Syndecan-4 is a major syndecan in primary human endothelial cells in vitro, modulated by inflammatory stimuli and involved in wound healing

J Histochem Cytochem. 2015 Apr;63(4):280-92. doi: 10.1369/0022155415568995. Epub 2015 Jan 9.

Abstract

Syndecans are important cell surface proteoglycans with many functions; yet, they have not been studied to a very large extent in primary human endothelial cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate syndecan-4 expression in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and assess its role in inflammatory reactions and experimental wound healing. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that syndecan-3 and syndecan-4 were highly expressed in HUVECs, whereas the expression of syndecan-1 and -2 was low. HUVECs were cultured with the inflammatory mediators lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β). As a result, syndecan-4 expression showed a rapid and strong increase. Syndecan-1 and -2 expressions decreased, whereas syndecan-3 was unaffected. Knockdown of syndecan-4 using siRNA resulted in changes in cellular morphology and focal adhesion sites, delayed wound healing and tube formation, and increased secretion of the pro-inflammatory and angiogenic chemokine, CXCL8. These data suggest functions for syndecan-4 in inflammatory reactions, wound healing and angiogenesis in primary human endothelial cells.

Keywords: angiogenesis; inflammation; primary human endothelial cells; shedding; syndecan-4; wound healing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Interleukin-1beta / pharmacology*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Syndecan-2 / metabolism
  • Syndecan-3 / metabolism
  • Syndecan-4 / genetics
  • Syndecan-4 / metabolism*
  • Wound Healing*

Substances

  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Syndecan-3
  • Syndecan-4
  • Syndecan-2