ALDH4A1 knockdown inhibits in vitro atherosclerosis model by modulating Trim28-mediated P53 ubiquitination to suppress ferroptosis of vascular endothelial cells

TL;DR

This study shows that reducing ALDH4A1 helps prevent atherosclerosis by controlling P53 activity and reducing cell death in blood vessels.

Contribution

The study reveals a novel regulatory mechanism involving Trim28, ALDH4A1, and P53 in atherosclerosis.

Findings

Trim28 overexpression reduces atherosclerosis and ferroptosis in vascular cells.

ALDH4A1 knockdown enhances P53 ubiquitination and inhibits atherosclerosis.

P53 overexpression reverses the effects of ALDH4A1 knockdown on atherosclerosis.

Abstract

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a primary contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD), resulting in high mortality. Ferroptosis, triggered by lipid peroxidation, contribute to AS development. This study aimed to explore the regulatory relationships of Trim28, ALDH4A1, P53, and ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of AS. The AS cell model was constructed by treating HUVECs with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). The roles of Trim28 overexpression in regulating AS development, P53 ubiquitination, and ferroptosis of vascular endothelial cells were investigated. Moreover, the interaction between Trim28 and ALDH4A1 was explored, followed by analyzing the effect of ALDH4A1 knockdown on P53 ubiquitination. Additionally, the impact of ALDH4A1 knockdown and P53 overexpression on AS development and ferroptosis of vascular endothelial cells was explored. Reduced Trim28 expression and increased ALDH4A1 and P53 expression were observed in HUVECs after treatment with ox-LDL. Overexpression of Trim28 mitigated AS development, promoted P53 ubiquitination, and suppressed ferroptosis of vascular endothelial cells. Additionally, ALDH4A1 could interact with Trim28, and ALDH4A1 knockdown enhanced P53 ubiquitination. Moreover, P53 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of ALDH4A1 knockdown on AS development and ferroptosis of vascular endothelial cells. Our findings indicate that Trim28, ALDH4A1, and P53 may be key regulators in AS development. Silencing of ALDH4A1 may alleviate AS development through regulating Trim28-mediated P53 ubiquitination to inhibit ferroptosis of vascular endothelial cells. These molecules may by promising therapeutic targets for AS and related CVD.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11626-025-01102-6.

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