LOX-1-MT1-MMP axis is crucial for RhoA and Rac1 activation induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein in endothelial cells

AimsRhoA and Rac1 activation plays a key role in endothelial dysfunction. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a major receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in endothelial cells (ECs). Membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) has been shown to be involved in atherogenesis. This study was conducted to investigate the role of the LOX-1-MT1-MMP axis in RhoA and Rac1 activation in response to ox-LDL in ECs.