The alterations in BMP2 and BMP7 expression during TGF-β1-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in HUVEC

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) represents one of the key mechanisms underlying endothelial cell transformation and contributes to the development of pulmonary fibrotic remodeling. The regulation of this process may involve alterations in the expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs); however, the expression dynamics of BMP family members during EndMT remain insufficiently characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal changes in BMP2 and BMP7 gene expression during the induction of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The study was performed using primary HUVEC cultures at passage 3. EndMT was induced by treatment with recombinant TGF-β1 (0,5 ng/mL). Functional alterations in cell behavior were assessed using the scratch wound healing assay. The expression levels of BMP2, BMP7, α-SMA, and TGF-β genes were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Statistical analysis was performed using the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test. TGF-β1 stimulation resulted in a significant reduction in endothelial cell migratory activity. The progression of EndMT was accompanied by a gradual increase in BMP2 and α-SMA expression, along with a pronounced suppression of BMP7 expression. The most prominent molecular changes were observed after 48 h of stimulation and reached their maximum intensity by day 7. These findings demonstrate the differential regulation of BMP2 and BMP7 during EndMT and suggest that an imbalance in BMP gene expression contributes to the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype by endothelial cells.

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