Abstract
Background: This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Methods: High glucose (HG)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to construct DFU cell models. Cell functions were determined using CCK8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay, wound healing assay and tube formation assay. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were applied to measure the gene expression. Results: HG treatment suppressed HUVECs proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis, while enhanced apoptosis. HIPK2 was overexpressed in DFU patients, and its knockdown alleviated HG-induced HUVECs dysfunctions. USP7 stabilised HIPK2 protein by reducing its ubiquitination. USP7 overexpression promoted HG-induced HUVECs dysfunctions, and HIPK2 upregulation also reversed the regulation of USP7 knockdown on HG-induced HUVECs dysfunctions. USP7/HIPK2 axis inhibited the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway. Conclusion: Our study revealed that USP7-stabilised HIPK2 contributed to HG-induced HUVECs dysfunctions, thus accelerating DFU process.
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