The vasculoprotective effects of resveratrol are mediated via Kruppel-like factor 2 dependent protection of endothelial barrier function

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound that is thought to have vasculoprotective properties. Its observed effects are proposed, in part, to be mediated through the induction of endothelial Krϋppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) expression. KLF2 is a nuclear transcription factor that is highly expressed within the vascular endothelium. Studies from our laboratory and others have shown that this protein mediates vascular function through its transactivation domain, and its targeted expression promotes vascular health, notably by acting as an important positive regulator of endothelial barrier function. In this study, we demonstrate that resveratrol possesses endothelial barrier protective effects dependent on the presence of KLF2, with several key endothelial tight junction proteins expressed in a KLF2-dependent manner. Collectively, our findings identify KLF2 as essential for resveratrol-mediated endothelial barrier protection, thus further implicating KLF2 as a critical vasculoprotective factor.