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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Study of the Actin Cytoskeleton in Live Endothelial Cells Expressing GFP-Actin
Published on: November 18, 2011
Endogenous protein C is essential for the functional integrity of human endothelial cells
Meilang Xue1, Nikita Minhas, Shu-Oi Chow
1Sutton Research Laboratories, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, Level 10, The Kolling Building, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia. meilang.xue@sydney.edu.au
Abstract:
Circulating protein C (PC) plays a vital role as an anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory mediator. We show here that human endothelial cells produce PC that acts through novel mediators to enhance their own functional integrity. When endogenous PC or its receptor, endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), was suppressed by small interfering (si) RNA, human umbilical cord endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation was decreased and apoptosis elevated. Interestingly, PC or EPCR siRNA significantly increased HUVEC permeability, which is likely via reduction of the angiopoietin (Ang)1/Ang2 ratio and inhibition of the peripheral localization of the tight junction protein, zona occludins-1. In addition, PC or EPCR siRNA inhibited type IV collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-2, providing the first evidence that PC contributes to vascular basement membrane formation. These newly described actions of endogenous PC act to stabilize endothelial cells and enhance barrier function, to potentially promote the functional integrity of blood vessels.
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