ARS | Publication request: Modulation of gene expression by alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocopheryl phosphate

Submitted to: Experimental Biology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 29, 2009
Publication Date: April 22, 2009
Citation: Zingg, J., Meydani, M., Azzi, A. 2009. Modulation of gene expression by alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocopheryl phosphate. Experimental Biology. 23: 556.5.

Technical Abstract: The naturally occurring vitamin E analogue, alpha-tocopheryl phosphate (alphaTP), has been reported to be more potent in reducing cell proliferation and the expression of the CD36 scavenger receptor than the un-phosphorylated alpha-tocopherol (alpha T). We have now assessed the effects of alpha T and alpha TP on gene expression in THP-1 monocytes using gene arrays covering essentially all human genes. More genes are regulated by alpha TP than by alpha T and no correlation was found between the expression levels of alpha T- and alpha TP-regulated genes, suggesting that two different signal transduction pathways are affected. A group of genes was further confirmed by quantitative real time RT-PCR. The expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is induced by alpha TP at the mRNA and protein level. In vivo, the induction of VEGF by alpha TP may be relevant for cell survival and tissue homeostasis in several physiological conditions; strong induction of VEGF with higher concentrations of alpha TP could be used for therapeutic angiogenesis and show neuro-, myo-, and cardio-protective effects. The mechanisms of VEGF regulation by alpha TP are currently further assessed. (This study is supported by USDA contract #58-1950-7-707, and a fellowship to JMZ by Phosphagenics Ltd.).