LDLR molecular target information overview


  • Molecular name: LDLR, low density lipoprotein receptor
  • Gene family: Low density lipoprotein receptors; MicroRNA protein coding host genes
  • Alias: LDLCQ2
  • Alias: familial hypercholesterolemia

  • Overview of LDLR molecular targets


    The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) is a chimeric protein composed of 839 amino acids and belongs to the LDLR gene family. It is a cell surface receptor that recognizes ApoB100 embedded in the outer phospholipid layer of LDL particles and ApoE proteins present in chylomicron remnants and VLDL remnants. LDLR mediates the endocytosis of cholesterol-rich LDL. The LDLR complex is present in clathrin-coated pits (or buds) on the cell surface, which bind LDL-cholesterol through adaptor proteins and assemble into clathrin-coated endosomal vesicles, which internalize LDL-cholesterol during endocytosis and prevent LDL from diffusing on the membrane surface. This process occurs in all nucleated cells, but mainly in the liver, which removes about 70% of LDL from the circulation. Upregulation of LDLR leads to a decrease in serum lipids, which may be associated with hyperthyroidism, while hypothyroidism has the opposite effect.


    Human LDLR molecular target information


    Molecular name: LDLR, low density lipoprotein receptor


    Alias:

    • FH
    • FHC
    • FHCL1
    • LDL receptor
    • LDLCQ2
    • low-density lipoprotein receptor
    • low-density lipoprotein receptor class A domain-containing protein 3

    Gene sequence:NCBI_Gene: 3949

    Protein sequence: UniProtKB: P01130


    Human LDLR target molecular function (prediction)


    Enables several functions, including low-density lipoprotein particle binding activity; low-density lipoprotein particle receptor activity; and very-low-density lipoprotein particle receptor activity. Involved in several processes, including cholesterol homeostasis; cholesterol transport; and long-term memory. Located in several cellular components, including clathrin-coated pit; endosome; and external side of plasma membrane. Part of PCSK9-LDLR complex and receptor complex. Implicated in Alzheimer's disease; arteriosclerosis; familial hypercholesterolemia; hepatitis C; and migraine without aura. Biomarker of systemic lupus erythematosus.


    Mouse Ldlr molecular target information


    Molecular name: Ldlr, low density lipoprotein receptor


    Alias:

    • None


    Gene sequence:NCBI_Gene: 16835

    Protein sequence:


    Mouse Ldlr target molecular function (prediction)


    Acts upstream of or within several processes, including cholesterol homeostasis; lipoprotein catabolic process; and low-density lipoprotein particle clearance. Located in several cellular components, including basolateral plasma membrane; endosome; and lysosome. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; genitourinary system; musculoskeletal system; paravertebral ganglion; and sensory organ. Used to study familial hypercholesterolemia and fatty liver disease. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Alzheimer's disease; arteriosclerosis; familial hypercholesterolemia; hepatitis C; and migraine without aura. Orthologous to human LDLR (low density lipoprotein receptor).


    Rat Ldlr molecular target information


    Molecular name: Ldlr, low density lipoprotein receptor

    Alias:

    • LDL receptor
    • LDLRA
    • low-density lipoprotein receptor

    Gene sequence:NCBI_Gene: 300438

    Protein sequence:


    Rat Ldlr target molecular function (prediction)


    Enables low-density lipoprotein particle receptor activity. Involved in several processes, including cholesterol homeostasis; positive regulation of triglyceride catabolic process; and response to glucagon. Located in caveola and recycling endosome membrane. Used to study atherosclerosis and xanthomatosis. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Alzheimer's disease; arteriosclerosis; familial hypercholesterolemia; hepatitis C; and migraine without aura. Orthologous to human LDLR (low density lipoprotein receptor).