The expression of ACAT-1 in cell differentiation from mononuclear cell to foam cell

Objective To explore the expression of Acyl CoA cholesterol acyltransferase-1(ACAT-1 ) in the cell differentiation from mononuclear cell to foam cell.Methods The mononuclear cell was resuscitated and cocultured with phorbol myristate acetate(PMA),and then,the foam cell was induced with PMA plus oxidized low density lipoprotein(ox-LDL) for 1～4 d.RT-PCR assay,western bloting assay were employed to examine the expression of ACAT-1 mRNA,protein expression in the cell differentiation.Results(1) The mononuclear cells line THP-1 could be differentiated into macrophages after 48 hours induction by the PMA,and into foam cells after 24 hours induction by PMA/ox-LDL.(2) Compared with the mononuclear cell in the control group,expression of ACAT-1 mRNA and protein in macrophages obviously increased(P0.05),with a time dependant pattern.Compared with the macrophages, expression of ACAT-1 mRNA and protein,the ACAT-1 activity in foam cells increased,demonstrated time dependant pattern,without significant difference compared with the control group(P 0.05).Conclusion The mononuclear cells line THP-1 could differentiate into macrophage and foam cells after induction by PMA and PMA/ox-LDL. The expression and activity of ACAT-1 gene increased may play an important role in the mononuclear cells differentiation into the foam cell.