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Review
. 2022 Mar;19(3):168-179.
doi: 10.1038/s41569-021-00613-5. Epub 2021 Oct 8.

Apolipoproteins in vascular biology and atherosclerotic disease

Anurag Mehta  1 , Michael D Shapiro  2
Affiliations
Review

Apolipoproteins in vascular biology and atherosclerotic disease

Anurag Mehta et al. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2022 Mar.

Abstract

Apolipoproteins are important structural components of plasma lipoproteins that influence vascular biology and atherosclerotic disease pathophysiology by regulating lipoprotein metabolism. Clinically important apolipoproteins related to lipid metabolism and atherogenesis include apolipoprotein B-100, apolipoprotein B-48, apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein C-II, apolipoprotein C-III, apolipoprotein E and apolipoprotein(a). Apolipoprotein B-100 is the major structural component of VLDL, IDL, LDL and lipoprotein(a). Apolipoprotein B-48 is a truncated isoform of apolipoprotein B-100 that forms the backbone of chylomicrons. Apolipoprotein A-I provides the scaffolding for lipidation of HDL and has an important role in reverse cholesterol transport. Apolipoproteins C-II, apolipoprotein C-III and apolipoprotein E are involved in triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism. Apolipoprotein(a) covalently binds to apolipoprotein B-100 to form lipoprotein(a). In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms by which these apolipoproteins regulate lipoprotein metabolism and thereby influence vascular biology and atherosclerotic disease. Advances in the understanding of apolipoprotein biology and their translation into therapeutic agents to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease are also highlighted.

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