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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
08:32
Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells
Published on: March 16, 2017
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase is dynamically expressed during bone marrow stem cell differentiation into
Zhenguo Liu1, Yuehua Jiang, Hong Hao
1Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. zhenguo.liu@osumc.edu
Summary
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is present in mouse stem cells and dynamically expressed during differentiation into endothelial cells. This dynamic eNOS expression is crucial for forming functional endothelial cells in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Endothelial cell differentiation
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays a critical role in endothelial cell function.
- Understanding eNOS expression during stem cell differentiation is vital for regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental expression of eNOS during stem cell differentiation into endothelial cells.
- To assess the functional status of these newly differentiated endothelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Mouse adult multipotent progenitor cells (MAPCs) were induced to differentiate into endothelial cells using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
- eNOS expression was evaluated using real-time PCR, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity assays, and Western blot analysis.
- Functional assessment included capillary network formation and VEGF-stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation.
Main Results:
- eNOS was detected in undifferentiated MAPCs and reappeared during differentiation, with increasing mRNA, protein, and activity at days 7, 14, and 21.
- Differentiated cells formed dense capillary networks.
- VEGF-stimulated ERK phosphorylation was observed and inhibited by a NOS inhibitor.
Conclusions:
- eNOS is dynamically expressed during the in vitro differentiation of MAPCs into endothelial cells.
- The differentiated endothelial cells exhibit functional characteristics, including response to VEGF.
- These findings highlight the dynamic role of eNOS in endothelial cell development from stem cells.
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