Objectives: Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is a crucial cause of vascular neointima hyperplasia and restenosis, thus limiting the long-term efficacy of percutaneous vascular intervention. We explored the role of wild-type p53-induced phosphatase 1 (Wip1), a potent regulator of tumorigenesis and atherosclerosis, in VSMC proliferation and neointima hyperplasia.
Methods and results: Animal model of vascular restenosis was established in wild type C57BL/6J and VSMC-specific Tuberous Sclerosis 1 (TSC1)-knockdown mice by wire injury. We observed increased protein levels of Wip1, phospho (p)-S6 Ribosomal Protein (S6), p-4EBP1 but decreased p-adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α both in carotid artery at day 28 after injury and in VSMCs after 48 h of platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) treatment. By using hematoxylin-eosin staining, Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining, cell counting kit-8 assay and Ki-67 immunofluorescence staining, we found Wip1 antagonist GSK2830371 (GSK) or mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitor rapamycin both obviously reversed the neointima formation and VSMC proliferation induced by wire injury and PDGF-BB, respectively. GSK also reversed the increase in mRNA level of Collagen I after wire injury. However, GSK had no obvious effects on VSMC migration induced by PDGF-BB. Simultaneously, TSC1 knockdown as well as AMPK inhibition by Compound C abolished the vascular protective and anti-proliferative effects of Wip1 inhibition. Additionally, suppression of AMPK also reversed the declined mTORC1 activity by GSK.
Conclusion: Wip1 promotes VSMC proliferation and neointima hyperplasia after wire injury via affecting AMPK/mTORC1 pathway.