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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Quantification of Atherosclerosis in Mice
Published on: June 12, 2019
Wnt signaling in atherosclerosis
W Matthijs Blankesteijn1, Kevin C M Hermans1
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a disease of the vascular wall that forms the basis for a large spectrum of pathologies of various organs and tissues. Although massive research efforts in the last decades have yielded valuable information about its underlying molecular mechanisms, this has not led to a translation into effective therapeutic interventions that can stop the progression or even can induce regression of atherosclerosis. This underscores the importance of investigations on the involvement of novel signaling pathways in the development and progression of this condition. In this review we focus on the role of Wnt signaling in atherosclerosis. Experimental evidence is presented that Wnt signaling is involved in many aspects of the development and progression of vascular lesions including endothelial dysfunction, macrophage activation and the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. Subsequently, we will discuss the role of Wnt signaling in myocardial infarction and stroke, two common pathologies resulting from the progression of atherosclerotic lesions towards an unstable phenotype. Despite the fact that the published data sometimes are ambiguous or even conflicting, a picture is emerging that an attenuation of Wnt signaling is beneficial for the cardiovascular system that is compromised by atherosclerosis.
Insights
Wnt signaling plays a key role in atherosclerosis development, impacting vascular cells and leading to cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. Attenuating Wnt signaling may offer therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Signaling
- Pathology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a prevalent vascular disease with complex molecular mechanisms.
- Despite extensive research, effective therapies to halt or reverse atherosclerosis progression are lacking.
- Novel signaling pathways, such as Wnt signaling, are crucial for understanding and treating atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the involvement of Wnt signaling in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
- To explore the role of Wnt signaling in associated cardiovascular pathologies like myocardial infarction and stroke.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of modulating Wnt signaling in atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental evidence on Wnt signaling in atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of Wnt signaling's role in endothelial dysfunction, macrophage activation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation/migration.
- Discussion of Wnt signaling's impact on myocardial infarction and stroke pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Wnt signaling is implicated in multiple facets of atherosclerotic lesion development.
- It influences key cellular processes including endothelial dysfunction and vascular smooth muscle cell behavior.
- Evidence suggests Wnt signaling contributes to the progression towards unstable atherosclerotic plaques, leading to myocardial infarction and stroke.
Conclusions:
- Wnt signaling is a significant factor in atherosclerosis and its complications.
- Modulating Wnt signaling pathways presents a potential therapeutic strategy.
- While data can be conflicting, a general trend suggests that attenuating Wnt signaling is beneficial for cardiovascular health in atherosclerosis.
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