Erythropoietin disrupts hypoxia-inducible factor signaling in ovarian cancer cells

Objective.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) on HIF-1α induced angiogenic pathways in ovarian cancer cells.Methods.Using Western blots and both quantitative and non-quantitative RT-PCR, HIF-1α protein and VEGF transcription levels were assessed. Cell growth was measured using flow cytometry.Results.EPO treatment decreased hypoxia-induced HIF-1α protein levels and VEGF transcription, with no effect on cell growth. Inhibition of HIF-1α signaling by EPO was also observed in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.Conclusion.These novel findings suggest that EPO may exhibit anti-angiogenic properties, thus encouraging further exploration of signaling pathways between EPO and HIF-1α.