Mechanical Stretch Induces Smooth Muscle Cell Dysfunction by Regulating ACE2 via P38/ATF3 and Post-transcriptional Regulation by miR-421

Abstract

Graphical AbstractMechanical stretch may decrease the level of the protective factor ACE2 via the p38 MAPK/ATF3 pathway by prompting ATF3 translocation into the nucleus, which could directly bind to the ACE2 promoter via post-transcriptional regulation by miR-421.