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Perturbing Endothelial Biomechanics via Connexin 43 Structural Disruption
Published on: October 4, 2019
Vinculin phosphorylation impairs vascular endothelial junctions promoting atherosclerosis
Yu-Tsung Shih1, Shu-Yi Wei1, Jin-Hua Chen2
1Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan.
Disturbed blood flow causes vinculin phosphorylation (VCLS721p), promoting atherosclerosis. Inhibiting this pathway and targeting VCLS721p offers new therapeutic strategies for vascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Endothelial Cell Biology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Atherosclerosis develops in areas of disturbed blood flow.
- Endothelial cells (ECs) are key players in atherogenesis.
- Understanding flow-induced endothelial changes is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of disturbed flow on endothelial phosphoproteins.
- To identify novel therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.
- To elucidate the role of vinculin phosphorylation in atherogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Phosphoproteomics analysis of porcine aorta endothelium.
- Generation of transgenic mice with altered vinculin phosphorylation.
- Analysis of clinical specimens from coronary artery disease patients.
Main Results:
- Identified disturbed flow-induced vinculin phosphorylation at serine 721 (VCLS721p).
- VCLS721p disrupts endothelial barrier function, promoting atherogenesis.
- VCLS721p is a biomarker for atherosclerosis progression and coronary artery disease.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial VCLS721p is a critical mediator of atherosclerosis.
- VCLS721p represents a promising therapeutic target for vascular disorders.
- VCLS721p serves as a valuable clinical biomarker for atherosclerosis assessment.
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