Interactions between vascular endothelial growth factor and neuroglobin

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and neuroglobin (Ngb) participate in neuronal responses to hypoxia and ischemia, but the relationship between their effects, if any, is unknown. To address this issue, we measured Ngb levels in VEGF-treated mouse cerebrocortical cultures and VEGF levels in cerebrocortical cultures from Ngb-overexpressing transgenic mice. VEGF stimulated Ngb expression in a VEGFR2/Flk1 receptor-dependent manner, whereas Ngb overexpression suppressed expression of VEGF. These findings provide further insight into hypoxia-stimulated neuronal signaling pathways.

► Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increased neuroglobin (Ngb) levels in mouse cerebrocortical cultures.
► This effect was reduced by VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2/Flk1) inhibitors.
► Transgenic overexpression of Ngb reduced VEGF levels in mouse cerebrocortical cultures.