Absence of Akt1 reduces vascular smooth muscle cell migration and survival and induces features of plaque vulnerability and cardiac dysfunction during atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Deletion of Akt1 leads to severe atherosclerosis and occlusive coronary artery disease. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are an important component of atherosclerotic plaques, responsible for promoting plaque stability in advanced lesions. Fibrous caps of unstable plaques contain less collagen and ECM components and fewer VSMCs than caps from stable lesions. Here, we investigated the role of Akt1 in VSMC proliferation, migration, and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. In addition, we also characterized the atherosclerotic plaque morphology and cardiac function in an atherosclerosis-prone mouse model deficient in Akt1.

Methods and results

Absence of Akt1 reduces VSMC proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, the proliferation and migratory phenotype found i

SUBMITTER: Fernandez-Hernando C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2796372 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature