Vascular dysfunction caused by loss of Brn-3b/POU4F2 transcription factor in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells is linked to deregulation of calcium signalling pathways.

ABSTRACT: Phenotypic and functional changes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute significantly to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) but factors driving early adverse vascular changes are poorly understood. We report on novel and important roles for the Brn-3b/POU4F2 (Brn-3b) transcription factor (TF) in controlling VSMC integrity and function. Brn-3b protein is expressed in mouse aorta with localisation to VSMCs. Male Brn-3b knock-out (KO) aortas displayed extensive remodelling with increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, elastin fibre disruption and small but consistent narrowing/coarctation in the descending aortas. RNA sequencing analysis showed that these effects were linked to deregulation of genes required for calcium (Ca²⁺) signalling, vascular contractility, sar

SUBMITTER: Yogendran V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10676411 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature