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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

A High-Throughput Luciferase Assay to Evaluate Proteolysis of the Single-Turnover Protease PCSK9

A High-Throughput Luciferase Assay to Evaluate Proteolysis of the Single-Turnover Protease PCSK9

Published on: August 28, 2018

Berberine decreases PCSK9 expression in HepG2 cells.

Jamie Cameron¹, Trine Ranheim, Mari Ann Kulseth

¹Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Medical Genetics, Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. jamie.cameron@rikshospitalet.no

Atherosclerosis

|March 22, 2008

Summary

Berberine, a natural extract, reduces PCSK9 levels by decreasing gene transcription. This suggests berberine may enhance statin therapy for cholesterol management.

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LDL Cholesterol Uptake Assay Using Live Cell Imaging Analysis with Cell Health Monitoring

LDL Cholesterol Uptake Assay Using Live Cell Imaging Analysis with Cell Health Monitoring

Published on: November 17, 2018

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Last Updated: Jul 6, 2026

A High-Throughput Luciferase Assay to Evaluate Proteolysis of the Single-Turnover Protease PCSK9

A High-Throughput Luciferase Assay to Evaluate Proteolysis of the Single-Turnover Protease PCSK9

Published on: August 28, 2018

LDL Cholesterol Uptake Assay Using Live Cell Imaging Analysis with Cell Health Monitoring

LDL Cholesterol Uptake Assay Using Live Cell Imaging Analysis with Cell Health Monitoring

Published on: November 17, 2018

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Pharmacology

Background:

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) regulates low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) levels.
PCSK9 targets LDLR for lysosomal degradation, impacting cholesterol homeostasis.
PCSK9 gene mutations are linked to hypo- and hypercholesterolemia.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of berberine on PCSK9 expression.
To determine if berberine influences PCSK9 transcription or mRNA stability.

Main Methods:

Utilized HepG2 cells to study berberine's impact on PCSK9.
Quantified PCSK9 mRNA and protein levels.
Assessed the combined effects of berberine and mevastatin on PCSK9 and LDLR.

Main Results:

Berberine significantly decreased PCSK9 mRNA and protein in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
The reduction in PCSK9 was attributed to decreased gene transcription, not increased mRNA degradation.
Combination therapy with berberine and mevastatin increased LDLR levels and mitigated mevastatin-induced PCSK9 elevation.

Conclusions:

Berberine effectively reduces PCSK9 expression at the transcriptional level.
Berberine demonstrates potential as an adjunct to statin therapy for improving lipid profiles.