Expression of the LXRα protein in human atherosclerotic lesions

Y Watanabe, S Jiang, W Takabe, R Ohashi… - … , and vascular biology, 2005 - Am Heart Assoc
Y Watanabe, S Jiang, W Takabe, R Ohashi, T Tanaka, Y Uchiyama, K Katsumi, H Iwanari…
Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology, 2005Am Heart Assoc
Objective—Liver X–activated receptor α (LXRα) regulates multiple genes controlling
cholesterol metabolism and transport. To clarify its role in atherogenesis, we established a
monoclonal antibody recognizing native human LXRα protein and studied the expression
pattern in human atherosclerotic lesions. Methods and Results—A novel monoclonal
antibody PPZ0412 was raised against the ligand-binding domain of LXRα, which can be
used for immunostaining of human LXRα protein. LXRα protein was detected in the nucleus …
Objective— Liver X–activated receptor α (LXRα) regulates multiple genes controlling cholesterol metabolism and transport. To clarify its role in atherogenesis, we established a monoclonal antibody recognizing native human LXRα protein and studied the expression pattern in human atherosclerotic lesions.
Methods and Results— A novel monoclonal antibody PPZ0412 was raised against the ligand-binding domain of LXRα, which can be used for immunostaining of human LXRα protein. LXRα protein was detected in the nucleus of macrophages in the liver, spleen, or lung and also in hepatocytes and adipocytes. In atherosclerotic lesions, the LXRα protein was detected in macrophages positive for scavenger receptor class A and/or CD68.
Conclusions— In the human body, the LXRα protein is highly expressed in macrophage lineage cells and foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions and is identified as a target for intervention in atherosclerotic disease.
Am Heart Assoc