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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Measurement of Smooth Muscle Function in the Isolated Tissue Bath-applications to Pharmacology Research
Published on: January 19, 2015
NFAT regulation in smooth muscle
David C Hill-Eubanks1, Maria F Gomez, Andra S Stevenson
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
Abstract:
First identified in activated T cells, the calcium (Ca2+)-dependent transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), has since been shown to play a role in nonimmune cells, including cells of the cardiovascular system. In arterial smooth muscle, the diverse array of calcium-signaling modalities, the functional interplay between smooth muscle and endothelial cells, and the influence of intravascular pressure on calcium and other signaling pathways creates a calcium-regulatory environment that is arguably unique. This review focuses on mechanisms that control the initial Ca2+/calcineurin-dependent events in NFAT activation, with a particular emphasis on NFAT regulation in native vascular smooth muscle. Also addressed is the role of additional mechanisms that act to modulate calcineurin-dependent NFAT nuclear import/export, mechanisms that may have particular relevance in this tissue.
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