**8. Conclusion**

A summary of VSMC phenotypic modulation in culture is shown in Figure 8. The contractile phenotype of VSMCs can be cultured stably using type I collagen three-dimensional matrices, i.e., honeycombs, in the presence of 10% FBS. VSMCs in honeycombs stop proliferating and can contract. The expression of OAZ1 and reduction of phosphorylated FAK levels contribute partially to the proliferative inhibition of VSMCs in honeycombs. Filamin degradation reduces cytoskeletal tension and allows shortening of the contractile apparatus. However, the detailed mechanism by which VSMCs display features similar to those of aortic VSMCs when cultured in honeycombs is still unclear. In order to clarify the regulation of phenotypic modulation, further studies are needed.
