Smad2 mediates transforming growth factor-beta induction of endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression.

Saura, Marta; Zaragoza, Carlos; Cao, Wangsen; Bao, Clare; Rodríguez-Puyol, Manuel; Rodríguez-Puyol, Diego; Lowenstein, Charles J · Circ Res · 2002

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) increases expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), although the precise mechanism by which it does so is unclear. We report that Smad2, a transcription factor activated by TGF-beta, mediates TGF-beta induction of eNOS in endothelial cells. TGF-beta induces Smad2 translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus, where it directly interacts with a specific region of the eNOS promoter. Overexpression of Smad2 increases basal levels of eNOS, and further increases TGF-beta stimulation of eNOS expression. Ectopic expression of Smurf, an antagonizer of Smad2, decreases Smad2 expression and blocks TGF-beta induction of eNOS. Because Smad2 can interact with a variety of transcription factors, coactivators, and corepressors, Smad2 may thus act as an integrator of multiple signals in the regulation of eNOS expression.

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