Abstract
In this article, the history of the LDL receptor is recounted by its codiscoverers. Their early work on the LDL receptor explained a genetic cause of heart attacks and led to new ways of thinking about cholesterol metabolism. The LDL receptor discovery also introduced three general concepts to cell biology: receptor-mediated endocytosis, receptor recycling, and feedback regulation of receptors. The latter concept provides the mechanism by which statins selectively lower plasma LDL, reducing heart attacks and prolonging life.
Publication types
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Historical Article
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Portrait
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cholesterol / blood
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Cholesterol / history
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Cholesterol / metabolism*
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Endocytosis
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Feedback, Physiological
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History, 20th Century
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History, 21st Century
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Humans
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases / metabolism
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Lipoproteins, LDL / blood
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Lipoproteins, LDL / history
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Lipoproteins, LDL / metabolism*
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Myocardial Infarction / genetics
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Myocardial Infarction / history
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Myocardial Infarction / metabolism*
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Myocardial Infarction / prevention & control
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Protein Transport
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Receptors, LDL / genetics
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Receptors, LDL / history
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Receptors, LDL / metabolism*
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Signal Transduction* / genetics
Substances
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
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Lipoproteins, LDL
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Receptors, LDL
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Cholesterol
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases