YC-1 induces lipid droplet formation in RAW 264.7 macrophages

Leo Tsui, Shwu Fen Chang, Hsiang Po Huang, Tsorng Harn Fong, I. Jong Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: 3-(5′-Hydroxymethyl-2′-furyl)-1-benzylindazole (YC-1) is a potential anticancer drug that may activate soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and increase the level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The aim of this study was to explore the effects of YC-1 on lipid droplet accumulation and foam cell formation in macrophages. Results: Human-oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was used to induce accumulation of lipid droplets in a murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7. Oil red O staining showed that treatment with 20 μM YC-1 for 24 h increased the area of intracellular lipid droplets in macrophages. The results of high content screening (HCS) with the AdipoRed™ assay further revealed that YC-1 enhanced ox-LDL-induced foam cell formation. This was evidenced by an increase in the total area of lipid droplets and the mean fluorescence intensity per cell. Inhibition of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) using KT5823 significantly reduced YC-1-enhanced lipid droplet formation in ox-LDL-induced macrophage foam cells. Conclusion: YC-1 induces lipid droplet formation in macrophages, possibly through the sGC/cGMP/PKG signaling pathway. This chemical should be tested with caution in future clinical trials.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2
JournalJournal of Biomedical Science
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 15 2016

Keywords

  • Foam cells
  • Macrophages
  • Oxidized low density lipoproteins
  • YC-1
  • cGMP-dependent protein kinase

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry, medical
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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