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The ABC transporters in lipid flux and atherosclerosis

Iryna Voloshyna1, Allison B Reiss

  • 1Department of Medicine, Winthrop-University Hospital, 222 Station Plaza North, Mineola, NY 11501, USA.

Progress in Lipid Research
|March 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are crucial for maintaining lipid homeostasis and preventing atherosclerosis. This review highlights their biogenesis and atheroprotective functions in reverse cholesterol transport.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cardiovascular Science

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a major global health concern.
  • Impaired lipid homeostasis is central to atherosclerosis development.
  • ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters regulate lipid transport and cellular homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biogenesis of ABC transporters.
  • To highlight the atheroprotective roles of ABC transporters.
  • To discuss their involvement in reverse cholesterol transport.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on ABC transporter biogenesis and function.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on lipid efflux and reverse cholesterol transport.
  • Synthesis of findings related to atheroprotection.

Main Results:

  • ABC transporters are essential for cellular cholesterol and phospholipid efflux.
  • These transporters play a critical role in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT).
  • Dysfunctional lipid transport mediated by ABC transporters contributes to atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • ABC transporters are key regulators of lipid homeostasis.
  • Their biogenesis and function are critical for preventing arterial plaque formation.
  • Targeting ABC transporters may offer therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.

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