Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Simple, Affordable, and Modular Patterning of Cells using DNA
08:59

Simple, Affordable, and Modular Patterning of Cells using DNA

Published on: February 24, 2021

Effects of CpG-ODN on gene expression in formation of foam cells

Kai Li1, Bin Wan, Zhen-lin Hu

  • 1Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.

Acta Pharmacologica Sinica
|October 18, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) stimulates macrophage foam cell formation by upregulating genes involved in lipid metabolism. This study reveals a novel mechanism influencing lipid accumulation in macrophages.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Macrophage foam cell formation is a key process in atherosclerosis.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating foam cell formation is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) on macrophage foam cell formation.
  • To analyze the impact of CpG-ODN on the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism and foam cell development.

Main Methods:

  • Gene expression profiling using microarray analysis.
  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression quantification via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
  • Analysis of intracellular cholesterol and cholesteryl ester content using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Main Results:

  • CpG-ODN stimulation led to the upregulation of CD36, LPL, and Fcgamma2b, genes associated with lipid metabolism and foam cell formation.
  • RT-PCR confirmed the upregulation of mRNA expression linked to foam cell development.
  • Histochemical analysis demonstrated increased intracellular lipid deposits following CpG-ODN treatment.
  • Flow cytometry indicated no significant effect of CpG-ODN on membrane receptor expression.

Conclusions:

  • CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) promotes macrophage foam cell formation.
  • CpG-ODN upregulates the expression of specific genes involved in lipid metabolism pathways within macrophages.

More Related Videos

Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions09:41

Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

Published on: October 17, 2017

Identifying Transcription Factor Olig2 Genomic Binding Sites in Acutely Purified PDGFRα+ Cells by Low-cell Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing Analysis12:29

Identifying Transcription Factor Olig2 Genomic Binding Sites in Acutely Purified PDGFRα+ Cells by Low-cell Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing Analysis

Published on: April 16, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Cell Specific Gene Expression01:58

Cell Specific Gene Expression

Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells01:15

Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells

Common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) are oligopotent cells that can differentiate into granulocytes and macrophages. Granulocytes and macrophages are essential for protecting the body against bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. They migrate from the bone marrow into the circulating blood to reach specific tissue sites where they differentiate and help in immune surveillance. However, they survive only for a few days and must be continuously made available to the organism to maintain a robust...