The Contribution of Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition to Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive condition in which the wall of artery develops abnormalities and causes thickening blood vessels. The development atherosclerosis complex process characterized by vascular inflammation growth atherosclerotic plaques that eventually lead to compromised flow. endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) phenomenon whereby cells lose their properties acquire phenotype similar myofibroblast smooth muscle cells. This considered key contributor and, importantly, progression atherosclerosis. Thus, therapeutically targeting EndMT will provide broad strategy attenuate Here, we review our current knowledge including several pathways such as hypoxia, TGF-β signaling, inflammation, environmental factors during In addition, discuss transgenic mouse models for studying Taken together, rapidly accelerating continued studies promise further progress preventing this common disease.