Signal transduction regulating the vascular smoothmuscle phenotype and early molecularevents of atherogenesis

摘要

To study the molecular mechanism underlying the early events of atherosclerosis, we have established a primary culture system of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in exhibiting a differentiated phenotype.Using this culture system, we have identified unsaturated lysophosphatidic; acids (LPAs) as potent inducers for early atherogenesis in culture and in vivo. Unsaturated LPAs also induce the expression of epiregulin, which is involved in early atherogenesis.Thus, unsaturated LPAs and epiregulin may be critical factors in early atherogenesis.