How do the cells in blood vessels know when to divide?

Investigating novel roles for MAP kinase phosphatase-2 and vaccinia related kinase 1 in vascular smooth muscle cell cytokinesis

Blood vessels contain a layer of smooth muscle cells, which contract to control blood flow and keep us healthy. But in heart and circulatory disease, these cells can grow and divide when they shouldn’t, contributing to the narrowing of blood vessels that is part of coronary heart disease. Scientists know that two proteins called VRK1 and MKP-2 have an important role in regulating when smooth muscle cells divide, but they are not sure exactly how these proteins work. Professor Robin Plevin and colleagues have been awarded a grant to study VRK1 and MKP-2 in more detail. Their studies will work out how these proteins function and interact, and if they are important in causing smooth muscle cells to overgrow. If they are, it may pave the way for new medicines that stop this action of the proteins, preventing smooth muscle cells from dividing and blocking blood vessels.