Statin-mediated cholesterol depletion exerts coordinated effects on the alterations in rat vascular smooth muscle cell biomechanics and migration.

ABSTRACT:

Key points

This study demonstrates and evaluates the changes in rat vascular smooth muscle cell biomechanics following statin-mediated cholesterol depletion. Evidence is presented to show correlated changes in migration and adhesion of vascular smooth muscle cells to extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin and collagen. Concurrently, integrin α5 expression was enhanced but not integrin α2. Atomic force microscopy analysis provides compelling evidence of coordinated reduction in vascular smooth muscle cell stiffness and actin cytoskeletal orientation in response to statin-mediated cholesterol depletion. Proof is provided that statin-mediated cholesterol depletion remodels total vascular smooth muscle cell cytoskeletal orientation that may additionally participate in altering ex vi

SUBMITTER: Sanyour HJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7394245 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature