Adaptation of mitochondrial expression and ATP production in dedifferentiating vascular smooth muscle cells

Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Although the clinical manifestations of this disease are well documented, the etiology and progression remain to be fully understood. Recently, the mitochondria have been implicated in important cellular processes involved in development of atherosclerosis. Despite the link between mitochondria and atherosclerosis, early-phase mechanisms of the disease have yet to be elucidated. The aim of this project was to explore the role of mitochondria in vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) dedifferentiation. A murine in vitro model, involving organ culture of aortic tissue in serum-free media, was used. Mitochondrial function was measured by high-resolution respirometry. Proteins associated with the VSMC phenotype switch, as well as mitochondrial density, were assessed by immunoblotting. The findings show that intrinsic mitochondrial Complex I activity is significantly upregulated during VSMC dedifferentiation. Diminished coupling between phosphorylation and oxidation was also found, indicating a greater ADP: ATP ratio. This data suggests increased leak in the electron transport chain and altered mitochondrial function specifically at Complex I. This project provides important information regarding the role of mitochondria in the early atherosclerotic process and that detectable changes in mitochondrial function and expression are related to VSMC dedifferentiation.