Activation of AMP-activated Protein Kinase by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Mediates Endothelial Angiogenesis Independently of Nitric-oxide Synthase

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a sensor of cellular energy state and a regulator of cellular homeostasis. In endothelial cells, AMPK is stimulated via the upstream kinases LKB1 and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase beta (CaMKK beta). Previously, AMPK has been reported to activate endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS). Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we show that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulates AMPK in human and mice endothelial cells via CaMKK beta. VEGF-induced AMPK activation is potentiated under conditions of energy deprivation induced by 2-deoxyglucose. To investigate the role of AMPK in endothelial function, CaMKK beta, AMPK alpha 1, or AMPK alpha 2 was down-regulated by RNA interference, and studies in AMPK alpha 1(-/-) mice were performed. We demonstrate that AMPK does not mediate eNOS phosphorylation at serine residue 1177 or 633, NO-dependent cGMP generation, or Akt phosphorylation in response to VEGF. Using inhibitors of eNOS or soluble guanylyl cyclase and small interfering RNA against eNOS, we show that NO does not act upstream of AMPK. Taken together, these data indicate that VEGF-stimulated AMPK and eNOS pathways act independently of each other. However, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, a key enzyme in the regulation of fatty acid oxidation, was phosphorylated in response to VEGF in an AMPK alpha 1- and AMPK alpha 2-dependent manner. Our results show that AMPK alpha 1 plays an essential role in VEGF-induced angiogenesis in vitro (tube formation and sprouting from spheroids) and in vivo (Matrigel plug assay). In contrast, AMPK alpha 2 was not involved in VEGF-triggered sprouting. The data suggest that AMPK alpha 1 promotes VEGF-induced angiogenesis independently of eNOS, possibly by providing energy via inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase.