Increased LL37 in psoriasis and other inflammatory disorders promotes LDL uptake and atherosclerosis.

Patients with chronic inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and elevated levels of LL37, a cathelicidin host defense peptide that has both antimicrobial and proinflammatory properties. To explore whether LL37 could contribute to the risk of heart disease, we examined its effects on lipoprotein metabolism and show that LL37 enhanced LDL uptake in macrophages through the LDL receptor (LDLR), scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SR-B1), and CD36. This interaction led to increased cytosolic cholesterol in macrophages and changes in expression of lipid metabolism genes consistent with increased cholesterol uptake.

Heterogeneity in surface sensing suggests a division of labor in populations.

The second messenger signaling molecule cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) drives the transition between planktonic and biofilm growth in many bacterial species. has two surface sensing systems that produce c-di-GMP in response to surface adherence. Current thinking in the field is that once cells attach to a surface, they uniformly respond by producing c-di-GMP.

Sensational biofilms: surface sensing in bacteria.

The first step in the development of a bacterial biofilm is contact with the surface on which the microbe will form this community. We review recent progress on 'surface sensing', and engage the question of 'how does a microbe know it is on a surface?'