The HDL receptor scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) plays crucial roles in cholesterol homeostasis, lipoprotein metabolism, and atherosclerosis.
To review studies on hereditary disorders of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism and studies on HDL genetics in mice, which have both provided valuable insight into the pathways of this intriguing lipoprotein and moreover revealed targets to raise HDLc to reduce atherosclerosis.
Coupled with the other changes in HDL proteins that occur, these changes are likely to alter the functional properties of HDL perhaps increasing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are strongly inversely associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and overexpression of HDL proteins, such as apolipoprotein A-I in animals, reduces progression and even induces regression of atherosclerosis.