Expression of Ets-1 transcription factor in relation to angiogenesis in the healing process of gastric ulcer

Ets-1 is a transcription factor known to control the expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the expression of Ets-1 in the process of healing of ulceration in the rats. The time-dependent changes and distribution of Ets-1 in the margins of ulcer were examined. Ets-1 did not express in the normal gastric mucosa. In the marginal granulation tissue, fibroblasts and endothelial cells of capillaries were immunopositive for Ets-1. Ets-1 expression was significantly increased at the early phase, and returned to normal levels at the scarred phase. Serial sectioning revealed that fibroblasts and endothelial cells also expressed MMP-1. Protein levels and mRNA expression of Ets-1 were confirmed by Western blotting and RT-PCR. These findings suggest that Ets-1 plays an important role in angiogenesis in the early phase of ulcer healing.