Effects of CASP5 gene overexpression on angiogenesis of HMEC-1 cells

The efficacy of gene overexpression of CASP5, a caspase family member, in angiogenesis in vitro and its mechanisms were clarified.

Human full-length CASP5 gene was delivered into human microvascular endothelial HMEC-1 cells by recombinant lentivirus. The infection was estimated by green fluorescent protein. MTT method was used to analyze the efficacy of gene overexpression in cell proliferation ability, and Matrigel was used to estimate its effects in angiogenesis ability of cells. Meanwhile, Western blot was used to analyze the effects of CASP5 gene overexpression on the expression levels of angpt-1, angpt-2, Tie2 and VEGF-1 in the cells, which were signaling pathway factors related to angiogenesis.

Recombinant lentivirus containing human full-length CASP5 gene was packed and purified successfully, with virus titer of 1×10(8) TU/ml. The recombinant lentivirus was used to infect HMEC-1 cells with MOI of 1, leading to a cell infection rate of 100%. There were no significant effects of CASP5 gene overexpression on both cell proliferation ability and the expression level of angpt-1. Meanwhile, expressions of angpt-2 and VEGF-1 were both enhanced, while Tie2 expression was inhibited. Results indicated that CASP5 gene overexpression promoted angiogenesis of HMEC-1 cells.

CASP5 gene overexpression significantly promoted angiogenesis ability of HMEC-1 cells, which was probably achieved by inhibiting angpt-1/Tie2 and promoting VEGF-1 signal pathway.