Researchers identify IDOL protein as potential new target for lowering LDL cholesterol

High levels of 'bad' cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) are a risk factor for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) - a disease of the major arterial blood vessels that is one of the major causes of heart attack and stroke. Although the use of statins and the adoption of lifestyle changes to reduce LDL cholesterol levels have decreased the incidence of and mortality from ASCVD, many individuals fail to reach target levels of LDL cholesterol. Researchers are therefore seeking new targets for LDL cholesterol-lowering therapeutics. Human genetic and mechanistic studies by a team of researchers, led by P-ivi Pajukanta, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, has now identified the protein MYLIP (also known as IDOL) as a potential new target in this context.

TITLE: The N342S MYLIP polymorphism is associated with high total cholesterol and increased LDL receptor degradation in humans

Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation