ABSTRACT
MicroRNAs (miRs) contribute to biological robustness by buffering cellular processes from external perturbations. Here we report an unexpected link between DNA damage response and angiogenic signaling that is buffered by a miR. We demonstrate that genotoxic stress-induced miR-494 inhibits the DNA repair machinery by targeting the MRE11a-RAD50-NBN (MRN) complex. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments show that miR-494 exacerbates DNA damage and drives endothelial senescence. Increase of miR-494 affects telomerase activity, activates p21, decreases pRb pathways, and diminishes angiogenic sprouting. Genetic and pharmacological disruption of the MRN pathway decreases VEGF signaling, phenocopies miR-494-induced senescence, and disrupts angiogenic sprouting. Vascular-targeted delivery of miR-494 decreases both growth factor-induced and tumor angiogenesis in mouse models. Our work identifies a putative miR-facilitated mechanism by which endothelial cells can be insulated against VEGF signaling to facilitate the onset of senescence and highlight the potential of targeting DNA repair to disrupt pathological angiogenesis.
Subject(s)
Cellular Senescence/genetics , DNA Damage/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation , MicroRNAs/genetics , Multiprotein Complexes/metabolism , Neovascularization, Physiologic/genetics , Animals , Cellular Senescence/radiation effects , DNA Repair/genetics , DNA Repair/radiation effects , Female , Gene Expression Regulation/radiation effects , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/radiation effects , Humans , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Mice, Nude , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Neovascularization, Physiologic/radiation effects , Radiation, IonizingABSTRACT
Rather than targeting tumour cells directly, elements of the tumour microenvironment can be modulated to sensitize tumours to the effects of therapy. Here we report a unique mechanism by which ectopic microRNA-103 can manipulate tumour-associated endothelial cells to enhance tumour cell death. Using gain-and-loss of function approaches, we show that miR-103 exacerbates DNA damage and inhibits angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Local, systemic or vascular-targeted delivery of miR-103 in tumour-bearing mice decreased angiogenesis and tumour growth. Mechanistically, miR-103 regulation of its target gene TREX1 in endothelial cells governs the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines into the tumour microenvironment. Our data suggest that this inflammatory milieu may potentiate tumour cell death by supporting immune activation and inducing tumour expression of Fas and TRAIL receptors. Our findings reveal miR-mediated crosstalk between vasculature and tumour cells that can be exploited to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation.
