Contribution of Fra-2 transcription factor to pulmonary hypertension

Introduction: Vascular remodeling is a hallmark of pulmonary hypertension (PH), and is characterized by proliferation and migration of pulmonary smooth muscle cells (PASMC). The underlying molecular mechanisms that lead to vascular remodeling are still not fully understood. Here, we aim to characterize the involvement of the AP-1 family member, Fra-2, in the development and progression of PH in vitro and in vivo. Methods: For in vivo analysis haemodynamic measurements and transthoracic echo-cardiography were applied. Immunohistochemistry, western blot and real-time PCR were used for expression analysis in human…