Hemizygous deficiency of Krüppel-like factor 2 augments experimental atherosclerosis

Circ Res. 2008 Sep 26;103(7):690-3. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.108.184663. Epub 2008 Aug 28.

Abstract

Krüppel-like factor (KLF)2 is a central regulator of endothelial and monocyte/macrophage gene expression and function in vitro. Although the composite effects of KLF2 in these 2 cell types predict that it likely inhibits vascular inflammation, the role of KLF2 in this process in vivo is uncharacterized. In this study, we provide evidence that hemizygous deficiency of KLF2 increased diet-induced atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Our studies highlight an important role for KLF2 in primary macrophage foam cell formation via the potential regulation of the key lipid binding protein adipocyte protein 2/fatty acid-binding protein 4. These novel observations establish that KLF2 is an atheroprotective factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics
  • Apolipoproteins E / metabolism*
  • Atherosclerosis / chemically induced
  • Atherosclerosis / genetics
  • Atherosclerosis / metabolism*
  • Diet, Atherogenic*
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Foam Cells / metabolism*
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • Vasculitis / chemically induced
  • Vasculitis / genetics
  • Vasculitis / metabolism

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Fabp4 protein, mouse
  • Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins
  • Klf2 protein, mouse
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors