Diets and cholesterol metabolism

Abstract

<p indent="0mm">Cholesterol is an essential component of most biological membranes and is the precursor for synthesis of steroid hormones and bile acids. In addition, numerous proteins can be modified by cholesterol, which are essential for embryonic development and cell proliferation. However, high level of blood cholesterol is a major risk factor of atherosclerosis. Therefore, cholesterol metabolism is tightly regulated by mammalian cells. Humans acquire cholesterol through de novo biosynthesis and intestinal absorption from foods. Bao-Liang Song’s research team at Wuhan University has long been devoted to the research of cholesterol metabolism, and has made a series of important original discoveries. The team systematically elucidated the negative feedback regulatory pathway of cholesterol synthesis -- HMGCR degradation pathway, revealed the molecular pathway of dietary induction of cholesterol synthesis, and proposed a new lipid-lowering strategy. They also identified a series of important proteins in the intestinal cholesterol absorption pathway. They found a rare frameshift variant in the LIMA1 gene from a Chinese family of Kazakh ethnicity with inherited low LDL-C and reduced cholesterol absorption. They demonstrated LIMA1 as a key protein regulating intestinal cholesterol absorption. This article focuses on diets and cholesterol metabolism, and reviews the relevant mechanisms of cholesterol synthesis regulation and intestinal cholesterol absorption, as well as the important achievements made by the cholesterol research team of Wuhan University.