Isolation, characterization, and assay of plasma lipid transfer proteins

Abstract

This chapter describes the methodological approaches for the isolation and assay of the human plasma lipid transfer proteins. The recent identification of specific plasma proteins which facilitate the exchange, and under the appropriate conditions the net mass transfer, of cholesteryl esters, triglycerides, and phospholipids between the various classes of the plasma lipoproteins has opened a new and important area of research for understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of lipid transport. The process is believed to prevent lipid accumulation and retard atherogenesis. The plasma lipid transfer protein also plays an important role in removing surface components such as phospholipid, unesterified cholesterol, and protein from very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and chylomicron remnants during lipolysis. The plasma neutral lipid transfer protein may also redistribute neutral lipids not only between lipoproteins but also between lipoproteins and plasma membranes of cells.