Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) is a secreted protein that binds heparan sulfate expressed on the endothelial glycocalyx (eGC). In this paper we analyze how excess sFlt-1 causes conformational changes in the eGC, leading to monocyte adhesion, a key event triggering vascular dysfunction. In vitro exposure of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells to excess sFlt-1 decreased eGC height and increased stiffness as determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Yet, structural loss of the eGC components was not observed, as indicated by Ulex europaeus agglutinin I and wheat germ agglutinin staining. Moreover, the conformation observed under excess sFlt-1, a collapsed eGC, is flat and stiff with unchanged coverage and sustained content. Functionally, this conformation increased the endothelial adhesiveness to THP-1 monocytes by about 35%. Heparin blocked all these effects, but the vascular endothelial growth factor did not. In vivo administration of sFlt-1 in mice also resulted in the collapse of the eGC in isolated aorta analyzed ex vivo by AFM. Our findings show that excess sFlt-1 causes the collapse of the eGC and favors leukocyte adhesion. This study provides an additional mechanism of action by which sFlt-1 may cause endothelial dysfunction and injury.
Pubmed ID: 36982455 RIS Download
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Cell line EA.hy 926 is a Hybrid cell line with a species of origin Homo sapiens (Human)
View all literature mentionsCell line HUVEC-C is a Finite cell line with a species of origin Homo sapiens
View all literature mentionsCell line THP-1 is a Cancer cell line with a species of origin Homo sapiens (Human)
View all literature mentionsMus musculus with name C57BL/6J from IMSR.
View all literature mentionsCell line HUVEC-C is a Finite cell line with a species of origin Homo sapiens
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