We hypothesized that cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) could function as a
molecular determinant of smooth muscle cell fate. In arterial sections from the systemic and
pulmonary circulation, CREB content was high in proliferation-resistant medial
subpopulations of smooth muscle cells and low in proliferation-prone regions. In vessels
from neonatal calves exposed to chronic hypoxia, CREB content was depleted and smooth
muscle cell (SMC) proliferation was accelerated. Induction of quiescence by serum …