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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Visualization and Quantification of TGFβ/BMP/SMAD Signaling under Different Fluid Shear Stress Conditions using Proximity-Ligation-Assay
11:38

Visualization and Quantification of TGFβ/BMP/SMAD Signaling under Different Fluid Shear Stress Conditions using Proximity-Ligation-Assay

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Connective tissue growth factor is released from platelets under high shear stress and is differentially expressed in

Iwona Cicha1, Atilla Yilmaz, Yoji Suzuki

  • 1Medical Clinic II, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany. Iwona_Cicha@yahoo.com

Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation
|August 11, 2006
PubMed

Insights

High shear stress releases connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) from platelets. This process, along with disturbed blood flow, may increase CTGF expression in atherosclerotic lesions, potentially driving disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is elevated in atherosclerotic blood vessels.
  • The precise mechanisms regulating CTGF in atherosclerosis remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if high shear stress releases CTGF from human platelets.
  • To investigate the relationship between local hemodynamics and CTGF expression in atherosclerotic lesions.

Main Methods:

  • Human platelets were exposed to varying shear stress levels (10 or 120 dyn/cm2) and analyzed via Western blotting.
  • Immunohistochemistry was used to assess endothelial CTGF expression in carotid plaque sections.

Main Results:

  • High shear stress significantly increased CTGF release from platelets compared to low shear stress.
  • Endothelial CTGF expression was notably higher in upstream regions of atherosclerotic vessels versus downstream regions.
  • Neovascularization within plaques predominantly occurred in upstream areas.

Conclusions:

  • High shear stress triggers CTGF release from platelets.
  • Disturbed blood flow in atherosclerotic vessels may induce endothelial CTGF expression.
  • These findings suggest a role for shear stress and hemodynamics in CTGF-mediated atherosclerosis progression.

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