Avian phospholipid transfer protein causes HDL conversion without affecting cholesterol efflux from macrophages

The restricted ovulator chicken strain: an oviparous vertebrate model of reproductive dysfunction caused by a gene defect affecting an oocyte-specific receptor

A unique non-laying strain of chickens with heritable hyperlipidemia and aortic atherosclerosis was first described in 1974. Subsequent work established that the phenotype results from a naturally occurring point mutation in the gene specifying the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor, a 95-kDa membrane protein which normally mediates the massive uptake of the main circulating hepatically-synthesized yolk precursors, VLDL and vitellogenin. As a result, hens of the mutant strain termed "restricted ovulator" (R/O) have approximately 5-fold elevations in circulating cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations compared with normal layers, and hepatic lipogenesis and cholesterogenesis are markedly attenuated due to feedback inhibition. R/O hens also exhibit hyperestrogenemia, hypoprogesteronemia, elevated circulating gonadotropins, and up-regulated pituitary progesterone receptor mRNA and isoforms. The ovaries of R/O hens are abnormal in that they lack a follicular hierarchy and contain many small preovulatory follicles of various colors, shapes, and sizes. However, since R/O hens occasionally lay eggs, it is possible that endocytic receptors other than the VLDL receptor may be able to facilitate oocyte growth and/or that yolk precursor uptake can occur via a nonspecific bulk process. A mammalian model of impaired fecundity with abnormal lipoprotein metabolism also has been described, but different mechanisms are likely responsible for its reproductive dysfunction. Nevertheless, as our understanding of the molecular physiology and biochemistry of avian oocyte growth continues to expand, in part due to studies of the R/O model, new analogies may emerge between avian and mammalian systems, which ultimately could help to answer important questions in reproductive biology.

Phospholipid composition of plasma and erythrocyte membranes in animal species by 31P NMR

The aim of this study was to provide basal values of phospholipid (PL) composition in different animal species by 31P NMR analysis using detergents. This fast and accurate method allowed a quantitative analysis of PLs without any previous separation. Plasma and erythrocyte membrane PLs were investigated in mammals (pig, cow, horse). Moreover, for the first time, the composition of plasma PLs in avian (chicken and ostrich) was performed by 31P NMR. Significant qualitative and quantitative interspecies differences in plasma PL levels were found. Phosphatidilcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin (SPH) levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in chicken plasma than all the other species tested. In erythrocytes, cow PC and phosphatidylcholine diarachidoyl were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than for pigs and horses, whereas pig PC presented intermediate values among cows and horses. Inorganic phosphate and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate levels were also significantly different between the species under investigation. The [SPH/total PLs] molar ratios in erythrocytes confirmed interspecies differences in phospholipid composition while the PC/SPH molar ratios could be related to a distinct erythrocyte flexibility and aggregability. Diet and nutrition may contribute primarily to the interspecies differences in plasma PL amounts detected. Significant differences between chicken plasma PC and SPH levels and those of the other animal species could be ascribed to a fat metabolism specific to egg production.

Identification and characterisation of the BPI/LBP/PLUNC-like gene repertoire in chickens reveals the absence of a LBP gene

Palate, lung and nasal epithelial clone (PLUNC) proteins are structural homologues to the innate defence molecules LPS-binding protein (LBP) and bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI). PLUNCs make up the largest portion of the wider BPI/LBP/PLUNC-like protein family and are amongst the most rapidly evolving mammalian genes. In this study we systematically identified and characterised BPI/LBP/PLUNC-like protein-encoding genes in the chicken genome. We identified eleven complete genes (and a pseudogene). Five of them are clustered on a >50 kb locus on chromosome 20, immediately adjacent to BPI. In addition to BPI, we have identified presumptive orthologues LPLUNCs 2, 3, 4 and 6, and BPIL-2. We find no evidence for the existence of single domain containing proteins in birds. Strikingly our analysis also suggests that there is no LBP orthologue in chicken. This observation may in part account for the relative resistance to LPS toxicity observed in birds. Our results indicate significant differences between the avian and mammalian repertoires of BPI/LBP/PLUNC-like genes at the genomic and transcriptional levels and provide a framework for further functional analyses of this gene family in chickens.

A novel model of cholesterol efflux from lipid-loaded cells

Cholesterol efflux from lipid-loaded cells is a key athero-protective event that counteracts cholesterol uptake. The imbalance between cholesterol efflux and uptake determines the prevention or development of atherosclerosis. Many proteins and factors participate in the cholesterol efflux event. However, there are currently no systematic models of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) that include most RCT-related factors and events. On the basis of recent research findings from other and our laboratories, we propose a novel model of one center and four systems with coupling transportation and networking regulation. This model represents a common way of cholesterol efflux; however, the systems in the model consist of different proteins/factors in different cells. In this review, we evaluate the novel model in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and macrophages, which are the most important original cells of foam cells. This novel model consists of 1) a caveolae transport center, 2) an intracellular trafficking system of the caveolin-1 complex, 3) a transmembrane transport system of the ABC-A1 complex, 4) a transmembrane transport system of the SR-B1 complex, and 5) an extracelluar trafficking system of HDL/Apo-A1. In brief, the caveolin-1 system transports cholesterol from intracellular compartments to caveolae. Subsequently, both ABC-A1 and SR-B1 complex systems transfer cholesterol from caveolae to extracellular HDL/Apo-A1. The four systems are linked by a regulatory network. This model provides a simple and concise way to understand the dynamic process of atherosclerosis.