Smooth muscle α_v integrins regulate vascular fibrosis via CD109 downregulation of TGF-β signalling.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

α_v integrins are implicated in fibrosis in a number of organs through their ability to activate TGF-β. However their role in vascular fibrosis and collagen accumulation is only partially understood. Here we have used α_v conditional knockout mice and cell lines to determine how α_v contributes to vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function in vascular fibrosis and the role of TGF-β in that process.

Methods and results

Angiotensin II (Ang II) treatment causes upregulation of α_v and β₃ expression in the vessel wall, associated with increased collagen deposition. We found that deletion of α_v integrin subunit from VSMCs (α_v ^SMKO) protected mice against angiotensin II-induced collagen produ

SUBMITTER: Li Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9998030 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature