Abstract
In the present study, we demonstrate the regulatory effects and mechanism of broussonin A and B, diphenylpropane derivatives isolated from Broussonetia kazinoki, on vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A)-stimulated endothelial cell responses in vitro and microvessel sprouting ex vivo. Treatment with broussonin A or B suppressed VEGF-A-stimulated endothelial cell proliferation by regulating the expression of cell cycle-related proteins and the phosphorylation status of retinoblastoma protein. In addition, treatment with broussonin A or B abrogated VEGF-A-stimulated angiogenic responses including endothelial cell migration, invasion, tube formation and microvessel formation from rat aortic rings. These anti-angiogenic activities of broussonin A and B were mediated through inactivation of VEGF-A-stimulated downstream signalling pathways, localization of vascular endothelial-cadherin at cell-cell contacts, and down-regulation of integrin β1 and integrin-liked kinase. Furthermore, treatment with broussonin A or B inhibited proliferation and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer cells. Taken together, our findings suggest the pharmacological potential of broussonin A and B in the regulation of angiogenesis, cancer cell growth and progression.