Transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of the human apolipoprotein genes in vitro and in vivo

The present review summarizes recent advances in the transcriptional regulation of the human apolipoprotein genes, focusing mostly, but not exclusively, on in-vivo studies and signaling mechanisms that affect apolipoprotein gene transcription. An attempt is made to explain how interactions of transcription factors that bind to proximal promoters and distal enhancers may bring about gene transcription. The experimental approaches used and the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that emerge from these studies may also be applicable in other gene systems that are associated with human disease. Understanding extracellular stimuli and the specific mechanisms that underlie apolipoprotein gene transcription may in the long run allow us to selectively switch on antiatherogenic genes, and switch off proatherogenic genes. This may have beneficial effects and may confer protection from atherosclerosis to humans. Curr Opin Lipidol 12:181-207. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.