Exploring the Role of ADAMTS4 Expression in Atherosclerosis.

ADAMTS4 is a secretory metalloproteinase involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Both in vitro and in vivo model systems are used to study the regulation of ADAMTS4 in atherosclerosis. Here we describe three model systems: in vitro model system of macrophages and foam cells and in vivo model of high-fat-diet-induced atherosclerosis. We can use qPCR for studying the mRNA expression of ADAMTS4, while ELISA and Western blot can be employed to assess its protein expression.