Low density lipoprotein receptor gene family members mediate yolk deposition

Yolk represents the last growth stage of a single cell, the oocyte, which contains, besides bona fide cytoplasm, endocytosed serum-derived lipoproteins and minor components essential for normal embryo development. Transport of bulk lipoproteins, micronutrients, and morphogens to oocytes in parallel with maintenance of somatic homeostasis is achieved by ligand targeting via cell-specific expression of receptors and subtle differences in ligand structure. Lipoprotein metabolism is the prime example of these regulatory principles, in which receptors belonging to the low density lipoprotein receptor gene family play key roles. Here, we present the laying hen's features that make it an attractive model system to dissect macromolecular transport processes at the molecular level. In addition to the characterization of a family of yolk precursor receptors, studies on systemic vs. oocyte-directed transport have uncovered new aspects of the biological rationale for simultaneous expression of closely related genes in a single organism.