Abstract:

 To explore the influence of tranSCription factor FOXC2 in angiogenesis of breast cancer MCF-7 cells and to clarify the action mechanism of FOXC2 in promoting tumor angiogenesis.Methods FOXC2 gene and empty vector gene were transfected into breast cancer of MCF-7 cell line with FOXC2 lentivirus gene transfection technique to obtain stable transfection cell line.The MCF-7 cells were devided into non-transfected group,empty-vector group and over-expression group.Matrigel assay and Transwell chamber test were used to observe the changes of tube formation and migration ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in MCF-7 cells supernatant in various groups.PT-PCR and Western blotting methods were applied to detect the expressions of FOXC2,DLL4 and Notch1 mRNA and protein.Results Compared with non-tranfected group and empty-vector group,the tube formation and the migration number of HUVECs in FOXC2 over-expression group were increased(P<0.05);the  expressions of FOXC2,DLL4 and Notch1 mRNA and proteins were significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion The FOXC2 over-expression in MCF-7 cells can increase the tube formation ability and migration ability of HUVECs,and its mechanism may be related to Notch signaling pathway.

Key words: breast neoplasms;MCF-7 cells, forkhead box C-2, Notch signaling pathway, angiogenesis