TWIST1 drives endothelial-to-mesenchymal-transition to stabilize atherosclerotic plaques - PubMed
2 days ago
- #endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition
- #TWIST1
- #atherosclerosis
- TWIST1 drives endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in advanced atherosclerotic plaques.
- Endothelial Twist1 promotes plaque growth and stability by increasing collagen and ACTA2-positive cells while reducing necrosis and macrophage accumulation.
- TWIST1 contributes to EndMT via the transcriptional coactivator PELP1 and promotes endothelial cell proliferation through AEBP1-dependent upregulation of COL4A1.
- The study challenges the view that EndMT solely destabilizes plaques, suggesting TWIST1-driven EndMT can enhance plaque stability.
- Findings offer new insights into atherosclerosis pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets.