Cholesterol function and its role in atherosclerosis
Factor | Full name | Function |
---|---|---|
ABCA1 | ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 1 | Cholesterol export protein; key factor in HDL biogenesis |
ABCG1 | ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 1 | Cholesterol export protein |
ABCG5 | ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 5 | Biliary sterol exporter |
ABCG8 | ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 8 | Biliary sterol exporter |
Apo | Apolipoprotein | Structural component of lipoproteins; stabilizes lipoproteins and is an interaction partner for cellular receptors |
ATF4 | Activating transcription factor 4 | Downstream signalling protein of the UPR; activated by PERK |
ATF6 | Activating transcription factor 6 | Downstream signalling protein of the UPR; mediates transcription of chaperones |
GRP78 | Glucose-related protein 78 | ER chaperone |
HDL | High-density lipoprotein | Cholesterol transport vehicle; main factor in RCT; transports cholesterol to the liver and steroidogenic tissues |
HMG-CoAR | 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase | Rate-liming enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis; target of statins |
IDOL | Inducible degrader of the LDLR | Negative regulator of LDL uptake |
INSIG | Insulin-induced gene | Blocks SREBP activation in response to high cellular cholesterol levels |
IRE1 | Inositol-requiring enzyme 1 | Downstream signalling protein of the UPR; highly conserved among species |
LDL | Low-density lipoprotein | Main cholesterol transport vehicle in humans |
LDLR | Low-density lipoprotein receptor | Main receptor supplying cells with cholesterol |
LXR | Liver X receptor | Positive regulator of cholesterol efflux and fatty acid synthesis |
NRF1 | Nuclear respiratory factor 1; official gene name: NFE2L1 (nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 1) | Transcription factor which is activated in response to high cellular cholesterol levels; positive regulator of cholesterol efflux |
PCSK9 | Proprotein convertase subtilisin-like kexin type 9 | Negative regulator of plasma LDL levels; mediates degradation of the LDLR |
PERK | Protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase | Downstream signalling protein of the UPR; excess PERK-activation triggers apoptosis |
RCT | Reverse cholesterol transport | Transport of excess peripheral cholesterol into the liver for disposal into the bile |
S1P, S2P | Site- 1/2 protease | Golgi-resident proteases which activate transcription factors involved in cholesterol homeostasis (SREBP) and unfolded protein response (ATF6) |
SCAP | SREBP cleavage-activating protein | Mediates transport of SREBP from the ER to the Golgi apparatus |
SR-BI | Scavenger receptor class B member 1 | HDL receptor |
SREBP | Sterol regulatory element binding protein | Transcription factor which is activated in response to low cellular cholesterol levels; positive regulator of cholesterol uptake and synthesis |
UPR | Unfolded protein response | Signalling cascade activated by ER stress; mediates adaptive mechanisms or apoptosis |