Endogenous protein C is essential for the functional integrity of human endothelial cells.
Cell Mol Life Sci
; 67(9): 1537-46, 2010 May.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20127387
ABSTRACT
Circulating protein C (PC) plays a vital role as an anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory mediator. We show here that human endothelial cells produce PC that acts through novel mediators to enhance their own functional integrity. When endogenous PC or its receptor, endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), was suppressed by small interfering (si) RNA, human umbilical cord endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation was decreased and apoptosis elevated. Interestingly, PC or EPCR siRNA significantly increased HUVEC permeability, which is likely via reduction of the angiopoietin (Ang)1/Ang2 ratio and inhibition of the peripheral localization of the tight junction protein, zona occludins-1. In addition, PC or EPCR siRNA inhibited type IV collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-2, providing the first evidence that PC contributes to vascular basement membrane formation. These newly described actions of endogenous PC act to stabilize endothelial cells and enhance barrier function, to potentially promote the functional integrity of blood vessels.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Proteína C
/
Células Endoteliais
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Article