Macrophage LRP1 Suppresses Neo-Intima Formation during Vascular Remodeling by Modulating the TGF-β Signaling Pathway

Vascular remodeling in response to alterations in blood flow has been shown to modulate the formation of neo-intima. This process results from a proliferative response of vascular smooth muscle cells and is influenced by macrophages, which potentiate the development of the intima. The LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a large endocytic and signaling receptor that recognizes a number of ligands including apoE-containing lipoproteins, proteases and protease-inhibitor complexes. Macrophage LRP1 is known to influence the development of atherosclerosis, but its role in vascular remodeling has not been investigated. gene in macrophages is attenuated when LRP1 is expressed. Together, the data reveal that LRP1 modulates both the expression and protein levels of TGF-β2 in macrophages. gene resulting in suppression of the TGF-β signaling pathway