Abstract 15000: VEGFR2 is Activated by High-Density Lipoproteins and Plays a Key Role in the Pro-Angiogenic Action of HDL in Ischemia

Introduction: High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are implicated in the augmentation of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. We have previously shown that reconstituted HDL (rHDL) induces the key angiogenic growth factor vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and total protein levels of its receptor, VEGFR2, in response to hypoxia. VEGFR2 activation via phosphorylation is the critical event for mediating the downstream signalling events that promote angiogenesis. This study aimed to determine if rHDL activates VEGFR2 phosphorylation, the signalling events downstream of VEGFR2 and the importance of VEGFR2 in the pro-angiogenic effects of rHDL in hypoxia. Hypothesis: rHDL activates VEGFR2 phosphorylation and downstream signalling events. VEGFR2 is important in the pro-angiogenic effects of rHDL in hypoxia. Methods and Results: In human coronary artery endothelial cells in vitro, rHDL increased the activation of VEGFR2 in hypoxia. Consistent with this, rHDL enhanced the phosphorylation of downstream angiogenic si...