Role of RhoB in the regulation of pulmonary endothelial and smooth muscle cell responses to hypoxia.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

RhoA and Rho kinase contribute to pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension. RhoB, a protein homologous to RhoA and activated by hypoxia, regulates neoplastic growth and vasoconstriction but its role in the regulation of pulmonary vascular function is not known.

Objective

To determine the role of RhoB in pulmonary endothelial and smooth muscle cell responses to hypoxia and in pulmonary vascular remodeling in chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.

Methods and results

Hypoxia increased expression and activity of RhoB in human pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells, coincidental with activation of RhoA. Hypoxia or adenoviral overexpression of constitutively activated RhoB increased actomyosin contractili

SUBMITTER: Wojciak-Stothard B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4384697 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature