Expanding functions of lipoprotein receptors

Joachim Herz,Ying Chen,Irene Masiulis,Li Zhou

doi:10.1194/jlr.r800077-jlr200

Joachim Herz, Ying Chen + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1194/jlr.r800077-jlr200

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Abstract

Lipoprotein receptors are evolutionarily ancient proteins that are expressed on the surface of many cell types. Beginning with the appearance of the first primitive multicellular organisms, several structurally and functionally distinct families of lipoprotein receptors evolved. Originally, these cell surface proteins were thought to merely mediate the traffic of lipids and nutrients between cells and, in some cases, by functioning as scavenger receptors, remove other kinds of macromolecules, such as proteases and protease inhibitors from the extracellular space and the cell surface. Over the last decade, this picture has fundamentally changed. We now appreciate that many of these receptors are not mere cargo transporters; they are deeply embedded in the machinery by which cells communicate with each other. By physically interacting and coevolving with fundamental signaling pathways, lipoprotein receptors have occupied essential and surprisingly diverse functions that are indispensable for integrating the complex web of cellular signal input during development and in differentiated tissues.

Highlights

Lipoprotein receptors are evolutionarily ancient proteins that are expressed on the surface of many cell types
Lipid transport through the circulation, the extracellular space, and across the plasma membrane involves the concerted action of a wide range of cell surface receptors, lipid carrier and transfer proteins, enzymes, and cellular transporters
These cell surface receptors fall into two major groups: endocytic receptors that bind their cargo in the form of lipid carrying lipoproteins and mediate their internalization and eventually

Summary

Introduction

Lipoprotein receptors are evolutionarily ancient proteins that are expressed on the surface of many cell types. Several members of the LDL receptor gene family are involved in a wide range of signaling pathways that control fundamental developmental processes in the embryo, as well as tissue remodeling in the adult organism.

Results

Conclusion