The extracellular matrix protein CCN1 mediates the endothelial dysfunction induced by disturbed flow.

Aim: Atherosclerosis occurs preferentially at the blood vessels encountering blood flow turbulence. We previously found that CCN1, an extracellular matrix protein, is induced by disturbed flow created in the carotid-ligation-mouse model and promotes neointima formation through its receptor integrin α6β1. Our aim was to examine the mechanism underlying the atherogenic activity of CCN1.