Ma J, Wang Q, Fei T, Han JD, Chen YG#. MCP-1 mediates TGF-β-induced angiogenesis by stimulating vascular smooth muscle cell migration. BLOOD 109:987-994, 2007

Abstract Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and its signaling mediators play crucial roles in vascular formation. Our previous microarray analysis identified monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) as a TGF-beta target gene in endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we report that MCP-1 mediates the angiogenic effect of TGF-beta by recruiting vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and mesenchymal cells toward ECs. By using a chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, we show that TGF-beta promotes the formation of new blood vessels and this promotion is attenuated when MCP-1 activity is blocked by its neutralizing antibody. Wound healing and transwell assays established that MCP-1 functions as a chemoattractant to stimulate migration of VSMCs and mesenchymal 10T1/2 cells toward ECs. Furthermor......