A Regulatory microRNA Network Controls Endothelial Cell Phenotypic Switch During Sprouting Angiogenesis [RNA-Seq]

We exploited a three-dimensional model of sprouting angiogenesis in which the phenotypic switch from quiescent ECs to tip cells was triggered by VEGF-A. The information obtained about modulated miRNAs and their related protein-coding gene targets was used to generate a co-expression network encompassing gene modules that are post-transcriptionally regulated and whose activity is required for sprouting. Overall design: Gene expression profile study of HUVEC cultured in 3D collagen matrix as quiescent, not-stimulated spheroids (SPHC), and VEGF-A-stimulated sprouted spheroids (SPHV).

本研究构建并采用了血管出芽生成（sprouting angiogenesis）的三维模型，该模型中，静息内皮细胞（ECs）向尖端细胞的表型转化由血管内皮生长因子A（VEGF-A）触发。本研究利用所获得的经表达调控的微小RNA（miRNAs）及其相关编码蛋白基因靶点的信息，构建了共表达网络，该网络涵盖了受转录后调控且其活性对血管出芽生成不可或缺的基因模块。

整体实验设计：本研究以培养于三维胶原蛋白基质中的人脐静脉内皮细胞（HUVEC）为研究对象开展基因表达谱分析，实验分组包括静息未刺激细胞球（SPHC）以及经血管内皮生长因子A（VEGF-A）刺激的出芽细胞球（SPHV）。