Plexin-B2 Mediates Physiologic and Pathologic Functions of Angiogenin

Angiogenin (ANG) is a secreted ribonuclease (RNase) with cell-type- and context-specific roles in growth, survival, and regeneration. Although these functions require receptor-mediated endocytosis and appropriate subcellular localization, the identity of the cell surface receptor remains undefined. Here, we show that plexin-B2 (PLXNB2) is the functional receptor for ANG in endothelial, cancer, neuronal, and normal hematopoietic and leukemic stem and progenitor cells. Mechanistically, PLXNB2 mediates intracellular RNA processing that contribute to cell growth, survival, and regenerative capabilities of ANG. Antibodies generated against the ANG-binding site on PLXNB2 restricts ANG activity in vitro and in vivo, resulting in inhibition of established xenograft tumors, ANG-induced neurogenesis and neuroprotection, levels of pro-self-renewal transcripts in hematopoietic and patient-derived leukemic stem and progenitor cells, and reduced progression of leukemia in vivo. PLXNB2 is therefore required for the physiological and pathological functions of ANG and has significant therapeutic potential in solid and hematopoietic cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. [Display omitted] •PLXNB2 is the receptor of ANG in physiological and pathological cell types•ANG acts through PLXNB2 to either restrict or promote cell proliferation•PLXNB2 mediates cell-type-specific signaling and RNA-processing activities of ANG•Anti-PLXNB2 therapy is relevant in cancer, neurodegeneration, and stem cells Plexin-B2 acts as a functional angiogenin receptor in a variety of physiological and pathological contexts, suggesting that the ANG-PLXNB2 axis could be harnessed for therapeutic applications.