OBJECTIVETo clone the full-length cDNA of a gene responsible for vascular smooth muscle cell (v-SMC) proliferation in atherogenesis, and study its function.

METHODSOxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) at optimal concentration was used as the stimulant to induce v-SMC proliferation in culture medium. A cDNA subtractive library of v-SMC proliferation specific to ox-LDL stimulation was established using subtractive hybridization technique. Methods, including blotting, Northern hybridization and gene sequencing, were used to clone new gene fragments. By using full-length cDNA screening and protein expression techniques, one full-length cDNA was cloned and its function was studied.

RESULTSOne full-length cDNA was cloned. The new gene (Genbank AF 174647) expressed a 44 kDa protein, which might be associated with the activity of ox-LDL.

CONCLUSIONThe new gene cloned may be associated with SMC proliferation in atherogenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Arteriosclerosis ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Blotting, Northern ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cloning, Molecular ; Gene Library ; Humans ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; pharmacology ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; drug effects ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization