Apolipoprotein M: progress in understanding its regulation and metabolic functions

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikel

ApoM is a novel apolipoprotein mainly present in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It belongs to the lipocalin protein superfamily and may bind a small but so far unknown lipophilic ligand. It is secreted without cleavage of its hydrophobic signal peptide, which probably anchors apoM in the phospholipid moiety of plasma lipoproteins. Recent studies suggest that apoM may affect HDL metabolism and have anti-atherogenic functions. The subfraction of human HDL that contains apoM therefore protects LDL from oxidation and mediates cholesterol efflux more efficiently then HDL without apoM. In addition to hepatocytes, apoM is highly expressed in kidney proximal tubule cells. Recent data suggest that apoM is secreted into the pre-urine from the tubule cells but is normally taken up again in a megalin-dependent fashion. Further studies of mice with genetically modified apoM expression will be essential to unravel the potential roles of apoM in lipoprotein metabolism, atherosclerosis and kidney biology.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftScandinavian Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Investigation
Vol/bind66
Udgave nummer7
Sider (fra-til)631-7
Antal sider7
ISSN0036-5513
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2006

ID: 100888582