Gene expression modulation in human aortic smooth muscle cells under induced physiological mechanical stretch

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Cell Mechanobiology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs) are vital for vascular integrity.
• Mechanical forces, like dynamic stretch, significantly influence AoSMC behavior.
• Understanding AoSMC mechanotransduction is key to cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro gene expression response of AoSMCs to physiological dynamic stretch.
• To identify specific genes regulated by mechanical stress in AoSMCs.
• To elucidate the role of pulsatile stretch in AoSMC mechanobiological function.

Main Methods:

• Human primary AoSMCs were subjected to 9% dynamic stretch at 1 Hz for 4 to 72 hours.
• Gene expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR).
• Unstretched AoSMCs served as controls under identical culture conditions.

Main Results:

• Dynamic stretch rapidly upregulated key genes (COL1A1, FBN1, LAMA5, TGFBR1, TGFBR2) within 4 hours.
• Upregulated genes are associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and traction force regulation.
• Stretched AoSMCs maintained stable gene expression, while control cells showed variations.

Conclusions:

• Pulsatile stretch plays a critical role in regulating gene expression in AoSMCs.
• Dynamic mechanical cues are essential for maintaining AoSMC mechanobiological homeostasis.
• Findings provide insights into cardiovascular health and disease mechanisms.