干扰素-γ对THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞胆固醇流出和ABCA1表达的影响

以THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞为研究对象,观察干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)对THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞胆固醇流出和三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体A1(ABCA1)表达的影响.以便探讨IFN-γ在动脉粥样硬化发生发展中的作用.采用液体闪烁计数器检测细胞内胆固醇流出, 高效液相色谱分析细胞内总胆固醇、游离胆固醇和胆固醇酯含量.运用逆转录-多聚酶链反应和蛋白质印迹分别检测ABCA1 mRNA与ABCA1蛋白质的表达, 采用流式细胞术检测细胞平均ABCA1荧光强度.发现IFN-γ引起THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞总胆固醇、游离胆固醇与胆固醇酯呈时间依赖性增加, 而ABCA1 mRNA和蛋白质表达、细胞平均ABCA1荧光强度以及apoA-1介导的胆固醇流出呈时间依赖性减少, 细胞内胆固醇增多.结果表明IFN-γ抑制THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞ABCA1表达及细胞内胆固醇流出,同时增加细胞内胆固醇聚积.     

油酸对THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体A1表达和胆固醇流出的影响

以THP 1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞为研究对象 ,观察油酸对THP 1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞胆固醇流出和三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体A1(ABCA1)表达的影响 ,以探讨油酸对动脉粥样硬化发生发展的影响。用液体闪烁计数器检测细胞内胆固醇流出 ,高效液相色谱分析细胞内总胆固醇、游离胆固醇和胆固醇酯含量 ,运用逆转录多聚酶链反应和Western印迹分别检测ABCA1mRNA与ABCA1蛋白的表达 ,采用流式细胞术检测细胞平均ABCA1荧光强度。实验显示油酸引起THP 1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞总胆固醇、游离胆固醇与胆固醇酯呈时间依赖性增加 ,而ABCA1蛋白水平、细胞平均ABCA1荧光强度以及apoA I介导的胆固醇流出呈时间依赖性减少 ,细胞内胆固醇增多 ,但ABCA1mRNA没有明显变化。结果表明 ,油酸减少THP 1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞ABCA1蛋白水平 ,降低细胞内胆固醇流出 ,增加细胞内胆固醇聚积。     

载脂蛋白A-Ⅰ通过PKA信号途径影响ABCA1的表达与功能

以THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞为研究对象,观察载脂蛋白A-Ⅰ与三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体A1(ATP binding cassette transporter A1,ABCA1)的相互作用,并探讨它们相互作用的机制,以便了解载脂蛋白A-Ⅰ和ABCA1在动脉粥样硬化发生发展中的作用.THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞经各种因素处理后,采用油红“O”染色,观察细胞内的脂滴,运用液体闪烁计数器检测细胞内胆固醇流出,高效液相色谱分析细胞内总胆固醇、游离胆固醇和胆固醇酯含量,用逆转录-聚合酶链反应和蛋白质印迹分析法分别检测ABCA1 mRNA与ABCA1蛋白质的水平.实验结果显示,载脂蛋白A-Ⅰ和腺苷酸环化酶激动剂Forskolin(FRK)引起THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞总胆固醇、游离胆固醇与胆固醇酯减少,而腺苷酸环化酶抑制剂SQ-22536引起THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞总胆固醇、游离胆固醇与胆固醇酯增加.载脂蛋白A-Ⅰ引起THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞ABCA1蛋白质水平和细胞内胆固醇流出增加.FRK引起THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞ABCA1蛋白质水平和细胞内胆固醇流出呈时间和浓度依赖性增加.SQ-22536引起THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞ABCA1蛋白质水平和细胞内胆固醇流出减少.结果提示,载脂蛋白A-Ⅰ可提高THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞ABCA1蛋白质水平,增加细胞内胆固醇流出,降低细胞内胆固醇聚积.其机制可能是通过PKA信号途经使细胞ABCA1蛋白质水平增加.     

研究: 肺炎衣原体抑制LXRα-ABCA1途径促进巨噬细胞脂质蓄积

为探讨肝X受体α (LXRα)-三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体A1 (ABCA1)途径在肺炎衣原体 (C. pneumoniae)促巨噬细胞脂质蓄积中的作用和机制,以THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞为模型,采用高效液相色谱分析细胞内总胆固醇、游离胆固醇和胆固醇酯含量,液体闪烁计数器检测细胞内胆固醇流出,RT-PCR检测ABCA1和LXRα mRNA的表达,蛋白质印迹检测ABCA1和LXRα的蛋白质表达;使用LXRα的特异性激动剂T0901317对细胞进行预处理,再观察上述指标的变化．结果显示,C. pneumoniae可促进THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞内总胆固醇、游离胆固醇和胆固醇酯含量增加,抑制胆固醇外流,降低细胞ABCA1和LXRα的表达;使用ABCA1激动剂8-溴-环磷酸腺苷预处理细胞或LXR激动剂T0901317预处理细胞后,可明显减弱C. pneumoniae对THP-1细胞ABCA1的表达抑制,促进细胞胆固醇流出,降低细胞内胆固醇的含量．结果提示,C. pneumoniae促进巨噬细胞脂质蓄积及胆固醇流出障碍,其机制可能与LXRα-ABCA1途径有关．     

肺炎衣原体抑制LXRα-ABCA1途径促进巨噬细胞脂质蓄积

为探讨肝X受体α(LXRα)-三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体A1(ABCA1)途径在肺炎衣原体(C.pneumoniae)促巨噬细胞脂质蓄积中的作用和机制,以THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞为模型,采用高效液相色谱分析细胞内总胆固醇、游离胆固醇和胆固醇酯含量,液体闪烁计数器检测细胞内胆固醇流出,RT-PCR检测ABCA1和LXRαm RNA的表达,蛋白质印迹检测ABCA1和LXRα的蛋白质表达;使用LXRα的特异性激动剂T0901317对细胞进行预处理,再观察上述指标的变化.结果显示,C.pneumoniae可促进THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞内总胆固醇、游离胆固醇和胆固醇酯含量增加,抑制胆固醇外流,降低细胞ABCA1和LXRα的表达;使用ABCA1激动剂8-溴-环磷酸腺苷预处理细胞或LXR激动剂T0901317预处理细胞后,可明显减弱C.pneumoniae对THP-1细胞ABCA1的表达抑制,促进细胞胆固醇流出,降低细胞内胆固醇的含量.结果提示,C.pneumoniae促进巨噬细胞脂质蓄积及胆固醇流出障碍,其机制可能与LXRα-ABCA1途径有关.     

曲格列酮对THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞ABCA1表达及胆固醇流出的影响

目的:研究曲格列酮对THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞ABCA1表达及胆固醇流出的影响。方法:采用液体闪烁计数法测定曲格列酮处理后THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞胆固醇流出。用RT-PCR和Western blotting的方法检测曲格列酮处理后THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞ABCA1 mRNA水平和蛋白质水平的变化。结果:经曲格列酮处理后,THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞的胆固醇流出具有时间依赖性的增加,从0h的1．82%上升到24h的7．61%。在mRNA水平和蛋白质水平ABCA1也均随着曲格列酮作用时间增加而表达上调。结论:曲格列酮能增加THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞ABCA1表达和胆固醇流出。     

大蒜素通过上调ABCA1表达减少脂质在THP1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞中蓄积

泡沫细胞形成是动脉粥样硬化(atherosclerosis,As)发生、发展的核心环节,抑制泡沫细胞脂质蓄积是预防As的关键.本研究以人源性THP1单核巨噬细胞为研究对象,通过用豆蔻酸佛波乙酯(phorbol myristate acetate,PMA)(160 nmol/L)诱导细胞24 h,ox-LDL(50 mg/m L)处理细胞48 h,构建泡沫细胞模型,探讨大蒜素(allicin)对THP1细胞泡沫化及腺苷三磷酸结合盒转运体A1(ATPbinding cassette transporter A1,ABCA1)的影响.RT-PCR、Western印迹分析显示,大蒜素可上调巨噬细胞ABCA1表达.油红O染色、高效液相色谱及液体闪烁计数揭示,大蒜素促进细胞内胆固醇流出,降低THP1巨噬细胞内总胆固醇(total cholesterol,TC)、游离胆固醇(free cholesterol,FC)、胆固醇酯(cholesterol ester,CE)含量,抑制泡沫细胞形成.此外,RNA干扰证明沉默ABCA1减少细胞的胆固醇流出,增加脂质蓄积.本研究结果提示,大蒜素可上调THP1巨噬细胞中ABCA1的表达,从而促进细胞内胆固醇的流出,降低泡沫细胞内胆固醇蓄积的作用.我们的结果为解释大蒜素预防As提供了新的证据.     

miR-33s在NF-κB抑制ABCA1表达及胆固醇流出中的作用

为探讨mi R-33s在核因子κB(NF-κB)抑制三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体A1(ABCA1)表达及胆固醇流出中的作用,THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞经不同浓度脂多糖(LPS)处理,活化NF-κB,或以PDTC(NF-κB抑制剂)预处理细胞后再加入LPS,实时荧光定量PCR检测细胞mi R-33s及其宿主基因胆固醇调节元件结合蛋白(SREBPs)的表达,蛋白质印迹法检测SREBPs的蛋白质表达,染色体免疫共沉淀检测NF-κB p65与SREBPs启动子区结合情况;LPS处理基础上,转染mi R-33s抑制物或mi R-33s模拟物,RT-PCR检测ABCA1 m RNA表达水平,蛋白质印迹法检测ABCA1蛋白水平,液体闪烁计数仪检测细胞内的胆固醇流出.结果显示,NF-κB活化促进mi R-33s及SREBPs的表达,使用PDTC抑制NF-κB,细胞内mi R-33s和SREBPs的表达下降;NF-κB p65可与SREBPs启动子区直接结合;转染mi R-33s抑制剂后,NF-κB活化对ABCA1的抑制作用减弱,胆固醇流出增强;相反,转染mi R-33s抑制物,NF-κB活化对ABCA1的抑制作用增强,胆固醇流出减弱.结果提示,NF-κB活化可促进mi R-33s表达,抑制ABCA1及胆固醇流出.     

亚毒性剂量毒死蜱降低新西兰兔ABCA1表达加重高脂诱导的动脉粥样硬化

为了探讨亚毒性剂量有机磷酸酯杀虫剂毒死蜱对高脂饮食诱导的动脉粥样硬化的影响及其机制,32只健康雄性新西兰兔随机分为对照组、毒死蜱组、高脂组、高脂+毒死蜱组.每天以20 mg/kg亚毒性剂量的毒死蜱灌胃处理6个月.动物处死后检测血脂水平和血清胆碱酯酶活性.收集腹腔巨噬细胞,测定其胆固醇流出率.苏丹Ⅳ染色观察胸主动脉粥样硬化斑块,定量分析动脉粥样硬化斑块占血管内表面积的百分比.颈总动脉石蜡切片,观察动脉粥样硬化斑块.采用实时定量PCR和蛋白质印迹检测,分别检测肝脏、血管和腹腔巨噬细胞中三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体A1(ATP-binding cassette transporter A1,ABCA1)mRNA和蛋白质的表达.结果显示:与对照组相比,高脂饮食升高了血清总胆固醇和脂蛋白水平,主动脉和颈总动脉出现明显的动脉粥样硬化斑块,其肝脏、主动脉和腹腔巨噬细胞ABCA1的表达升高,腹腔巨噬细胞中胆固醇流出增加;与对照组相比,毒死蜱组血清胆碱酯酶活性降低,但没有出现明显的中毒症状和肝肾功能损伤,血清中高密度脂蛋白(HDL)水平降低,ABCA1的表达降低,腹腔巨噬细胞中胆固醇流出减少;高脂+毒死蜱组与高脂组相比,血清胆碱酯酶活性降低,也没有出现明显的中毒症状和肝肾功能损伤,ABCA1的表达降低,腹腔巨噬细胞中胆固醇流出减少,主动脉和颈总动脉粥样硬化斑块更加明显.结果提示长期暴露于亚毒性剂量的毒死蜱可加速高脂饮食的致动脉粥样硬化作用,其机制可能与毒死蜱降低体内ABCA1的表达和胆固醇流出有关.     

肝X受体α在泡沫细胞胆固醇流出中的调控作用

以THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞为研究对象,观察肝X受体α(LXRα)在THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞胆固醇流出中的调控作用.结果发现,22(R)-羟基胆固醇剂量依赖性增加THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞胆固醇流出, 而DIDS剂量依赖性减少THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞胆固醇流出.逆转录聚合酶链反应显示, 22(R)-羟基胆固醇可增加THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞LXRα mRNA的表达, DIDS可抑制THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞LXRα mRNA的表达.结果提示,LXRα在巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞胆固醇流出中起着重要的调控作用,这为开发和寻找抗动脉粥样硬化药物提供了新的思路.     

cAMP induces ABCA1 phosphorylation activity and promotes cholesterol efflux from fibroblasts

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays a crucial role in apoA-I lipidation, a key step in reverse cholesterol transport. cAMP induces apoA-I binding activity and promotes cellular cholesterol efflux. We investigated the role of the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) dependent pathway in the regulation of cellular cholesterol efflux. Treatment of normal fibroblasts with 8-bromo-cAMP (8-Br-cAMP) increased significantly apoA-I-mediated cholesterol efflux, with specificity for apoA-I, but not for cyclodextrin. Concomitantly, 8-Br-cAMP increased ABCA1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner. Maximum phosphorylation was reached in <10 min, representing a 260% increase compared to basal ABCA1 phosphorylation level. Forskolin, a known cAMP regulator, increased both cellular cholesterol efflux and ABCA1 phosphorylation. In contrast, H-89 PKA inhibitor reduced cellular cholesterol efflux by 70% in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited almost completely ABCA1 phosphorylation. To determine whether naturally occurring mutants of ABCA1 may affect its phosphorylation activity, fibroblasts from subjects with familial HDL deficiency (FHD, heterozygous ABCA1 defect) and Tangier disease (TD, homozygous/compound heterozygous ABCA1 defect) were treated with 8-Br-cAMP or forskolin. Cellular cholesterol efflux and ABCA1 phosphorylation were increased in FHD but not in TD cells. Taken together, these findings provide evidence for a link between the cAMP/PKA-dependent pathway, ABCA1 phosphorylation, and apoA-I mediated cellular cholesterol efflux.     

ABCA1-dependent lipid efflux to apolipoprotein A-I mediates HDL particle formation and decreases VLDL secretion from murine hepatocytes

High levels of expression of the ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in the liver and the need to over- or underexpress hepatic ABCA1 to impact plasma HDL levels in mice suggest a major role of the liver in HDL formation and in determining circulating HDL levels. Cultured murine hepatocytes were used to examine the role of hepatic ABCA1 in mediating the lipidation of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) for HDL particle formation. Exogenous apoA-I stimulated cholesterol efflux to the medium from wild-type hepatocytes, but not from ABCA1-deficient (abca1(-/-)) hepatocytes. ApoA-I induced the formation of new HDL particles and enhanced the lipidation of endogenously secreted murine apoA-I in ABCA1-expressing but not abca1(-/-) hepatocytes. ABCA1-dependent cholesterol mobilization to apoA-I increased new cholesterol synthesis, indicating depletion of the regulatory pool of hepatocyte cholesterol during HDL formation. Secretion of triacylglycerol and apoB was decreased following apoA-I incubation with ABCA1-expressing but not abca1(-/-) hepatocytes. These results support a major role for hepatocyte ABCA1 in generating a critical pool of HDL precursor particles that enhance further HDL generation and passive cholesterol mobilization in the periphery. The results also suggest that diversion of hepatocyte cholesterol into the "reverse" cholesterol transport pathway diminishes cholesterol availability for apoB-containing lipoprotein secretion by the liver.     

ATP binding cassette transporter A1 - key roles in cellular lipid transport and atherosclerosis

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) was recently recognized as the mutant molecule responsible for Tangier disease with low HDL levels, accumulation of cholesteryl esters in tissues, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Extensive studies for the past 2 years have recognized the critical role of ABCA1 in cholesterol and phospholipid trafficking. Since the removal of cholesterol from tissues is a key step in the prevention of atherosclerosis, significant attention has been focused on this molecule. Natural ABCA1 mutations in Tangier disease (TD) patients and WHAM chickens together with induced mutation in ABCA1 knock-out mice unequivocally established the important role of ABCA1 in maintaining circulating HDL levels and promoting cholesterol efflux from the arterial wall. Mice lacking ABCA1 showed similar phenotypes observed in Tangier disease patients with low levels of HDL. Further understanding of the roles of ABCA1 in lipid transport and atherosclerosis became clear from studies with ABCA1 transgenic mice. These mice showed enhanced cholesterol efflux from macrophages and reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation. The promoter of the ABCA1 gene has been mapped to a large extent, with the exception of cAMP response element. The present review summarizes recent developments on the role of ABCA1 in cholesterol efflux and prevention of atherosclerosis. Given the antiatherogenic properties of ABCA1, this molecule can serve as an appropriate target for developing drugs to treat individuals with low levels of HDL.     

Intestinal cholesterol absorption is substantially reduced in mice deficient in both ABCA1 and ACAT2

The process of cholesterol absorption has yet to be completely defined at the molecular level. Because of its ability to esterify cholesterol for packaging into nascent chylomicrons, ACAT2 plays an important role in cholesterol absorption. However, it has been found that cholesterol absorption is not completely inhibited in ACAT2-deficient (ACAT2 KO) mice. Because ABCA1 mRNA expression was increased 3-fold in the small intestine of ACAT2 KO mice, we hypothesized that ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux sustains cholesterol absorption in the absence of ACAT2. To test this hypothesis, cholesterol absorption was measured in mice deficient in both ABCA1 and ACAT2 (DKO). Compared with wild-type, ABCA1 KO, or ACAT2 KO mice, DKO mice displayed the lowest level of cholesterol absorption. The concentrations of hepatic free and esterified cholesterol and gallbladder bile cholesterol were significantly reduced in DKO compared with wild-type and ABCA1 KO mice, although these measures of hepatic cholesterol metabolism were very similar in DKO and ACAT2 KO mice. We conclude that ABCA1, especially in the absence of ACAT2, can have a significant effect on cholesterol absorption, although ACAT2 has a more substantial role in this process than ABCA1.     

ABCA1 redistributes membrane cholesterol independent of apolipoprotein interactions

ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mediates the transport of phospholipids and cholesterol from cells to lipid-poor HDL apolipoproteins. Cholesterol loading of cells induces ABCA1, implicating cholesterol as its major physiologic substrate. It is believed, however, that ABCA1 is primarily a phospholipid transporter and that cholesterol efflux occurs by diffusion to ABCA1-generated phospholipid-rich apolipoproteins. Here we show that overexpression of ABCA1 in baby hamster kidney cells in the absence of apolipoproteins redistributed membrane cholesterol to cell-surface domains accessible to treatment with the enzyme cholesterol oxidase. The cholesterol removed by apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), but not by HDL phospholipids, was derived exclusively from these domains. ABCA1 overexpression also increased cholesterol esterification, which was prevented by addition of apoA-I, suggesting that some of the cell-surface cholesterol not removed by apolipoproteins is transported to the intracellular esterifying enzyme acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase. ABCA1 expression was essential for cholesterol efflux even when apolipoproteins had already acquired phospholipids during prior exposure to ABCA1-expressing cells.These studies show that ABCA1 redistributes cholesterol to cell-surface domains, where it becomes accessible for removal by apolipoproteins, consistent with a direct role of ABCA1 in cholesterol transport.     

Origins of intestinal ABCA1-mediated HDL-cholesterol

The origins of cholesterol utilized by intestinal ABCA1 were investigated in the human intestinal cell line Caco-2. Influx of apical membrane cholesterol increases ABCA1 mRNA and mass, resulting in enhanced efflux of HDL-cholesterol. Luminal (micellar) cholesterol and newly synthesized cholesterol are not transported directly to ABCA1 but reach the ABCA1 pool after incorporation into the apical membrane. Depleting the apical or the basolateral membrane of cholesterol by cyclodextrin attenuates the amount of cholesterol transported by ABCA1 without altering ABCA1 expression. Filipin added to the apical side but not the basal side attenuates ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux, suggesting that apical membrane "microdomains," or rafts, supply cholesterol for HDL. Preventing cholesterol esterification increases the amount of cholesterol available for HDL. Ezetimibe, a Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 protein inhibitor, does not alter ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux. U18666A and imipramine, agents that mimic cholesterol trafficking defects of Neimann-Pick type C disease, attenuate cholesterol efflux without altering ABCA1 expression; thus, intestinal NPC1 may facilitate cholesterol movement to ABCA1. ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux is independent of cholesterol synthesis. The results suggest that following incorporation into plasma membrane and rafts of the apical membrane, dietary/biliary and newly synthesized cholesterol contribute to the ABCA1 pool and HDL-cholesterol. NPC1 may have a role in this process.     

Interleukin-10 inhibits the down-regulation of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 by tumour necrosis factor-alpha in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells

It is suggested that cholesterol efflux mediated by ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays an important role in anti-atherogenesis. However, the effects of inflammatory cytokines on ABCA1 expression and cholesterol accumulation in foam cells are little known. This study investigates the effects of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) on ABCA1 expression and cholesterol content in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. ABCA1mRNA and protein levels were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The total cholesterol content in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells was detected by the zymochemistry method. Results revealed that TNF-alpha could increase cholesterol content by down-regulating ABCA1 expression in a time-dependent manner in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells, which may contribute to its pro-atherosclerotic effect. In addition IL-10 time-dependently decreased cholesterol accumulation by up-regulating ABCA1 expression and inhibited the down-regulation of ABCA1 by TNF-alpha in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells, which may be one of the mechanisms of IL-10 contributing to its anti-atherosclerotic action.     

Regulation of ABCA1 expression in human keratinocytes and murine epidermis

Keratinocytes require abundant cholesterol for cutaneous permeability barrier function; hence, the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis is of great importance. ABCA1 is a membrane transporter responsible for cholesterol efflux and plays a pivotal role in regulating cellular cholesterol levels. We demonstrate that ABCA1 is expressed in cultured human keratinocytes (CHKs) and murine epidermis. Liver X receptor (LXR) activation markedly stimulates ABCA1 mRNA and protein levels in CHKs and mouse epidermis. In addition to LXR, activators of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)alpha, PPARbeta/delta, and retinoid X receptor (RXR), but neither PPARgamma nor retinoic acid receptor, also increase ABCA1 expression in CHKs. Increases in cholesterol supply induced by LDL or mevalonate stimulate ABCA1 expression, whereas inhibiting cholesterol synthesis with statins or cholesterol sulfate decreases ABCA1 expression in CHKs. After acute permeability barrier disruption by either tape-stripping or acetone treatment, ABCA1 expression declines, and this attenuates cellular cholesterol efflux, making more cholesterol available for regeneration of the barrier. In addition, during fetal epidermal development, ABCA1 expression decreases at days 18-22 of gestation (term = 22 days), leaving more cholesterol available during the critical period of barrier formation. Together, our results show that ABCA1 is expressed in keratinocytes, where it is negatively regulated by a decrease in cellular cholesterol levels or altered permeability barrier requirements and positively regulated by activators of LXR, PPARs, and RXR or increases in cellular cholesterol levels.