Liver X receptor β regulates bile volume and the expression of aquaporins and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in the gallbladder

Abstract

This report reveals a novel and specific role of the nuclear receptor liver X receptor β (LXRβ) in controlling biliary tree pathophysiology. LXRβ−/− mice have high gallbladder bile volume and are affected by a cholangiopathy that resembles cystic fibrosis. We found LXRβ to regulate the expression of both aquaporins water channels and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. This opens a new field in biliary tree pathophysiology, enlightening a possible transcription factor controlling CFTR expression.