Extracellular matrix derived from Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes angiogenesis via integrin αVβ3/c-Myc/P300/VEGF

Background: Angiogenesis is required in many physiological conditions, including bone regeneration, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular matrix (MSCs-ECM) could guide intricate cellular and tissue processes such as homeostasis, healing and regeneration.

Methods: The purpose of this study is to explore the effect and mechanism of ECM derived from decellularized Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) on endothelial cell viability and angiogenesis. The human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were pretreated with WJ-MSCs ECM for 2d/7d/14d, respectively. After pretreatment, the angiogenesis ability of HUVECs was detected.

Results: In this study, we found for the first time that WJ-MSCs ECM could improve the angiogenesis ability of HUVECs with a time-dependent manner in vitro. Mechanically, WJ-MSCs ECM activated the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/P38 signaling pathway via Integrin αVβ3, which further promoted the expression of the cellular (c)-Myc. Further, c-Myc increased histone acetylation levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promoter by recruiting P300, which ultimately promoting VEGF expression.

Conclusions: ECM derived from Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes angiogenesis via Integrin αVβ3/c-Myc/P300/VEGF. This study is expected to provide a new approach to promote angiogenesis in bone and tissue regeneration.