Molecular pathways of notch signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells

Abstract

Notch signaling in the cardiovascular system is important during embryonic development, vascular repair of injury, and vascular pathology in humans. The vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) expresses multiple Notch receptors throughout its life cycle, and responds to Notch ligands as a regulatory mechanism of differentiation, recruitment to growing vessels, and maturation. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current understand- ing of the molecular basis for Notch regulation ofVSMC phenotype. Further, we will explore Notch interaction with other signaling pathways important in VSMC. © 2012 Boucher, Gridley and Liaw.