Micromanaging vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation and phenotypic modulation

Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2011 Nov;31(11):2370-7. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.111.226670.

Abstract

The phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is dynamically regulated in response to various stimuli. In a cellular process known as phenotype switching, VSMCs alternate between a contractile and synthetic phenotype state. Deregulation of phenotype switching is associated with vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, restenosis after angioplasty, and pulmonary hypertension. An important role for microRNAs (miRNAs) in VSMC development and phenotype switching has recently been uncovered. Individual miRNAs are involved in promoting both contractile and synthetic VSMC phenotype. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of miRNA function in the regulation of VSMC phenotype regulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 / physiology
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / pathology*
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Phenotype*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology
  • Vascular Diseases / pathology
  • Vascular Diseases / physiopathology

Substances

  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4
  • MicroRNAs
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta