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The focal adhesion protein zyxin: regulator of arterial mechanics and structure
Author(s) -
Cattaruzza Marco,
Wojtowicz Agnieszka,
Hecker Markus
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a84-c
Subject(s) - focal adhesion , microbiology and biotechnology , regulator , biology , anatomy , chemistry , gene , signal transduction , genetics
Introduction: The focal adhesion protein zyxin participates in the organization of the cytoskeleton. However, the real function of the protein is not known. In this study we have analyzed the dual role of zyxin in the regulation of vascular tone and in pressure‐induced vascular gene expression. Methods: Femoral arteries freshly isolated from zyxin‐null and wild type C57/BL6 mice were isolated and subjected to defined perfusion conditions in a pressure myograph with real time diameter measurement. Primary human endothelial cells (EC) were cultured on flexible membranes and subjected to cyclic strain in a computer‐assisted Flexercell strain device. Analytical standard procedures such as real time RT‐PCR, Western blot and (immuno‐)histochemisty were used. Results: In response to increases in wall tension, zyxin translocates to the nucleus and mediates stretch‐induced gene expression. Zyxin‐deficient arteries respond to prolonged increases in pressure with a perpendicular rearrangement of medial smooth muscle cells. This adaptive alignment along the pressure gradient explains the inability of zyxin‐deficient vessels to contract properly in response to physiological stimuli such as epinephrine, acetylcholine or Endothelin‐1. Conclusion: In vascular cells, zyxin has a dual role as an organizer of the force‐producing machinery and as a mechanotransducer upon mechanical overload.