Lipoprotein receptors: beacons to neurons?

Lipoprotein receptors were originally considered simply as cellular transpo rters for cholesterol and other lipids. This view is rapidly changing. Sign aling functions have recently been recognized in several members of the low -density lipoprotein receptor gene family. These Apolipoprotein E receptors are highly expressed in the developing and in the mature nervous system, i n which they regulate crucial developmental processes and might also partic ipate in synaptic neurotransmission.