Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the carrier protein for cholesterol in the blood. LDL binds to its receptor on the capillary walls and thereby mediates the uptake and clearence of cholesterol from the circulation. In atherosclerotic lesions oxidatively modified LDL is found and oxidized LDL is specifically recognized and ingested by macrophages via scavenger receptor A and CD36. Oxidized LDL may be a marker of atherosclerosis but the precise changes in oxidized LDL are not well described. Low-density lipoprotein oxidised with Cu2SO4.
When too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog those arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. Oxidized lipoproteins are formed by free radical damage to lipids that accumulate in macrophages and smooth muscle cells causing foam cell formation, an initial step in the disease.
Subcellular Location:
Secreted (probable)
SWISS:
N/A
Gene ID:
N/A
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