Proteasome inhibitor MG-132 regulates the expression of VEGF in human bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS-2B

Objective: To explore the effects of MG-132 on the expression of VEGF in bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS-2B. Methods: Semi-quantitive RT-PCR for VEGF mRNA and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for VEGF protein were performed. Results: MG-132 increased the expression of VEGF mRNA and protein BEAS-2B cells in time-and concentration-dependent manners. After 24-h stimulation, 25 μmol/L MG-132 increased the maximal levels of VEGF protein in cell-conditioned medium. When the cells were stimulated with cycloheximide(CHX) before treatment with MG-132, the MG-132-induced production of VEGF protein was inhibited compared to the unstimulated cells. Supernatant of condition-medium treatment with MG-132 enhanced the growth of HUVEC. Conclusion: MG-132 induces VEGF gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells line, BEAS-2B, and the MG-132-induced expression of VEGF may modulate lung tissue injury due to airway inflammation.