Shear-Induced CCN1 Promotes Atheroprone Endothelial Phenotypes and Atherosclerosis

Abstract

These data demonstrate a causative role of CCN1 in atherosclerosis via modulating endothelial phenotypes. CCN1 binds to its receptor integrin α6β1 to activate nuclear factor-κB, thereby instigating a vicious circle to persistently promote atherogenesis. T1, a peptide antagonist selectively targeting CCN1-α6β1, can be further optimized for developing T1-mimetics to treat atherosclerosis.