Abstract 639: Deletion of Alternatively Spliced Extra Domain A of Cellular Fibronectin Stabilizes Advanced Rupture-Prone Plaques in Hyperlipidemic Mice

Background: The most important clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis is rupture of advanced plaques. The fibronectin containing alternatively spliced extra domain A (Fn-EDA) is abundant in extracellular matrix around macrophages and endothelial cells in advanced human plaques. In vitro studies suggest that Fn-EDA is a ligand for TLR4 and upregulates MMP9, which has been shown to enhance elastin degradation and promote plaque rupture in...