Increased Expression of the Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Pathway, Endoglin, and Early Growth Response-1 in Stable Plaques

Abstract

TGFbeta in human atherosclerotic plaques is active and signals through the TGFbeta/Smad pathway. For the first time, we show a strong association between endoglin and EGR-1, increased collagen and SMCs expression, decreased levels of intraplaque thrombosis, and a stable plaque phenotype.