Regulation of Brain Cholesterol: What Role Do Liver X Receptors Play in Neurodegenerative Diseases?

ABSTRACT: Liver X Receptors (LXR) alpha and beta are two members of nuclear receptor superfamily documented as endogenous cholesterol sensors. Following conversion of cholesterol in oxysterol, both LXR isoforms detect intracellular concentrations and act as transcription factors to promote expression of target genes. Among their numerous physiological roles, they act as central cholesterol-lowering factors. In the central nervous system (CNS), cholesterol has been shown to be an essential determinant of brain function, particularly as a major constituent of myelin and membranes. In the brain, LXRs act as cholesterol central regulators, and, beyond this metabolic function, LXRs have additional roles such as providing neuroprotective effects and lowering neuroinflammation. In many neurodegenerative di

SUBMITTER: Mouzat K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6720493 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature