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Lipoprotein receptors in the nervous system
1Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75390, USA. Joachim.Herz@UTSouthwestern.edu
Annual Review of Biochemistry
|June 5, 2002
Summary
The low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family plays crucial roles in the brain, regulating signaling pathways essential for nervous system development and function. This review highlights recent advances in understanding these lipoprotein receptors and their ligands in brain signaling.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family comprises ancient, structurally related cell-surface receptors.
- These receptors are vital for cellular uptake of extracellular ligands and regulate diverse biological processes.
- Specific members are implicated in cellular signaling and the development/maintenance of the nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of the LDL receptor family within the nervous system.
- To focus on recent discoveries concerning the mechanisms of lipoprotein receptor and ligand signaling in the brain.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on LDL receptor family functions in the nervous system.
- Analysis of recent studies on signaling pathways involving lipoprotein receptors and their ligands in the brain.
Main Results:
- Members of the LDL receptor family are involved in lipid metabolism, vitamin metabolism, and cell-surface protease activity.
- These receptors significantly contribute to cellular signaling processes.
- They play critical roles in the development and functional maintenance of the nervous system.
Conclusions:
- The LDL receptor family is integral to nervous system function through diverse mechanisms.
- Further research into lipoprotein receptors and their ligands is key to understanding brain signaling modulation.