Pleiotropic effects of survivin in vascular endothelial cells

Abstract Objective To assess the effects of survivin (SVV)in vascular endothelial cells. Methods In this study, we applied a gain-of-function approach and ectopically expressed SVV in rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) using a SVV-expressing adenovirus. The resulting SVV expression on the steady-state mRNA and protein level in RAECs was determined by reverse transcription quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively. Cell viability, apoptosis, and migration were assessed in vitro by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. The effect of SVV on in vivo angiogenesis was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in nude mice. Non-infected RAECs and those infected with GFP-expressing control adenovirus were used as controls. Results Compared to non-infected or control adenovirus-infected RAECs in vitro , SVV-expressing cells had increased viability and migratory capability, but reduced apoptosis . In vivo , SVV-expressing RAECs were associated with a higher level of angiogenesis. Conclusion SVV is a positive regulator of endothelial cell survival and migration, and thus, stabilizes endothelial cells and stimulates angiogenesis.