Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor Promotes Endothelial Progenitor Cells Function via Akt/FOXO3a Pathway

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129665
• Publication Date: 2015-06-10T18:01:38Z
• Authors: Liya Huang; Fei Wang; Yuqiang Wang; Qing Cao; Tiantian Sang; Fang Liu; Shuyan Chen
• Keywords: FGF1; Endothelial progenitor cell

Acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF1) has been suggested to enhance the functional activities of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). The Forkhead homeobox type O transcription factors (FOXOs), a key substrate survival kinase Akt, play important roles in regulation various cellular processes. We previously have shown that FOXO3a is main subtype FOXOs expressed EPCs. Here, we aim determine whether FGF1 promotes EPC function through Akt/FOXO3a pathway. Human peripheral blood derived EPCs were transduced with adenoviral vectors either expressing non-phosphorylable, constitutively active triple mutant (Ad-TM-FOXO3a) or GFP control (Ad-GFP). treatment improved Ad-GFP EPCs, including cell viability, proliferation, antiapoptosis, migration and tube formation, whereas these beneficial effects disappeared by Akt inhibitor pretreatment. Moreover, was declined Ad-TM-FOXO3a transduction failed be attenuated even treatment. upregulated phosphorylation levels which repressed However, recover from dysfunction. These data indicate promoting at least part mediated Our study may provide novel ideas for enhancing angiogenic ability optimizing transplantation therapy future.