Overview of the LDL receptor: relevance to cholesterol metabolism and future approaches for the treatment of coronary heart disease

view of the LDL receptor: relevance to cholesterol metabolism and future approaches for the treatment of coronary heart disease Review (12033) Total Article Views Authors: William R Lagor, John S Millar Published Date December 2009 Volume 2010:3 Pages 1 - 14 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/JRLCR.S6033 William R Lagor, John S Millar Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Translational Research and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA Abstract: Since the discovery of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor over 30 years ago manipulation of its activity has been pursued through dietary and pharmacological means with the goal of reducing LDL cholesterol levels. This has proven to be one of the most widely implemented and beneficial interventions to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and the incidence of cardiovascular death. This review provides an overview of the LDL receptor and its role in regulating whole body cholesterol homeostasis and LDL cholesterol levels. New findings on regulation of the LDL receptor are discussed and how they can be used to develop novel therapeutics to reduce cardiovascular risk.