Lectin-Like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-1 (LOX-1) in Atherogenesis

• Published in: Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine 2001, Vol.11 (1), p.22-25
• Main Authors: Kume, Noriaki, Kita, Toru
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Arteriosclerosis - metabolism; Arteriosclerosis - physiopathology; Endothelium, Vascular - metabolism; Humans; Lipoproteins, LDL - metabolism; Macrophages - metabolism; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular - metabolism; Receptors, LDL - metabolism; Receptors, LDL - physiology; Receptors, Oxidized LDL; Scavenger Receptors, Class E; Up-Regulation
• ISSN: 1050-1738; 1873-2615
• DOI: 10.1016/S1050-1738(01)00079-2

Lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a type-II membrane protein belonging to the C-type lectin family molecules, which can act as a cell surface endocytosis receptor for atherogenic oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL). LOX-1 is synthesized as a 40 kDa precursor protein with N-linked high mannose-type carbohydrate, which is further glycosylated and processed into a 50 kDa mature form. LOX-1 expression is not constitutive but can be induced by proinflammatory, oxidative, and mechanical stimuli. In addition to endothelial cells, macrophages and activated vascular smooth muscle cells express LOX-1. In vivo, endothelial cells covering early atherosclerotic lesions and macrophages and smooth muscle cells accumulated in the intima of advanced atherosclerotic plaques express LOX-1. LOX-1 is cleaved at membrane proximal extracellular domain by some protease activities and released from the cell surface. Measurement of soluble LOX-1 in vivo may provide novel diagnostic strategy for the evaluation and prediction of atherosclerosis and vascular diseases.