Cathepsin S contributes to macrophage migration via degradation of elastic fibre integrity to facilitate vein graft neointimal hyperplasia. (6th December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shi, Hong-Tao; Wang, Ying; Jia, Li-Xin; Qin, Yan-Wen; Liu, Yan; Li, Hui-Hua; Qi, Yong-Fen; Du, Jie
• Is Part Of: Cardiovascular research. Volume 101:Number 3(2014)
• Page Start: 454
• Page End: 463
• Publication Date: 2013-12-06
• Subjects: Vein graft -- Cathepsin S -- Neointima -- Hyperplasia -- Elastin; Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular system -- Periodicals; 616.1
• DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvt273
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-6363

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: Cathepsin S (Cat S) is a potent lysosomal protease that is secreted into the extracellular space and has been implicated in elastin and collagen degradation in diseases such as atherosclerosis. Elastin degradation plays an important role in vascular remodelling. However, the mechanism by which Cat regulates this process and its contribution to vein graft remodelling remains unclear. Methods and results: Using a murine vein graft model, we examined the expression pattern of Cat family members. Expression of cathepsin genes was induced in vein grafts, with that of Cat S being the highest. Elevated Cat S expression was confirmed in both mouse and human vein grafts. To explore the role of Cat S, vein grafts were created between wild-type (WT) littermates and Cat S knockout (Cat S KO) mice. Knockout of Cat S in the recipients (vein CatS-KO -artery CatS-KO or vein WT -artery CatS-KO ) significantly inhibited neointima formation and reduced the accumulation of macrophages and proliferation of smooth muscle cells in vein grafts. Knockout of Cat S preserved the elastic fibre integrity of vein grafts and inhibited the migration of macrophages across the elastin fibres. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that Cat S contributes to macrophage migration via degradation of elastic fibre integrity to facilitate neointima formation of vein grafts, which might provide a novel therapeutic target for preserving vein graft patency.