Interstitial flow induces MMP-1 expression and vascular SMC migration in collagen I gels via an ERK1/2-dependent and c-Jun-mediated mechanism.

ABSTRACT: The migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and fibroblasts into the intima after vascular injury is a central process in vascular lesion formation. The elevation of transmural interstitial flow is also observed after damage to the vascular endothelium. We have previously shown that interstitial flow upregulates matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression, which in turn promotes SMC and fibroblast migration in collagen I gels. In this study, we investigated further the mechanism of flow-induced MMP-1 expression. An ERK1/2 inhibitor PD-98059 completely abolished interstitial flow-induced SMC migration and MMP-1 expression. Interstitial flow promoted ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereas PD-98059 abolished flow-induced activation. Silencing ERK1/2 completely abolished MMP-1 expression a

SUBMITTER: Shi ZD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2806139 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature