Atherosclerotic plaque-derived extracellular vesicles mediate smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching and promote vascular remodeling : EVs promote VSMC phenotypic switching
Quick Facts
- Publication title: Atherosclerotic plaque-derived extracellular vesicles mediate smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching and promote vascular remodeling : EVs promote VSMC phenotypic switching
- Journal: Cell Mol Life Sci
- Year: 2026
- DOI: 10.1007/s00018-026-06094-4
- PMID/PMCID: 41784666; PMC12979814
Research overview
BACKGROUND: Despite the use of lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory treatments, the progression of atherosclerosis is relentless in most patients. This suggests the presence of in situ pathological factors that continuously exacerbate lesions.
Key findings
BACKGROUND: Despite the use of lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory treatments, the progression of atherosclerosis is relentless in most patients.
This suggests the presence of in situ pathological factors that continuously exacerbate lesions.
We hypothesized that extracellular vesicles (EVs) within the atherosclerotic microenvironment might act as in situ stimulatory factors on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), thereby exacerbating atherosclerosis.
METHODS AND RESULTS: A local atherosclerosis model was induced using Ldlr knockout (Ldlr KO) rats fed a high-cholesterol diet and subjected to partial carotid ligation.
Echo Biotech Role
Echo Biotech contributed EV isolation and purification, EV characterization, lncRNA/mRNA sequencing, cargo loading, EV material/reference-material supply; the study also used or cited ExoLoad®, ContrExo®.
Related platforms: Exoomics®, Echosome®, EV Materials / Reference Materials, Research Reagents & Tools
Related services and capabilities: Tissue EV Isolation & Purification, EV Basic Characterization (TEM/NTA/WB), EV lncRNA/mRNA Sequencing, Small RNA / Cargo Loading, EV Material / Reference Material Supply
Related products or reagents: ExoLoad® Nucleic Acid Loading Kit, ContrExo® EV Reference Material
References
Original publication: Atherosclerotic plaque-derived extracellular vesicles mediate smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching and promote vascular remodeling : EVs promote VSMC phenotypic switching Cellular and molecular life sciences. 2026. DOI: 10.1007/s00018-026-06094-4. PMID/PMCID: 41784666; PMC12979814.