ABSTRACT
Hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease caused by it have become the most important factors threatening human health. The lipid metabolism-related studies are increasingly receiving attention. Recent studies have demonstrated that proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a family member of precursor protein-converting enzyme, plays an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. The expression and mutation of PCSK9 gene are closely correlated with the content of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). The excessive expression of PCSK9 promotes the degradation of LDLR, thereby increasing the levels of plasma LDL; whereas the inhibition of PCSK9 gene expression causes the decreased levels of plasma LDL. Therefore, it is promising to develop novel medications for treating hypercholesterolemia, controlling hyperlipermia and preventing coronary heart disease by studying the mechanism of PCSK9.