Rear polarization of the microtubule-organizing center in neointimal smooth muscle cells depends on PKCα, ARPC5, and RHAMM.

ABSTRACT: Directed migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the media to the intima in arteries occurs during atherosclerotic plaque formation and during restenosis after angioplasty or stent application. The polarized orientation of the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) is a key determinant of this process, and we therefore investigated factors that regulate MTOC polarity in vascular SMCs. SMCs migrating in vivo from the medial to the intimal layer of the rat carotid artery following balloon catheter injury were rear polarized, with the MTOC located posterior of the nucleus. In tissue culture, migrating neointimal cells maintained rear polarization, whereas medial cells were front polarized. Using phosphoproteomic screening and mass spectrometry, we identified ARPC5 and RHAMM as protein kina

SUBMITTER: Silverman-Gavrila R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3128507 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature