Gene-selective modulation by a synthetic oxysterol ligand of the liver X receptor

Liver X receptors (LXRs) play key roles in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis by limiting cholesterol accumulation in macrophages within arterial wall lesion sites by a mechanism that includes the upregulation of ATP binding cassette transporters. These atheroprotective properties distinguish LXRs as potential targets for pharmaceutical intervention in cardiovascular disease. Their associated activity for promoting lipogenesis and triglyceride accretion through the activation of sterol-response element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) expression, however, represents a potential proatherogenic liability. A newly characterized synthetic oxysterol, N,N-dimethyl-3beta-hydroxycholen-amide (DMHCA), represents a gene-selective LXR modulator that mediates potent transcriptional activation of ABCA1 gene expression while exhibiting minimal effects on SREBP-1c both in vitro and in vivo in mice. DMHCA has the potential to stimulate cholesterol transport through the upregulation of LXR target genes, including ABCA1, in liver, small intestine, and peritoneal macrophages. Compared with known nonsteroidal LXR agonists, however, DMHCA exhibits only limited activity for increasing hepatic SREBP-1c mRNA and does not alter circulating plasma triglycerides. Cell-based studies also indicate that DMHCA enhances cholesterol efflux in macrophages and suggest a mechanism whereby this selective modulator can potentially inhibit cholesterol accumulation. DMHCA and related gene-selective ligands of LXR may have application to the study and treatment of atherosclerosis.