This study aims to investigate the mechanism of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in promoting angiogenesis through endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT).
Methods
The mesenchymal transition of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was induced by TGF-β1. The angiogenesis, migration, and proliferation of HUVECs undergoing EndMT were examined by tube formation assay, scratch assay, Transwell assay, and CCK-8 assay.
Results
The outcomes revealed that EndMT promoted angiogenesis, migration, and proliferation of HUVECs and the secretion of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of HUVECs. Phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) increased in EndMT by inhibiting the mitigation of angiogenesis.
Conclusion
EndMT induces angiogenesis by promoting the secretion of VEGF, and p-AKT participates in this regulation.
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