Dysregulation of Neuronal Cholesterol Homeostasis upon Exposure to HIV-1 Tat and Cocaine Revealed by RNA-Sequencing.

ABSTRACT: HIV-1 Tat protein is released from HIV-1-infected cells and can enter non-permissive cells including neurons. Tat disrupts neuronal homeostasis and may contribute to the neuropathogenesis in people living with HIV (PLWH). The use of cocaine by PLWH exacerbates neuronal dysfunction. Here, we examined the mechanisms by which Tat and cocaine facilitate alterations in neuronal homeostatic processes. Bioinformatic interrogation of the results from RNA deep sequencing of rat hippocampal neurons exposed to Tat alone indicated the dysregulation of several genes involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Following exposure to Tat and cocaine, the activation of cholesterol biosynthesis genes led to increased levels of free cholesterol and cholesteryl esters in rat neurons. Results from lipid meta

SUBMITTER: Mohseni Ahooyi T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6215004 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature