The transcription factor MafB promotes anti-inflammatory M2 polarization and cholesterol efflux in macrophages.

ABSTRACT: Macrophages play pivotal roles in the progression and regression of atherosclerosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that macrophage polarization into an anti-inflammatory M2 state is a key characteristic of atherosclerotic plaques undergoing regression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this potential association of the M2 polarization with atherosclerosis regression remain poorly understood. Further, human genetic factors that facilitate these anti-atherogenic processes remain largely unknown. We report that the transcription factor MafB plays pivotal roles in promoting macrophage M2 polarization. Further, MafB promotes cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells by directly up-regulating its key cellular mediators. Notably, MafB expression is significantly up-regulated in re

SUBMITTER: Kim H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5548719 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature