Influence of adenoviral vector on expression of angiogenesis regulating factors in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines

Abstract

Gene therapy to suppress the neovascularization of solid tumors may prove to be an effective strategy in cancer therapy. Recombinant adenovirus (Ad) vectors are currently the most widely used vectors for gene transfer. In this study, we examined the expression of angiogenesis-regulating factors in tumor cells infected with the Ad vector. These cells showed upregulation of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) transcription, and a higher protein level of intracellular bFGF and increased VEGF secretion. In addition, we observed an increase of angiostatin-generating activity in the supernatants of infected tumor cells. Supernatants of Ad vector-infected cells did not stimulate endothelial cell proliferation, and inhibited their migration. These results indicate that infection of tumor cells with the Ad vector results in an increase expression of angiogenesis-regulating factors, but does not by itself activate angiogenesis.