[Epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 promotes endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis by activating ERK signaling pathway].

Abstract

To explore the effect of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7(EGFL7) on the migration and angiogenesis of endothelial cells. EGFL7 overexpression vectors were constructed and transfected into human microvascular endothelial cells. The expression levels of EGFL7-mRNA and EGFL7 protein were examined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot. Cell migration was analyzed by the wound healing. The capability of cell to form capillary-like tubes in vitro was evaluated on matrigel assay. Protein expression of p-AKT, AKT, p-ERK and ERK in endothelial cells was detected by Western blot upon transfection with EGFL7 overexpression vectors and vehicle control for 0, 10, 30 and 60 min. Migration and angiogenesis of endothelial cells were notably enhanced by EGFL7 overexpression. ERK pathway was strongly activated by EGFL7, whereas AKT remained constant in endothelial cells. Inhibition of ERK impaired EGFL7 induced ERK activation and endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. EGFL7 effectively promotes migration and angiogenesis through ERK signaling pathway in endothelial cells.