Downregulation of N-cadherin in the neointima stimulates migration of smooth muscle cells by RhoA deactivation.

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze whether cadherin- and Rho-family GTPases-mediated dynamic rearrangement of cell-cell adhesion play an important role during human arterial smooth muscle cell (haSMC) migration.

Methods: Expression patterns of N-cadherin and beta-catenin were analyzed in a domestic pig restenosis model after 14, 28, and 90 days as well as in quiescent and migratory haSMCs in vitro. N-cadherin expression was upregulated by transient sense; downregulation was induced by antisense transfection.