smooth muscle cells

[Circulation] To explore the key extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the maintenance of the contractile phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), investigators applied protein-protein interaction network analysis to explore novel ECM proteins associated with the VSMC phenotype.

[Scientific Reports] Fluorescently labeled NLRP3 inflammasome particles were isolated from a mutant NLRP3-YFP cell line and used to treat primary human coronary artery smooth muscle cells for 4 and 24 hours.

[Vascular Pharmacology] The authors summarize the biogenesis, characteristics and functions of circRNAs with a focus on their roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

[Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology] Scientists identified a vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-enriched long noncoding RNA cardiac mesoderm enhancer-associated noncoding RNA (CARMN) that was dynamically regulated with progression of atherosclerosis. In both mouse and human atherosclerotic plaques, CARMN colocalized with VSMCs and was expressed in the nucleus.

[British Journal of Pharmacology] Researchers used loss/gain-of-function approaches by gene delivery to determine whether cytokine induced apoptosis inhibitor 1 (CIAPIN1) modulated vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration, and neointima formation, and to define the underlying mechanisms.

[Scientific Reports] Investigators used isolated murine mesentery arterioles and co-cultures of human coronary artery endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells to test the hypothesis that heme oxygenase 1 mediated the effects of fluid shear stress on placental growth factor.