Inducible expression of basic transcription factor-binding protein 2 (BTEB2), a member of zinc finger family of transcription factors, in cardiac allograft vascular disease

Background. We have recently identified basic transcription factor-binding protein 2 (BTEBS), which is involved in phenotypic modulation of vascular v ascular smooth muscle cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the e xpression of BTEB2 in cardiac allograft vascular disease. Methods. Heterotopic cardiac transplantation was performed in rats. All gra fts were stained with antibodies against for BTEB2 and cyclin-dependent kin ase 4 for immunohistochemical study. The intensity of BTEB2 expression was also calculated. Results. In the allografts at 4 and 8 weeks after transplantation, smooth m uscle cells were positive for BTEBS in the diffusely thickened coronary art eries and the perivascular space. BTEB2 expression was closely associated w ith cyclin-dependent kinase 4 expression. The BTEB2 expression score was si gnificantly higher in the allografts compared with the isografts. Conclusions. The induced expression of BTEB2 may play a potential role in t he development of the cardiac allograft vascular disease.