Ho Jeong Kwon
Yonsei University, South Korea
Title: Replenishment of recombinant UQCRB protein induces angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo
Biography
Biography: Ho Jeong Kwon
Abstract
Ubiquinol-cytochrome C reductase binding protein (UQCRB), one of subunits of mitochondrial complex III, is a specific cellular binding protein of anti-angiogenic natural small molecule, terpestacin. Mitochondrial Complex III (cytochrome bc1 complex) has been reported as a crucial regulator in hypoxia-induced angiogenesis through mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved oxygen sensing. Here, cell permeable recombinant UQCRB protein is generated using protein transduction domain (PTD), a small peptide transferring its binding partner into the cell to uncover the biological role of UQCRB. Consequently, PTD-UQCRB transduction enhances generation of mitochondrial ROS and HIF-1α stability. Also, trans-membrane delivery of PTD-UQCRB induces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and invasion of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Furthermore, PTD-UQCRB treatment enhances wound healing in vivo. These results imply new insights into the function of PTD-UQCRB in angiogenesis via mitochondria-mediated ROS generation and also open new basis on application of PTD-UQCRB as a pro-angiogenic agent via regulating mitochondrial function.