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Sunaga S, Kofuji S, Nishina H. YAP drives cell competition by activating choline metabolism. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 572:178-184. [PMID: 34375927 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.07.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell competition is a phenomenon that eliminates unfit cells from cell society, a function vital for maintaining cellular and organismal homeostasis. We previously showed that Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells expressing the active form of the transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein (YAP) are apically extruded when surrounded by normal MDCK cells. Although we demonstrated that the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade is involved in YAP-dependent apical extrusion, the metabolic events leading to this outcome remained unclear. Here, we present the results of metabolomic analysis that identified phosphatidylcholine (PC) biosynthesis as the most significant player in this process. Removal of the PC biosynthetic components choline and methionine from culture medium inhibited YAP-dependent apical extrusion. Inhibition of either choline uptake or metabolic cycles involving choline or methionine also decreased YAP-dependent apical extrusion. At the molecular level, active YAP induced expression of the genes encoding glycerophosphocholine phosphodiesterase 1 (GPCPD1) and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), which are involved in choline metabolism. Our results indicate that YAP-dependent cell competition depends on YAP-mediated activation of the choline metabolic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachi Sunaga
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kofuji
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Nishina
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.
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2
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Pedrini S, Chatterjee P, Hone E, Martins RN. High‐density lipoprotein‐related cholesterol metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease. J Neurochem 2020; 159:343-377. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Pedrini
- Sarich Neurosciences Research InstituteEdith Cowan University Nedlands WA Australia
| | - Pratishtha Chatterjee
- Sarich Neurosciences Research InstituteEdith Cowan University Nedlands WA Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences Macquarie University Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Eugene Hone
- Sarich Neurosciences Research InstituteEdith Cowan University Nedlands WA Australia
| | - Ralph N. Martins
- Sarich Neurosciences Research InstituteEdith Cowan University Nedlands WA Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences Macquarie University Sydney NSW Australia
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences University of Western Australia Nedlands WA Australia
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3
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Hayashi H. Lipid metabolism and glial lipoproteins in the central nervous system. Biol Pharm Bull 2011; 34:453-61. [PMID: 21467629 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.34.453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Lipoproteins in the central nervous system (CNS) are not incorporated from the blood but are formed mainly by glial cells within the CNS. In addition, cholesterol in the CNS is synthesized endogenously because the blood-brain barrier segregates the CNS from the peripheral circulation. Apolipoprotein (apo) E is a major apo in the CNS. In normal condition, apo E is secreted from glia, mainly from astrocytes, and forms cholesterol-rich lipoproteins by ATP-binding cassette transporters. Subsequently, apo E-containing glial lipoproteins supply cholesterol and other components to neurons via a receptor-mediated process. Recent findings demonstrated that receptors of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family not only internalize lipoproteins into the cells but also, like signaling receptors, transduce signals upon binding the ligands. In this review, the regulation of lipid homeostasis will be discussed as well as roles of lipoproteins and functions of receptors of LDL receptor family in the CNS. Furthermore, the relation between lipid metabolism and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Hayashi
- Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence, Kumamoto University, Honjo, Japan.
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4
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Proposed mechanism for lipoprotein remodelling in the brain. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2010; 1801:819-23. [PMID: 20470897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2010.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2010] [Revised: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Lipoprotein remodelling in the periphery has been extensively studied. For example, the processing of nascent apoAI particles to cholesterol-loaded HDL lipoproteins during reverse cholesterol transport involves a series of enzymes, transporters in peripheral tissue, as well as other apolipoproteins and lipoproteins. These extensive modifications and interconversions are well defined. Here, we present the hypothesis that a similar process occurs within the blood brain barrier (BBB) via glia-secreted lipid-poor apoE particles undergoing remodelling to become mature central nervous system (CNS) lipoproteins. We further pose several pressing issues and future directions for the study of lipoproteins in the brain.
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5
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Martins IJ, Berger T, Sharman MJ, Verdile G, Fuller SJ, Martins RN. Cholesterol metabolism and transport in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2010; 111:1275-308. [PMID: 20050287 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06408.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting millions of people worldwide. Apart from age, the major risk factor identified so far for the sporadic form of AD is possession of the epsilon4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE), which is also a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Other apolipoproteins known to play an important role in CAD such as apolipoprotein B are now gaining attention for their role in AD as well. AD and CAD share other risk factors, such as altered cholesterol levels, particularly high levels of low density lipoproteins together with low levels of high density lipoproteins. Statins--drugs that have been used to lower cholesterol levels in CAD, have been shown to protect against AD, although the protective mechanism(s) involved are still under debate. Enzymatic production of the beta amyloid peptide, the peptide thought to play a major role in AD pathogenesis, is affected by membrane cholesterol levels. In addition, polymorphisms in several proteins and enzymes involved in cholesterol and lipoprotein transport and metabolism have been linked to risk of AD. Taken together, these findings provide strong evidence that changes in cholesterol metabolism are intimately involved in AD pathogenic processes. This paper reviews cholesterol metabolism and transport, as well as those aspects of cholesterol metabolism that have been linked with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian J Martins
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia.
