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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The Bone Morphogenetic Protein Antagonist Gremlin Promotes Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis

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Author(s):
Maciel, Thiago Trovati [1, 2] ; Melo, Rosilene Santos [2] ; Campos, Alexandre Holthausen [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Albert Einstein Res & Educ Inst, BR-05651901 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Div Nephrol, BR-05651901 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF VASCULAR RESEARCH; v. 46, n. 4, p. 325-332, 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 8
Abstract

Background: Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated that gremlin significantly increases vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration. The present study investigates gremlin expression in the initial stages of rat carotid balloon injury and its effects on VSMC apoptosis. Methods: Gremlin mRNA expression was evaluated in rat carotids and cultured VSMCs by quantitative PCR. Apoptosis was analyzed in A7r5 cells and rabbit primary VSMCs following gremlin gene overexpression or silencing by chromatin morphology and caspase-3 activity. Results: Vascular injury promoted a significant decrease in gremlin mRNA levels. In addition, platelet-derived growth factor, angiotensin II and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 promoted coordinated regulation of gremlin and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4 expression in opposite directions according to the confluence status of VSMC culture. In A7r5 cells, gremlin overexpression was able to increase apoptosis, as demonstrated by chromatin morphology and caspase-3 activity, while BMP administration promoted opposite effects. Finally, in agreement with our results, gremlin gene silencing effectively suppressed apoptosis in A7r5 cells and rabbit VSMCs. Conclusion: Gremlin is regulated by growth factors and vascular injury and is involved in modulation of VSMC apoptosis. Modifications of gremlin expression during vascular injury may contribute to the apoptosis resistance of VSMCs. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel (AU)