A protein that plays an important role in the accumulation of LDL cholesterol

The team led by Yale University has identified a protein that plays an important role in the accumulation of LDL cholesterol in blood vessels. The research was conducted using recombinant rat proteins. "This finding could lead to a treatment strategy that blocks LDL accumulation, which can help to prevent or slow the arterial blockage that causes heart disease," the researchers said. The study was published in the November 21 issue of Nature Communications.

When certain proteins (called lipoproteins) in the body bind to fat in the blood and transport the fat to the cells, the animals' blood vessels are blocked by fat and cholesterol. Scientists at first thought that LDL receptor molecules are responsible for intracellular LDL transport. However, in view of the fact that some individuals lack LDL receptors still have high levels of LDL, so questions remain about the mechanism.

To identify the mechanism, the team screened more than 18,000 genes (from the inner layers of human blood vessels) from the endothelium. They examined the genes involved in the process of LDL transfer into endothelial cells. The researchers found that the protein called ALK1 contributes to the pathway of LDL entry into the cell. "We have shown that ALK1 binds directly to LDL," said senior author William Cessa and professor of pharmacology Alfred Gilman. The team also identified the "LDL-ALK1 pathway" that helps LDL transit from the bloodstream to the tissues.

"The role of ALK1 in LDL accumulation has not been previously known, and the discovery of ALK1 as an LDL-binding protein suggests that it may initiate early stages of atherosclerosis. If we can find a small molecule or antibody that prevents ALK1 approach, then it can be used in conjunction with lipid-lowering strategies."

Current lipid-lowering strategies include statins, and it targets LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. "Therapeutic agents that block ALK1 will be a unique strategy to reduce the burden of atherosclerosis and have synergistic effects with lipid-lowering therapies," Sessa said. Heart disease caused by vascular damage is the leading cause of death worldwide. Flarebio provides you with good-quality recombinant proteins like recombinant Cdh26 at good prices.