Human Apolipoprotein B-100 (APOB) Protein

Background

APOB is a major structural protein of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and chylomicrons, which are essential for lipid transport and metabolism in the body It exists in two primary isoforms: APOB-100, produced in the liver, and APOB-48, synthesized in the intestine APOB-100 is critical for the assembly and secretion of VLDL and LDL particles, facilitating the transport of cholesterol and triglycerides to peripheral tissues via binding to the LDL receptor (LDLR) Mutations or overexpression of APOB contribute to familial hypercholesterolemia and other dyslipidemias, leading to elevated LDL cholesterol levels and increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases APOB-48, on the other hand, plays a key role in chylomicron formation and dietary fat absorption Genetic variations in the APOB gene have been linked to metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease APOB levels serve as a marker of cardiovascular risk, with elevated concentrations indicating higher susceptibility to coronary artery disease Therapies targeting APOB, such as antisense oligonucleotides or LDL-lowering drugs like statins, have shown significant success in reducing cardiovascular events APOB remains a key focus in lipid biology due to its central role in lipid transport and cardiovascular health