Smooth Muscle Cell–Specific LKB1 Protects Against Sugen5416/Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension through Inhibition of BMP4

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life-threatening syndrome associated with hyperproliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), which exhibit similar features to cancer cells. Currently, there is no curative treatment for PH. LKB1 is known as a tumor suppressor gene with an anti-proliferative effect on cancer cells. However, its role and mechanism in the development of PH remain unclear. Gain-and loss-of-function strategies were used to elucidate the mechanisms of LKB1 in regulating the occurrence and progression of PH. Sugen5416/Hypoxia (SuHx) PH model was utilized for