Int6/eIF3e silenced HIF2α stabilization enhances migration and tube formation of HUVECs via IL-6 and IL-8 signaling

We previously identified the tumor suppressor INT6/eIF3e as a novel down regulator of HIF2α. Small interfering RNA targeting Int6 (siRNA-Int6) in HeLa cells led to normoxic stabilization of HIF2α, with concomitant transcription of angiogenic factors, including angiopoietin, basic fibroblast growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Here we used HIF2α normoxic up-regulation via Int6 silencing to investigate the role of HIF2α in endothelial cells. As a result Int6 silencing in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) led to robust enhanced cord formation and the medium supernatant of Int6 silenced HUVECs enhanced migration of untreated HUVECs, indicating a HIF2α triggered secretory signaling. Within the responsible genes were the cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 and not unlike in HeLa cells vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). In addition application of IL-6 and IL-8 antibodies to the medium of Int6 silenced HUVECs could reverse the enhanced migration effect and also abrogated their tube formation. Finally, a CHIP assay analysis confirmed hypoxia-responsive elements (HREs) in the IL-6 and IL-8 promoters. Our results demonstrate that expression of both IL-6 and IL-8 is regulated by HIF2α and we suggest that IL-6 and IL-8 are HIF2α controlled cytokines for angiogenesis particularly in endothelial cells.

► Normoxic stabilization of HIF2α strongly enhanced IL-6 and IL-8 expression in HUVECs. ► Enhanced IL-6 and IL-8 expression led to HUVEC migration and cord formation. ► The normoxic stabilized HIF2α upregulation of IL-6 and IL-8 is HUVEC specific. ► IL-6 and IL-8 are direct targets of HIF2α in HUVECs. ► IL-6 and IL-8 are angiogenesis factors in HUVECs.