Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptors are cell-surface receptor proteins that regulate endocytosis of cholesterol and lipoproteins into mammalian cells. These receptors are essential for proper lipid metabolism and healthy cell function. However, LDLR and VLDLR are also associated with a wide variety of diseases, due to their role as gateways between external plasma and cells.
A 2011 study in Hepatology analyzed the role of the LDLR in the Hepatitis C virus life cycle, and found that the physiological function of LDLR is necessary for optimal replication of the Hepatitis C virus genome. Mutations in the LDLR gene cause the autosomal dominant disorder,hypercholesterolemia. Alternatively, defects in VLDLR can cause cerebellar ataxia, mental retardation and dysequilibrium syndrome type 1. VLDLR may also be a susceptibility gene for Alzheimer diseases due to the Reelin binding that induces modulation of Tau phosphorylation.
Novus offers a number of top quality LDLR and VLDLR antibodies for lipid and metabolism research, some of which are featured below.