Transcription Factor Runx2 Promotes Aortic Fibrosis and Stiffness in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Accelerated arterial stiffening is a major complication of diabetes mellitus with no specific therapy available to date.

Objective

The present study investigates the role of the osteogenic transcription factor runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) as a potential mediator and therapeutic target of aortic fibrosis and aortic stiffening in diabetes mellitus.

Methods and results

Using a murine model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (db/db mice), we identify progressive structural aortic stiffening that precedes the onset of arterial hypertension. At the same time, Runx2 is aberrantly upregulated in the medial layer of db/db aortae, as well as in thoracic aortic samples from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Vascular smooth muscle cell-specific overexpress

SUBMITTER: Raaz U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4553105 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature