δ-catenin overexpression promotes angiogenic potential of CWR22Rv-1 prostate cancer cells via HIF-1α and VEGF

This study revealed that CWR22Rv-1 cells overexpressing δ-catenin display bigger tumor formation and higher angiogenic potentials than their matched control cells in the CAM assay. In addition, δ-catenin overexpression in CWR22Rv-1 cells results in increased hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Furthermore, δ-catenin overexpression was found to enhance nuclear distribution of both β-catenin and HIF-1α in hypoxic condition, which is diminished by knockdown of δ-catenin. Our current study adds novel evidence regarding contribution of δ-catenin to the progression of prostate cancer.

► δ-Catenin overexpression in CWR22Rv-1 prostate cancer cells promotes angiogenesis.
► δ-Catenin overexpression in CWR22Rv-1 cells increases HIF-1α and VEGF expression.
► δ-Catenin overexpression enhances nuclear distribution of β-catenin in hypoxia.
► δ-Catenin overexpression enhances nucleus distribution of HIF-1α in hypoxia.