Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are component of various tissues and organs in the human body. They are categorized into different types based on their anatomical location, developmental origins, and functions. Smooth muscle cells, as part of the muscular tissue, arise from the mesodermal lineage. The development of smooth muscle cells involves transcription factors and signalling pathways that drive their differentiation. SRF is a central transcription factor in smooth muscle cell differentiation. It forms a complex with another transcription factor, myocardin, driving the expression of smooth muscle-specific genes. Pathways involved in smooth muscle cell development include TGF-β, Notch and Wnt signalling pathways. For example, TGF-β family members, such as TGF-β itself and BMPs (Bone Morphogenetic Proteins), are involved in various stages of smooth muscle development, including cell fate determination and differentiation. Distinct types of smooth muscle cells contribute to various physiological processes and play essential roles in maintaining homeostasis. Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs) for example, are found in the walls of blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and arterioles. They are responsible for regulating blood vessel tone (extent of dilation or constriction), which determines the diameter of blood vessels and thus controls blood pressure and blood flow. VSMCs can undergo contraction and relaxation, thereby influencing vascular resistance. Their development is influenced by mechanical forces and signalling molecules, with phenotypic changes occurring in response to injury or disease, such as atherosclerosis. VSMCs also contribute to the repair of injured blood vessels through migration and proliferation. Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle Cells (GI SMCs) are present in the walls of the digestive tract, including the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, and colon. These cells are responsible for the rhythmic contractions that move food through the digestive system (peristalsis). GI SMCs exhibit spontaneous contractions called slow waves that are coordinated by pacemaker cells termed interstitial cells of Cajal. The contractile activity of GI SMCs is also influenced by neurotransmitters and hormones.Uterine Smooth Muscle Cells (USMCs) are found in the walls of the uterus. During pregnancy, these cells are responsible for the contractions of the uterus during labour. The coordination of such contractions helps in the expulsion of the foetus during childbirth. USMCs are also regulated by various hormones, including oxytocin, and can undergo significant changes in contractility during pregnancy and labour. Respiratory Smooth Muscle Cells (RSMCs) are present in the airways of the respiratory system, such as the bronchi and bronchioles. These cells contribute to bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation, processes which control airflow into and out of the lungs. RSMCs are responsive to various stimuli, including neural signals and inflammatory mediators. Changes in the tone of these cells can influence airway resistance and airflow. Finally, smooth muscle cells are also found in various other locations, such as the reproductive system (e.g., in the walls of the vas deferens and the bladder), the eye (in the ciliary body and iris), and the skin (in arrector pili muscles responsible for goosebumps). Each of these cell types has specialized functions that contribute to the functioning of the respective organs and tissues. We provide a comprehensive product range of research reagents for studying smooth muscle cell, including alpha smooth muscle Actin antibodies, and Calponin antibodies. Explore our full smooth muscle cell product range below and discover more, for less.