Expression of Q227L-Gα_s inhibits intimal vessel wall hyperplasia after balloon injury

Abstract

Interaction between signaling pathways regulates many cellular functions, including proliferation. The Gα_s/cAMP pathway is known to inhibit signal flow from receptor tyrosine kinases to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-1,2 and, thus, inhibit proliferation. Elevation of cAMP or adenovirus-directed expression of mutant (Q227L)–Gα_s (α_s*) inhibits the proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in culture. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulated MAPK activation and DNA synthesis was also blocked by expression of α_s*. However, it is not known whether such mechanisms are operative in vivo. Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in vivo was induced by balloon injury of carotid arteries in the rat. Recombinant adenovirus encoding β-galactosidase (β-gal) or α_s* was applied to arterial segments injured by the balloon catheters. The α_s*-treated vessels showed decreased phospho-MAPK staining in the intima as compared with β-gal-treated vessels. Application of α_s*, but not β-gal containing adenovirus, inhibited formation of neointima by 50%. No change was observed in total vessel diameter or in the media or adventitia. These results suggest that the interaction between the Gα_s and MAPK pathways can regulate proliferation in vivo and that targeted expression of activated Gα_s may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of vascular pathophysiologies that arise from intimal hyperplasia.