Structure and Function of Angiopoietin-like Protein 3 (ANGPTL3) in Atherosclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (31) ◽  
pp. 5159-5174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinjie Lu

Background:Angiopoietin-Like Proteins (ANGPTLs) are structurally related to the angiopoietins. A total of eight ANGPTLs (from ANGPTL1 to ANGPTL8) have been identified so far. Most ANGPTLs possess multibiological functions on lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Among them, ANGPTL3 has been shown to regulate the levels of Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) made by the liver and play a crucial role in human lipoprotein metabolism.Method:A systematic appraisal of ANGPTLs was conducted, focusing on the main features of ANGPTL3 that has a significant role in atherosclerosis.Results:Angiopoietins including ANGPTL3 are vascular growth factors that are highly specific for endothelial cells, perform a variety of other regulatory activities to influence inflammation, and have been shown to possess both pro-atherosclerotic and atheroprotective effects.Conclusion:ANGPTL3 has been demonstrated as a promising target in the pharmacological management of atherosclerosis. However, many questions remain about its biological functions.

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 1029-1040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinjie Lu

Background:One of the important factors in Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism is the LDL receptor (LDLR) by its capacity to bind and subsequently clear cholesterol derived from LDL (LDL-C) in the circulation. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-like Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a newly discovered serine protease that destroys LDLR in the liver and thereby controls the levels of LDL in plasma. Inhibition of PCSK9-mediated degradation of LDLR has, therefore, become a novel target for lipid-lowering therapy.Methods:We review the current understanding of the structure and function of PCSK9 as well as its implications for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.Results:New treatments such as monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 may be useful agents to lower plasma levels of LDL and hence prevent atherosclerosis.Conclusion:PCSK9's mechanism of action is not yet fully clarified. However, treatments that target PCSK9 have shown striking early efficacy and promise to improve the lives of countless patients with hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John L. Ubels ◽  
Cheng-Mao Lin ◽  
David A. Antonetti ◽  
Monica Diaz-Coranguez ◽  
Cassandra R. Diegel ◽  
...  

Loss-of-function mutations in the Wnt co-receptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), result in familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome (OPPG), and Norrie disease. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was used to produce rat strains deficient in Lrp5. The purpose of this study was to validate this rat model for studies of hypovascular, exudative retinopathies. The retinal vasculature of wildtype and Lrp5 knockout rats was stained with Giffonia simplifolia isolectin B4 and imaged by fluorescence microscopy. Effects on retinal structure were investigated by histology. The integrity of the blood-retina barrier was analyzed by staining for claudin-5 and measurement of permeability to Evans blue dye. Retinas were imaged by fundus photography and SD-OCT, and electroretinograms were recorded. Lrp5 gene deletion led to sparse superficial retinal capillaries and loss of the deep and intermediate plexuses. Autofluorescent exudates were observed, correlated with absence of claudin-5 expression in superficial vessels and increased Evans blue permeability. OCT images show pathology similar to OCT of humans with FEVR, and retinal thickness is reduced by 50% compared to wild-type rats. Histology and OCT reveal that photoreceptor and outer plexiform layers are absent. The retina failed to demonstrate an ERG response. CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing produced a predictable rat Lrp5 knockout model with extensive defects in the retinal vascular and neural structure and function. This rat model should be useful for studies of exudative retinal vascular diseases involving the Wnt and norrin pathways.


2001 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvie Braschi ◽  
Cynthia R. Coffill ◽  
Tracey A-M. Neville ◽  
Darren M. Hutt ◽  
Daniel L. Sparks

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