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Updated: Mar 22, 2026

A High-Throughput Luciferase Assay to Evaluate Proteolysis of the Single-Turnover Protease PCSK9
Published on: August 28, 2018
PCSK9 Association With Lipoprotein(a).
Hagai Tavori1, Devon Christian2, Jessica Minnier2
1From the Department of Medicine, Center for Preventive Cardiology, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Portland, OR (H.T., D.C., D.P., M.D.S., I.G., P.B.D., S.F.); School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (J.M.); Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Vascular Medicine Program, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (C.Y., S.T.); Inra UMR1280, Université de Nantes, CHU Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France (M.C., G.L.); Inserm UMR 1188, Sainte-Clotilde, France (G.L.); Université de la Réunion, Faculté de Médecine, Saint-Denis, France (G.L.); and CHU de la Réunion, Saint-Denis, France (G.L.). fazio@ohsu.edu tavori@ohsu.edu.
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is associated with Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] particles in humans and mice. This Lp(a)-bound PCSK9 may serve as a novel biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Lipid Metabolism
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a pro-atherogenic particle implicated in cardiovascular disease.
- Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of LDL cholesterol metabolism.
- The potential interaction between PCSK9 and Lp(a) in plasma is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between PCSK9 and Lp(a) in human plasma and in vivo models.
- To characterize the binding properties of PCSK9 to Lp(a).
- To explore the clinical relevance of Lp(a)-associated PCSK9.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Lp(a) fractions via ultracentrifugation.
- Immunoprecipitation assays using anti-PCSK9 antibodies and detection of apo(a).
- ELISA quantification of Lp(a)-associated PCSK9 in human plasma and transgenic mouse models.
Main Results:
- PCSK9 was physically associated with Lp(a) particles in humans and mice.
- Plasma PCSK9 levels correlated with Lp(a) levels but not apo(a) kringle IV-2 repeat number.
- PCSK9 showed preferential binding to Lp(a) over LDL in individuals with high Lp(a).
Conclusions:
- Plasma PCSK9 is demonstrably associated with Lp(a) particles.
- Lp(a)-bound PCSK9 represents a novel finding with potential implications for cardiovascular risk stratification.
- Further research into Lp(a)-bound PCSK9 as a biomarker is warranted.
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