The role of nesprins in atherosclerosis

A pivotal role for the LINC complex and nesprins in vascular smooth muscle cell mechanical coupling and phenotypic modulation

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) that line the blood vessel wall can change from supporting cells to cells that move around and can repair damaged blood vessels. VSMCs are constantly exposed to the mechanical stresses and strains arising from changes in blood pressure and blood flow. Changes in these mechanical cues can interfere with the ability of VSMCs to repair blood vessels, promoting conditions like atherosclerosis (the build-up of fatty plaques in the vessel wall) and blood vessel calcification. However, how VSMCs sense and transmit these cues into biological responses is still largely unknown. A protein called Nesprin-2 is found to be lower in VSMCs within atherosclerotic plaques and this may be linked to changes in VSMC function. Dr Derek Warren from King’s College London will investigate how Nesprin-2 affects VSMCs and whether Nesprin-2 converts mechanical signals into biological responses in VSMCs, leading to changes in their behaviour.