Fig. 3

FSH promotes EndMT via the transcriptional factor FOXM1. The effects of FSH on the protein levels of EndMT-related transcription factors were assessed by WB (A and C), while changes in transcription factor mRNA levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR (B and D) in HUVECs. HUVECs were transfected with FOXM1 shRNA or FOXM1 overexpression (FOXM1 O/E) constructs and exposed to FSH (100 mIU/mL) for 48 h. FOXM1 and SNAIL protein levels were determined by WB (E and F), and SNAIL mRNA expression levels were measured by RT-PCR (G). Additionally, HUVECs transfected with FOXM1 shRNA or FOXM1 O/E and treated with FSH (100 mIU/mL) for 72 h were examined for the expression of EndMT-related proteins by WB (H and I). J Following FOXM1 shRNA transfection, HUVECs were treated with FSH (100 mIU/mL) for 72 h, and cell migration was evaluated using a wound-healing assay over 24 h. K Quantification of the wound-healing assay. Statistical analysis was executed utilizing two-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s multiple comparisons test (B and D). Data from RT-PCR and wound-healing assays were examined utilizing one-way ANOVA with Sidak’s multiple comparisons test (G and K). n ≥ 3, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01. Scale bars: 250 μm (J)