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6
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Hirsch-Reinshagen V, Donkin J, Stukas S, Chan J, Wilkinson A, Fan J, Parks JS, Kuivenhoven JA, Lütjohann D, Pritchard H, Wellington CL. LCAT synthesized by primary astrocytes esterifies cholesterol on glia-derived lipoproteins. J Lipid Res 2008; 50:885-93. [PMID: 19065001 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m800584-jlr200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid trafficking in the brain is essential for the maintenance and repair of neuronal membranes, especially after neurotoxic insults. However, brain lipid metabolism is not completely understood. In plasma, LCAT catalyses the esterification of free cholesterol on circulating lipoproteins, a key step in the maturation of HDL. Brain lipoproteins are apolipoprotein E (apoE)-containing, HDL-like particles secreted initially as lipid-poor discs by glial cells. LCAT is synthesized within the brain, suggesting that it may play a key role in the maturation of these lipoproteins. Here we demonstrate that astrocytes are the primary producers of brain LCAT. This LCAT esterifies free cholesterol on nascent apoE-containing lipopoproteins secreted from glia. ApoE is the major LCAT activator in glia-conditioned media (GCM), and both the cholesterol transporter ABCA1 and apoE are required to generate glial LCAT substrate particles. LCAT deficiency leads to the appearance of abnormal approximately 8 nm particles in GCM, and exogenous LCAT restores the lipoprotein particle distribution to the wild-type (WT) pattern. In vivo, complete LCAT deficiency results in a dramatic increase in apoE-HDL and reduced apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I)-HDL in murine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These data show that brain LCAT esterifies cholesterol on glial-derived apoE-lipoproteins, and influences CSF apoE and apoA-I levels.
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7
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Steiner G, Küchler S, Hermann A, Koch E, Salzer R, Schackert G, Kirsch M. Rapid and label-free classification of human glioma cells by infrared spectroscopic imaging. Cytometry A 2008; 73A:1158-64. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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8
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Mühlig-Versen M, da Cruz AB, Tschäpe JA, Moser M, Büttner R, Athenstaedt K, Glynn P, Kretzschmar D. Loss of Swiss cheese/neuropathy target esterase activity causes disruption of phosphatidylcholine homeostasis and neuronal and glial death in adult Drosophila. J Neurosci 2006; 25:2865-73. [PMID: 15772346 PMCID: PMC1182176 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5097-04.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila Swiss cheese (sws) mutant is characterized by progressive degeneration of the adult nervous system, glial hyperwrapping, and neuronal apoptosis. The Swiss cheese protein (SWS) shares 39% sequence identity with human neuropathy target esterase (NTE), and a brain-specific deletion of SWS/NTE in mice causes a similar pattern of progressive neuronal degeneration. NTE reacts with organophosphate compounds that cause a paralyzing axonal degeneration in humans and has been shown to degrade endoplasmic reticulum-associated phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) in cultured mammalian cells. However, its function within the nervous system has remained unknown. Here, we show that both the fly and mouse SWS proteins can rescue the defects that arise in sws mutant flies, whereas a point mutation in the proposed active site cannot restore SWS function. Overexpression of catalytically active SWS caused formation of abnormal intracellular membraneous structures and cell death. Cell-specific expression revealed that not only neurons but also glia depend autonomously on SWS. In wild-type flies, endogenous SWS was detected by immmunohistochemistry in the endoplasmic reticulum (the primary site of PtdCho processing) of neurons and in some glia. sws mutant flies lacked NTE-like esterase activity and had increased levels of PtdCho. Conversely, overexpression of SWS resulted in increased esterase activity and reduced PtdCho. We conclude that SWS is essential for membrane lipid homeostasis and cell survival in both neurons and glia of the adult Drosophila brain and that NTE may play an analogous role in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Mühlig-Versen
- Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
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9
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Schulz I, Zeitschel U, Rudolph T, Ruiz-Carrillo D, Rahfeld JU, Gerhartz B, Bigl V, Demuth HU, Rossner S. Subcellular localization suggests novel functions for prolyl endopeptidase in protein secretion. J Neurochem 2005; 94:970-9. [PMID: 16092940 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2005.03237.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
For a long time, prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) was believed to inactivate neuropeptides in the extracellular space. However, reports on the intracellular activity of PEP suggest additional, as yet unidentified, physiological functions for this enzyme. Here, we demonstrate using biochemical methods of subcellular fractionation, immunocytochemical double-labelling procedures and localization of PEP-enhanced green fluorescent protein fusion proteins that PEP is mainly localized to the perinuclear space, and is associated with the microtubulin cytoskeleton in human neuroblastoma and glioma cell lines. Disassembly of the microtubules by nocodazole treatment disrupts both the fibrillar tubulin and PEP labelling. Furthermore, in a two-hybrid screen, PEP was identified as binding partner of tubulin. These findings indicate novel functions for PEP in axonal transport and/or protein secretion. Indeed, a metabolic labelling approach revealed that both PEP inhibition and PEP antisense mRNA expression result in enhanced peptide/protein secretion from human U-343 glioma cells. Because disturbances in intracellular transport and protein secretion mechanisms are associated with a number of ageing-associated neurodegenerative diseases, cell-permeable PEP inhibitors may be useful for the application in a variety of related clinical conditions.
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10
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Fang H, Tong W, Shi L, Jakab RL, Bowyer JF. Classification of cDNA array genes that have a highly significant discriminative power due to their unique distribution in four brain regions. DNA Cell Biol 2005; 23:661-74. [PMID: 15585124 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2004.23.661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel statistical methods were used to distinguish functionally distinct brain regions using their cDNA array gene expression profiles, and it was found that one of four specific factors is often associated with the most regionally discriminative genes. The gene expression profiles for the substantia nigra (SN), striatum (STR), parietal cortex (PC), and posterolateral cortical amygdaloid nucleus (PLCo) brain regions were determined from each brain region. An F-test identified 339 genes of the 1185 array genes as having a P < or = 0.01 and applied a gene ranking and selection method based on Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) to obtain 59 of the most discriminative genes. Their discriminative power was validated in three steps. The most convincing step showed their ability to correctly predict the brain regional classifications for 18 "test" gene expression sets obtained from the four regions. A two-way Hierarchical Cluster Analysis organized the 59 genes in six clusters according to their expression differences in the brain regions. Expression patterns in the SN and STR regions greatly differed from each other and the PC and PLCo. The closer similarity in the gene expression patterns of the PC and PLCo was probably due to their functional similarity. The important factors in determining differences in the regional gene expression profiles in six clusters were (1) regional myelin/oligodendrocyte levels, (2) resident neuron types, (3) neurotransmitter innervation profiles, and (4) Ca++-dependent signaling and second messenger systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Fang
- Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA
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11
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Tachibana T, Noguchi K, Ruda MA. Analysis of gene expression following spinal cord injury in rat using complementary DNA microarray. Neurosci Lett 2002; 327:133-7. [PMID: 12098653 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(02)00375-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
To identify genes that were altered by spinal cord injury (SCI), we used complementary DNA microarray consisting 1176 rat genes. Rats were subjected to contusive injury of the thoracic spinal cord. Sham animals received only a laminectomy. Twenty-four hours later, spinal cord was dissected out, a 32P labeled probe was prepared and hybridized to the microarray. We identified three genes that showed a greater than 2-fold increase in SCI tissue, heat shock 27-kDa protein, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and epidermal fatty acid-binding protein. Seven genes, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, dipeptidyl aminopeptidase related protein, phospholipase C delta 4, plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase isoform 2, G-protein GO alpha subunit, GABA transporter 3, and neuroendrocrine protein 7B2 were down-regulated greater than 50% in SCI tissue. Changes in expression of these genes were confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. These genes may play a role in the response to tissue damage or repair following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Tachibana
- Cellular Neuroscience Section, Pain and Neurosensory Mechanisms Branch NIDCR, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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12
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Krimbou L, Marcil M, Davignon J, Genest J. Interaction of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT).alpha 2-macroglobulin complex with low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP). Evidence for an alpha 2-macroglobulin/LRP receptor-mediated system participating in LCAT clearance. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:33241-8. [PMID: 11435418 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m100326200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The reaction of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) with high density lipoproteins (HDL) is of critical importance in reverse cholesterol transport, but the structural and functional pathways involved in the regulation of LCAT have not been established. We present evidence for the direct binding of LCAT to alpha(2)-macroglobulin (alpha(2)M) in human plasma to form a complex 18.5 nm in diameter. Forty percent of plasma LCAT-HDL was associated with alpha(2)M; moreover, most of the LCAT in cerebrospinal fluid and in the medium of cultured human hepatoma cell line was associated with alpha(2)M. Purified recombinant human LCAT (rLCAT) labeled with (125)I bound to native and methylamine-activated alpha(2)M (alpha(2)M-MA) in vitro in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, and this binding did not depend on the presence of lipid. rLCAT bound to alpha(2)M-MA with greater affinity than to alpha(2)M. Furthermore, rLCAT did not activate alpha(2)M as phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C does. Reconstituted HDL particles (LpA-I) inhibited the binding of rLCAT to alpha(2)M more efficiently than native HDL(3) did. LCAT associated with alpha(2)M was enzymatically inactive under both endogenous and exogenous assay conditions. Purified rLCAT alone did not bind to low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) as lipoprotein lipase (LPL) does; however, when rLCAT was combined with alpha(2)M-MA to form a complex, binding, internalization, and degradation of rLCAT took place in LRP-expressing cells (LRP (+/+)) but not in cells deficient in LRP (LRP (-/-)). It is concluded that the binding of LCAT to alpha(2)M inhibits its enzymatic activity. Furthermore, the finding supports the possibility that the LRP receptor can act in vivo to mediate clearance of the LCAT-alpha(2)M complex and may significantly influence the bioavailability of LCAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Krimbou
- Cardiovascular Genetics Laboratory, McGill University Health Center/Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Québec H3A 1A1, Canada
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Demeester N, Castro G, Desrumaux C, De Geitere C, Fruchart J, Santens P, Mulleners E, Engelborghs S, De Deyn P, Vandekerckhove J, Rosseneu M, Labeur C. Characterization and functional studies of lipoproteins, lipid transfer proteins, and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase in CSF of normal individuals and patients with Alzheimer's disease. J Lipid Res 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-2275(20)32039-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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14
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McNeish J, Aiello RJ, Guyot D, Turi T, Gabel C, Aldinger C, Hoppe KL, Roach ML, Royer LJ, de Wet J, Broccardo C, Chimini G, Francone OL. High density lipoprotein deficiency and foam cell accumulation in mice with targeted disruption of ATP-binding cassette transporter-1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2000; 97:4245-50. [PMID: 10760292 PMCID: PMC18215 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.97.8.4245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 423] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the human ATP-binding cassette transporter-1 (ABC1) gene has been demonstrated to be mutated in patients with Tangier disease. To investigate the role of the ABC1 protein in an experimental in vivo model, we used gene targeting in DBA-1J embryonic stem cells to produce an ABC1-deficient mouse. Expression of the murine Abc1 gene was ablated by using a nonisogenic targeting construct that deletes six exons coding for the first nucleotide-binding fold. Lipid profiles from Abc1 knockout (-/-) mice revealed an approximately 70% reduction in cholesterol, markedly reduced plasma phospholipids, and an almost complete lack of high density lipoproteins (HDL) when compared with wild-type littermates (+/+). Fractionation of lipoproteins by FPLC demonstrated dramatic alterations in HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), including the near absence of apolipoprotein AI. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein B were also significantly reduced in +/- and -/- compared with their littermate controls. The inactivation of the Abc1 gene led to an increase in the absorption of cholesterol in mice fed a chow or a high-fat and -cholesterol diet. Histopathologic examination of Abc1-/- mice at ages 7, 12, and 18 mo demonstrated a striking accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages and type II pneumocytes in the lungs. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that Abc1-/- mice display pathophysiologic hallmarks similar to human Tangier disease and highlight the capacity of ABC1 transporters to participate in the regulation of dietary cholesterol absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- J McNeish
- Central Research Division, Pfizer Incorporated, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
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Peelman F, Vandekerckhove J, Rosseneu M. Structure and function of lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase: new insights from structural predictions and animal models. Curr Opin Lipidol 2000; 11:155-60. [PMID: 10787177 DOI: 10.1097/00041433-200004000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The enzyme lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase is responsible for the synthesis of most of the cholesteryl esters in plasma, and therefore plays a key role in lipoprotein metabolism. The relationship between the structure and function of lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase has been extensively studied in the past years, and new data appeared in 1999 documenting the substrate specificity and physiological role of lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase. The discovery of natural mutants, together with the proposal of a three-dimensional model for the enzyme, has provided new tools to unravel the function of specific residues of lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase. The use of transgenic animals and the production of knock-out lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase mice has further contributed to the understanding of the lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase 'in vivo' function. Evidence for a protective role of lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase against the development of atherosclerosis through the hydrolysis of oxidized lipids was recently proposed. Lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase patterns in several pathologies were further clarified. These newer developments are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Peelman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiteit Gent, Belgium
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