Biological and Pro-Angiogenic Properties of Genetically Modified Human Primary Myoblasts Overexpressing Placental Growth Factor in In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

This study focused on the genetic modification of human skeletal muscle cells (SkMCs). We chose myoblast cells due to their close biological resemblance to cardiomyocytes and the placental growth factor (PlGF) gene due to its pro-angiogenic potential. In our in vitro studies, we transfected SkMCs with thePlGF gene using electroporation, which has previously been proven to be efficient and generate robust overexpression of thePlGF gene and elevate PlGF protein secretion. Moreover, the functionality of the secreted pro-angiogenic proteins was confirmed using an in vitro capillary development assay. We have also examined the influence ofPlGF overexpression onVEGF-A andVEGF-B, which are well-known factors described in the literature as the most potent activators of blood vessel formation. We were able to confirm the overexpression ofVEGF-A in myoblasts transfected with thePlGF gene. The results obtained in this study were further verified in an animal model. These data were able to confirm the potential therapeutic effects of the applied treatments.
Source: Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research