Role of Insulin in the Regulation of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which binds the low-density lipoprotein receptor and targets it for degradation, has emerged as an important regulator of serum cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk. Although much work is currently focused on developing therapies for inhibiting PCSK9, the endogenous regulation of PCSK9, particularly by insulin, remains unclear. The objective of these studies was to determine the effects of insulin on PCSK9 in vitro and in vivo.

Approach and results

Using rat hepatoma cells and primary rat hepatocytes, we found that insulin increased PCSK9 expression and increased low-density lipoprotein receptor degradation in a PCSK9-dependent manner. In parallel, hepatic Pcsk9 mRNA and plasma PCSK9 protein level

SUBMITTER: Miao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4484737 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature