Investigating the interaction between high-density lipoprotein and endothelial cells

• Grant number: 21/14715-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2022
• End date: December 03, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Graziella Eliza Ronsein
• Grantee: Luiza Helena de Godoy Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 16/00696-3 - Proteomic as a tool to understand HDL function and composition, AP.JP

Abstract

Among the plasma lipoproteins, the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered atheroprotective because it is responsible for the removal of the excess of cholesterol from macrophages in the arterial walls, the so-called reverse cholesterol transport. However, other functions have also been attributed to this lipoprotein, such as the modulation of endothelial cells' response to an inflammatory stimulus. It is known that risk factors like hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia promote endothelial dysfunction, creating favorable conditions for adhesion and migration of inflammatory cells to the subendothelial region. The preservation of endothelial function is one of the putative roles of HDL, but the mechanisms that link endothelial cells to HDL remain poorly explored. In this view, the purpose of this work is to evaluate the influence of HDL on the response of TNF-a stimulated endothelial cells. To this end, cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), classical biochemistry methodologies for plasma membrane enrichment and proteomics techniques will be used to identify the membrane proteins present in TNF-a stimulated endothelial cells. Furthermore, the influence of pre-treatment of the cells with HDL will also be evaluated. The results may reinforce the importance of HDL as a protective molecule, characterizing new function beyond the role of removing cholesterol from arterial walls.(AU)