Calreticulin Regulates Neointima Formation and Collagen Deposition following Carotid Artery Ligation.

ABSTRACT:

Background/aims

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress protein, calreticulin (CRT), is required for the production of TGF-β-stimulated extracellular matrix (ECM) by fibroblasts. Since TGF-β regulates vascular fibroproliferative responses and collagen deposition, we investigated the effects of CRT knockdown on vascular smooth-muscle cell (VSMC) fibroproliferative responses and collagen deposition.

Methods

Using a carotid artery ligation model of vascular injury, Cre-recombinase-IRES-GFP plasmid was delivered with microbubbles (MB) to CRT-floxed mice using ultrasound (US) to specifically reduce CRT expression in the carotid artery.

Results

In vitro, Cre-recombinase-mediated CRT knockdown in isolated, floxed VSMCs decreased the CRT transcript and protein, and attenuated t

SUBMITTER: Zimmerman KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4816666 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature