Recombinant angiostatin prevents retinal neovascularization in a murine proliferative retinopathy model

P. I. Meneses, K. A. Hajjar, K. I. Berns, R. M. Duvoisin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

Retinal neovascularization is central to the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness among the middle-aged population. Angiostatin, a proteolytic fragment of plasminogen is one of the most promising inhibitors of angiogenesis currently in clinical trials. Here we show that recombinant angiostatin can inhibit retinal neo-vascularization in a mouse model of proliferative retinopathy. Because proliferative diabetic retinopathy is a recurrent disease, effective therapy will need to be sustained. Recombinant adeno-associated viruses permit long-term expression of transfected genes; however, they can only accommodate a small insert sequence. Thus, we engineered and tested a shortened recombinant angiostatin derivative containing a signal sequence to permit secretion. Recombinant protein was purified from the medium of transfected HEK293 cells and injected subcutaneously into treated animals. The retinal vasculature was analyzed in retinal flat mounts and using immunohistochemically stained sections. Both methods demonstrate that this short, secreted form of angiostatin is effective in reducing the development of blood vessels in a nontumor environment and has therapeutic potential for neovascular retinopathies such as diabetic retinopathy retinopathy of prematurity, retinal vein occlusion and, possibly, age-related macular degeneration.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)646-648
Number of pages3
JournalGene therapy
Volume8
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Angiostatin
  • Neovascularization
  • Proliferative retinopathy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

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