1. Academic Validation
  2. A macrophage receptor for apolipoprotein B48: cloning, expression, and atherosclerosis

A macrophage receptor for apolipoprotein B48: cloning, expression, and atherosclerosis

  • Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2000 Jun 20;97(13):7488-93. doi: 10.1073/pnas.120184097.
M L Brown 1 M P Ramprasad P K Umeda A Tanaka Y Kobayashi T Watanabe H Shimoyamada W L Kuo R Li R Song W A Bradley S H Gianturco
Affiliations

Affiliation

  • 1 Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology and Geriatrics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294-0012, USA.
Abstract

We have cloned a human macrophage receptor that binds to apolipoprotein (apo)B48 of dietary triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins. TG-rich lipoprotein uptake by the apoB48R rapidly converts macrophages and apoB48R-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells in vitro into lipid-filled foam cells, as seen in atherosclerotic lesions. The apoB48R cDNA (3,744 bp) encodes a protein with no known homologs. Its approximately 3.8-kb mRNA is expressed primarily by reticuloendothelial cells: monocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells. Immunohistochemistry shows the apoB48R is in human atherosclerotic lesion foam cells. Normally, the apoB48R may provide essential lipids to reticuloendothelial cells. If overwhelmed, foam cell formation, endothelial dysfunction, and atherothrombogenesis may ensue, a mechanism for Cardiovascular Disease risk of elevated TG.

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