A high-content microscopy drug screening platform for regulators of the extracellular digestion of lipoprotein aggregates by macrophages.

ABSTRACT: The recruitment of macrophages to the intima of arteries is a critical event in atherosclerotic progression. These macrophages accumulate excessive lipid droplets and become "foam cells", a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Most studies focus on lipid accumulation through macrophage interaction with modified monomeric low-density lipoprotein (LDL). However, in the intima, macrophages predominantly encounter aggregated LDL (agLDL), an interaction that has been studied far less. Macrophages digest agLDL and generate free cholesterol in an extracellular, acidic, hydrolytic compartment. They form a tight seal around agLDL through actin polymerization and deliver lysosomal contents into this space in a process termed digestive exophagy. There is some evidence that inhibiting digestive exophagy to sl

SUBMITTER: Ma CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11601252 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature