CKIP-1 limits foam cell formation and inhibits atherosclerosis by promoting degradation of Oct-1 by REGγ

Atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Macrophages uptake modified lipoproteins and transform into foam cells, triggering an inflammatory response and thereby promoting plaque formation. Here we show that casein kinase 2-interacting protein-1 (CKIP-1) is a suppressor of foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. Ckip-1 deficiency in mice leads to increased lipoprotein uptake and foam cell formation, indicating a protective role of CKIP-1 in this process. Ablation of Ckip-1 specifically upregulates the transcription of scavenger receptor LOX-1, but not that of CD36 and SR-A. Mechanistically, CKIP-1 interacts with the proteasome activator REGγ and targets the transcriptional factor Oct-1 for degradation, thereby suppressing the transcription of LOX-1 by Oct-1. Moreover, Ckip-1-deficient mice undergo accelerated atherosclerosis, and bone marrow transplantation reveals that Ckip-1 deficiency in hematopoietic cells is sufficient to increase atherosclerotic plaque formation. Therefore, CKIP-1 plays an essential anti-atherosclerotic role through regulation of foam cell formation and cholesterol metabolism.