Preparation and characterization of a VEGF-Fc fusion protein matrix for enhancing HUVEC growth

Biotechnol Lett. 2012 Sep;34(9):1765-71. doi: 10.1007/s10529-012-0959-7. Epub 2012 Jun 3.

Abstract

To enhance vascularization of hydrophobic implants in vivo, a VEGF-Fc fusion protein consisting of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) fused to the immunoglobulin G Fc domain was prepared as an artificial extracellular matrix (ECM). VEGF-Fc was stably immobilized on a polystyrene plate due to the hydrophobicity of the Fc domain, and significantly enhanced the adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Additionally, the use of VEGF-Fc as an ECM markedly promoted the proliferation of HUVECs longer than 72 h and induced the reorganization of actin filaments into larger stress fibers within these cells. The VEGF-Fc fusion protein may be a promising artificial ECM for enhancing endothelial cell growth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods
  • Cell Proliferation*
  • Endothelial Cells / physiology*
  • Extracellular Matrix / genetics
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments / metabolism
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry
  • Protein Binding
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Time Factors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments
  • Polystyrenes
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A