title: Smooth muscle cell differentiation in vitro: models and underlying molecular mechanisms.
abstract: Development of in vitro models by which to study smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation has been hindered by some peculiarities intrinsic to these cells, namely their different embryological origins and their ability to undergo phenotypic modulation in cell culture. Although many in vitro models are available for studying SMC differentiation, careful consideration should be taken so that the model chosen fits the questions being posed. In this review, we summarize several well-established in vitro models available to study SMC differentiation from stem cells and outline novel mechanisms recently identified as underlying SMC differentiation programs.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Changqing
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Xie
authors.forename: Raquel P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Ritchie
authors.forename: Huarong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Jifeng
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Y Eugene
authors.initials: YE
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000502:physiology*; D010641:Phenotype; D015398:Signal Transduction