Vimentin knockout results in increased expression of sub-endothelial basement membrane components and carotid stiffness in mice.

ABSTRACT: Intermediate filaments are involved in stress-related cell mechanical properties and in plasticity via the regulation of focal adhesions (FAs) and the actomyosin network. We investigated whether vimentin regulates endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and thereby influences vasomotor tone and arterial stiffness. Vimentin knockout mice (Vim^-/-) exhibited increased expression of laminin, fibronectin, perlecan, collagen IV and VE-cadherin as well as von Willebrand factor deposition in the subendothelial basement membrane. Smooth muscle (SM) myosin heavy chain, α-SM actin and smoothelin were decreased in Vim^-/- mice. Electron microscopy revealed a denser endothelial basement membrane and increased SM cell-matrix interactions. Integrin α_v

SUBMITTER: Langlois B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5599644 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature