Objective: To clone whole length cDNA of the related genes responsible for vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation in atherogenesis, and to study its function.
Methods: ox-LDL was added as a stimulant to the SMC culture medium. Subtractive library was established using subtractive hybridization technique in order to clone the related genes fragments. With the whole length cDNA library established, the whole length cDNA of the related gene was cloned. The protein expressed was studied.
Results: 4 new gene fragments and one whole length cDNA were cloned. The new cloned gene is able to express a protein of about 44000 daltons and closely related to the activity of ox-LDL.
Conclusions: The new cloned gene is considered responsible for SMC proliferation.