Macrophage gene expression and foam cell formation are regulated by plasminogen.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Deciphering the molecular and cellular processes that govern macrophage foam cell formation is critical to understanding the basic mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis and other vascular pathologies.

Methods and results

Here, we identify a pivotal role of plasminogen (Plg) in regulating foam cell formation. Deficiency of Plg inhibited macrophage cholesterol accumulation on exposure to hyperlipidemic conditions in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Gene expression analysis identified CD36 as a regulated target of Plg, and macrophages from Plg(-/-) mice had decreased CD36 expression and diminished foam cell formation. The Plg-dependent CD36 expression and foam cell formation depended on conversion of Plg to plasmin, binding to the macrophage surface, and the consequent i

SUBMITTER: Das R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3638243 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature