Construction of eukaryotic expression vector for LeftyA and effects of LeftyA on epithelial to mesenchymal transition of human proximal tubular epithelial cells

Objective To construct the eukaryotic expression vector for LeftyA and study the effects of LeftyA on epithelial to mesenchymal transition of human proximal tubular epithelial cells induced by transforming growth factor-β1 ( TGF-β1 ). Methods The pcDNA3. 1-LeftyA was constructed by recombinant DNA technique. After transfection with pcDNA3. 1-LeftyA HK-2 cells were stimulated by TGF-β1( 10 μg/L). The morphological changes, and the expression of E-cadherin, α-SMA and LeftyA mRNA and protein were observed and detected, respectively. Results TGF-β1 could markedly decrease the expression of E-cadherin mRNA and protein in HK-2 cells induced, and dramatically increase the expression of α-SMA mRNA and protein in a time-dependent manner. Forced expression of exogenous LeftyA led to a blockage of TGF-β1 -induced E-cadherin ( 17.6% ) suppression and α-SMA induction ( 14. 0% ). Conclusion Disruption of cell adherence is the beginning stage of EMT, and overexpression of LeftyA can suppress EMT induced by TGF-β1, which suggests a alprostadil role for LeftyA in TGF-β1-induced tubular EMT and renal fibrosis. Key words: LeftyA;  Epithelial to mesenchymal transition;  Transforming growing factor betal