Norepinephrine promotes the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transformation of renal artery vascular smooth muscle cells via ROCK1

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Cardiology,The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150088, China

2 Department of Geriatrics,The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150088, China

3 The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150088, China

4 Department of endocrinology, Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin 150088, China

10.22038/ijbms.2026.90472.19527

Abstract

Objective(s): This study investigated the role of norepinephrine (NE) and ROCK1 in regulating renal artery vascular smooth muscle cells (rVSMCs).
Materials and Methods: rVSMCs were treated with NE, and ROCK1 expression was assessed. Cell proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching were evaluated using EdU incorporation and wound-healing assays. ROCK1 was silenced by siRNA. Mitochondrial membrane potential and morphology were analyzed to determine NE-induced mitochondrial alterations.
Results: NE significantly up-regulated ROCK1 expression in rVSMCs. It promoted proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching, as indicated by increased expression of proliferative and migratory markers, whereas ROCK1 silencing attenuated these effects. NE also reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and induced mitochondrial fission, suggesting an additional mechanism contributing to vascular remodeling.
Conclusion: NE promotes rVSMCs proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching through ROCK1 activation and alters mitochondrial dynamics. These findings identify the NE–ROCK1 axis as a critical mediator of vascular remodeling in hypertensive nephropathy and suggest it may serve as a promising therapeutic target.

Graphical Abstract

Norepinephrine promotes the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transformation of renal artery vascular smooth muscle cells via ROCK1

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Volume 29, Issue 4
April 2026
Pages 605-612

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