Growth arrest and DNA damage inducible gene 45 (GADD45) is induced by laminar shear stress as identified by using DNA microarray technology

Laminar shear stress inhibits endothelial cell proliferation in vitro. Using DNA microarray technology, we found that many genes involved in growth arrest were up-regulated by laminar shear stress, including the Growth Arrest and DNA Damage Inducible Gene 45 (GADD45). The mRNA and protein levels of GADD45 were both increased in response to laminar flow, as shown by Northern blot and Western blot, respectively. The induction of GADD45 promoter by laminar shear stress was regulated by the tumor suppressor gene p53. These results provide a molecular basis for the inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation by laminar shear stress.