A product of growth arrest-specific gene 6 modulates scavenger receptor expression in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Although Gas6 is identified as a growth factor for vascular smooth muscle c ells (VSMCs), its roles in these cells have not been clearly elucidated. To examine the role of Gas6 in atherosclerosis, we examined the effects of Ga s6 on scavenger receptor family expression in VSMCs, Scavenger receptor cla ss A, one of the scavenger receptor family members, was upregulated in VSMC s by Gas6, Furthermore, the atherogenic lipoprotein, oxidized LDL, induced Gas6 production in these cells, These results indicate that Gas6 plays an i mportant role in foam cell formation in human VSMCs, (C) 1999 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.