CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Proteinβin relation to ER Stress, Inflammation, and Metabolic Disturbances

Abstract

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and underlying metabolic disturbances increase rapidly in developed countries. Various molecular targets are currently under investigation to unravel the molecular mechanisms that cause these disturbances. This is done in attempt to counter or prevent the negative health consequences of the metabolic disturbances. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge on the role of C/EBP-βin these metabolic disturbances. C/EBP-βdeletion in mice resulted in downregulation of hepatic lipogenic genes and increased expression ofβ-oxidation genes in brown adipose tissue. Furthermore, C/EBP-βis important in the differentiation and maturation of adipocytes and is increased during ER stress and proinflammatory conditions. So far, studies were only conducted in animals and in cell systems. The results found that C/EBP-βis an important transcription factor within the metabolic disturbances of the metabolic system. Therefore, it is interesting to examine the potential role of C/EBP-βat molecular and physiological level in humans.