Bin Liu, M.D.
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Bin Liu, M.D.
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Research
- Regulation of MCP-1 mRNA stability
Background
Bin Liu earned his M.D. in Bathune Medical School, China
Research Overview
Atherosclerosis is a major cause of death, morbidity and disability. Inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis. Among inflammatory factors, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1 or CCL-2) has been shown to be critical in mediating atherosclerosis. MCP-1 is a CC chemokine, which recruits monocytes to the injured arterial wall, and is secreted by activated endothelial cells, macrophages, and vesicular smooth muscle cells(SMC). MCP-1 also plays important roles in other inflammatory processes, ranging from rheumatologic disease, neurodegenerative disease, and infection. My research examines the regulation of MCP-1 mRNA stability. We have currently found that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) enhances, whereas glucocorticoids markedly decrease MCP-1 mRNA stability. The effect of glucocorticoids is highly specific and occurs in vivo. My project currently employs rat aortic SMC cell culture as well as animal models to study MCP-1 mRNA stability. We have identified a dexamethasone(Dex)- and PDGF-sensitive fragment in the 5' region of the MCP-1 mRNA. We are using this fragment to help identify and characterize the protein(s) involved in regulating MCP-1 mRNA stability. In addition, we are examining the intracellular signaling pathways involved in regulating MCP-1 mRNA stability in cultured SMC and transgenic animals. Ultimately, we will employ animal models of arterial injury and atherosclerosis to examine the effect of altering MCP-1 mRNA stability on these processes. Elucidating the mechanisms by which PDGF and glucocorticoids regulate MCP-1 m RNA should provide novel approaches to regulating MCP-1 and therefor may have widespread clinical implications.