Focal adhesion signaling: vascular smooth muscle cell contractility beyond calcium mechanisms

• DOI: 10.1042/cs20201528
• Publication Date: 2021-05-14T08:19:50Z
• Authors: J.C. Ribeiro-Silva; A.A. Miyakawa; Jose E. Krieger
• Keywords: Contractility; Mechanotransduction; Calcium Signaling

Abstract Smooth muscle cell (SMC) contractility is essential to vessel tone maintenance and blood pressure regulation. In response vasoconstrictors, calcium-dependent mechanisms promote the activation of regulatory myosin light chain, leading increased cytoskeleton tension that favors shortening. contrast, SMC maintain an intrinsic level a contractile force independent vasoconstrictor stimulation sustained contraction beyond timescale suggesting involvement additional players in response. Focal adhesions (FAs) are conceivable candidates may influence contraction. They required for actin-based traction employed by cells sense respond environmental cues process termed mechanotransduction. Depletion FA proteins impairs contractility, producing arteries prone dissection because lack mechanical stability. Here, we discuss role calcium-independent signaling contractility. We speculate contributes genesis variety phenotypes potential implications homeostasis normal diseased states.