Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2025

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology
Published on: May 6, 2014
IRE1α: from the function to the potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis
Zheng-Yang Zhou1,2, Li Wu1,2, Yi-Fan Liu1
1The Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
Inositol requiring enzyme 1-alpha (IRE1α) is linked to inflammation and lipid imbalance, driving atherosclerosis progression. Targeting IRE1α may offer new therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Cellular Stress Response
Background:
- Inositol requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) is a key regulator of the unfolded protein response (UPR).
- Two mammalian isoforms, IRE1α (ubiquitous) and IRE1β (tissue-specific), exist.
- IRE1α is implicated in inflammation, lipid metabolism, and cell death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of IRE1α in atherosclerosis (AS) pathogenesis.
- To explore IRE1α as a potential therapeutic target for AS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on IRE1α function in cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of evidence linking IRE1α to atherogenesis mechanisms.
Main Results:
- IRE1α disruption of lipid metabolism balance contributes to AS.
- IRE1α promotes inflammation, apoptosis, and foam cell formation in AS.
- IRE1α is identified as a novel therapeutic target for AS.
Conclusions:
- IRE1α plays a significant role in promoting AS progression.
- Understanding IRE1α's role in atherogenesis can guide the development of new therapeutics.
More Related Videos
09:06Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
Published on: February 20, 2019
07:36Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice
Published on: September 26, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology