SLC44A2-mediated phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells contributes to aortic aneurysm

作者：Mengen Xing, Wanqi Chen, Yachen Ji, Weihong Song · 发表于：Journal of Clinical Investigation · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1172/jci183527 · 被引用次数：12 · 研究领域：Aortic aneurysm repair treatments、Aortic Disease and Treatment Approaches、Williams Syndrome Research

The phenotypic switch of vascular smooth cells (VSMCs) from a contractile to a synthetic state is associated with the development and progression of aortic aneurysm (AA). However, the mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. In this issue of the JCI, Song et al. identified SLC44A2 as a regulator of the phenotypic switch in VSMCs. Inhibition of SLC44A2 facilitated the switch to the synthetic state, contributing to the development of AA. Mechanistically, SLC44A2 interacted with NRP1 and ITGB3 to activate the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, resulting in VSMCs with a contractile phenotype. Furthermore, VSMC-specific SLC44A2 overexpression by genetic or pharmacological manipulation reduced AA in mouse models. These findings suggest the potential of targeting the SLC44A2 signaling pathway for AA prevention and treatment.