female reproductive organs, and tumor tissues, we have observed striking changes i n Ang-2 expression during chicken testicular development and regression. Th e expression of Ang-2 and VEGF is abundant in prepuberal testis and low in quiescent adult testis. Testicular regression is accompanied by high expres sion of Ang-2 and very low expression of VEGF. These observations are in ac cordance with the proposal that Ang-2 induces angiogenesis in the presence of VEGF and vascular regression in its absence. (C) 1999 Academic Press.