Molecular disorders of cholesteryl ester transfer protein

Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) facilitates the transfer of cholesteryl ester (CE) from HDL to apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins and therefore is a key protein in the reverse cholesterol transport system. The importance of plasma CETP in lipoprotein metabolism has been highlighted by the discovery of CETP-deficient subjects with a marked hyper-HDL-cholesterolemia. The deficiency of CETP causes various abnormalities in the concentration, composition, and functions of high density and low density lipoproteins. The current review will focus on some of the recent knowledge on CETP with special reference to the biochemical and molecular biological aspects of CETP. Furthermore, detailed information will be presented regarding the lipoprotein abnormalities and molecular basis of CETP deficiency.