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

The present review summarizes recent advances in the transcriptional regula tion of the human apolipoprotein genes, focusing mostly, but not exclusivel y, on in-vivo studies and signaling mechanisms that affect apolipoprotein g ene transcription. An attempt is made to explain how interactions of transc ription factors that bind to proximal promoters and distal enhancers may br ing about gene transcription. The experimental approaches used and the tran scriptional regulatory mechanisms that emerge from these studies may also b e applicable in other gene systems that are associated with human disease. Understanding extracellular stimuli and the specific mechanisms that underl ie apolipoprotein gene transcription may in the long run allow us to select ively switch on antiatherogenic genes, and switch off proatherogenic genes. This may have beneficial effects and may confer protection from atheroscle rosis to humans. Curr Opin Lipidol 12:181-207. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.