LDL receptors, caveolae and cholesterol in endothelial cell dysfunction:
oxLDL accomplices or victims?
Abstract
Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) and oxysterols play a key role
in the endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis development. Loss of
vascular endothelium integrity impacts vasomotion, cell growth,
adhesiveness and barrier functions. While for some of these disturbances
we can give a reasonable explanation from a mechanistic point of view,
for many others the involved molecular players are unknown. Caveolae,
specific plasma membrane domains, have recently emerged as targets and
mediators of oxLDL-induced endothelial cell dysfunction. The current
knowledge on oxLDL/caveolae interplay and the associated signal
transduction pathways are here reviewed and discussed in light of the
possible cross-talk between transducers (from receptors to membrane
cholesterol) and/or effectors. A better understanding of how oxLDL
interact with endothelial cells (EC) and, in turn, modulate
metabolic/signaling pathways in EC is crucial to define their role in
atherogenesis and find new targets of intervention.