Abstract
The collagen matrix constitutes a major portion of the vascular extracellular matrix and imparts blood vessels with tensile strength and, even more important, modulates smooth muscle cell (SMC) responses via specific receptors and signaling pathways. This review is focused on the interactions of SMCs with the collagen matrix, how these interactions are involved in sensing the local environment, and the receptors that mediate these processes. Better understanding of the pathways involved in cell matrix interactions promises to provide novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies for the prevention of arterial occlusive diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Arterial Occlusive Diseases / etiology*
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Arterial Occlusive Diseases / metabolism
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Arterial Occlusive Diseases / pathology
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Carotid Arteries / pathology
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Collagen / analysis
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Collagen / metabolism*
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Discoidin Domain Receptors
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Extracellular Matrix / metabolism*
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Humans
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Integrins / analysis
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Integrins / metabolism*
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Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / metabolism*
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Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / pathology
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Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases*
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Receptors, Collagen
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Receptors, Mitogen / analysis
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Receptors, Mitogen / metabolism*
Substances
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Integrins
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Receptors, Collagen
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Receptors, Mitogen
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Collagen
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Discoidin Domain Receptors
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Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases