Role of alternative splicing of VEGF-A in the development of atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT: Vascular endothelial cell growth factor A (VEGF-A) signaling promotes the endothelial cell proliferation, macrophage infiltration and foam cell formation, which play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS). However, the role of alternative splicing of VEGF here is not known. Here, ApoE (-/-) mice supplied high-fat diet (HFD mice) were used to generate AS, while ApoE (-/-) mice supplied with normal diet (NOR mice) were used as a control. Aortic endothelial cells (AECs) and infiltrated macrophages were purified and quantified by flow cytometry. Alternative splicing of VEGF and the regulator of VEGF splicing, SRPK1, were assessed by RT-qPCR and immunoblotting in both AECs and aortic macrophages. We found that HFD mice developed AS in 12 weeks, while the NOR did not. Compared

SUBMITTER: Zhao N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6224261 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature