SVEP1, integrins α4β1and α9β1 are expressed in vascular smooth
muscle
We examined the gene expression of SVEP1 , ITGA4 andITGA9 in both endothelial cells (ECs) and VSMCs; the primary
resident cell types of the blood vessel wall. Each gene was expressed in
both cell types with SVEP1 (SF. 1A) and ITGA4 (SF. 1B)
more highly expressed in VSMCs and ITGA9 expression higher in ECs
(SF. 1C). Subsequent protein analysis revealed expression of SVEP1,
integrin α4β1 and integrin α9β1 within the arterial wall, with all three
proteins localised to VSMCs within the media layer of the arterial wall
(Fig. 2A, 1-3, & SF.2). Immunofluorescent dual staining showed
co-localization of SVEP1 with integrin α4β1 (Fig. 2B, 1-3) and integrin
α9β1 (Fig. 2B, 4-6) in mouse aorta, and isolated human VSMCs (Fig. 2C,
1-3 & 4-6 respectively). SVEP1 protein was found to co-localise to both
integrin α4β1 and integrin α9β1 at low levels in isolated HUVEC cells
(SF.3). Relevant staining controls are shown in SF4.