Functional analysis of <i>TWIST1</i> domains regulating smooth muscle cell phenotype.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

TWIST1, a bHLH transcription factor, regulates mesenchymal specification, differentiation, proliferation and migration during development and in diseases such as cancer. More recently, genome-wide association studies have identified TWIST1 as a causal gene that increases risk for multiple vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and hypertension. However, its molecular role in the vascular wall remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, we interrogated how TWIST1 dimer composition and discrete TWIST1 domains affect SMC phenotype by expressing forced TWIST1 dimers or TWIST1 variants lacking specific domains, followed by bulk RNA sequencing and proliferation and migration assays in human coronary artery SMCs (HCASMCs).

Results

We found that TWIST1 homodime

SUBMITTER: Dy DCM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12615416 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature