PSRC1 overexpression attenuates atherosclerosis progression in apoE-/- mice by modulating cholesterol transportation and inflammation

Aims: Human genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have found that proline/serine-rich coiled-coil 1 (PSRC1) encodes a protein that is associated with serum lipid levels and coronary artery disease. In addition, our previous study showed that the cholesterol efflux capacity is decreased in macrophages following a treatment silencing Psrc1, indicating that PSRC1 has anti-atherosclerotic effects. However, the role of PSRC1 in the development of atherosclerosis is unknown. This study aims to explore the effect of PSRC1 on atherosclerosis and its underlying mechanisms. Method and results: A recombinant adenovirus expressing Psrc1 (Ad-PSRC1) was constructed and transfected in RAW264.7 cells as well as injected intravenously into apoE(-/-) mice. The in vitro study showed that PSRC1 overexpression reduced the cellular cholesterol content, increased the cholesterol efflux capacity and inhibited foam cell formation by upregulating the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) and liver X receptor alpha (LXR-alpha), which are key cholesterol transportation-related proteins. Infecting apoE(-/-) mice with Ad-PSRC1 inhibited the development of atherosclerotic lesions and enhanced atherosclerotic plaque stability. Consistent with these results, PSRC1 overexpression in apoE(-/-) mice decreased the plasma levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6, increased the plasma HDL-C levels and improved HDL function. Similarly, the PPAR-gamma and LXR-a expression levels were upregulated in the liver and in peritoneal macrophages of PSRC1-overexpressing apoE(-/-) mice. Finally, the liver and peritoneal macrophages of apoE(-/-) mice displayed elevated expression of beta-catenin, which is a direct downstream gene of PSRC1 and an upstream gene of PPAR-gamma and LXR-alpha, but decreased activity of nuclear transcription factor (NF-kappa B), which acts as a key gene in the regulation of inflammation. Conclusions: PSRC1 protects against the development of atherosclerosis and enhances the stability of plaques by modulating cholesterol transportation and inflammation in macrophages and the liver of apoE(-/-) mice.