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Review
. 2014 Apr;62(2):79-83.
doi: 10.1016/j.patbio.2014.02.011. Epub 2014 Mar 27.

The function of elastic fibers in the arteries: beyond elasticity

Affiliations
Review

The function of elastic fibers in the arteries: beyond elasticity

M Lannoy et al. Pathol Biol (Paris). 2014 Apr.

Abstract

The main components of elastic fibers, elastin and fibrillin-containing microfibrils play a structural and mechanical role in the arteries and their essential function is to provide elasticity and resilience to the tissues. However, through control of the quiescent contractile phenotype of arterial smooth muscle cells, elastin also acts as an autocrine factor and, via the binding of 'latent transforming growth factor (TGF)-β binding protein (LTBP) - latency-associated peptide (LAP) - TGF-β' complexes, fibrillins regulate the activation and availability of TGF-βs. These recent discoveries are detailed in this review.

Keywords: Aorte; Arteries; Artères; Elastic fibers; Elastin; Fibres élastiques; Fibrillin; Fibrilline; Microfibrilles; Microfibrils; TGF-β; TGF-β, Aorta; Élastine.

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