The B-box domain and the PRY-SPRY domain of recombinant human MG53 are critical for its inhibitory effects on angiogenesis.

Our previous studies identified recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) as a novel regulator that inhibits endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis by modulating focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. However, the specific structural component of rhMG53 responsible for its inhibitory effects on angiogenesis has not yet been elucidated. Here, we generated a series of rhMG53 mutants and found that both the ΔB mutant (deletion of the B-box domain of rhMG53) and the ΔS mutant (deletion of the PRY-SPRY domain of rhMG53) failed to decrease endothelial migration and tube formation in vitro, indicating the critical roles of these two domains in rhMG53-regulated angiogenesis. Mechanistically, only the ΔB mutant failed to interact with FAK, suggesting that the B-box domain may function as a FAK-interacting domain. Notably, both the B-box and PRY-SPRY domains are essential for the inhibitory effects of rhMG53 on the activation of the FAK/Src/paxillin signaling pathway. Furthermore, the significance of these two domains in the anti-angiogenic activity of rhMG53 was further confirmed in the aortic ring vessel outgrowth assay and in the alkaline-induced corneal neovascularization model. These findings highlight the novel roles of the B-box and PRY-SPRY domains in rhMG53-regulated angiogenesis and enhance our understanding of rhMG53 in modulating endothelial functions.