ABSTRACT
Objective To examine the effects of fluid shear stress (FSS) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in Hep2 cells. Methods Hep2 cells were exposed to 140 mPa FSS. The morphologic changes of Hep2 cells exposed to FSS at different durations were observed using inverted microscope. The migration ability of Hep2 cells after FSS loading was investigated using scratch wound assay. The distribution and expression of cytoskeleton protein F-actin were examined by confocal microscope. The expression of the EMT marker proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results Most of Hep2 cells changed their morphology from polygon to elongated spindle with well-organized F-actin under FSS. After removing FSS, Hep2 cells recovered their initial morphology with flat polygon. FSS regulated Hep2 cells to enhance their migration capacity in a time-dependent manner. FSS promoted the rearrangement of cytoskeletal protein F-actin，which enhanced the migration behavior of Hep2 cells. In addition, FSS induced a time regularity of expression of the EMT marker proteins in Hep2 cells. Conclusions FSS as an important physical factor can induce EMT in Hep2 cells.