LXRs control lipid-inducible expression of the apolipoprotein E gene in macrophages and adipocytes

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) secreted by macrophages in the artery wall exerts an important protective effect against the development of atherosclerosis, presumably through its ability to promote lipid efflux.Previous studies have shown that increases in cellular free cholesterol levels stimulate apoE transcription in macrophages and adipocytes; however, the molecular basis for this regulation is unknown.Recently, Taylor and colleagues [Shih, S.