TGF-β inhibits the uptake of modified low density lipoprotein by human macrophages through a Smad-dependent pathway: a dominant role for Smad-2.

The anti-atherogenic cytokine, TGF-β, plays a key role during macrophage foam cell formation by modulating the expression of key genes involved in the control of cholesterol homeostasis. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms underlying these actions of TGF-β remain poorly understood. In this study we examine the effect of TGF-β on macrophage cholesterol homeostasis and delineate the role of Smads-2 and -3 during this process. Western blot analysis showed that TGF-β induces a rapid phosphorylation-dependent activation of Smad-2 and -3 in THP-1 and primary human monocyte-derived macrophages. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Smad-2/3 expression showed that the TGF-β-mediated regulation of key genes implicated in the uptake of modified low density lipoproteins and the efflux of cholesterol from foam cells was Smad-dependent. Additionally, through the use of virally delivered Smad-2 and/or Smad-3 short hairpin RNA, we demonstrate that TGF-β inhibits the uptake of modified LDL by macrophages through a Smad-dependent mechanism and that the TGF-β-mediated regulation of CD36, lipoprotein lipase and scavenger receptor-A gene expression was dependent on Smad-2. These studies reveal a crucial role for Smad signaling, particularly Smad-2, in the inhibition of foam cell formation by TGF-β through the regulation of expression of key genes involved in the control of macrophage cholesterol homeostasis.