C-Kit inhibition: From promising cancer therapy to culprit in atherosclerosis

Vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) play an important role during the development of atherosclerotic lesions, especially by providing strength to the plaque cap by secreting extracellular matrix (ECM) and other structural proteins1. In contrast to the classical views, it has been demonstrated that vSMCs play a more important role in atherosclerosis development as they are much more plastic than previously recognized and can adopt alternative phenotypes, including phenotypes resembling foam cells2.

Source: Atherosclerosis - March 27, 2021 Category: Cardiology Authors: Emiel P.C. van der Vorst Tags: Editorial Source Type: research