The babel of the ABCs: Novel transporters involved in the regulation of sterol absorption and excretion [Review]

摘要

Hypercholesterolaemia is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Therefore, the reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is one of the primary targets of the current recommendations to decrease CHD risk in the population. Whereas, the mechanisms involved in de novo cholesterol synthesis and its uptake by cells via the LDL receptor are well known, we still need better understanding about the mechanisms involved in intestinal cholesterol absorption and excretion. The recent discovery of ABCG5 and ABCG8 transporters will significantly improve our understanding of cholesterol trafficking and it will lead to better and new therapeutic strategies to maintain cholesterol homeostasis.