Effect of overexpression of transcription factor Runx2 and Osterix on osteogenic differentiation of endothelial cells

Abstract

To explore the effect of overexpression of Runx2 and Osterix (OSX) genes on osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Overexpressed Runx2 and OSX lentiviral vectors were transfected into HUVECs respectively. The osteogenic potential of transfected cells was identified by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and ALP activity. Furthermore, real time-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect the expression of osteogenic genes and proteins in HUVECs. GraphPad Prism 6.01 software was used for statistical analysis. Overexpression of Runx2 gene was beneficial for osteogenic differentiation of HUVECs, while overexpression of osterix gene did not show osteogenic differential potential. Moreover, overexpression of Runx2 gene in HUVECs up-regulated the gene expression level of Runx2, OSX, ALP, bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN), and up-regulated protein level of OPN and OCN. Overexpression of Runx2 could promote osteogenic differentiation of HUVECs.