PCSK9: A Multi-Faceted Protein That Is Involved in Cardiovascular Biology

Sai Sahana Sundararaman, Yvonne Doring*, Emiel P. C. van Der Vorst*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal(Systematic) Review article peer-review

Abstract

Pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is secreted mostly by hepatocytes and to a lesser extent by the intestine, pancreas, kidney, adipose tissue, and vascular cells. PCSK9 has been known to interact with the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and chaperones the receptor to its degradation. In this manner, targeting PCSK9 is a novel attractive approach to reduce hyperlipidaemia and the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Recently, it has been recognised that the effects of PCSK9 in relation to cardiovascular complications are not only LDLR related, but that various LDLR-independent pathways and processes are also influenced. In this review, the various LDLR dependent and especially independent effects of PCSK9 on the cardiovascular system are discussed, followed by an overview of related PCSK9-polymorphisms and currently available and future therapeutic approaches to manipulate PCSK9 expression.

Original languageEnglish
Article number793
Number of pages22
JournalBiomedicines
Volume9
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2021

Keywords

  • PCSK9
  • cardiovascular disorders
  • low density lipoprotein receptor
  • cholesterol
  • polymorphisms
  • monoclonal antibodies
  • SUBTILISIN/KEXIN TYPE 9
  • SMOOTH-MUSCLE-CELLS
  • OF-FUNCTION MUTATIONS
  • MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION
  • LDL CHOLESTEROL
  • FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA
  • MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES
  • CATALYTIC DOMAIN
  • TURKISH PATIENTS
  • PLASMA PCSK9

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