Integrins 4 and m, collagen1A1, and matrix metalloproteinase 7 are upregulated in acute Kawasaki disease vasculopathy

Rebecca Reindel, Susan C. Baker, Kwang Youn Kim, Carol A. Rowley, Stanford T. Shulman, Jan M. Orenstein, Elizabeth J. Perlman, Mark W. Lingen, Anne H. Rowley*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background:Kawasaki disease (KD) can result in fatal coronary artery (CA) aneurysms, especially if left untreated. Our recent studies of its vascular pathology revealed subacute/chronic vasculitis that begins early in the illness with the proliferation of smooth muscle cell-derived myofibroblasts in a complex extracellular matrix (ECM). We hypothesized that a dysregulation of specific ECM and adhesion molecules occurs in KD CAs.Methods:Gene expression profiling for ECM and adhesion molecules was performed on six acute KD and eight control CAs using a targeted real-time PCR array approach.Results:Integrins 4 and M (ITGA4, ITGAM), collagen type I, 1 (COL1A1), and matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) were significantly upregulated in KD CAs as compared with controls. Immunohistochemistry with anti-ITGAM antibodies revealed expression on inflammatory cells within the CA wall in patients with KD but not in controls.Conclusion:Integrins ITGA4 and ITGAM are upregulated in KD vasculopathy, probably promoting inflammatory recruitment that stimulates smooth muscle cell transition to myofibroblasts and their proliferation. MMP7 probably enhances myofibroblast proliferation and luminal lesion expansion, and overexpression of COL1A1 may lead to CA stenosis. Identification of the molecular pathogenesis of KD vasculopathy may lead to the development of circulating biomarkers and to directed therapeutic interventions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)332-336
Number of pages5
JournalPediatric research
Volume73
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2013

Funding

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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