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Regulated vascular smooth muscle cell death in vascular diseases
Zheng Yin1,2,3, Jishou Zhang1,2,3, Zican Shen1,2,3
1Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Regulated cell death (RCD) is a complex process that involves several cell types and plays a crucial role in vascular diseases. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the predominant elements of the medial layer of blood vessels, and their regulated death contributes to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. The types of regulated VSMC death include apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, parthanatos, and autophagy-dependent cell death (ADCD). In this review, we summarize the current evidence of regulated VSMC death pathways in major vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, aortic aneurysm and dissection, hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, neointimal hyperplasia, and inherited vascular diseases. All forms of RCD constitute a single, coordinated cell death system in which one pathway can compensate for another during disease progression. Pharmacologically targeting RCD pathways has potential for slowing and reversing disease progression, but challenges remain. A better understanding of the role of regulated VSMC death in vascular diseases and the underlying mechanisms may lead to novel pharmacological developments and help clinicians address the residual cardiovascular risk in patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Insights
Regulated cell death (RCD) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is key to vascular diseases. Targeting these RCD pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cell Death Research
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Regulated cell death (RCD) pathways are critical in vascular diseases.
- Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are central to vascular pathogenesis via regulated death.
- Multiple RCD types, including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, parthanatos, and autophagy-dependent cell death (ADCD), affect VSMCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence of regulated VSMC death pathways in major vascular diseases.
- To explore the compensatory mechanisms between different RCD pathways.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential and challenges of targeting RCD in vascular diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current evidence on regulated VSMC death.
- Analysis of RCD mechanisms in atherosclerosis, hypertension, and other vascular conditions.
- Discussion of pharmacological targeting of RCD pathways.
Main Results:
- Regulated VSMC death pathways are implicated in diverse vascular diseases.
- RCD pathways function as a coordinated system with intercompensatory roles.
- Targeting RCD pathways presents a promising but challenging therapeutic avenue.
Conclusions:
- Understanding regulated VSMC death is crucial for developing novel treatments for vascular diseases.
- Pharmacological interventions targeting RCD may help manage cardiovascular risk.
- Further research into RCD mechanisms can unlock new therapeutic strategies.
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