Epigenetics and miRNA emerge as key regulators of smooth muscle cell phenotype and function.
Regulation of phenotypic plasticity in smooth muscle requires an understanding of the mechanisms regulating phenotype-specific genes and the processes dysregulated during pathogenesis. Decades of study in airway smooth muscle has provided extensive knowledge of the gene expression patterns and signaling pathways necessary to maintain and alter smooth muscle cell phenotype. With this solid foundation, the importance and complexity of inheritable epigenetic modifications and mechanisms silencing gene expression have now emerged as fundamental components regulating aspects of inflammation, proliferation and remodeling.
University of Nottingham, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Nottingham Respiratory Research Unit, Clinical Sciences Building, City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, England, UK. R.Clifford@nottingham.ac.uk
Rachel L
RL
Clifford
Cherie A
CA
Singer
Alison E
AE
John
D056151:Airway Remodeling / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D020868:Gene Silencing; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000378:metabolism*; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000378:metabolism*; D010641:Phenotype; D015398:Signal Transduction
D035683:MicroRNAs