Copper sulfide nanoparticles as a photothermal switch for TRPV1 signaling to attenuate atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT: Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of lipids within the arterial wall. Although activation of TRPV1 cation channels by capsaicin may reduce lipid storage and the formation of atherosclerotic lesions, a clinical use for capsaicin has been limited by its chronic toxicity. Here we show that coupling of copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles to antibodies targeting TRPV1 act as a photothermal switch for TRPV1 signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) using near-infrared light. Upon irradiation, local increases of temperature open thermo-sensitive TRPV1 channels and cause Ca²⁺ influx. The increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ activates autophagy and impedes foam cell formation in VSMCs treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein. In vivo, CuS-TRPV1 allows

SUBMITTER: Gao W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5768725 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature