Apolipoprotein B epitopes are present in nuclear preparations of human and mouse cells

Int J Mol Med. 2009 Jul;24(1):29-33. doi: 10.3892/ijmm_00000202.

Abstract

We previously showed that a native very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)- and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-rich mix induces global changes in DNA methylation in cultured THP-1 human macrophages. The exact molecular mechanisms for this response are not yet known. Previous studies showed that apolipoprotein B (ApoB) or its fragments can be localized in nuclei following cellular uptake, thus suggesting that ApoB may have a chromatin-modifying activity. To verify this hypothesis, we assessed whether ApoB epitopes are detected in THP-1 and mouse cell nuclei. Using a combination of immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry and chromatin immunoprecipitation, we showed that ApoB epitopes are present in THP-1 cell and mouse monocyte/macrophage nuclear fractions, but are perinuclear rather than intranuclear. Our results are not consistent with a direct chromatin-ApoB interaction as an underlying mechanism for the observed epigenetic responses to lipoproteins in THP-1 cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apolipoproteins B / immunology
  • Apolipoproteins B / metabolism*
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Epitopes
  • Humans
  • Macrophages, Peritoneal / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Monocytes / metabolism

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins B
  • Chromatin
  • Epitopes