Early growth response-1, an integrative sensor in cardiovascular and inflammatory disease

Abstract

Early growth response-1 (Egr-1) is a master regulator and transcriptional sensor in vascular dysfunction and dis-ease. This article reviews recent developments in our understanding of the regulatory roles this zinc finger protein and product of an immediate-early gene plays in a range of cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders. Egr-1 can amplify pathologic signals from the extracellular environment by serving as a molecular conduit in the inducible expression of proliferative, migratory and proinflammatory genes driving disease progression. Strategies targeting Egr-1 may provide therapeutic benefit in cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders.