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Apolipoprotein(a): structure and biology.
A M Scanu1, K Nakajima, C Edelstein
1Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. ascanu@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu
Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|March 7, 2001
Summary
Apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] is a key component of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] that may cause atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Its cardiovascular risk depends on its bound or free state and other influencing factors.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Science
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] is the unique glycoprotein in lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)].
- Lp(a) is synthesized in the liver and covalently attached to apoB100-lipoprotein in plasma.
- The removal mechanisms for Lp(a) are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct properties of free and bound apo(a).
- To explore factors influencing the athero-thrombogenic potential of apo(a).
- To highlight variables for assessing cardiovascular pathogenicity of apo(a).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of apo(a) structure and function in different states (bound vs. free).
- Assessment of redox status influence on apo(a) properties.
- Consideration of apo(a) size, sequence polymorphism, lipoprotein binding, and inflammation.
Main Results:
- Free apo(a) exhibits different structural and functional properties compared to bound apo(a).
- Redox status of the milieu affects the acquisition of the unbound state by apo(a).
- Apo(a) possesses inherent athero-thrombogenic potential.
Conclusions:
- The cardiovascular pathogenicity of apo(a) is complex and multifactorial.
- Factors such as apo(a) size, polymorphism, binding status, and inflammation modulate its risk.
- Accurate assessment requires consideration of these variables for both free and bound apo(a).