Targeting AGGF1 (angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1) for Blocking Neointimal Formation After Vascular Injury

BackgroundDespite recent improvements in angioplasty and placement of drug‐eluting stents in treatment of atherosclerosis, restenosis and in‐stent thrombosis impede treatment efficacy and cause numerous deaths. Research efforts are needed to identify new molecular targets for blocking restenosis. We aim to establish angiogenic factor AGGF1 (angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1) as a novel target for blocking neointimal formation and restenosis after vascular injury. Methods and ResultsAGGF1 shows strong expression in carotid arteries; however, its expression is markedly decreased in arteries after vascular injury. AGGF1+/− mice show increased neointimal formation accompanied with increased proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in carotid arteries after vascular injury. Importantly, AGGF1 protein therapy blocks neointimal formation after vascular injury by inhibiting the proliferation and promoting phenotypic switching of VSMCs to the contractile phenotype in mice in vivo. In vi...