Rafael I Jaén

Rafael I Jaén


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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RJRafael I Jaén
Rafael I Jaén
APAdrián Povo-Retana
Adrián Povo-Retana
CRCésar Rosales-Mendoza
César Rosales-Mendoza
PCPatricia Capillas-Herrero
Patricia Capillas-Herrero
SSSergio Sánchez-García
Sergio Sánchez-García
Lisardo BoscáLisardo Boscá
Lisardo Boscá
Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease caused mainly by dyslipidemia and is characterized by the formation of an atheroma plaque and chronic inflammation. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a protease that induces the degradation of the LDL receptor (LDLR), which contributes to increased levels of LDL cholesterol and the progress of atherosclerosis. Given that macrophages are relevant components of the lipidic and inflammatory environment of atherosclerosis, we studied the effects of PCSK9 treatment on human macrophages. Our data show that human macrophages do not express PCSK9 but rapidly incorporate the circulating protein through the LDLR and also activate the pro-inflammatory TLR4 pathway. Both LDLR and TLR4 are internalized after incubation of macrophages with exogenous PCSK9. PCSK9 uptake increases the production of reactive oxygen species and reduces the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and cholesterol efflux, while enhancing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines through a TLR4-dependent mechanism. Under these conditions, the viability of macrophages is compromised, leading to increased cell death. These results provide novel insights into the role of PCSK9 in the crosstalk of lipids and cholesterol metabolism through the LDLR and on the pro-inflammatory activation of macrophages through TLR4 signaling. These pathways are relevant in the outcome of atherosclerosis and highlight the relevance of PCSK9 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.