Nkx2-5 Is Expressed in Atherosclerotic Plaques and Attenuates Development of Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

NK2 homeobox 5 (Nkx2-5) is a cardiac homeobox transcription factor that is expressed in a broad range of cardiac sublineages. Embryos lacking Nkx2-5 are nonviable attributed to growth retardation and gross abnormalities of the heart. However, the role of Nkx2-5 in atherosclerosis remains elusive. This study aims to elucidate the specific functions of Nkx2-5 during atherogenesis and in established atherosclerotic plaques.

Methods and results

Two types of atherosclerotic lesions were created in ApoE^-/- mice through 2 different dietary manipulations. Mice fed a standard chow diet were sacrificed at 20 weeks old, a time point at which mice developed early-stage atherosclerotic lesions. The other half of mice were fed a western diet from 6 to 22 weeks old an

SUBMITTER: Du M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5210424 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature