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Identification Of Novel Genes Regulating Elastic Fiber Formation Through Expression Profiling Analysis Of Elastogenic Models, Erin Sproul
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Background: Particularly important to the mechanical performance of native arterial blood vessels is elastin, an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein deposited by VSMCs in the form of elastic fibers, arranged in concentric lamellae in the media of the vessel wall. In addition to serving as major structural elements of arterial walls, providing extensibility and elastic recoil, elastic fibers also influence vascular cell behaviors. For these reasons tissue engineers are attempting to exploit elastic fiber biology to enhance vascular graft design and patency. Therefore, developing a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms of elastogenesis may offer opportunities to control elastogenesis in tissue …
Vascular Nanomedicine: Site Specific Delivery Of Elastin Stabilizing Therapeutics To Damaged Arteries, Aditi Sinha
Vascular Nanomedicine: Site Specific Delivery Of Elastin Stabilizing Therapeutics To Damaged Arteries, Aditi Sinha
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Elastin, a structural protein in the extra-cellular matrix, plays a critical role in the normal functioning of blood vessels. Apart from performing its primary function of providing resilience to arteries, it also plays major role in regulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, response to injury, and morphogenesis. Medial arterial calcification (MAC) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are two diseases where the structural and functional integrity of elastin is severely compromised. Although the clinical presentation of MAC and AAA differ, they have one common underlying causative mechanism--pathological degradation of elastin. Hence prevention of elastin degradation in the early stages of MAC and …