Disruption of VEGF Mediated Flk‐1 Signaling Leads to a Gradual Loss of Vessel Health and Cardiac Function During Myocardial Infarction: Potential Therapy With Pellino‐1

Background The present study demonstrates that the ubiquitin E3 ligase, Pellino‐1 (Peli1), is an important angiogenic molecule under the control of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2/Flk‐1. We have previously reported increased survivability of ischemic skin flap tissue by adenovirus carrying Peli1 (Ad‐Peli1) gene therapy in Flk‐1+/− mice. Methods and Results Two separate experimental groups of mice were subjected to myocardial infarction (MI) followed by the immediate intramyocardial injection of adenovirus carrying LacZ (Ad‐LacZ) (1×109 pfu) or Ad‐Peli1 (1×109 pfu). Heart tissues were collected for analyses. Compared with wild‐type (WTMI) mice, analysis revealed decreased expressions of Peli1, phosphorylated (p‐)Flk‐1, p‐Akt, p‐eNOS, p‐MK2, p‐IκBα, and NF‐κB and decreased vessel densities in Flk‐1+/− mice subjected to MI (Flk‐1+/−MI). Mice (CD1) treated with Ad‐Peli1 after the induction of MI showed increased β‐catenin translocation to the nucleus, connexin 43 expression, and phosphory...