PPAR{gamma} and retinol binding protein 7 form a regulatory hub promoting antioxidant properties of the endothelium

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of conserved ligand-activated nuclear receptor transcription factors heterogeneously expressed in mammalian tissues. PPAR is recognized as a master regulator of adipogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, and glucose homeostasis, but genetic evidence also supports the concept that PPAR regulates the cardiovascular system, particularly vascular function and blood pressure. There is now compelling evidence that the beneficial blood pressure-lowering effects of PPAR activation are due to its activity in vascular smooth muscle and endothelium, through its modulation of nitric oxide-dependent vasomotor function. Endothelial PPAR regulates the production and bioavailability of nitric oxide, while PPAR in the smooth muscle regulates the vasomotor response to nitric oxide. We recently identified retinol binding protein 7 (RBP7) as a PPAR target gene that is specifically and selectively expressed in the endothelium. In this review, we will discuss the evidence that RBP7 is required to mediate the antioxidant effects of PPAR and mediate PPAR target gene selectivity in the endothelium.

Source: Physiological Genomics - November 3, 2017 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Woll, A. W., Quelle, F. W., Sigmund, C. D. Tags: Review Source Type: research