Cloning the full-length cDNA of a gene responsible for vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in atherogenesis and study of function.

Objective: To clone the full-length cDNA of a gene responsible for vascular smooth muscle cell (v-SMC) proliferation in atherogenesis, and study its function.

Methods: Oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) at optimal concentration was used as the stimulant to induce v-SMC proliferation in culture medium. A cDNA subtractive library of v-SMC proliferation specific to ox-LDL stimulation was established using subtractive hybridization technique. Methods, including blotting, Northern hybridization and gene sequencing, were used to clone new gene fragments. By using full-length cDNA screening and protein expression techniques, one full-length cDNA was cloned and its function was studied.

Results: One full-length cDNA was cloned. The new gene (Genbank AF 174647) expressed a 44 kDa protein, which might be associated with the activity of ox-LDL.

Conclusion: The new gene cloned may be associated with SMC proliferation in atherogenesis.