Remodelling of the endothelial cell transcriptional program via paracrine and DNA-binding activities of MPO

ABSTRACT Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme that functions in host defence by catalysing the formation of reactive oxygen intermediates. Synthesized majorly by myeloid progenitor cell types and neutrophils, MPO is released into the vascular lumen during inflammation, where it may adhere and subsequently enter endothelial cells coating vascular walls. Here, we show that MPO actually enters the nucleus of these endothelial cells and binds chromatin independently of its enzymatic activity to cause changes in chromatin structure. At its binding sites, MPO drives chromatin decondensation, while enhancing condensation at flanking regions. We further show that MPO binds loci relevant for the activation of the endothelial-to- mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and the migratory potential of ECs. Finally, MPO interacts with the RNA- binding factor ILF3 affecting its relative abundance between cytoplasm and nucleus. This leads to ILF3:MPO- driven transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. Accordingly, MPO-knockout mice show reduced EC numbers at scars formed after myocardial infarction, indicating reduced neovascularization. In summary, we describe a non-enzymatic role for MPO in coordinating EndMT and controlling the fate of endothelial cells through direct chromatin binding and association with such co-factors as ILF3.