Effects of ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50 on proliferation, migration and vascularization of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Objective To explore the effects of ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) on the biological properties of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and related mechanisms. Methods The biological effects of EBP50 on HUVEC were investigated. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of EBP50 in cells. The 3-4, 5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and scarification test were used to measure the proliferation and migration activity of HUVEC. The effect of EBP50 on the phosphorylation levels of Akt1 and the changes of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 levels were detected by western blotting and gelatin zymography analysis. Results Over expression of exogenous EBP50 in HUVEC significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVEC. EBP50 also significantly down regulated Akt1 phosphorylation and the secretion of MMP-2 compared with control cells. Conclusions EBP50 might serve as a potential target for manipulating neovascularization related diseases. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of the bioactivity of EBP50 in angiogenesis. Key words: Endothelial cells; Cell proliferation; Migration; Ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50