The RNA-binding protein RBPMS inhibits smooth muscle cell-driven vascular remodeling in atherosclerosis and vascular injury.

ABSTRACT: Atherosclerosis and vessel wall trauma induce vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic modulation, leading to plaque cap growth and postintervention restenosis. Our systems biology approach identified RNA binding protein, mRNA processing factor (RBPMS) as a conserved, VSMC-specific gene associated with VSMC modulation in atherosclerosis. RBPMS gene expression positively correlates with VSMC contractile markers in human and murine atherosclerotic arteries as well as in two vascular injury models during the postinjury intimal hyperplasia phase. RBPMS promotes contractile VSMC differentiation, reduces plaque cap development in high-fat diet-fed apolipoprotein E-null (ApoE^-/-) murine atherosclerotic arteries, and inhibits intimal hyperplasia. Mechanisticall

SUBMITTER: Du J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11892686 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature