Macrophage-Specific E3 Ubiquitin Ligase TRIM31 Reduces Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation by Targeting LOX-1

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by lipid accumulation and immune cell infiltration in arterial walls. Macrophages contribute by internalizing oxidized low-density lipoprotein, forming foam cells, and driving inflammation. The ubiquitin–proteasome system regulates immune and inflammatory responses in atherosclerosis. This study investigated the protective role of TRIM31 (tripartite motif-containing 31), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in macrophage lipid metabolism and inflammation through selective regulation of LOX-1 (lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1). METHODS: Transcriptomic profiling, macrophage-specific Trim31 knockout ( Trim31 fl/fl Lyz2 cre ) and overexpression ( Trim31 Lyz2-KI ) mice, and Lox-1 knockout ( Lox-1 −/− ) models were used to examine the impact of TRIM31 in vivo (n=8 per group). TRIM31 substrates were identified using single-cell RNA sequencing of atherosclerotic aortas and proteomic/immunoprecipitation–mass spectrometry analyses. Functional assays were performed in both mouse and human macrophages (n=5–6 per group). Ubiquitination mechanisms were clarified through immunoprecipitation and site-directed mutagenesis. Rescue experiments involved Lox-1 knockdown or reconstitution with wild-type and lysine 12 to arginine variant (K12R) Lox-1 and Trim31 overexpression in Lox-1 −/− or Apoe −/− Lox-1 −/− mice to evaluate the functional importance of Lox-1 ubiquitination in vivo (n=8 per group) and in vitro (n=5 per group). RESULTS: TRIM31 was selectively upregulated in macrophages under oxidized low-density lipoprotein stimulation and in atherosclerosis plaques. Trim31 deficiency exacerbated plaque burden, foam cell formation, and inflammatory signaling (n=8 per group). Single-cell analysis revealed enrichment of lipid transport and inflammatory pathways in Trim31-deficient plaques. LOX-1 was identified as a key TRIM31 substrate. TRIM31 promoted K48-linked ubiquitination of LOX-1 at lysine 12, facilitating its degradation. The atheroprotective effects of Trim31 were abolished in Lox-1 −/− or K12R-variant rescue models. The TRIM31–LOX-1 axis was also confirmed by human macrophages in regulating lipid uptake and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: TRIM31, an inducible, macrophage-enriched protective factor in atherosclerosis, restricts foam cell formation and inflammation by targeting LOX-1 for proteasomal degradation. These findings position TRIM31 as a promising therapeutic target for macrophage-driven atherogenesis.