Hsp20 Functions as a Novel Cardiokine in Promoting Angiogenesis via Activation of VEGFR2
Figure 4
Hsp20 stimulates HUVEC proliferation, migration and capillary-like tube formation.
(A) Recombinant human Hsp20 protein was added to HUVECs at various doses (80–2000 ng/ml) for 24 h. BSA was used as a control. Cell proliferation was determined by MTS. (B) Time-course effects of the Hsp20 protein(1000 ng/ml) on the HUVEC proliferation. (C) Representative photographs indicated the effects of recombinant human Hsp20 protein on the trans-well and tube formation of HUVECs. (D) Migration was quantified by counting cells that were moved through the membrane (Trans-well assay). (E) Tube formation was evaluated by the measurement of relative tube length. Similar results were observed in three additional, independent experiments (*, p<0.05 vs. Control).