Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Isolation of Intrapulmonary Artery and Smooth Muscle Cells to Investigate Vascular Responses
Published on: June 8, 2022
Elastin-derived peptides and TGF-beta1 induce osteogenic responses in smooth muscle cells
Agneta Simionescu1, Katherine Philips, Narendra Vyavahare
1Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
Abstract:
Elastin degradation associated with matrix metalloproteinase activity is a cell-mediated process, observed in almost all types of vascular calcification. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that elastin-derived peptides induce an osteogenic response in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in vitro. Using RT-PCR and specific protein assays, we demonstrated that rat aortic SMCs incubated with elastin peptides exhibited an increased expression of the 67 kDa elastin laminin receptor (ELR) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and typical bone proteins, such as core binding factor alpha-1, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase. The osteogenic gene expression in SMCs was further enhanced by the addition of TGF-beta1 along with the elastin peptides, in the absence of any other mineralizing agent. Conversely, lactose (an ELR antagonist) down-regulated expression of most investigated proteins. In conclusion, elastin-derived peptides and TGF-beta1 up-regulate the expression of typical bone proteins in cultured rat aortic SMCs, possibly via the ELR signaling.
Related Concept Videos
Functions of Smooth Muscles
Function of visceral smooth muscles
Visceral smooth muscle is found in the walls of all hollow organs, except the heart, and is a key player in the involuntary movements that drive the functioning of these internal organs. This tissue is arranged in...
Elastin is Responsible for Tissue Elasticity
Ligaments and tendons are made of dense regular connective tissue, but in ligaments not all fibers are parallel. Dense regular elastic tissue contains elastin fibers and...
Smooth Muscle Contraction
The onset of contraction is triggered by an increase in calcium ions within the sarcoplasm, similar to the process in striated muscle. However, smooth muscles have a relatively smaller reservoir of the sarcoplasmic...
Structure and Organization of Smooth Muscles
Structure of smooth muscle cell
Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped with tapering ends and a...
Design Example: Frog Muscle Response
When the switch connecting the RL circuit is closed, a brief muscle contraction is observed. This is because, at a steady state, the inductor acts like a short...
Peptide Bonds

