20-HETE in neovascularization

Cytochrome P450 4A/F (CYP4A/F) converts arachidonic acid (AA) to 20-HETE by ω-hydroxylation. The contribution of 20-HETE to the regulation of myogenic response, blood pressure, and mitogenic actions has been well summarized. This review focuses on the emerging role of 20-HETE in physiological and pathological vascularization. 20-HETE has been shown to regulate vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and endothelial cells (EC) by affecting their proliferation, migration, survival, and tube formation. Furthermore, the proliferation, migration, secretion of proangiogenic molecules (such as HIF-1α, VEGF, SDF-1α), and tube formation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are stimulated by 20-HETE. These effects are mediated through c-Src- and EGFR-mediated downstream signaling pathways, including MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways, eNOS uncoupling, and NOX/ROS system activation. Therefore, the CYP4A/F-20-HETE system may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of abnormal angiogenic diseases.

► CYP4A/20-HETE pathway is active in EPC.
► CYP4A/F-20-HETE system promotes physiological and pathological neovascularization.
► 20-HETE activates EC and VSMC and promotes EPC recruitment.
► Therapeutic targeting of 20-HETE may modulate angiogenic response in disease states.