Fig. 8: Schematic summary.

This study elucidated the function of USP14 in modulating neointima formation. USP14 is localized in SMCs and is upregulated after carotid ligation and PDGF-BB stimuli. USP14 interacts with and stabilizes Skp2 expression by preventing its degradation and subsequently moderating the expression of proliferation-related proteins (Cyclin D1 and p27) and migration protein (MMP2). The inhibition or knockdown of USP14 suppresses VSMC proliferation and decreases neointima formation.