Transferrin receptor 1 deficiency in smooth muscle cells attenuates vascular remodeling in hypertensive mice

Transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), a crucial cellular iron receptor, has a variety of biological functions. We have previously reported that TfR1 abundance increases in the aortic media of hypertensive rat models. However, its role in vascular diseases remains unknown. In the present study, we generated smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific TfR1 deficient mice and examined the impact of its deletion in mouse models of hypertension induced by angiotensin II or deoxycorticosterone acetate/salt administration. SMC-specific TfR1 deletion attenuated medial thickening and elastin fragmentation in both mouse models of hypertension. These results indicate that TfR1 in SMCs exerts a role in vascular remodeling in hypertension.