A Preliminary Study on the Role of klf2a in Atherosclerosis

AS (atherosclerosis) is the common pathological basis of many cardiovascular diseases that seriously endanger human life. The pathogenesis of AS is complex and has not yet been fully elucidated. Recently, the relationship between hemodynamics and the development of AS has attracted researchers’ attention. Since KLF2 is a key mechanosensitive factor that transmits hemodynamic changes, in this study the role of homologue gene klf2a in AS is explored using zebrafish, a new excellent animal model for lipid and metabolic research. A zebrafish AS model was first established by feeding a HCD (high cholesterol diet). Next the total cholesterol level, total triglyceride level, and Oil red O staining in wild-type and klf2a−/− mutant zebrafish were compared, which revealed that klf2a deficiency exacerbated the severity of AS. The levels of oxidative stress, inflammatory factor expression and Notch receptor expression were also examined, and the results indicated that klf2a−/− mutant zebrafish might aggravate AS by regulating Notch signaling pathway and inflammatory factor expression. This study lays a good foundation for further exploring the mechanism how Klf2a affects AS.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2022.07.0007