Muñoz Francisca, Holden Claire M, San Martin Alejandra
Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile.
Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Cells. 2025 Jul 30;14(15):1171. doi: 10.3390/cells14151171.
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are central to the maintenance of vascular homeostasis and the progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), owing to their remarkable phenotypic plasticity. This editorial introduces a Special Issue of that compiles recent advances in our understanding of the molecular, epigenetic, metabolic, and mechanical mechanisms that govern VSMC behavior. Highlighted contributions explore the roles of RNA modifications, chromatin remodeling, lipid metabolism, and mechanotransduction in VSMC phenotypic switching, revealing new therapeutic targets and diagnostic opportunities. Together, these studies emphasize the multifactorial regulation of VSMC plasticity and its dual role in vascular repair and disease pathogenesis.
血管平滑肌细胞（VSMC）因其显著的表型可塑性，在维持血管稳态和心血管疾病（CVD）进展中起着核心作用。这篇社论介绍了一期特刊，该特刊汇集了我们在理解调控VSMC行为的分子、表观遗传、代谢和机械机制方面的最新进展。重点论文探讨了RNA修饰、染色质重塑、脂质代谢和机械转导在VSMC表型转换中的作用，揭示了新的治疗靶点和诊断机会。这些研究共同强调了VSMC可塑性的多因素调节及其在血管修复和疾病发病机制中的双重作用。
