Rho-GDP dissociation inhibitor alpha downregulated by low shear stress promotes vascular smooth muscle cell migration and apoptosis: a proteomic analysis

Aims Low shear stress (LSS) plays a significant role in vascular remodelling during atherogenesis, which involves migration, proliferation, and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The aim of the present study is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which LSS induces vascular remodelling. Methods and results Using proteomic techniques, two-dimensional electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry, the protein profiles of Sprague–Dawley rat aorta cultured under two levels of shear stress, 5 and 15 dyn/cm2, were determined. The results showed a significantly lower expression of protein-Rho-GDP dissociation inhibitor alpha (Rho-GDIα) in the LSS vessels. Rho-GDIα signalling mechanisms and effects on VSMC migration and apoptosis were then studied to understand the role of Rho-GDIα in the LSS-induced vascular remodelling. A decrease in Rho-GDIα expression by using target small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection caused increases in the phosphorylation of Rac1 and Akt and enhancements of VSMC migration and apoptosis. Treatment with the PI3K/Akt-specific inhibitor wortmannin significantly decreased Akt phosphorylation, but had no effect on Rho-GDIα expression and Rac1 phosphorylation. Wortmannin was able to reverse the Rho-GDIα siRNA-induced enhancement of VSMC migration, but not VSMC apoptosis. Conclusion The results indicate that the LSS-induced VSMC migration and apoptosis are mediated by a downregulation of Rho-GDIα. The effect of Rho-GDIα on VSMC migration is mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway, but its effect on VSMC apoptosis is not.