The arterial inflammatory responses initiated by the oxidation of LDL trapped in the subendothelium are a key process that drives the initiation, progression, and even rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. However, there have been no effective medicines or therapies available to disrupt the inflammatory process due to lack of appropriate targets. Epsins are a group of proteins that bind clathrin and are involved in the endocytosis of clathrin-coated vesicles. Our studies have shown that epsins expressed in endothelial cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Deletion of the epsin 1 (Epn1) and epsin 2 (Epn2) genes in endothelial cells results in a dramatic reduction in atherosclerotic lesion sizes in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice without affecting systemic hypercholesterolemia. We have also observed that knockdown of both Epn1 and Epn2 with siRNAs affects NF-kB signaling transduction and suppresses both baseline and TNFa-induced VCAM-1 and P-selectin expression in endothelial cells. Therefore, we hypothesize that epsins critically regulate arterial inflammatory responses and consequently potentiate atherosclerotic plaque formation by enhancing TNF-induced NF-kB activation. The role of epsins 1 and 2 in atherosclerosis and molecular mechanisms underlying the arterial inflammatory processes will be characterized using both in vitro and in vivo model systems.
In Aim 1, we will investigate molecular mechanisms by which epsins enhance TNF-induced NF-kB signaling in endothelial cells.
In Aim 2, we will utilize multifactorial approaches employing both flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to investigate how epsins promote atherogenesis by potentiating endothelial cell activation. These studies will provide mechanistic links between epsins and plaque formation.
In Aim 3, we will determine whether targeting epsins in plaques impedes atheroma progression in ApoE-/- mice. These studies will shed light on new pathways that control atherosclerosis and may lead to new treatment of atherosclerosis.

Public Health Relevance

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of death in the United States. Acute rupture and thrombosis of the atherothrombotic plaque is a dangerous condition that leads to heart attack, stroke and peripheral tissue ischemia. In current application we will define how a novel signaling adaptor protein, epsin controls the development of atherosclerosis by regulating arterial wall inflammation. The findings will provide useful information on developing key reagents to advance the epsin-based targeting strategy for therapeutic intervention of atherosclerosis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HL118676-04
Application #
9198034
Study Section
Atherosclerosis and Inflammation of the Cardiovascular System Study Section (AICS)
Program Officer
Chen, Jue
Project Start
2014-01-20
Project End
2018-12-31
Budget Start
2017-01-01
Budget End
2018-12-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Boston Children's Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
076593722
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
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Dong, Yunzhou; Wu, Hao; Dong, Jerry et al. (2017) Mimetic peptide of ubiquitin-interacting motif of epsin as a cancer therapeutic-perspective in brain tumor therapy through regulating VEGFR2 signaling. Vessel Plus 1:3-11
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Bergstrom, Kirk; Liu, Xiaowei; Zhao, Yiming et al. (2016) Defective Intestinal Mucin-Type O-Glycosylation Causes Spontaneous Colitis-Associated Cancer in Mice. Gastroenterology 151:152-164.e11

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