Wnt-1 signaling inhibits human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation and alters cell morphology

Exp Cell Res. 2003 Dec 10;291(2):415-25. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2003.07.006.

Abstract

Cell to cell interaction is one of the key processes effecting angiogenesis and endothelial cell function. There are many factors which can mediate this interaction including Wnt-signaling-related molecules. Wnt signaling is involved in many developmental processes and cellular functions. There is increasing evidence suggesting that Wnt signaling has a role in regulating endothelial cell growth although the precise mechanism is unclear. In this study, we established a coculture system to examine how Wnt-1 signaling regulates human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) growth and behavior. We found that Wnt-1 signals inhibited BrdU incorporation in HUVECs and the number of labeled cells also decreased in proportion to the number of Wnt-1-expressing cells present (P < 0.05). Moreover, HUVECs cocultured with Wnt-1-expressing C57MG cells clumped together rather than remaining scattered throughout the culture. These effects were dependent on cell contact. Treatment of HUVEC with LiCl, which inhibits the activity of GSK-3beta and mimicked Wnt-1 signaling, also inhibited the BrdU incorporation in endothelial cells. Our results suggest that Wnt signaling has a role in endothelial cell growth control and this is mediated through cell-cell contact. They also suggest that Wnt signaling might participate in angiogenesis by regulating endothelial cell growth and function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Communication
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Size
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Humans
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Umbilical Veins / cytology*
  • Wnt Proteins
  • Wnt1 Protein
  • Zebrafish Proteins*

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • WNT1 protein, human
  • Wnt Proteins
  • Wnt1 Protein
  • Zebrafish Proteins