Vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching in atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Cellular Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis (AS) involves complex cellular interactions.
• Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are key players, altering phenotype under atherosclerotic stimuli.
• VSMC phenotypic plasticity contributes to AS development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review diverse VSMC phenotypes in atherosclerosis.
• To summarize the roles of VSMC phenotypes in AS.
• To highlight molecular mechanisms regulating VSMC phenotypic switching.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of VSMC phenotypes and roles in AS.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms governing VSMC plasticity.
• Identification of potential therapeutic strategies targeting VSMCs.

Main Results:

• VSMCs display multiple phenotypes, including contractile, synthetic, macrophage-like, myofibroblast-like, and osteoblast-like.
• These phenotypes exert both protective and pro-atherosclerotic effects.
• Transcriptional regulation, epigenetics, and microenvironment signaling are critical regulators of VSMC switching.

Conclusions:

• VSMC phenotypic switching is a central mechanism in atherosclerosis.
• Targeting VSMC plasticity presents a promising therapeutic avenue for AS.
• Further research into VSMC regulatory pathways is crucial for effective AS management.