CD98 regulates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) migrate and proliferate to form a stabilizing fibrous cap that encapsulates atherosclerotic plaques. CD98 is a transmembrane protein made of two subunits, CD98 heavy chain (CD98hc) and one of six light chains, and is known to be involved in cell proliferation and survival. Because the influence of CD98hc on atherosclerosis development is unknown, our aim was to determine if CD98hc expressed on VSMC plays a role in shaping the morphology of atherosclerotic plaques by regulating VSMC function.

Methods

In addition to determining the role of CD98hc in VSMC proliferation and apoptosis, we utilized mice with SMC-specific deletion of CD98hc (CD98hc^fl/flSM22αCre⁺) to determine the effects of CD98hc deficie

SUBMITTER: Baumer Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5276722 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature