Abstract: Objective To explore the role of Sulfatase2 （Sulf2） in promoting lymphangiogenesis. Methods According to Sulf2 cDNA sequence, pCDH-Flag-Sulf2 eukaryotic expression vector was designed and constructed, then transfected into 293FF cell line to obtain and purify rSulf2. The functions of LECs were examined and compared with control group by flow cytometry, matrigel assay and mice ear lymphangiogenesis model to figure out the effects of rSulf2 on cell cycles, apoptosis, tube formation ability and lymphangiogenesis in LECs. Results The construction of pCDH-Flag-Sulf2 vector was proved correctly by restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing test. Sulf2 expression increased in 293FF cells showed by Western blot. Purified Sulf2 reduced no serum medium induced apoptosis and increased the number of living cells, but it had no effect on cell cycles in LECs. Sulf2 also promoted the tube formation ability in vitro and the number of lymphatic vessels in nude mice ear. Conclusion Sulf2 can inhibit LECs apoptosis and promote lymphangiogenesis.

Key words: Heparan sulfate 2, Lymphatic endothelial cells, Lymphangiogenesis