The angiopoietin receptor Tie2 is atheroprotective in arterial endothelium

Abstract Leukocytes and resident cells in the arterial wall contribute to atherosclerosis, especially at sites of disturbed blood flow. Expression endothelial Tie1 receptor tyrosine kinase is enhanced these sites, attenuation its expression reduces atherosclerotic burden decreases inflammation. However, Tie2 function atherosclerosis unknown. Here we provide genetic evidence from humans an mouse model show that TIE2 associated with protection coronary artery disease. We deletion , or both endothelium promotes by increasing Foxo1 nuclear localization, adhesion molecule accumulation immune cells. also expressed a subset aortic fibroblasts, silencing increases inflammation-related genes. Our findings indicate unlike Tie1, functions as dominant angiopoietin protects atherosclerosis.