ClC-3: A Novel Promising Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerosis. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Niu, Dun; Li, Lanfang; Xie, Zhizhong
• Is Part Of: Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology and therapeutics. Volume 26:Number 6(2021)
• Page Start: 550
• Page End: 561
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: volume-regulated chloride channel -- chloride channel 3 -- regulatory volume decrease -- signaling pathway -- atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular pharmacology -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1177/10742484211023639
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1074-2484

Abstract

Chloride channel 3 (ClC-3), a Cl − /H + antiporter, has been well established as a member of volume-regulated chloride channels (VRCCs). ClC-3 may be a crucial mediator for activating inflammation-associated signaling pathways by regulating protein phosphorylation. A growing number of studies have indicated that ClC-3 overexpression plays a crucial role in mediating increased plasma low-density lipoprotein levels, vascular endothelium dysfunction, pro-inflammatory activation of macrophages, hyper-proliferation and hyper-migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), as well as oxidative stress and foam cell formation, which are the main factors responsible for atherosclerotic plaque formation in the arterial wall. In the present review, we summarize the molecular structures and classical functions of ClC-3. We further discuss its emerging role in the atherosclerotic process. In conclusion, we explore the potential role of ClC-3 as a therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.