Acyclic retinoid inhibits functional interaction of transcription factors Kruppel-like factor 5 and retinoic acid receptor-alpha

We show that transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5), which is important in cardiovascular remodeling, interacts with retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RAR alpha) to regulate downstream gene expression. Here, we investigated whether acyclic retinoid (ACR) regulates KLF5 and inhibits vascular remodeling. Co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down binding assay showed that ACR attenuates functional interaction of KLF5 and RAR alpha. ACR affects KLF5 functions by regulating transactivation of platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGF-A) chain. ACR may be a new vascular therapy to target KLF5 in cardiovascular pathology. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies.