Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR) Family Orchestrates Cholesterol Homeostasis

The LDLR family of proteins is involved in lipoproteins trafficking. While the role of LDLR in cardiovascular disease has been widely studied, only recently the role of other members of the LDLR proteins in lipoprotein homeostasis and atherosclerosis has emerged. LDLR, VLDLR, and LRPs bind and internalize apoE- and apoB-containing lipoprotein, including LDL and VLDL, and regulate their cellular uptake. LRP6 is a unique member of this family for its function as a co-receptor for Wnt signal transduction. The work in our laboratory has shown that LRP6 also plays a key role in lipoprotein and TG clearance, glucose homoeostasis, and atherosclerosis. The role of these receptor proteins in pathogenesis of diverse metabolic risk factors is emerging, rendering them targets of novel therapeutics for metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis. This manuscript reviews the physiological role of the LDLR family of proteins and describes its involvement in pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.