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SFB: Biomembranes: Physiology and pathophysiology of lipoprotein(a)
Subproject of: SFB: Biomembranes: Molecular Aspects of Ion Channels
- Abstract
- Lp(a) is one of the most atherogenic lipoproteins whose function is unknown. It is also not entirely clear how this lipoprotein is biosynthesized and catabolised. Lp(a) consists of an LDL core and the specific apo(a) which is structurally homologous to plasminogen but has a variable number of kringle-IV (K-IV) repeats reflecting different genetically determined isoforms. The K-IV repeats are partially identical but some of them exhibits light variation in the primary structure. One part of our project focusses on the synthesis of recombinant apo(a)'s which will be studied with respect of their ability to assemble with LDL. In addition, the interaction with cell surface proteins and connective tissue substances will be studied. Due to the great homology of apo(a) to plasminogen apo(a) and Lp(a) interferes with the fibrinolytic system. Recombinant apo(a)'s will therefore also be studied with that respect.
Finally, Lp(a) and apo(a) binding to specific cell surface receptors shall be studied to get information about the possible site of Lp(a) catabolism.
- Project Leader:
- Kostner Gerhard
- Duration:
- 01.10.2001-30.09.2005
- Programme:
- Spezialforschungsbereiche (SFB)
- MUG Research Units
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry