Role of EPAC Signaling in Vascular Remodeling

Vascular remodeling is a complex process involving the coordinated actions of multiple cellular signaling pathways in various cell types, leading to structural and functional changes in blood vessels. These changes can be adaptive, as in wound healing, or maladaptive, as seen in chronic vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and retinopathy. Exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPACs) are key players in cAMP-mediated cell signaling, distinct from the more traditionally studied protein kinase A pathway. EPAC proteins are guanine nucleotide exchange factors for the small G proteins Rap1 and Rap2. Recent studies have also revealed noncanonical functions of EPAC1 involving the formation of biomolecular condensates. EPAC proteins regulate various cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In this review, we discuss the roles of EPACs in vascular remodeling and diseases associated with the process, as well as the potential of EPACs as therapeutic targets for proliferative vascular diseases. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Vascular remodeling is associated with various human diseases, such as atherosclerosis, stroke, and retinopathy. Understanding the roles of exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP signaling in vascular remodeling provides insights into the mechanisms underlying vascular diseases and facilitates the development of targeted therapies.