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.

► Neuritin protein has no effect on the endothelial cell proliferation and adhesion.
► Neuritin protein increases endothelial cell migration. >Neuritin does not increase tumor cell proliferation in vitro.
► Overexpression of neuritin induces tumor angiogenesis. >Overexpression of neuritin inhibits tumorigenesis.