TITLE:
Cell Morphology Modified by Biomaterial Induces miR-21 Expression and Apoptosis
AUTHORS:
Mengya Liu, Shuangying Gu, Yue Zhou
KEYWORDS:
HUVECs, Microgroove Topography, microRNA, Apoptosis
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.4 No.12,
December
1,
2016
ABSTRACT: Biochemical factors can play an important role in regulating gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), yet the role of biophysical factors during this process is unknown. Here, we show that physical cues, in the form of parallel microgrooves on the surface of cell adhesive substrates, can change the morphology of HUVECs as well as specific microRNA expression. Cells cultured on microgrooved poly (dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) surface exhibited a more elongated morphology relative to those cultured on flat surfaces, and favored outgrowth along the axis of groove alignment. The level of microRNAs in the cell was screened by miRNA microchip and verified by qRT-PCR. The result showed that around 26 microRNAs have been modified significantly, among which miR-21 level was dramatically elevated. Western-blotting analysis demonstrated that PTEN, a target of miR- 21, was up-regulated in HUVECs with elongated morphology. Cell apoptosis level was significantly decreased, with was associated with the increasing of miR-21 level. These results suggested that biophysical factors can directly modify HUVECs morphology, thus induce miR-21 expression in HUVECs and its downstream biological functions such as decreasing apoptosis. This study provided evidence that surface microtopology should also be considered in designing biomaterials in tissue engineering application.