Objective: To clone a novel HCC-related gene and study its functions.
Methods: Using a combination of cell growth based functional screening of human placental cDNA library and RACE, a novel gene, angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) was isolated. The gene was mapped by RH-PCR; also it was expressed with E. coli. Effects on angiogenesis was studied by MTT assay, in vitro wound migration assay, in vitro invasion assay, in vitro tube formation assay and in vivo mouse matrigel plug assay.
Results: ANGPTL4 was cloned and mapped in 19p13.3. ANGPTL4 had no significant effect on proliferation of PAEC (P = 0.0504), while it can significantly stimulate migration and invasion of PAEC with the dose of 2 microgram/ml (P < 0.05) and promote in vitro tube formation of PAEC and angiogenesis of mouse in vivo.
Conclusions: ANGPTL4 can stimulate angiogenesis.