The PFKFB3 Inhibitor AZ67 Inhibits Angiogenesis Independently of Glycolysis Inhibition.
Int J Mol Sci
; 22(11)2021 May 31.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34073144
ABSTRACT
Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessel formation. In this complex orchestrated growth, many factors are included. Lately, focus has shifted to endothelial cell metabolism, particularly to the PFKFB3 protein, a key regulatory enzyme of the glycolytic pathway. A variety of inhibitors of this important target have been studied, and a plethora of biological effects related to the process of angiogenesis have been reported. However, recent studies have disputed their mechanism of action, questioning whether all the effects are indeed due to PFKFB3 inhibition. Remarkably, the most well-studied inhibitor, 3PO, does not bind to PFKFB3, raising questions about this target. In our study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of PFKFB3 inhibition in angiogenesis by using the small molecule AZ67. We used isothermal titration calorimetry and confirmed binding to PFKFB3. In vitro, AZ67 did not decrease lactate production in endothelial cells (ECs), nor ATP levels, but exhibited good inhibitory efficacy in the tube-formation assay. Surprisingly, this was independent of EC migratory and proliferative abilities, as this was not diminished upon treatment. Strikingly however, even the lowest dose of AZ67 demonstrated significant inhibition of angiogenesis in vivo. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that the process of angiogenesis can be disrupted by targeting PFKFB3 independently of glycolysis inhibition.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Neovascularización Fisiológica
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Fosfofructoquinasa-2
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Proliferación Celular
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Inhibidores Enzimáticos
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Glucólisis
Límite:
Animals
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Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Mol Sci
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Bélgica