Lipid homeostasis and the formation of macrophage-derived foam cells in atherosclerosis.
10.1007/s13238-012-2025-6
- Author:
Yuan YUAN
1
;
Peng LI
;
Jing YE
Author Information
1. Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Acyltransferases;
metabolism;
Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins;
metabolism;
Atherosclerosis;
metabolism;
pathology;
Cholesterol;
metabolism;
Foam Cells;
cytology;
metabolism;
Humans;
Lipid Metabolism;
physiology;
Macrophages;
cytology;
immunology;
Membrane Proteins;
metabolism;
Perilipin-2;
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors;
metabolism;
Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins;
metabolism
- From:
Protein & Cell
2012;3(3):173-181
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory disorder characterized by the deposition of excess lipids in the arterial intima. The formation of macrophage-derived foam cells in a plaque is a hallmark of the development of atherosclerosis. Lipid homeostasis, especially cholesterol homeostasis, plays a crucial role during the formation of foam cells. Recently, lipid droplet-associated proteins, including PAT and CIDE family proteins, have been shown to control the development of atherosclerosis by regulating the formation, growth, stabilization and functions of lipid droplets in macrophage-derived foam cells. This review focuses on the potential mechanisms of formation of macrophage-derived foam cells in atherosclerosis with particular emphasis on the role of lipid homeostasis and lipid droplet-associated proteins. Understanding the process of foam cell formation will aid in the future discovery of novel therapeutic interventions for atherosclerosis.
