Ginsenoside Rb1 Targets the HRD1-STING Axis to Mitigate Cholesterol-Induced VSMC Senescence

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Cellular Senescence
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are key to vascular health.
• HRD1 is a potential target for VSMC senescence.
• Ginsenoside Rb1 counters endothelial cell senescence.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate Rb1's protective effects on VSMCs against cholesterol-induced senescence.
• Evaluate Rb1's impact on senescence markers, ROS, and STING pathway.

Main Methods:

• VSMCs were pretreated with Rb1 then exposed to cholesterol.
• Assessed SA-β-gal activity, ROS generation, cell viability, and STING activation.
• Utilized HRD1 knockdown and STING inhibitor for mechanistic insights.

Main Results:

• Rb1 reduced cholesterol-induced SA-β-gal-positive cells.
• Rb1 suppressed ER stress markers and STING signaling.
• Rb1 preserved HRD1 expression, reducing ROS and maintaining mitochondrial function.

Conclusions:

• Rb1 protects VSMCs from cholesterol-induced senescence via HRD1 and STING pathways.
• Rb1 mitigates ER stress and preserves mitochondrial function.
• Rb1 shows therapeutic potential for vascular diseases linked to VSMC senescence.