Carotenoid Interactions with PCSK9: Exploring Novel Cholesterol-Lowering Strategies.

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: This study investigated the potential of green algae-derived carotenoids as natural inhibitors of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a key regulator of cholesterol metabolism. PCSK9 promotes the degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR), thereby increasing blood cholesterol levels and elevating the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Methods/Results: We screened the pharmacophore fit score of 27 carotenoids with PCSK9 and identified 14 that were analyzed for binding affinity and molecular interactions. Astaxanthin, siphonaxanthin, and prasinoxanthin were identified as the top candidates, demonstrating strong binding affinity (-10.5, -10.3, and -9.4 Kcal/mol, respectively) and stable interactions with several kno

SUBMITTER: Medoro A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11676125 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature