[Angiotensin Ⅱ induces apoptosis of HEK293T cells by up-regulating Cyr61 expression]

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a key hormone in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.
• HEK293 cells are commonly used in research to study cellular responses to various stimuli.
• Cyr61, a member of the CCN family, plays roles in cell proliferation, migration, and survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of Cyr61 in Ang II-induced functional changes in HEK293 cells.
• To explore the underlying mechanism of Cyr61's involvement in Ang II-induced cellular responses.
• To assess the protective effect of Cyr61 knockdown against Ang II-induced cell injury.

Main Methods:

• Cyr61 knockdown was performed in HEK293T cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
• Cells were treated with Ang II (10⁻⁷ mol/L) for 48 hours.
• Apoptosis rates and expression levels of Cyr61 and Bcl-2 were analyzed via flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting.

Main Results:

• Cyr61 knockdown significantly reduced Cyr61 protein expression.
• Ang II treatment increased Cyr61 expression and decreased Bcl-2 expression in HEK293T cells.
• Ang II treatment significantly increased the apoptotic rate in control HEK293T cells, while Cyr61 knockdown notably reduced Ang II-induced apoptosis.

Conclusions:

• Cyr61 upregulation is associated with Ang II-induced injury in HEK293T cells.
• Down-regulating Cyr61 expression effectively protects HEK293T cells against Ang II-induced damage.
• Targeting Cyr61 may offer a therapeutic strategy for conditions involving Ang II-mediated cellular injury.