The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Peli1 Deficiency Promotes Atherosclerosis Progression.

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease and the main cause of death and morbidity. Emerging evidence suggests that ubiquitination plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis including control of vascular inflammation, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function and atherosclerotic plaque stability. Peli1 a type of E3 ubiquitin ligase has emerged as a critical regulator of innate and adaptive immunity, however, its role in atherosclerosis remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

Apoe mice and Peli1-deficient Apoe Peli1 mice were subject to high cholesterol diet. Post sacrifice, serum was collected, and atherosclerotic plaque size and parameters of atherosclerotic plaque stability were evaluated. Immunoprofiling and foam cell quantification were performed.

RESULTS

Peli1 deficiency does not affect atherosclerosis lesion burden and cholesterol levels, but promotes VSMCs foam cells formation, necrotic core expansion, collagen, and fibrous cap reduction. Apoe Peli1 mice exhibit a storm of inflammatory cytokines, expansion of Th1, Th1, Th17, and Tfh cells, a decrease in regulatory T and B cells and induction of pro-atherogenic serum level of IgG2a and IgE.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, we uncover a crucial role for Peli1 in atherosclerosis as an important regulator of inflammation and VSMCs phenotypic modulation and subsequently atherosclerotic plaque destabilization.