Protein deglycase DJ-1 deficiency induces phenotypic switching in vascular smooth muscle cells and exacerbates atherosclerotic plaque instability.

ABSTRACT: Protein deglycase DJ-1 (DJ-1) is a multifunctional protein involved in various biological processes. However, it is unclear whether DJ-1 influences atherosclerosis development and plaque stability. Accordingly, we evaluated the influence of DJ-1 deletion on the progression of atherosclerosis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We examine the expression of DJ-1 in atherosclerotic plaques of human and mouse models which showed that DJ-1 expression was significantly decreased in human plaques compared with that in healthy vessels. Consistent with this, the DJ-1 levels were persistently reduced in atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE^-/- mice with the increasing time fed by western diet. Furthermore, exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to oxidized low-density lipoprotein

SUBMITTER: Wang ZY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7957272 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature