MOLECULAR-GENETICS OF PLASMA CHOLESTERYL ESTER TRANSFER PROTEIN

Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein facilitates the transfer of cholesteryl ester from HDL to apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins , and is a key protein in the reverse cholesterol transport system. Th e importance of plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein in lipoprote in metabolism was highlighted by the discovery of deficient individual s with a marked hyper-HDL-cholesterolemia. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein deficiency causes various abnormalities in the concentration, composition, and functions of both HDL and LDL. Its significance in at herosclerosis is still controversial. However, in-vitro evidence shows large cholesteryl ester-rich HDL particles in cholesteryl ester trans fer protein deficiency are defective in cholesterol efflux. Recent epi demiological studies have demonstrated an increased incidence of coron ary atherosclerosis in deficient patients. The current review will als o focus on the molecular genetics of the protein.