HMGA1– a central regulator of PPARgamma-mediated transrepression in human aortic smooth muscle cells

The study aimed to identify new nuclear cofactors for PPARgamma (Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor gamma)-dependent gene transcription in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) in order to develop new PPARgamma-ligands with improved clinical safety in the absence of deleterious cardiovascular side effects. Using an Oligo GEArray® Human Nuclear Receptors and Coregulators Microarray for gene expression profiling, we identified the transcriptional regulator and chromatin modifying HMG (High Mobility Group) A1 protein highly expressed in unstimulated HASMC. PPARgamma-dependent gene regulation was studied…