Characterization of neuritin as a novel angiogenic factor

Neuritin (NRN1), a neurotrophic factor, plays an important role in neurite growth and neuronal survival. In this study, we identify a new function of neuritin as a novel angiogenic factor in vitro and in vivo. Recombinant neuritin protein had no effect on the proliferation and adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), but it dose-dependently increased endothelial cell migration. Furthermore, overexpression of neuritin significantly promoted tumor angiogenesis, and surprisingly, it inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft tumor model. Thus, our results indicate that neuritin may act as an important angiogenic factor and serve as a potential target for cancer therapy. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.