Epsin-mediated degradation of IP3R1 fuels atherosclerosis

Nat Commun. 2020 Aug 7;11(1):3984. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-17848-4.

Abstract

The epsin family of endocytic adapter proteins are widely expressed, and interact with both proteins and lipids to regulate a variety of cell functions. However, the role of epsins in atherosclerosis is poorly understood. Here, we show that deletion of endothelial epsin proteins reduces inflammation and attenuates atherosclerosis using both cell culture and mouse models of this disease. In atherogenic cholesterol-treated murine aortic endothelial cells, epsins interact with the ubiquitinated endoplasmic reticulum protein inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R1), which triggers proteasomal degradation of this calcium release channel. Epsins potentiate its degradation via this interaction. Genetic reduction of endothelial IP3R1 accelerates atherosclerosis, whereas deletion of endothelial epsins stabilizes IP3R1 and mitigates inflammation. Reduction of IP3R1 in epsin-deficient mice restores atherosclerotic progression. Taken together, epsin-mediated degradation of IP3R1 represents a previously undiscovered biological role for epsin proteins and may provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis and other diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport / chemistry
  • Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Aorta / metabolism
  • Aorta / pathology
  • Atherosclerosis / metabolism*
  • Atherosclerosis / pathology
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Deletion
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Domains
  • Proteolysis*
  • Ubiquitination

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport
  • Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors
  • epsin
  • Cholesterol
  • Calcium