Regulation of Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism by Nuclear Receptors

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Project Summary Project Summary: The nuclear receptor superfamily comprises ligand-activated transcription factors that play important regulatory roles in human and mammalian physiology. We are interested in the role of nuclear receptors in lipid homeostasis. Our long-term goal is to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms controlling lipid homeostasis by nuclear receptors and to identify therapeutic targets or approaches for treatment of hyperlipidemia and coronary heart disease. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and plays important regulatory roles in maintaining bile acid, lipid and glucose homeostasis. Recent data have shown that activation of FXR inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. Consistent with this latter finding, activation of FXR has been shown to lower plasma cholesterol levels. Hypercholesterolemia is known to be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, the mechanism by which activation of FXR lowers plasma cholesterol levels and prevents the development of atherosclerosis remains to be established. We have very recently shown that activation of FXR i) lowers plasma cholesterol levels likely via a novel FXR-HNF4a-SR-BI pathway, ii) inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption and iii) increases reverse cholesterol transport, a process by which extra-hepatic cholesterol is transported back to the liver for secretion to the bile and feces. In this proposal, we will utilize several genetically modified mouse models in combination with molecular, cellular and pharmaceutical approaches to determine the mechanisms by which activation of FXR lowers plasma cholesterol levels, reduces intestinal cholesterol absorption, and increases reverse cholesterol transport. Accomplishing the specific aims in this proposal will provide important insights into the mechanism by which activation of FXR lowers plasma cholesterol levels and prevents the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, completion of the proposed studies may provide novel therapeutic approach(es) for treatment of cardiovascular diseases.