Myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) regulates the contraction and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and maintains blood pressure

Abstract

Background: MYPT1 is a regulatory subunit of myosin phosphatase. Results: Deleting MYPT1 in vascular smooth muscle enhances myosin phosphorylation, contractility, and blood pressure. Conclusion: Genetic evidence shows MYPT1 plays a role in modulating vascular smooth muscle contractility. Significance: Although MYPT1 is not essential for vascular smooth muscle contractility, it contributes to blood pressure maintenance in vivo through signaling to myosin phosphorylation. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.