Abstract 1691 Mutation of LXRα in Liver Macrophages of W441F Mice

Liver Receptor alpha (LXRα) is a transcription factor that regulates fat and cholesterol metabolism. Inhibiting LXRα activity by introducing a single amino acid change into the protein increases cholesterol in cells and causes inflammation and fibrosis (liver stiffening). Immunofluorescence analysis of liver tissue from control and mutant mice indicates that mutant livers have a higher number of fat-filled cells. There is also increased staining for macrophages (a type of immune cell) in the affected livers.