Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis, are a major cause of death and disability in the developed world. In this respect, although cholesterol obviously plays a predominant role in atherosclerosis, targeting inflammation at lesion sites may be just as important. Indeed, elevated IL-6 (interleukin 6) levels are as strongly associated with coronary heart disease as increased cholesterol. We have been investigating novel cAMP-regulated pathways that combat the action of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and leptin, in the VECs (vascular endothelial cells) of the circulatory system. In this respect, we have begun to unravel new molecular mechanisms by which the cAMP/Epac1 (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1)/Rap1 pathway can initiate a rigorous programme of protective anti-inflammatory responses in VECs. Central to this is the coupling of cAMP elevation to the mobilization of two C/EBP (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein) family transcription factors, resulting in the induction of the SOCS3 (suppressor of cytokine signalling 3) gene, which attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokine signalling in VECs. These novel ‘protective’ mechanisms of cAMP action will inform the development of the next generation of pharmaceuticals specifically designed to combat endothelial inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease.
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February 2012
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Conference Article|
January 19 2012
Novel control of cAMP-regulated transcription in vascular endothelial cells
Gillian R. Milne;
Gillian R. Milne
*Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
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Timothy M. Palmer;
Timothy M. Palmer
†Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences (TMP), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
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Stephen J. Yarwood
Stephen J. Yarwood
1
*Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
1To whom correspondence should be addressed (email Stephen.Yarwood@glasgow.ac.uk).
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
May 11 2011
Online ISSN: 1470-8752
Print ISSN: 0300-5127
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2012 Biochemical Society
2012
Biochem Soc Trans (2012) 40 (1): 1–5.
Article history
Received:
May 11 2011
Citation
Gillian R. Milne, Timothy M. Palmer, Stephen J. Yarwood; Novel control of cAMP-regulated transcription in vascular endothelial cells. Biochem Soc Trans 1 February 2012; 40 (1): 1–5. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20110606
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