| First Author | Kogata N | Year | 2009 |
| Journal | Genes Dev | Volume | 23 |
| Issue | 19 | Pages | 2278-83 |
| PubMed ID | 19797768 | Mgi Jnum | J:153248 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:4361787 | Doi | 10.1101/gad.535409 |
| Citation | Kogata N, et al. (2009) Integrin-linked kinase controls vascular wall formation by negatively regulating Rho/ROCK-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell contraction. Genes Dev 23(19):2278-83 |
| abstractText | Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) form contractile layers around larger blood vessels in a process that is essential for the formation of a fully functional vasculature. Here, we show that integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is required for the formation of a unitary layer of aligned VSMCs around arterioles and the regulation of blood vessel constriction in mice. In the absence of ILK, activated Rho/ROCK signaling induces the elevated phosphorylation of myosin light chain leading to abnormally enhanced VSMC contraction in vitro and in vivo. Our findings identify ILK as a key component regulating vascular wall formation by negatively modulating VSMC contractility. |
