The endosomal RIN2/Rab5C machinery prevents VEGFR2 degradation to control gene expression and tip cell identity during angiogenesis Journal Article


Authors: Kempers, L.; Wakayama, Y.; van der Bijl, I.; Furumaya, C.; De Cuyper, I. M.; Jongejan, A.; Kat, M.; van Stalborch, A. M. D.; van Boxtel, A. L.; Hubert, M.; Geerts, D.; van Buul, J. D.; de Korte, D.; Herzog, W.; Margadant, C.
Article Title: The endosomal RIN2/Rab5C machinery prevents VEGFR2 degradation to control gene expression and tip cell identity during angiogenesis
Abstract: Sprouting angiogenesis is key to many pathophysiological conditions, and is strongly regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling through VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Here we report that the early endosomal GTPase Rab5C and its activator RIN2 prevent lysosomal routing and degradation of VEGF-bound, internalized VEGFR2 in human endothelial cells. Stabilization of endosomal VEGFR2 levels by RIN2/Rab5C is crucial for VEGF signaling through the ERK and PI3-K pathways, the expression of immediate VEGF target genes, as well as specification of angiogenic ‘tip’ and ‘stalk’ cell phenotypes and cell sprouting. Using overexpression of Rab mutants, knockdown and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, and live-cell imaging in zebrafish, we further show that endosomal stabilization of VEGFR2 levels is required for developmental angiogenesis in vivo. In contrast, the premature degradation of internalized VEGFR2 disrupts VEGF signaling, gene expression, and tip cell formation and migration. Thus, an endosomal feedforward mechanism maintains receptor signaling by preventing lysosomal degradation, which is directly linked to the induction of target genes and cell fate in collectively migrating cells during morphogenesis. © 2021, The Author(s).
Keywords: notch signaling; vegfr2; early endosomes; endolysosomal trafficking; rab gtpases; rab5c; sprouting angiogenesis; tip cells; vegf signaling
Journal Title: Angiogenesis
Volume: 24
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0969-6970
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 2021-08-01
Start Page: 695
End Page: 714
Language: English
DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09788-4
PUBMED: 33983539
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC8292304
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 2 August 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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