Tangier disease: still more questions than answers.
High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) play a central role in transporting cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver for elimination from the body. Impairment of HDL-mediated cholesterol transport favors cholesterol deposition in the arterial wall and promotes development of arteriosclerosis. Tangier disease is a severe HDL deficiency syndrome characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol in tissue macrophages and prevalent atherosclerosis. A three-decade search for a culprit in Tangier disease led to the identification of mutations in a cell membrane protein called ABCA1, which mediates the secretion of excess cholesterol from cells into the HDL metabolic pathway. Because of its ability to deplete cells of cholesterol and to raise plasma HDL levels, ABCA1 has become a promising therapeutic target for preventing cardiovascular disease.
Nofer
J-R
JR
Institut für Klinische Chemie und Laboratoriumsmedizin, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Albert Schweitzer Str. 33, 48129, Münster, Germany.
Remaley
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AT
D064286:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D013631:Tangier Disease / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
C577836:ABCA1 protein, human; D064286:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL