Articles tagged with Smooth Muscle
A new technique developed by Otger Campas and Donald Ingber enables the measurement of mechanical forces cells generate while building tissues and organs. This breakthrough provides insights into the role of mechanics in morphogenesis and may lead to discoveries about birth defects, tumor growth, and tissue abnormalities.
Researchers created a three-dimensional cell culture with layers of smooth muscle, connective tissue, and lining cells embedded within a nickel-titanium alloy scaffold. The hybrid heart valve performed well in a heart simulator, opening and closing under various pressures without structural vulnerability.
Researchers identify markers that can predict rupture in abdominal aortic aneurysms, including dense white blood cells and C-reactive protein levels. The study suggests that PET/CT scans with positive uptake could provide diagnostic support for surgery, while negative uptake may indicate safe avoidance of unnecessary procedures.
Researchers have discovered a compound that successfully blocks smooth muscle growth and promotes repair of the injured endothelium in stented arteries. This innovation has the potential to eliminate blood clots forming inside stents, reducing the risk of complications.
Case Western Reserve researchers identified Kruppel-like factor (KLF) 15 as a master regulator of vascular health, blocking blood vessel inflammation that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The discovery offers hope for targeted anti-inflammatory therapies for vascular disease.
Researchers found that purified ginger components can work synergistically with beta-agonists to relax airway smooth muscle and improve breathing. The most effective component was 6-shogaol, which dissolves F-actin filaments and inhibits phosphodiesterase4D.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a method to control the fate of human stem cells, producing two types of smooth muscle cells necessary for building tiny networks of veins and arteries. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Researchers discovered that tension on gut muscles induces cell invasion in zebrafish intestine, a process similar to cancer metastasis. The study identified invadopodia formation as the key driver of this process, which is triggered by oxidative stress.
Researchers have identified a protein called α9β1, which inhibits airway smooth muscle contraction and may be used to develop treatment options for asthma. Additionally, studies have shown that LRH-1 plays a crucial role in glucose-sensing and coordinating glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, used genetic tracing to identify a previously unknown type of stem cell as the real culprit behind vascular diseases. This multipotent vascular stem cell is capable of differentiating into various specialized cell types and plays a key role in the calcification of blood vessels.
New research reveals that insulin stimulates the formation of new elastic fibers in human aortic smooth muscle cells, advancing understanding of diabetic vascular disease. Insulin therapy may help prevent arterial occlusions and improve healing processes in diabetic patients.
Researchers identified cells and signaling molecules that trigger lung repair in mice. Fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) induces epithelial cells to revert to a stem-cell state, proliferate, and repopulate the lung lining.
The Scripps Research Institute scientists have discovered a new model of blood clot formation, which could lead to better drugs for preventing heart attacks and other clot-related conditions. The findings highlight the role of P2X7 receptor in activating tissue factor, a key player in the clotting process.
Researchers found that moderate alcohol consumption inhibits notch, preventing buildup of smooth muscle cells in blood vessels and contributing to narrowed arteries. This discovery could lead to the development of a new treatment for heart disease.
Researchers identify 47 copy-number variant regions associated with sporadic and familial aortic aneurysms (TAAD), highlighting disrupted smooth muscle function as key mechanism. The findings have significant implications for other adult-onset cardiovascular disorders, suggesting potential targets for screening and prevention.
Disc battery ingestions by children can lead to severe esophageal damage, including tissue death, burns, and perforation. The study of 10 pediatric patients who underwent endoscopic retrieval found a high index of suspicion necessary to avoid life-threatening sequelae.
Estrogen has been found to decrease airway constriction and increase bronchodilation in human airway smooth muscle cells, particularly when combined with beta-agonists. This suggests that estrogen may be beneficial for women with asthma, and further research is needed to explore its potential as a treatment option.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have successfully grown replacement penile erectile tissue in rabbits, enabling normal sexual function and offspring production. The engineered tissue has the potential to benefit patients with congenital abnormalities, penile cancer, and some cases of erectile dysfunction.
