Cytochrome P450 ω-hydroxylase promotes angiogenesis and metastasis by upregulation of VEGF and MMP-9 in non-small cell lung cancer

Purpose: Cytochrome P450 (CYP) ω-hydroxylase, mainly consisting of CYP4A and CYP4F, converts arachidonic acid to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) that induces angiogenic responses in vivo and in vitro. The present study examined the role of CYP ω-hydroxylase in angiogenesis and metastasis of human non-small cell lung Cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: The effect of WIT003, a stable 20-HETE analog, on invasion was evaluated using a modified Boyden chamber in three NSCLC cell lines. A549 cells were transfected with CYP4A11 expression vector or exposed to CYP ω-hydroxylase inhibitor (HET0016) or 20-HETE antagonist (WIT002), and then ω-hydroxylation activity toward arachidonic acid and the levels of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and VEGF were detected. The in vivo effects of CYP ω-hydroxylase were tested in established tumor xenografts and an experimental metastasis model in athymic mice.

Results: Addition of WIT003 or overexpression of CYP4A11 with an associated increase in 20-HETE production significantly induced invasion and expression of VEGF and MMP-9. Treatment of A549 cells with HET0016 or WIT002 inhibited invasion with reduction in VEGF and MMP-9. The PI3 K or ERK inhibitors also attenuated expression of VEGF and MMP-9. Compared with control, CYP4A11 transfection significantly increased tumor weight, microvessel density (MVD), and lung metastasis by 2.5-fold, 2-fold, and 3-fold, respectively. In contrast, WIT002 or HET0016 decreased tumor volume, MVD, and spontaneous pulmonary metastasis occurrences.

Conclusion: CYP ω-hydroxylase promotes tumor angiogenesis and metastasis by upregulation of VEGF and MMP-9 via PI3 K and ERK1/2 signaling in human NSCLC cells.