Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Our lab has previously shown that the gene c-myb is involved in the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). These VSMCs are important to research as diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and restenosis of stented arteries all involve the abnormal growth and migration of VSMCs. Using a mouse with a dysfunctional c-myb gene, we have found that c-myb dysfunction causes fibrosis and stiffening in vessels, much like in hypertension. However, we have also found that these mice have abnormal blood pressure maintenance and VSMC contractility. Despite increased fibrosis which usually results in increased blood pressure, defective VSMC contractility may be the mechanism by which defective c-myb causes decreased blood pressure. This research gives new insights into the roles of the c-myb gene in vascular development and disease. Further research will continue to clarify c-myb's role in the cardiovascular system, insights which may someday result in better therapies and maintenance of cardiovascular diseases.