MEF2 (Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2) Is Essential for Endothelial Homeostasis and the Atheroprotective Gene Expression Program.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Atherosclerosis predominantly forms in regions of oscillatory shear stress while regions of laminar shear stress are protected. This protection is partly through the endothelium in laminar flow regions expressing an anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic gene expression program. Several molecular pathways transmitting these distinct flow patterns to the endothelium have been defined. Our objective is to define the role of the MEF2 (myocyte enhancer factor 2) family of transcription factors in promoting an atheroprotective endothelium. Approach and Results: Here, we show through endothelial-specific deletion of the 3 MEF2 factors in the endothelium, Mef2a, -c, and -d, that MEF2 is a critical regulator of vascular homeostasis. MEF2 deficiency results in systemic inflammation,

SUBMITTER: Lu YW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7938420 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature