[Frontiers in Bioscience E3, 968-977, June 1, 2011]

C-Myb function in the vessel wall

Kelly A. Farrell1, Sarah B. Withers1, Cathy M. Holt1

1Cardiovascular Research Group, Core Technology Facility, University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. C-Myb and haematopoiesis
4. In vivo effects of c-Myb deficiency
5. The role of c-Myb in vascular pathophysiology
6. C-Myb signalling interactions
7. Summary
8. References

1. ABSTRACT

C-Myb is a DNA-binding transcription factor that functions in apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation. The role of c-Myb in vascular injury has been investigated previously both in vitro and in vivo, where knock-down of c-Myb is known to lead to a reduction in proliferation and an increase in apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Reduction of c-Myb activity has also been shown to decrease neointimal formation in vivo, by reducing VSMC proliferation. In contrast, over-expression of c-Myb in vivo leads to increased survival rates in certain cell types. This review will look mainly at studies investigating c-Myb function in the vasculature, and evidence of signalling interactions which may be considered with regard to c-Myb as a possible target in the treatment of vasculoproliferative diseases.