Thrombin-mediated proteoglycan synthesis utilizes both protein-tyrosine kinase and serine/threonine kinase receptor transactivation in vascular smooth muscle cells

Abstract

Background: GPCR transactivation of PTKRs and TGF-αRs mediates proteoglycan synthesis in human VSMC. Results: Transactivation of TGF-αRs is integrin-dependent, and inhibition of both transactivation pathways blocks proteoglycan synthesis. Conclusion: GPCR utilize transactivation pathways and not classical signaling in proteoglycan synthesis. Significance: GPCR transactivation of receptor kinase pathways may be broader and more significant than previously recognized