Role of Src Homology 2–Containing Tyrosine Phosphatase 2 on Proliferation of Rat Smooth Muscle Cells

Objective—Src homology 2–containing phosphotyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) is ubiquitously expressed and believed to function as part of a positive signaling pathway mediating growth factor–induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Proliferation of aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is an important contributor to atherosclerosis. We examined the effect of SHP2 expression on SMC proliferative activity. Methods and Results—SHP2 was abundant in cultured aortic SMCs, and SHP2 staining was markedly increased in the thickened aortic intima in rats with balloon-induced injury. We obtained several SMC clones by using geneticin screening. Endogenous SHP2 expression varied among individual clones. Significant positive relationships were observed between SHP2 expression and bromodeoxyuridine uptake in SMCs stimulated by FBS, platelet-derived growth factor, or insulin-like growth factor-1. In SMCs transiently transfected with SHP2, FBS stimulation significantly increased bromodeoxyuridine uptake beyond the uptake by control SMCs. Conclusions—Increased SHP2 expression in SMCs may accelerate aortic atherosclerosis by increasing cell growth.