Early matrix softening contributes to vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype switching and aortic dissection through down-regulation of microRNA-143/145

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is characterised by extracellular matrix (ECM) dysregulation. Aberrations in the ECM stiffness can lead to changes in cellular functions. However, the mechanism by which ECM softening regulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs) phenotype switching remains unclear. To understand this mechanism, we cultured VSMCs in a soft extracellular matrix and discovered that the expression of microRNA (miR)-143/145, mediated by activation of the AKT signalling pathway, decreased significantly.

Source: Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology - May 6, 2024 Category: Cytology Authors: Zhaofei Ye, Shuolin Zhu, Guoqi Li, Jie Lu, Shan Huang, Jie Du, Yihui Shao, Zhili Ji, Ping Li Source Type: research