Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2025

A Flow Cytometry-based Assay for Measuring Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Cardiac Myocytes After Hypoxia/Reoxygenation
Published on: July 13, 2018
Hypoxia Affects Autophagy in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells via the IRE1 Unfolded Protein Response
Zi-Qi Tao1, Bao-Zhu Wei1, Min Zhao2
1Department of Cardiology, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, 430072, China.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the unfolded protein response, specifically the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) signaling pathway, in hypoxia-induced autophagy in human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVECs).
Methods:
The expression of IRE1 and autophagy relative protein in HUVECs with hypoxia was explored by Western blotting, qRT-PCR and confocal microscopy. Further, we evaluated the biological effects of HUVECs by tube formation assay and wound healing assay in vitro. Finally, we examined the function of IRE1 in local blood vessels through animal models.
Results:
Hypoxia activated the IRE1 signaling pathway and induced autophagy in a time-dependent manner in HUVECs and further influenced the biological effects of HUVECs. Intraperitoneal injection of IRE1 inhibitors inhibited local vascular autophagy levels and lipid accumulation in model animals.
Conclusion:
Hypoxia can induce autophagy and activate the IRE1 signaling pathway in HUVECs and the IRE1 signaling pathway is involved in autophagy in hypoxic conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Autophagy
An autophagic pathway consists of a series of signaling events activated in response to diverse stress and physiological conditions such as food deprivation,...
Autophagic Cell Death
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and...
The Unfolded Protein Response
Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...

