TLN1 synergizes with ITGA5 to ameliorate cardiac microvascular endothelial cell dysfunction

Background: The complex process of atherosclerosis is thought to begin with endothelial cell dysfunction, and advanced atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of coronary artery disease (CAD). Uncovering the underlying mechanisms of CAD-related endothelial cell injury may contribute to the treatment.

Materials and methods: Cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMVECs) were treated with oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to mimic an injury model. The involvement of Talin-1 (TLN1) and integrin alpha 5 (ITGA5) in the proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in CMVECs were assessed.

Results: TLN1 overexpression assisted CMVECs in resistance to ox-LDL stimulation, with alleviated cell proliferation and angiogenesis, reduced apoptosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress. TLN1 overexpression triggered increased ITGA5, and ITGA5 knockdown reversed the effects of TLN1 overexpression on the abovementioned aspects. Together, TLN1 synergized with ITGA5 to ameliorate the dysfunction in CMVECs.

Conclusions: This finding suggests their probable involvement in CAD, and increasing their levels is beneficial to disease relief.