Functional proteomics of receptor-Ck in the developmental stages of human atherosclerotic arterial wall.

BACKGROUND: The study was undertaken to understand the relationship between the functional proteomics of receptor-Ck and developmental stages of human atherosclerotic aortic wall. METHODS AND RESULTS: Gene expression study of 25 aortas was undertaken and the results revealed a gradual increase in receptor-Ck gene expression paralleled by the regulatory response of its effector genes coding for sterol response element-binding protein, p27, cyclin D, interleukin-6 and CD40 from a normal to atherosclerotic arterial wall (viz. fatty streak and fibrofatty/fibrous plaque). CONCLUSIONS: Based upon this and our earlier studies, we propose that cholesterol-specific receptor-Ck-dependent gene regulation may be of crucial importance in atherogenesis.