NG2 Proteoglycan Ablation Reduces Foam Cell Formation and Atherogenesis via Decreased Low-Density Lipoprotein Retention by Synthetic Smooth Muscle Cells.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Obesity and hyperlipidemia are critical risk factors for atherosclerosis. Because ablation of NG2 proteoglycan in mice leads to hyperlipidemia and obesity, we investigated the impact of NG2 ablation on atherosclerosis in apoE null mice.

Approach and results

Immunostaining indicates that NG2 expression in plaque, primarily by synthetic smooth muscle cells, increases during atherogenesis. NG2 ablation unexpectedly results in decreased (30%) plaque development, despite aggravated obesity and hyperlipidemia. Mechanistic studies reveal that NG2-positive plaque synthetic smooth muscle cells in culture can sequester low-density lipoprotein to enhance foam-cell formation, processes in which NG2 itself plays direct roles. In agreement with these observations, low-density l

SUBMITTER: She ZG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4690796 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature