Regulation and characteristics of vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic diversity

SSM Rensen, P Doevendans, G Van Eys - Netherlands Heart Journal, 2007 - Springer
SSM Rensen, P Doevendans, G Van Eys
Netherlands Heart Journal, 2007Springer
Vascular smooth muscle cells can perform both contractile and synthetic functions, which
are associated with and characterised by changes in morphology, proliferation and
migration rates, and the expression of different marker proteins. The resulting phenotypic
diversity of smooth muscle cells appears to be a function of innate genetic programmes and
environmental cues, which include biochemical factors, extracellular matrix components,
and physical factors such as stretch and shear stress. Because of the diversity among …
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells can perform both contractile and synthetic functions, which are associated with and characterised by changes in morphology, proliferation and migration rates, and the expression of different marker proteins. The resulting phenotypic diversity of smooth muscle cells appears to be a function of innate genetic programmes and environmental cues, which include biochemical factors, extracellular matrix components, and physical factors such as stretch and shear stress. Because of the diversity among smooth muscle cells, blood vessels attain the flexibility that is necessary to perform efficiently under different physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we discuss recent literature demonstrating the extent and nature of smooth muscle cell diversity in the vascular wall and address the factors that affect smooth muscle cell phenotype. (Neth Heart J 2007;15:100-8.)
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