枯草溶菌素转换酶9与血脂代谢调节

高胆固醇血症及其引起的冠心病已成为威胁人类健康的最重要因素,血脂代谢相关研究日益受到重视.最近的研究表明,一种前蛋白转换酶家族成员--枯草溶菌素转换酶9(proproteinconvertasc kexin type 9,PCSK9)在血脂代谢调节中起着重要作用.PCSK9基因的表达和突变与低密度脂蛋白受体(low-density lipoprotein receptor,LDLR)含量密切相火,PCSK9高度表达能促进LDLR降解,从而提高血浆LDL水平;反之,PCSK9基因抑制则引起血浆LDL水平降低.因此,通过研究PCSK9的作用机制,有望开发出治疗高胆固醇血症、控制高血脂和预防冠心病的新型药物.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 and regulation of lipid metabolism

Hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease caused by it have become the most important factors threatening human health. The lipid metabolism-related studies are increasingly receiving attention. Recent studies have demonstrated that proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a family member of precursor protein-converting enzyme, plays an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. The expression and mutation of PCSK9 gene are closely correlated with the content of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). The excessive expression of PCSK9 promotes the degradation of LDLR, thereby increasing the levels of plasma LDL; whereas the inhibition of PCSK9 gene expression causes the decreased levels of plasma LDL. Therefore, it is promising to develop novel medications for treating hypercholesterolemia, controlling hyperlipermia and preventing coronary heart disease by studying the mechanism of PCSK9.