Fig. 4

Hsp90β promotes endotheliocyte proliferation and accelerates neovascularization. a Western blot analysis showed VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 expression levels in HUVEC cells overexpressed or knocked down Hsp90β and/or under VEGF treatment. b Immunofluorescence of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 expression in HUVEC cells overexpressed Hsp90β alone, VEGF treatment alone or overexpressed Hsp90β under VEGF treatment. c HUVEC cells were transiently transfected with VEGFR1- or VEGFR2- dependent reporter gene plasmids. Luciferase activity was measured when cells overexpressed or knocked down Hsp90β and/or under VEGF treatment. d Growth curve of HUVEC cells overexpressed or knocked down Hsp90β and/or under VEGF treatment, measured by SRB assay. (*, vs control group, P < 0.05; #, vs VEGF group, P < 0.05; ▲, vs Hsp90β group, P < 0.05; ■, vs siHsp90β group, P < 0.05) e Transwell assays indicated invasion ability when HUVEC cells overexpressed or knocked down Hsp90β and/or under VEGF treatment. f Migration ability increased when HUVEC cells overexpressed or knocked down Hsp90β and/or under VEGF treatment. g In vitro assay for vascular mimicry of HUVEC cells in three-dimensional culture at 12 h. a, Representative graphs; black arrows point to tubes. b, Tube formation quantification was analyzed after HUVEC cells overexpressed or knocked down Hsp90β and/or under VEGF treatment. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01