Transforming growth factor—beta inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through a mechanism that involves protein kinase C-delta and cyclin a

Abstract

Introduction: Transforming growth factor–beta (TGFβ), a cytokine implicated in the formation of intimal hyperplasia, potently inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We have previously shown that TGF® inhibits proliferation by suppressing the expression of cyclin A, a cell cycle regulatory protein required for the G1-S phase transition. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether the novel protein kinase C, PKCδ, is an additional signaling intermediate in the pathway through which TGF® inhibits SMC proliferation.