The role of thrombomodulin in atherosclerosis: from bench to bedside

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Molecular Medicine
• Vascular Endothelial Cell Biology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a major global health issue driven by cholesterol deposition, inflammation, and cell migration.
• Thrombomodulin (TM), a glycoprotein on vascular endothelial cells, is crucial for protein C activation, known for anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent research on Thrombomodulin's (TM) role in atherosclerosis.
• To explore TM's protein C- and thrombin-independent functions in cellular processes relevant to atherosclerosis.
• To examine TM gene polymorphisms and its therapeutic potential in atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent investigations on Thrombomodulin (TM) in atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of TM's effects on cellular proliferation, adhesion, and inflammation.
• Examination of genetic associations and data from mouse atherosclerosis models.

Main Results:

• Thrombomodulin (TM) exhibits unique, non-anticoagulant functions affecting cellular proliferation, adhesion, and inflammation, key in atherosclerosis.
• Evidence links TM to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, with specific gene polymorphisms associated with the disease.
• Mouse models indicate a potential therapeutic role for TM in atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

• Thrombomodulin (TM) possesses multifaceted roles in atherosclerosis pathogenesis, extending beyond its established anticoagulant activity.
• TM's influence on cellular processes and its genetic variations highlight its significance in cardiovascular disease.
• Emerging data strongly supports TM as a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.