Transcription factor activator protein-2beta accelerates lipid accumulation in macrophages via enhancing the transcription of CD36.

The role of transcription factor activator protein-2beta (AP-2beta) in foam cell formation was investigated. Uptake assay of DiI-labeled oxidized low density lipoprotein and the lipid quantitative analysis by high performance liquid chromatography showed AP-2beta promoted the lipid accumulation. The quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot indicated that AP-2beta upregulated the expression of CD36. Luciferase assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed that AP-2beta bound to AP-2 binding sites in CD36 promoter region and enhanced the promoter activity of CD36 gene. We conclude that AP-2beta may function in foam cell formation through enhancing the transcription and expression of CD36 followed by increased lipid uptake.