PCSK9: a convertase that coordinates LDL catabolism.
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Horton JD, Cohen JC, Hobbs HH
PCSK9: a convertase that coordinates LDL catabolism.
J Lipid Res. 2009 Apr;50 Suppl:S172-7. doi: 10.1194/jlr.R800091-JLR200. Epub 2008 Nov 19.
- PubMed ID
- 19020338 [ View in PubMed]
- Abstract
The identification and characterization of proprotein convertase subtilisin-like/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) have provided new insights into LDL metabolism and the causal role of LDL in coronary heart disease (CHD). PCSK9 is a secreted protease that mediates degradation of the LDL receptor by interacting with the extracellular domain and targeting the receptor for degradation. Individuals with loss-of-function mutations in PCSK9 have reduced plasma levels of LDL cholesterol and are protected from CHD; these observations have validated PCSK9 as a therapeutic target and suggested new approaches for the treatment and prevention of CHD.