Endostatin and anastellin inhibit distinct aspects of the angiogenic process

BACKGROUND: Endostatin and anastellin, fragments of collagen type XVIII and fibronectin, respectively, belong to a family of endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis which inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in a number of mouse models of human cancer. The mechanism of action of these inhibitors is not well understood, but they have great potential usefulness as non-toxic long-term therapy for cancer treatment. METHODS: In this study, we compare the anti-angiogenic properties of endostatin and anastellin using cell proliferation and transwell migration assays. RESULTS: Anastellin but not endostatin completely inhibited human dermal microvessel endothelial cell proliferation in response to serum stimulation. Both anastellin and endostatin additively inhibited endothelial cell migration in response to VEGF. Anastellin but not endostatin lowered basal levels of active ERK. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that anastellin and endostatin exert their anti-angiogenic effects by modulating distinct steps in the angiogenic pathway and suggest that matrix-derived inhibitors of angiogenesis may exhibit higher efficacy when used in combination.