Genetic Evidence Supports a Major Role for Akt1 in VSMCs During Atherogenesis.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Coronary artery disease, the direct result of atherosclerosis, is the most common cause of death in Western societies. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis occurs during the progression of atherosclerosis and in advanced lesions and promotes plaque necrosis, a common feature of high-risk/vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Akt1, a serine/threonine protein kinase, regulates several key endothelial cell and VSMC functions including cell growth, migration, survival, and vascular tone. Although global deficiency of Akt1 results in impaired angiogenesis and massive atherosclerosis, the specific contribution of VSMC Akt1 remains poorly characterized.

Objective

To investigate the contribution of VSMC Akt1 during atherogenesis and in established atherosclerotic pla

SUBMITTER: Rotllan N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4561531 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature