The neuropeptide catestatin acts as a novel angiogenic cytokine via a basic fibroblast growth factor-dependent mechanism.

RATIONALE The neuropeptide catestatin is an endogenous nicotinic cholinergic antagonist that acts as a pleiotropic hormone. OBJECTIVE Catestatin shares several functions with angiogenic factors. We therefore reasoned that catestatin induces growth of new blood vessels. METHODS AND RESULTS Catestatin induced migration, proliferation, and antiapoptosis in endothelial cells and exerted capillary tube formation in vitro in a Matrigel assay, and such effects were mediated via G protein, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and Akt. Catestatin-induced endothelial cell functions are further mediated by basic fibroblast growth factor, as shown by blockade of effects by a neutralizing fibroblast growth factor antibody. Furthermore, catestatin released basic fibroblast growth factor from endothelial cells and stimulated fibroblast growth factor signaling. In addition to its function on endothelial cells, catestatin also exerted effects on endothelial progenitor cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. In vivo, catestatin induced angiogenesis in the mouse cornea neovascularization assay and increased blood perfusion and number of capillaries in the hindlimb ischemia model. In addition to angiogenesis, catestatin increased density of arterioles/arteries and incorporation of endothelial progenitor cells in the hindlimb ischemia model, indicating induction of arteriogenesis and postnatal vasculogenesis. CONCLUSION We conclude that catestatin acts as a novel angiogenic cytokine via a basic fibroblast growth factor-dependent mechanism.