Effect of overexpression of transcription factor Runx2 and Osterix on osteogenic differentiation of endothelial cells

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of overexpression of Runx2 and Osterix (OSX) genes on osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). METHODS: Overexpressed Runx2 and OSX lentiviral vectors were transfected into HUVECs respectively. The osteogenic potential of transfected cells was identified by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and ALP activity. Furthermore, real time-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect the expression of osteogenic genes and proteins in HUVECs. GraphPad Prism 6.01 software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Overexpression of Runx2 gene was beneficial for osteogenic differentiation of HUVECs, while overexpression of osterix gene did not show osteogenic differential potential. Moreover, overexpression of Runx2 gene in HUVECs up-regulated the gene expression level of Runx2, OSX, ALP, bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN), and up-regulated protein level of OPN and OCN. CONCLUTIONS: Overexpression of Runx2 could promote osteogenic differentiation of HUVECs.