Nr4a3: A key nuclear receptor in vascular biology, cardiovascular remodeling and beyond

Abstract

The mechanisms committed in the activation and response of vascular and inflammatory immune cells play a major role in tissue remodeling in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Cardiovascular remodeling entails interrelated cellular processes (proliferation, survival/apoptosis, inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis/degradation, redox homeostasis, etc.) coordinately regulated by a reduced number of transcription factors. Nuclear receptors of the subfamily 4 group A (NR4A) have recently emerged as key master genes in multiple cellular processes and vital functions of different organs, and have been involved in a variety of high‐incidence human pathologies including atherosclerosis and other CVDs. This paper reviews the major findings involving NR4A3 (Neuron‐derived Orphan Receptor 1, NOR‐1) in the cardiovascular remodeling operating in these diseases.