Role of PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) beyond LDLR targeting: Focus on glucose metabolism

Background: PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9), a 692 –amino acid glycoprotein, came to the attention of the scientific community in 2003, when it was identified as the third gene involved in autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia, beyond LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor) and ApoB (apolipoprotein B). Subsequently, several mutations in PCSK9 ge ne were described, both “gain-of-function” mutations associated to hypercholesterolemia and “loss of function” mutations linked to low levels of circulating LDL-C (LDL cholesterol), suggesting its important role in cholesterol metabolism.
Source: Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases : NMCD - Category: Nutrition Authors: Source Type: research