Deletion of IκB‐Kinase β in Smooth Muscle Cells Induces Vascular Calcification Through β‐Catenin–Runt‐Related Transcription Factor 2 Signaling

2018 
BackgroundVascular calcification was previously considered as an advanced phase of atherosclerosis; however, recent studies have indicated that such calcification can appear in different situations. Nevertheless, there has been a lack of mechanistic insight to explain the difference. For example, the roles of nuclear factor‐κB, a major regulator of inflammation, in vascular calcification are poorly explored, although its roles in atherosclerosis were well documented. Herein, we investigated the roles of nuclear factor‐κB signaling in vascular calcification. Methods and ResultsWe produced mice with deletion of IKKβ, an essential kinase for nuclear factor‐κB activation, in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs; KO mice) and subjected them to the CaCl2‐induced aorta injury model. Unexpectedly, KO mice showed more calcification of the aorta than their wild‐type littermates, despite the former's suppressed nuclear factor‐κB activity. Cultured VSMCs from the aorta of KO mice also showed significant calcification ...
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