PTEN in vascular biology

PTEN is a critical regulator of cell growth, including cells of the vasculature. PI 3-kinase is activated downstream of RTKs or G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to activate multiple effectors and cellular responses necessary for angiogenesis (in endothelial cells) or pathological remodeling of vascular smooth muscle (intimal hyperplasia or atherosclerosis). Targeting PTEN is therefore a viable means to limit pathological vascular growth.  more