Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
10769219 | Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications | 2005 | 9 Pages |
Abstract
Elastin degradation associated with matrix metalloproteinase activity is a cell-mediated process, observed in almost all types of vascular calcification. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that elastin-derived peptides induce an osteogenic response in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in vitro. Using RT-PCR and specific protein assays, we demonstrated that rat aortic SMCs incubated with elastin peptides exhibited an increased expression of the 67 kDa elastin laminin receptor (ELR) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and typical bone proteins, such as core binding factor α-1, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase. The osteogenic gene expression in SMCs was further enhanced by the addition of TGF-β1 along with the elastin peptides, in the absence of any other mineralizing agent. Conversely, lactose (an ELR antagonist) down-regulated expression of most investigated proteins. In conclusion, elastin-derived peptides and TGF-β1 up-regulate the expression of typical bone proteins in cultured rat aortic SMCs, possibly via the ELR signaling.
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Authors
Agneta Simionescu, Katherine Philips, Narendra Vyavahare,