NADPH oxidase isoform selective regulation of endothelial cell proliferation and survival

Proliferation and apoptosis of endothelial cells are crucial angiogenic processes that contribute to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Emerging evidence implicates the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis by reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). In the present study, we investigated the roles of the ROS-generating Nox4- and Nox2-containing reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases in proliferation of human endothelial cells by examining the impact of these enzyme systems on (1) specific proliferative and tumorigenic kinases, extracellular regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and Akt, (2) cytoskeletal organization, and (3) the mechanisms that influence cellular apoptosis. ROS production and the expression of NADPH oxidase subunit Nox4, but not Nox2, were markedly higher in proliferating than in quiescent endothelial cells. Addition of the H₂O₂ scavenger catalase or downregulation of Nox4 protein with specific siRNA reduced ROS levels, cell proliferation, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation but had no effect on either cell morphology or caspase 3/7 activity. Although downregulation of Nox2 protein with siRNA also reduced ROS production and cell proliferation, it caused an increase in caspase 3/7 activity, reduced Akt phosphorylation, and caused cytoskeletal disorganization. Therefore, in endothelial cells, Nox4-derived H₂O₂ activates ERK1/2 to promote proliferation, whereas Nox2-containing NADPH oxidase maintains the cytoskeleton and prevents apoptosis to support cell survival. Our study provides a new understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin endothelial cell survival and a rationale for the combined suppression of Nox4- and Nox2-containing NADPH oxidases for unwanted angiogenesis in cancer.