Inhibition of angiogenesis by a synthetic fusion protein VTF derived from vasostatin and tumstatin

The inhibition of angiogenesis represents a potential strategy for antitumor therapy. A novel synthetic fusion protein VTF, composed of bioactive fragments from two different angiogenesis inhibitors, vasostatin and tumstatin with a (Gly-Ser-Gly) 2 bridge, was generated using the pET-15b expression vector. The fusion protein VTF showed significantly enhanced efficacy in inhibiting human endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation and neovascularization on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane. Moreover, VTF suppressed the growth of B16 melanoma and the formation of tumor blood vessels potently in vivo. These results indicated that the fusion protein containing the bioactive fragments of multiple angiogenesis inhibitors might be a promising therapeutic agent for tumor treatment. Anti-Cancer Drugs 25:1044-1051 (C) 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.