Role of Integrins in Modulating Smooth Muscle Cell Plasticity and Vascular Remodeling: From Expression to Therapeutic Implications

Cells

Anil K. Chauhan¹  Manish Jain² 

[1] Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India;

关键词: integrins;    smooth muscle cell;    phenotype switching;    neointimal hyperplasia;    restenosis;    extracellular matrix;   

DOI  :  10.3390/cells11040646

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs), present in the media layer of blood vessels, are crucial in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Upon vascular injury, SMCs show a high degree of plasticity, undergo a change from a “contractile” to a “synthetic” phenotype, and play an essential role in the pathophysiology of diseases including atherosclerosis and restenosis. Integrins are cell surface receptors, which are involved in cell-to-cell binding and cell-to-extracellular-matrix interactions. By binding to extracellular matrix components, integrins trigger intracellular signaling and regulate several of the SMC function, including proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching. Although pharmacological approaches, including antibodies and synthetic peptides, have been effectively utilized to target integrins to limit atherosclerosis and restenosis, none has been commercialized yet. A clear understanding of how integrins modulate SMC biology is essential to facilitate the development of integrin-based interventions to combat atherosclerosis and restenosis. Herein, we highlight the importance of integrins in modulating functional properties of SMCs and their implications for vascular pathology.

【 授权许可】

Unknown