Analysis of PC9/PCSK9 (Human) by MSD Hypersensitive Multi-Factor Electrochemiluminescence Analyzer (CAT#: STEM-MB-0479-LGZ)

Introduction

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kinase type 9 (PCSK9) is an enzyme encoded by the PCSK9 gene on chromosome 1. It is the ninth member of the proprotein convertase family that activates other proteins. Like many proteins, PCSK9 is inactive when first synthesized because a portion of the peptide chain blocks its activity; proprotein convertase removes this portion to activate the enzyme. PCSK9 is ubiquitously expressed in many tissues and cell types. It binds to receptors for low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL), which normally transport 3000 to 6000 fat molecules (including cholesterol) per particle in extracellular fluid. Low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR) on the membranes of the liver and other cells bind and begin to uptake LDL particles from the extracellular fluid into cells, thereby reducing the concentration of LDL particles. If PCSK9 is blocked, more LDLR is recycled and present on the cell surface to clear LDL particles from the extracellular fluid. Therefore, blocking PCSK9 can reduce the concentration of LDL particles in the blood.