Mylip makes an Idol turn into regulation of LDL receptor

Abstract

High blood low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a serious health problem among an increased number of patients in the Western world. Statins and other cholesterol lowering drugs have proven to be beneficial as therapy but are not optimal and show adverse effects in some patients. The LDL receptor is a crucial determinant of cholesterol metabolism in the body and amenable for drug interventions. Novel insights into the physiology of this receptor come from studies on the ubiquitination and degradation of LDL receptor by the ubiquitin ligase Mylip/Idol that is induced in cells by the nuclear receptor, LXR. This may open up new possibilities in the future to influence LDL receptor levels and cholesterol metabolism pharmacologically in various diseases.