Cell cycle molecules and diseases of the cardiovascular system

Injury to the cardiovascular system causes an elevated expression of endoth elin-1 (ET-1) and activation of several important signaling pathways includ ing the mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) cascade. The activation of these pa thways has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease ca used by hypoxia, infections, and ischemia /reperfusion injury, cardiomyopat hy and restenosis after balloon angioplasty. Important downstream targets o f the MAPK and ET-1 pathways are the cell cycle regulatory molecules (cycli ns, cyclin-dependent kinases, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors). Regu lation of these molecules contributes to remodeling throughout the cardiova scular system. In addition, cell cycle molecules are important in the regul ation of angiogenesis. These new data have led to the development of potent ial therapeutic modalities targeting these regulatory molecules in order to ameliorate various cardiovascular disease states.