MicroRNA regulation of the MRN complex impacts DNA damage, cellular senescence, and angiogenic signaling

Cell Death Dis. 2018 May 24;9(6):632. doi: 10.1038/s41419-018-0690-y.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRs) contribute to biological robustness by buffering cellular processes from external perturbations. Here we report an unexpected link between DNA damage response and angiogenic signaling that is buffered by a miR. We demonstrate that genotoxic stress-induced miR-494 inhibits the DNA repair machinery by targeting the MRE11a-RAD50-NBN (MRN) complex. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments show that miR-494 exacerbates DNA damage and drives endothelial senescence. Increase of miR-494 affects telomerase activity, activates p21, decreases pRb pathways, and diminishes angiogenic sprouting. Genetic and pharmacological disruption of the MRN pathway decreases VEGF signaling, phenocopies miR-494-induced senescence, and disrupts angiogenic sprouting. Vascular-targeted delivery of miR-494 decreases both growth factor-induced and tumor angiogenesis in mouse models. Our work identifies a putative miR-facilitated mechanism by which endothelial cells can be insulated against VEGF signaling to facilitate the onset of senescence and highlight the potential of targeting DNA repair to disrupt pathological angiogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cellular Senescence / genetics*
  • Cellular Senescence / radiation effects
  • DNA Damage / genetics*
  • DNA Repair / genetics
  • DNA Repair / radiation effects
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation* / radiation effects
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice, Nude
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / genetics*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / radiation effects
  • Radiation, Ionizing

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • MicroRNAs
  • Multiprotein Complexes