PTP1B Modulates Carotid Plaque Vulnerability in Atherosclerosis Through Rab5-PDGFRβ-Mediated Endocytosis Disruption and Apoptosis

Background

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a protein tyrosine phosphatase and modulates platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) via endocytosis. However, the related molecular pathways that participated in the interaction of endo-lysosome and the trafficking of PDGFR are largely unknown. This study aims to determine the subcellular regulating mechanism of PTP1B to the endo-lysosome degradation of PDGFR in atherosclerotic carotid plaques, thereby offering a potential therapeutic target for the stabilization of carotid plaques.

Methods

The immunohistochemical staining technique was employed to assess the expression levels of both PDGFR-β and Caspase 3 in stable and vulnerable carotid plaques. Tunnel staining was utilized to quantify the apoptosis of carotid plaques. Live-cell imaging was employed to observe endocytic motility, while cell apoptosis was evaluated through Propidium Iodide staining. In an in vivo experiment, ApoE^−/− mice were administered a PTP1B inhibitor to investigate the impact of PTP1B on atherosclerosis.

Results

The heightened expression of PDGFR-β correlates with apoptosis in patients with vulnerable carotid plaques. At the subcellular level of VSMCs, PDGFR-β plays a pivotal role in sustaining a balanced endocytosis system motility, regulated by the expression of Rab5, a key regulator of endocytic motility. And PTP1B modulates PDGFR-β signaling via Rab5-mediated endocytosis. Additionally, disrupted endocytic motility influences the interplay between endosomes and lysosomes, which is crucial for controlling PDGFR-β trafficking. Elevated PTP1B expression induces cellular apoptosis and impedes migration and proliferation of carotid VSMCs. Ultimately, mice with PTP1B deficiency exhibit a reduction in atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

Our results illustrate that PTP1B induces disruption in endocytosis and apoptosis of VSMCs through the Rab5-PDGFRβ pathway, suggesting a potential association with the heightened vulnerability of carotid plaques.