Vascular smooth muscle intracellular pathways

Vascular smooth muscle intracellular pathways encompass the complex network of signaling cascades that regulate the contractile state, proliferation, and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) (NIH, 2025). These pathways are central to the regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure, primarily through the control of myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation (CVPhysiology). Key regulatory mechanisms include the calcium-dependent pathway involving calmodulin and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), and the calcium-sensitization pathway mediated by RhoA and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) (NIH, 2025; Cusabio). Additionally, relaxation is promoted by the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP/PKG and cAMP/PKA pathways, which facilitate MLC dephosphorylation (CVPhysiology). Chronic dysregulation of these pathways, such as overactivation of the Rho-kinase pathway or impaired nitric oxide signaling, contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (NIH, 2025). Pharmacological intervention often targets specific components within these pathways, such as L-type calcium channels, Rho-kinase, or soluble guanylate cyclase, to restore normal vascular function (NIH, 2025; ResearchGate).

Other names

Vascular smooth muscle cell signalingVSMC contraction pathwaysVascular tone regulation pathwaysVSMC intracellular signaling

Modulation of vascular tone through various mechanisms including calcium channel blockade, Rho-kinase inhibition, soluble guanylate cyclase activation, and antagonism of G-protein coupled receptors (NIH, 2025; CVPhysiology).