Computer illustration of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL, 'bad' cholesterol) molecule (round) bound to an LDL receptor (LDLR) protein (purple), with mo
Computer illustration of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL, 'bad' cholesterol) molecule (round) bound to an LDL receptor (LDLR) protein (purple), with molecules of the enzyme proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9, blue) and PCSK9 inhibitor antibodies (Y-shaped, yellow) in the background. When there are high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood it builds up on the sides of blood vessels hardening them, a condition named atherosclerosis. This narrows the blood vessels and may block them. LDL receptors recognise and bind to LDL molecules to remove them from the bloodstream. When PCSK9 binds to an LDLR, the receptor is destroyed along with the LDL particle. But if PCSK9 does not bind, the receptor can return to the surface of the cell and remove more cholesterol. Monoclonal antibodies that bind to and inhibit PCSK9 are being used to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood by improving the liver's ability to recycle LDLRs.
Size: 5000px × 3750px
Photo credit: © MAURIZIO DE ANGELIS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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