Essential role of krüppel-like factor 5 during tumor necrosis factor α-induced phenotypic conversion of vascular smooth muscle cells

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) plays an essential role in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype. In the present study, we provide evidence that krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) plays an essential role in TNFα-induced phenotypic conversion of VSMCs. Ectopic expression of KLF5 completely blocked phenotypic conversion of VSMCs from synthetic to contractile type. In addition, stimulation of VSMCs with TNFα facilitated expression of KLF5, whereas expression of smooth muscle marker genes such as SM22α and smooth muscle actin (SMA) was significantly down-regulated. TNFα significantly enhanced the promoter activity of KLF5 as well as mRNA level, which is significantly suppressed by the inhibition of the MAPK pathway. Silencing of KLF5 suppressed TNFα-induced phenotypic conversion of VSMCs, whereas overexpression of KLF5 stimulated phenotypic conversion of VSMCs and facilitated the loss of angiotensin II (AngII)-dependent contraction. Finally, overexpression of KLF5 significantly attenuated the promoter activity of SM22α and SMA. Therefore, we suggest that TNFα-dependent induction of KLF5 may play an essential role in phenotypic modulation of VSMCs. Regulation of VSMC phenotype by TNFα-dependent expression of KLF5. [Display omitted] •Expression of KLF5 blocked differentiation of synthetic VSMCs into contractile type.•Stimulation of contractile VSMCs with TNFα induced phenotypic change.•TNFα stimulated expression of KLF5.•KLF5 regulated phenotypic change of VSMCs.•TNFα-dependent expression of KLF5 is essential for phenotypic change of VSMCs.