This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.High-density lipoproteins (HDL) (www.ks.uiuc.edu/Research/Lipoproteins/) are protein-lipid assemblies involved in the transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver for degradation. HDL is often called 'good cholesterol' due to its role in removing excess cholesterol from tissues and blood vessels. Lower than average levels of HDL have been implicated in an increased risk of coronary heart disease. The production, transformation, and degradation of HDL is regulated by the reverse cholesterol transport pathway. Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I), the primary protein component of HDL, initially forms lipid-free/poor HDL particles. The incorporation of cholesterol and lipids into lipid-free/poor HDL particles causes a structural change, forming discoidal lipoprotein particles. Continued efflux of cholesterol and lipids as well as the esterification of cholesterol results in the transformation of the discoidal particles into mature spherical particles, which transport the cholesterol to the liver [1].
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