The role of collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 in injured arteries, collagen expression, and transforming growth factor beta signaling.
Collagen triple helix repeat containing protein 1 (Cthrc1) is a gene product with novel biochemical activities, and its ability to reduce collagen deposition by inhibition of Smad2/3 activation could have major clinical applications in the fields of vascular disease, repair, and fibrosis. Currently available data indicate that Cthrc1 expression in vascular cells regulates transforming growth factor beta responsiveness, thereby impacting transforming growth factor beta target genes, including collagens; and regulation or activation of Cthrc1 is strictly controlled in these cells. Determining Cthrc1 activation (or inactivation) and addressing the interaction with known signaling pathways are important aspects aimed at developing this work toward clinically relevant applications.
Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA.
Renée
R
LeClair
Volkhard
V
Lindner
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction; D015291:Transforming Growth Factors
C502426:CTHRC1 protein, human; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D015291:Transforming Growth Factors; D003094:Collagen