cDNA microarray analysis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells subjected to cyclic mechanical strain

Endothelial cells are constantly subjected to mechanical forces due to blood flow. The forces have been implicated in vascular pathogenesis; therefore, the consequences of these forces need to be examined. Using cDNA microarray technology, we studied the gene expression of human umbilical vein endothelial cells subjected to a 10% cyclic strain for 6 and 24 hours. Of the 4000 genes included on the Research Genetics GeneFilter^® 211, thirty genes were determined as differentially expressed. The most highly upregulated gene at 6 hours was carboxypeptidase A3 at 3.2-fold; whereas, the most downregulated gene was dystrobrevin, alpha at 0.4-fold. At 24 hours, the most highly upregulated was matrix metalloproteinase 10 at 3.6-fold and the most downregulated was secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor at 0.5-fold. These genes were not only regulated by the strain of the cells, but some were actually regulated by the fluid agitation inherent in the system over the cells.