HIF1α-miR145-Smad2/3-TSP1 Axis Abrogates TGFβ Anti-angiogenesis in HCC

Conclusions: Our findings reveal that in endothelial cells, a novel HIF1α-miR145-Smad2/3-TSP1 axis abrogates the anti-angiogenesis role of TGFβ, indicating that the hypoxic microenvironment plays a crucial role in allowing tumors to overcome the control of TGFβ. These insights shed new light on the regulatory network of TGFβ in HCC angiogenesis and have important implications for precision medicine.

Lay summary: Our study has uncovered the diverse roles of transforming growth factor β in physiological angiogenesis and HCC angiogenesis, which can be influenced by the hypoxic environment. We have also identified the underlying mechanisms involved, which may offer valuable insights into the complex regulatory network of TGFβ in HCC angiogenesis and could have significant implications for precision medicine.