The roles of p62/SQSTM1 on regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 gene expression in response to oxLDL in atherosclerosis

Abundant oxLDL blocked autophagic flux resulting in the aggregation of p62/SQSTM1. Then p62/SQSTM1 was involved in gene expression of MMP-9 via NF-κB-dependent signaling, and thus featuring novel plaque vulnerability properties of the atherosclerotic plaque. Understanding the mechanism that selectively modulates p62/SQSTM1 will provide a novel strategy for anti-atherogenesis.