Recombinant Mouse LDL Receptor protein (Tagged)

Supplementary information

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

The LDL Receptor also called LDLR is a protein that plays an important role in the uptake and clearance of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) from the bloodstream. LDLR binds LDL particles facilitating their internalization through receptor-mediated endocytosis. This receptor is expressed mainly in the liver adrenal glands and other tissues involved in cholesterol metabolism. It has an approximate molecular weight of 160 kDa. Researchers often study LDLR using techniques like Western blotting to understand its presence and function.

Biological function summary

The LDL receptor interacts with LDL particles to regulate cholesterol levels in the body. It is part of a cell surface complex that recognizes and binds to apolipoprotein B-100 or apolipoprotein E present on LDL. This interaction initiates internalization of LDL leading to its degradation in lysosomes where cholesterol can be released and used by the cell. Mutations in the gene encoding LDLR can lead to inefficient cholesterol uptake influencing various metabolic processes.

Pathways

LDL receptor activities are integral to lipid metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis. Two important biological pathways that involve LDLR include the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway and the lipoprotein clearance pathway. Within these pathways LDLR collaborates closely with proteins like PCSK9 which modulates its expression and degradation and HMG-CoA reductase an important enzyme in cholesterol synthesis to balance cholesterol levels in the body.

Defects in the LDL receptor are strongly associated with familial hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. These conditions arise from impaired clearance of LDL leading to elevated cholesterol levels which pose risks for cardiovascular diseases. LDLR dysfunctions are linked with the Protein PCSK9 whose gain-of-function mutations can exacerbate hypercholesterolemia by promoting degradation of LDLR while statins aim to increase LDLR expression to lower LDL cholesterol levels.