AUTHOR=Mao Yongxin , Zhuo Ran , Ma Wenming , Dai Jun , Alimu Parehe , Fang Chen , Xu Danfeng , Ye Lei , Wang Weiqing , Sun Fukang 

TITLE=Fibroblasts mediate the angiogenesis of pheochromocytoma by increasing COX4I2 expression

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2022.938123

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2022.938123

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Objective</title><p>Our previous work found COX4I2 was associated with angiogenesis in pheochromocytoma. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of COX4I2 in regulating angiogenesis in pheochromocytoma.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>Distribution of COX4I2 was evaluated by scRNA-seq in one case of pheochromocytoma and the findings were verified by immunostaining. COX4I2 was further knocked down in target cells. Changes of angiogenesis-related genes were evaluated by qPCR in target cells.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>The scRNA-seq revealed high mRNA expression of COX4I2 in fibroblasts rather than tumor cells. Immunostaining of COX4I2 confirmed its distribution in fibroblasts. Knocking down COX4I2 in NIH3T3 cell line led to significant reduction of angiogenesis-related genes, especially ANG1 and HGF.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusions</title><p>Fibroblasts mediate the angiogenesis of pheochromocytoma by increasing COX4I2 expression, possibly by affecting ANG1 and HGF.</p></sec>