A PlGF-1 Derived Peptide Inhibits Angiogenesis via HIF-1β/VEGF Pathway

Many diseases are associated with angiogenesis. Therefore, inhibition of angiogenesis is deemed as a treatment for those diseases. To date, many angiogenesis inhibitors are from large plasma proteins. In this study we identified a 21-aa peptide (named peptide ZY1) from human placenta growth factor-1 and it may serve as a potent angiogenesis inhibitor. Our study demonstrated ZY1 inhibited angiogenesis in vitro by suppressing proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs. The in vivo inhibition activity of ZY1 was observed in chicken chorioallantoic membrane assays and tumor-bearing mouse models. Moreover, we found ZY1 inhibited angiogenesis by decreasing the expression of HIF-1β and subsequently reducing its downstream molecule VEGF. In conclusion, peptide ZY1 can inhibit angiogenesis and may serve as an anti-angiogenesis drug candidate.