Fig. 8. A proposed mechanism for UCHL1 to regulate foam cell formation via stabilizing the protein expression of CD36.

OxLDL is uptaked by macrophages via scavenger receptor CD36 which locates in cell membrane, resulting in foam cell formation. UCHL1, as a deubiquitinating enzyme, blocks the ubiquitination progress of CD36 protein and then inhibiting its degradation. The stabilization of CD36 controlled by UCHL1 promoted foam cell formation in macrophages.