PI3 kinase inhibition improves vascular malformations in mouse models of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) is an endothelial serine-threonine kinase receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) 9 and 10. Inactivating mutations in the ALK1 gene cause hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia type 2 (HHT2), a disabling disease characterized by excessive angiogenesis with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Here we show that inducible, endothelial-specific homozygous Alk1 inactivation and BMP9/10 ligand blockade both lead to AVM formation in postnatal retinal vessels and internal organs including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in mice. VEGF and PI3K/AKT signalling are increased on Alk1 deletion and BMP9/10 ligand blockade. Genetic deletion of the signal-transducing Vegfr2 receptor prevents excessive angiogenesis but does not fully revert AVM formation. In contrast, pharmacological PI3K inhibition efficiently prevents AVM formation and reverts established AVMs. Thus, Alk1 deletion leads to increased endothelial PI3K pathway activation that may be a novel target for the treatment of vascular lesions in HHT2.
Source: Nature Communications
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13650
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
Awards: G1044130170, G1422851780, G301884191, G4462060839, Targeting VEGF signaling rescues Arterio-Venous malformations in a HHT2 mouse model, G7019471793, Novel approaches to manipulate sprouting angiogenesis, Specification of Hemogenic Endothelial Cells, G8029102700, Slit2-ROBO signaling in pericytes and myeloid cells controls vascular development and ocular neovascular disease
OpenAlex ID: W2557883191
