Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 29, 2026

LDL Cholesterol Uptake Assay Using Live Cell Imaging Analysis with Cell Health Monitoring
08:45

LDL Cholesterol Uptake Assay Using Live Cell Imaging Analysis with Cell Health Monitoring

Published on: November 17, 2018

13.2K

Hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α, a multifunctional nuclear receptor associated with cardiovascular disease and

Olga Lidia Tavares-Sanchez1, Carmen Rodriguez, Pablo Gortares-Moroyoqui

  • 1a Departamento de Biotecnología y Ciencias Alimentarias , Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora , Ciudad Obregón , Mexico.

International Journal of Environmental Health Research
|May 23, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α (HNF-4α) plays a key role in converting cholesterol to bile acids, a major cholesterol elimination pathway. Understanding HNF-4α may offer new ways to manage cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cardiovascular Science

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of death, often linked to high plasma cholesterol.
  • Bile acid (BA) synthesis in the liver accounts for approximately 50% of cholesterol elimination.
  • Hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α (HNF-4α) is a critical regulator of BA synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the properties and multifunctional role of HNF-4α.
  • To emphasize HNF-4α's role in cholesterol to BA conversion.
  • To explore HNF-4α as a potential target for cholesterol management.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on the regulatory functions of HNF-4α.
  • Investigate HNF-4α's transactivation of genes involved in BA biosynthesis, such as CYP7A1.
  • Examine the modulatory effects of phosphorylation on HNF-4α activity.

Main Results:

  • HNF-4α is a conserved transcription factor with broad gene transactivation capacity.
  • HNF-4α directly influences CYP7A1, the rate-limiting enzyme in BA biosynthesis.
  • Phosphorylation is identified as a key mechanism for modulating HNF-4α's transactivation potential.

Conclusions:

  • HNF-4α is central to cholesterol metabolism via bile acid synthesis.
  • Further research into HNF-4α's structural and functional characteristics can lead to novel cholesterol-lowering strategies.
  • Targeting HNF-4α may offer a therapeutic avenue for reducing CVD risk.

Keywords:
HNF-4αcardiovascular diseasecholesterolnuclear receptorphosphorylation

More Related Videos

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology05:51

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology

Published on: May 6, 2014

13.0K
A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes10:56

A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes

Published on: September 15, 2018

7.5K

Related Concept Videos

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors01:31

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors

Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
6.6K
Regulation of Nuclear Protein Sorting01:45

Regulation of Nuclear Protein Sorting

Nuclear protein sorting regulates nucleus composition and gene expression, crucial for determining the fate of a eukaryotic cell. Hence, the entry and exit of molecules across the nuclear envelope is a tightly controlled process. Nuclear protein sorting can be inhibited by one of the following ways: 1) masking cargo signal sequences, 2) modifying the nuclear receptor's affinity for cargo, 3) controlling the nuclear pore size, 4) retaining the cargo during its transit to the cytosol or the...
2.5K
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
2.1K
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...
13.3K
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management01:23

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
611
Lipid Catabolism01:25

Lipid Catabolism

Triglycerides serve as crucial long-term energy storage molecules in microorganisms, providing a dense source of metabolic energy. Their breakdown is mediated by lipases, which hydrolyze triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. Each of these components follows distinct metabolic pathways, ultimately contributing to ATP synthesis and cellular energy homeostasis.Glycerol MetabolismGlycerol, released from triglyceride hydrolysis, is phosphorylated by glycerol kinase to form...
1.4K