Researchers identified miR-143 and miR-145 as key regulators of VSMC contractility and blood pressure. The study found that mice lacking these microRNAs had reduced contractile VSMCs and increased tissue matrix-producing cells, leading to signs of blood vessel disease.
Researchers identified a critical crosstalk pathway between lung epithelial cells and airway smooth muscle cells, contributing to lung diseases like asthma and pulmonary hypertension. The study provides potential new therapeutic targets for treating these conditions.
The NPs-NPR-B/pGC-cGMP signal pathway is up-regulated in diabetic rats, leading to potentiated relaxation and increased cGMP production in gastric smooth muscle. This suggests a potential role of the CNP-(NPR-B)-pGC-cGMP pathway in the pathogenesis of diabetic gastroparesis.
Researchers have discovered that two cardiovascular proteins, SRF and myocardin, work together in the brain's blood vessels to decrease blood flow and impair amyloid beta removal. Studies in human cells and mice show that these proteins increase toxic amyloid beta levels, contributing to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers investigated the relationship between Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP) and gastric motility. They found that DNP relaxes gastric antral circular smooth muscle via the cGMP/cGMP-dependent protein kinase pathway, which may help regulate gastrointestinal function.
A rare case of lobulated-type inflammatory myoglandular polyp (IMGP) in the ascending colon was reported. The patient experienced hematochezia and was successfully treated with endoscopic polypectomy, showcasing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have discovered that AHI1 protein instability contributes to Joubert syndrome, while Ahi1-HAP1 complex interactions regulate brain development. In contrast, studies on leprosy and atherosclerosis reveal links between innate immunity and human lipid metabolism, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers have developed a novel gene delivery approach that targets smooth muscle cells in blood vessels, offering a new paradigm for cell-specific gene delivery. The approach uses an electric field to transiently permeabilize plasma membranes and a specific DNA sequence to control nuclear entry.
Researchers developed an artificial graft tissue by combining man-made materials with human cells, resulting in improved durability and attachment to host tissue. The study paves the way for a medical breakthrough that could save millions of lives worldwide.
Gastrointestinal polyps can arise from mutations in smooth muscle cells surrounding epithelial tissue, not just the epithelium itself. This discovery opens new avenues for treatment strategies targeting intercellular signaling.
A large sample size study found endoscopic resection to be a safe and effective treatment for gastrointestinal smooth muscle tumors (SMTs) with base sizes ≤ 2 cm. No severe complications or recurrences were observed in cases treated using the 'pushing' or 'grasping and pushing' technique.
A study reveals a new mechanism controlling how stem cells become either skeletal or smooth muscle cells, with implications for treating heart disease and cancer. The discovery of myocardin suggests new ways to treat diseases driven by stem cell replacement programs.
Researchers at University at Buffalo developed a method to isolate functional smooth muscle cells from bone marrow, which can be used in regenerative medicine for cardiovascular applications. The engineered blood vessels function similarly to native tissue, demonstrating potential as an alternative to venous grafts.
A new report published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that bronchial thermoplasty significantly improves asthma control, reducing symptoms and medication use. The procedure, which reduces airway smooth muscle, demonstrates promising results for patients with moderate or severe asthma.
A new gene transfer therapy has shown promising results in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and may also have potential benefits for overactive bladder, irritable bowel syndrome, and asthma. The therapy, which targets smooth muscle cells, was well-tolerated and safe in a small pilot study of 11 men.
Researchers discover master cardiac stem cells capable of producing all three major tissues of the mammalian heart. The findings challenge traditional understanding of heart development and may hold promise for cardiac stem cell therapies.
Researchers successfully generated smooth muscle cells from multipotent adult progenitor cells using TGF-beta and PDGFB, offering a potential source for tissue engineering. This study identifies a model system for studying the effects of therapeutics on SMC development.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered that carbon monoxide can reverse symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension by arresting smooth muscle cell growth and inducing apoptosis. The gas works with nitric oxide to target problematic cells, offering a potential new therapy for the debilitating condition.
Researchers identified a gene mutation that regulates smooth muscle contraction and blood pressure in rats, leading to hypertension. The study may lead to improved treatments by targeting the proliferation of smooth muscle cells.
Scientists have identified a regulator of genes that controls artery smooth muscle cell growth, which may hold the key to preventing vessels from re-closing after angioplasty. By studying genetically susceptible pigeons, researchers found a potential target for treating restenosis.
Researchers at UCLA have successfully transformed adult stem cells from human adipose tissue into functional smooth muscle cells, which can help regenerate damaged organs like the intestine, bladder, and arteries. The study's findings offer a promising alternative to using patient's own tissue for organ regeneration without anti-reject...
Researchers discovered that prostaglandin E2 activates the pairing of EP1R with beta2AR receptors, reducing their ability to cause muscle relaxation. This may explain why some asthma treatments fail for individuals with elevated PGE2 levels.
A small study of bronchial thermoplasty found significant improvement in airway responsiveness and symptom-free days among 16 asthma patients. The procedure, which reduces airway smooth muscle mass, was well-tolerated with transient side effects.
Researchers understand the mechanism of smooth muscle cell growth, which allows for contraction and expansion of blood vessels. The discovery opens up new avenues for treating vascular disorders by targeting the Foxo4 protein.
A multi-disciplinary team at SUNY Buffalo designed fibrin gel matrix-based vessel ready for test transplantation after only two weeks in culture, exhibiting remarkable remodeling and physiological levels of blood flow. The study holds significant promise for treatment of vascular disease and as a model system to address questions with ...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a master regulator of smooth muscle development, protein myocardin, which controls growth and differentiation. This finding offers new insights into the cellular mechanisms controlling smooth muscle cell proliferation, potentially leading to novel therapeutics for cardiovascular ...
Researchers have identified a key molecular signaling system controlling the development of smooth muscle in embryos, which may lead to new treatments for heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders. The 'Jelly Belly' gene plays a crucial role in signaling primitive cells to become muscle cells.
Researchers are investigating the role of arterial stiffness in hypertension by analyzing the elasticity, strength, and stiffness of rat and calf arteries. They found that hypertensive tissues are stiffer and less responsive to pressure changes.
A UT Southwestern research team found that inactivating LRP1 in vascular smooth muscle cells causes abnormal PDGF receptor signaling, leading to vessel wall susceptibility to cholesterol buildup. The researchers discovered that Gleevec significantly reduces atherosclerosis development by 50% in mouse models.
Researchers create device that measures muscle cell forces by measuring displacement of individual needles. The study reveals the relationship between cell shape and contraction force, as well as resolving conflicting scientific reports on cellular forces.
Researchers successfully converted circulating smooth muscle progenitor cells into functional smooth muscle cells, which could help address interventional cardiology problems. The study may pave the way for therapeutic angiogenesis by preventing or eliminating the adhesive properties that contribute to plaque formation.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a promising new therapy for urinary incontinence using muscle-derived cells. The therapy, which uses genetically engineered muscle cells to replace damaged bladder muscles, shows long-term effectiveness in improving bladder function.
Researchers discover that mechanical deformation, such as stretching, can induce the expression of smooth muscle cell proteins and is crucial for normal lung development. This pathway may be disrupted in fetuses with oligohydramnion, leading to hypoplastic lungs.
A University of Michigan team found that applying repeated strain during tissue development increases the expression of key structural protein genes and improves cell organization, leading to stronger tissues. This approach could improve engineered tissues' strength and potentially be used to investigate disease mechanisms.
Research by Penn State engineers shows mechanical forces exert equivalent roles in some aspects of cardiovascular health and disease as bio-regulators like cholesterol and dietary fat. The study found a one-to-one correspondence between effects of shear stress and growth factor VEGF on blood vessel health.