Disruption of p21-activated kinase 1 gene diminishes atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Nikhlesh K. Singh, Sivareddy Kotla, Elena Dyukova, James G. Traylor, A. Wayne Orr, Jonathan Chernoff, Tony N. Marion and Gadiparthi N. Rao ()
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Nikhlesh K. Singh: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Sivareddy Kotla: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Elena Dyukova: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
James G. Traylor: LSU Health Sciences Center
A. Wayne Orr: LSU Health Sciences Center
Jonathan Chernoff: Fox Chase Cancer Center
Tony N. Marion: Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Gadiparthi N. Rao: University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Pak1 plays an important role in various cellular processes, including cell motility, polarity, survival and proliferation. To date, its role in atherogenesis has not been explored. Here we report the effect of Pak1 on atherogenesis using atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice as a model. Disruption of Pak1 in ApoE−/− mice results in reduced plaque burden, significantly attenuates circulating IL-6 and MCP-1 levels, limits the expression of adhesion molecules and diminishes the macrophage content in the aortic root of ApoE−/− mice. We also observed reduced oxidized LDL uptake and increased cholesterol efflux by macrophages and smooth muscle cells of ApoE−/−:Pak1−/− mice as compared with ApoE−/− mice. In addition, we detect increased Pak1 phosphorylation in human atherosclerotic arteries, suggesting its role in human atherogenesis. Altogether, these results identify Pak1 as an important factor in the initiation and progression of atherogenesis.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8450

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