A critical role for the Sp1-binding sites in the transforming growth factor-beta-mediated inhibition of lipoprotein lipase gene expression in macrophages.

Increasing evidence suggests that the cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. The lipoprotein lipase (LPL) enzyme expressed by macrophages has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by stimulating the uptake of lipoprotein particles. Unfortunately, the action of TGF-beta on the expression of LPL in macrophages remains largely unclear.

Interferon-gamma stimulates the expression of the inducible cAMP early repressor in macrophages through the activation of casein kinase 2. A potentially novel pathway for interferon-gamma-mediated inhibition of gene transcription.

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a pleiotropic cytokine that modulates the immune function, cell proliferation, apoptosis, macrophage activation, and numerous other cellular responses. These biological actions of IFN-gamma are characterized by both the activation and the inhibition of gene transcription. Unfortunately, in contrast to gene activation, the mechanisms through which the cytokine suppresses gene transcription remain largely unclear.

Lipoprotein lipase: structure, function, regulation, and role in disease.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) catalyses the hydrolysis of the triacylglycerol component of circulating chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins, thereby providing non-esterified fatty acids and 2-monoacylglycerol for tissue utilisation. Research carried out over the past two decades have not only established a central role for LPL in the overall lipid metabolism and transport but have also identified additional, non-catalytic functions of the enzyme. Furthermore, abnormalities in LPL function have been found to be associated with a number of pathophysiological conditions, including atherosclerosis, chylomicronaemia, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, and dyslipidaemia associated with diabetes, insulin resistance, and infection.