26-06-2023 | Arterial Occlusive Disease
LDL Transcytosis by the Arterial Endothelium—Atherosclerosis by a Thousand Cuts?
Authors:
Tse Wing Winnie Ho, Andria Henry, Warren L. Lee
Published in:
Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|
Issue 8/2023
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Abstract
Purpose of Review
The accumulation of LDL in the arterial intima is an initiating event in atherosclerosis. After decades of controversy, it is now clear that transcytosis of LDL across an intact endothelial monolayer contributes to its intimal deposition. We review recent observations in this field and address the question of whether LDL transcytosis can be manipulated therapeutically.
Recent Findings
The development of a live-cell imaging method for studying transcytosis using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy has catalyzed recent discoveries. LDL transcytosis is mediated by SR-BI and ALK1. Estrogen down-regulates SR-BI and inhibits LDL transcytosis, while the nuclear structural protein HMGB1 promotes LDL transcytosis. LDL transcytosis by ALK1 is independent of the receptor’s kinase activity and is antagonized by BMP9, ALK1’s canonical ligand. Inflammation stimulates LDL transcytosis.
Summary
Identifying the function and mechanisms of LDL transcytosis may ultimately permit its therapeutic manipulation.