Inhibition of intimal hyperplasia after stenting by over-expression of p15: A member of the INK4 family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors

►We examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of p15Ink4 (a member of the INK4 family of CDK inhibitors) over-expression on smooth muscle cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and intimal hyperplasia after stenting. ►Over-expression of p15Ink4 results in marked inhibition of SMCs DNA synthesis and proliferation. Cell cycle progression was inhibited accompanied by inhibition of pRb phosphorylation. ►In vivo, intimal hyperplasia was significantly decreased in the p15Ink4-transduced stented arteries as compared to controls.