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Circulation
Article
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Circulation
Article . 2013 . Peer-reviewed
Data sources: Crossref
Circulation
Article . 2013
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Targeting GGTase-I Activates RHOA, Increases Macrophage Reverse Cholesterol Transport, and Reduces Atherosclerosis in Mice

Authors: Khan OM; Akula MK; Skålen K; Karlsson C; Ståhlman M; Young SG; Borén J; +1 Authors

Targeting GGTase-I Activates RHOA, Increases Macrophage Reverse Cholesterol Transport, and Reduces Atherosclerosis in Mice

Abstract

Background— Statins have antiinflammatory and antiatherogenic effects that have been attributed to inhibition of RHO protein geranylgeranylation in inflammatory cells. The activity of protein geranylgeranyltransferase type I (GGTase-I) is widely believed to promote membrane association and activation of RHO family proteins. However, we recently showed that knockout of GGTase-I in macrophages activates RHO proteins and proinflammatory signaling pathways, leading to increased cytokine production and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we asked whether the increased inflammatory signaling of GGTase-I–deficient macrophages would influence the development of atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient mice. Methods and Results— Aortic lesions in mice lacking GGTase-I in macrophages ( Pggt1b ▵/▵) contained significantly more T lymphocytes than the lesions in controls. Surprisingly, however, mean atherosclerotic lesion area in Pggt1b ▵/▵ mice was reduced by ≈60%. GGTase-I deficiency reduced the accumulation of cholesterol esters and phospholipids in macrophages incubated with minimally modified and acetylated low-density lipoprotein. Analyses of GGTase-I–deficient macrophages revealed upregulation of the cyclooxygenase 2–peroxisome proliferator-activated-γ pathway and increased scavenger receptor class B type I– and CD36-mediated basal and high-density lipoprotein–stimulated cholesterol efflux. Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of RHOA, but not RAC1 or CDC42, normalized cholesterol efflux. The increased cholesterol efflux in cultured cells was accompanied by high levels of macrophage reverse cholesterol transport and slightly reduced plasma lipid levels in vivo. Conclusions— Targeting GGTase-I activates RHOA and leads to increased macrophage reverse cholesterol transport and reduced atherosclerosis development despite a significant increase in inflammation.

Keywords

CD36 Antigens, Male, Mice, Knockout, Alkyl and Aryl Transferases, Biological Transport, Bone Marrow Cells, Scavenger Receptors, Class B, Atherosclerosis, PPAR gamma, Mice, Cholesterol, Cyclooxygenase 2, Cell Line, Tumor, Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute, Macrophages, Peritoneal, Animals, Humans, Female, Aorta, Foam Cells

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citations
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
45
Top 10%
Top 10%
Top 10%
bronze