Fig. 1

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition can be observed in aortas of db/db mice and diabetic patients. A Representative images (upper panel) of co-immunofluorescent staining of CD31 (red), α-SMA (green) and DAPI (blue). CD31 also stains the tunica adventitia. The elastic lamella is depicted in grey (autofluorescence). In db/db aorta, co-localization between CD31 and α-SMA is visible at the endothelial layer. Zoom-in (lower panel) of the tunica intima. CD31 marks the endothelial layer in control aorta (without α-SMA expression). In db/db aorta, robust CD31/α-SMA co-localization is present at the endothelial layer. B Representative images (upper panel) of co-immunofluorescent staining of CD31 (red), S100a4 (green) and DAPI (blue). CD31 also stains the tunica adventitia. The elastic lamella depicted in grey (autofluorescence). Co-localization of CD31 and S100a4 is present in db/db aorta (indicated by white arrows) and not in control aorta. Zoom-in (lower panel) of the tunica intima. In control aorta, CD31 marks the endothelial layer (without any S100a4 expression). Robust CD31/α-SMA co-localization is visible at the endothelial layer in db/db aorta. C Quantification of co-localization of CD31 with α-SMA upon co-immunostaining in aortas from db/db mice vs age-matched control mice. The amount of CD31/α-SMA co-localization is significantly higher in db/db aortas. D Quantification of CD31/S100A4 co-localization upon co-immunostaining in aortas from db/db mice vs age-matched control mice. The amount of CD31/S100A4 co-localization is significantly higher in db/db aortas. E qRT-PCR analysis of EndMT transcription factors Snail, Slug and Twist in db/db aortas vs aortas from age-matched control mice (n = 4). Snail, Slug and Twist are significantly upregulated in aortic tissue from db/db mice. F qRT-PCR analysis of EndMT transcription factors SNAIL, SLUG and TWIST in aortic tissue of diabetes patients vs control subjects (n = 7). SNAIL, SLUG and TWIST are significantly upregulated in aortic tissue of diabetic patients. Data is presented as mean value; error bars represent S.E.M; *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001