LRP: Role in Vascular Wall Integrity and Protection from Atherosclerosis

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1082095
• Publication Date: 2003-04-10T20:24:47Z
• Authors: Philippe Boucher; Michael Gotthardt; Wei-Ping Li; Richard G. W. And...; Joachim Herz
• Keywords: LRP1; Platelet-derived growth factor

Vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and migration are important events in the development of atherosclerosis. The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP1) mediates suppression SMC induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Here we show that LRP1 forms a complex with PDGF receptor (PDGFR). Inactivation vascular SMCs mice causes PDGFR overexpression abnormal activation signaling, resulting disruption elastic layer, proliferation, aneurysm formation, marked susceptibility to cholesterol-induced these abnormalities was reduced treatment Gleevec, an inhibitor signaling. Thus, has pivotal role protecting wall integrity preventing atherosclerosis controlling activation.