TNF Induces Laminin-332-Encoding Genes in Endothelial Cells and Laminin-332 Promotes an Atherogenic Endothelial Phenotype

Laminins are essential components of the basement membranes, expressed in a tissue- and cell-specific manner under physiological conditions. During inflammatory circumstances, such as atherosclerosis, alterations in laminin composition within vessels have been observed. Our study aimed to assess the influence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine abundantly found in atherosclerotic lesions, on endothelial laminin gene expression and the effects of laminin-332 (LN332) on endothelial cells’ behavior. We also evaluated the expression of LN332-encoding genes in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Our findings demonstrate that TNF induces upregulation of LAMB3 and LAMC2, which, along with LAMA3, encode the LN332 isoform. Endothelial cells cultured on recombinant LN332 exhibit decreased claudin-5 expression and display a loosely connected phenotype, with an elevated expression of chemokines and leukocyte adhesion molecules, enhancing their attractiveness and adhesion to leukocytes in vitro. Furthermore, LAMB3 and LAMC2 are upregulated in human carotid plaques and show a positive correlation with TNF expression. In summary, TNF stimulates the expression of LN332-encoding genes in human endothelial cells and LN332 promotes an endothelial phenotype characterized by compromised junctional integrity and increased leukocyte interaction. These findings highlight the importance of basement membrane proteins for endothelial integrity and the potential role of LN332 in atherosclerosis.