Role of Tie1 in shear stress and atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerotic plaques develop in a nonrandom manner along the vasculature following a hemodynamically determined distribution profile. The pathogenesis of shear stress-induced inflammation and atherosclerotic lesion formation has led to discussions about personalized strategies in prevention and treatment. Recent discoveries involving the tyrosine kinase receptor Tie1 in (1) mechanotransduction, (2) inflammation, and (3) neovascularization have invigorated these efforts. In this review, we present the current understanding on Tie1 and its role in these key components of atherogenesis.