Sox9 Accelerates Vascular Aging by Regulating Extracellular Matrix Composition and Stiffness.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vascular calcification and increased extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness are hallmarks of vascular aging. Sox9 (SRY-box transcription factor 9) has been implicated in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) osteo/chondrogenic conversion; however, its relationship with aging and calcification has not been studied.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed on human aortic samples from young and aged patients. Young and senescent primary human VSMCs were induced to produce ECM, and Sox9 expression was manipulated using adenoviral overexpression and depletion. ECM properties were characterized using atomic force microscopy and proteomics, and VSMC phenotype on hydrogels and the ECM were examined using confocal microscopy.

Results

In vivo, Sox9 was not spatially as

SUBMITTER: Faleeva M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10826924 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature