ECs from PAH rats showed elevated p16INK4a expression and increased levels of cellular senescence markers (SA-β-gal and γ-H2AX, SASP factors) (Fig. 8D and 8E, columns 1 and 2;Fig. 8F, lanes 1 and 2), whereas SOX17 overexpression ameliorated and Nestin knockdown restored these senescence-related cellular events (Fig. 8D and 8E, column 3 and 4;Fig. 8F, lane 3 and 4). This evidence concerns the gene NES and pulmonary arterial hypertension.