Hypoxia as a Factor Involved in the Regulation of the apoA-1, ABCA1, and Complement C3 Gene Expression in Human Macrophages

Biochemistry (Mosc). 2019 May;84(5):529-539. doi: 10.1134/S0006297919050079.

Abstract

Hypoxia plays a critical role in progression of atherosclerosis. Local oxygen deficiency in a plaque creates a specific microenvironment that alters the transcriptome of resident cells, particularly of macrophages. Reverse cholesterol transport from plaque to liver is considered a main mechanism for regression of atherosclerosis. Ubiquitously expressed ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and liver- and small intestine-derived apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1) are two main actors in this process. We recently reported endogenous apoA-1 expression in human macrophages. While ABCA1 and ApoA-1 have antiatherogenic properties, the role of complement factor C3 is controversial. Plasma C3 level positively correlates with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, C3 gene knockout in a murine atherosclerosis model increases both plaque size and triglycerides level in blood. In the present study, we show for the first time that a hypoxia-mimicking agent, CoCl2, induces the upregulation of the apoA-1 and C3 genes and the accumulation of intracellular and membrane protein ApoA-1 in THP-1 macrophages. The MEK1/2-Erk1/2 and MKK4/7-JNK1/2/3 cascades are involved in upregulation of ABCA1 and C3 via activation of transcription factor NF-κB, which interacts with the HIF-1α subunit of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). The three major MAP-kinase cascades (Erk1/2, JNK1/2/3, and p38) and the NF-κB transcription factor are involved in the hypoxia-induced expression of the apoA-1 gene in THP-1 macrophages.

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1 / genetics
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1 / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Apolipoprotein A-I / genetics
  • Apolipoprotein A-I / metabolism*
  • Cell Hypoxia*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cobalt / pharmacology
  • Complement C3 / analysis
  • Complement C3 / genetics
  • Complement C3 / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / metabolism
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Macrophages / cytology
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / metabolism
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects

Substances

  • ABCA1 protein, human
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1
  • Apolipoprotein A-I
  • Complement C3
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
  • NF-kappa B
  • Cobalt
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3
  • cobaltous chloride