Cholesterol Efflux Assay Kit (Cell-based)

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Cholesterol efflux is a mechanical process where excess cholesterol is removed from cells and transported to extracellular acceptors. The process is managed by proteins like ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) which are sometimes referred to as key players in cholesterol efflux. These proteins have masses of about 220 kDa and 75 kDa respectively and are highly expressed in tissues such as the liver intestine and macrophages. They interact directly with lipid-poor apolipoproteins facilitating the removal of cellular cholesterol.

Biological function summary

Cholesterol efflux plays a significant role in maintaining lipid homeostasis and preventing lipid accumulation in cells. It is part of a larger complex known as the reverse cholesterol transport pathway which involves several lipoprotein particles including high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This pathway assists in transporting cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver for excretion. By doing so it is instrumental in maintaining optimal cellular function and contributes to cardiovascular health.

Pathways

Mechanisms controlling cholesterol efflux are integrated into the broader framework of lipid metabolism and inflammation pathways. The first is the reverse cholesterol transport pathway as already mentioned which uses HDL to ferry cholesterol back to the liver. Proteins such as lecithin–cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and lipid transfer proteins are also involved in these pathways facilitating the conversion of cholesterol to cholesteryl esters and subsequent transport. Cholesterol efflux also interacts with the inflammatory pathway where it connects with proteins like nuclear receptors that regulate inflammatory responses.

Associated diseases and disorders

Imbalances in cholesterol efflux are linked to conditions such as atherosclerosis and Tangier disease. A deficiency in cholesterol efflux can lead tangibly to cholesterol buildup in blood vessels contributing to plaque formation and atherosclerosis. The transporter proteins ABCA1 and ABCG1 are connected to these conditions; for instance mutations in ABCA1 are directly related to Tangier disease which results in extremely low levels of HDL cholesterol. Understanding cholesterol efflux and its related mechanisms is essential for developing strategies to manage and treat related disorders.