FAL1 regulates endothelial cell proliferation in diabetic arteriosclerosis through PTEN/AKT pathway.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the role of FAL1 in the occurrence and progression of diabetic arteriosclerosis and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

FAL1 expression in coronary artery disease (CAD) tissues, normal artery tissues, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced endothelial cells was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The regulatory effects of FAL1 on cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle were examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot was used to detect protein expressions of proliferation-related gene PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), cell cycle-related genes cyclin D1, PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten) and AKT (protein kinase B) in HUVECs. Subsequently, rescue experiments were performed to assess whether PTEN/AKT signaling pathway is activated during the process of FAL1-regulated proliferation and migration of HUVECs.

RESULTS

FAL1 was highly expressed in CAD tissues and TNF-α-induced endothelial cells compared with that of controls. Overexpression of FAL1 in HUVECs promoted cell cycle, proliferation, and migration. FAL1 activated PTEN/AKT pathway in HUVECs, which was partially reversed by PTEN overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

Highly expressed FAL1 can promote proliferation and migration of endothelial cells through activating PTEN/AKT signaling pathway.