ROCK2 associates with lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 and mediates oxidized LDL-induced IL-8 production.

Oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) is a contributing factor of endothelial dysfunction, an early cellular event during atherogenesis. In endothelial cells, OxLDL has been shown to stimulate proinflammatory responses, increase lipid accumulation, and induce the expression of adhesion and extracellular matrix degrading molecules. The primary receptor for OxLDL on endothelial cells has been identified as a member of the scavenger receptor family called lectin-like OxLDL receptor-1 (LOX-1). A number of studies on LOX-1 have implicated its role in multiple cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of LOX-1 in endothelial cells, we identified interacting proteins in an affinity-purified LOX-1 receptor complex from human aortic endothelial HAECT cells by mass spectrometry. Two molecules involved in Rho signaling pathway, ARHGEF1 and ROCK2, were identified, and their associations with LOX-1 were confirmed in reciprocal immunoprecipitation studies. Particularly, ROCK2 was found to dynamically associate with LOX-1 in the presence of OxLDL. In addition, OxLDL treatment stimulated ROCK2 catalytic activity, and ROCK2 inhibition attenuated NF-kappaB activation and IL-8 production resulting from OxLDL activation of LOX-1. In summary, a functional proteomics approach has enabled us to identify novel LOX-1 interactors that potentially contribute to the cellular and signaling functions of LOX-1.