Niemann–Pick C2 (NPC2) and intracellular cholesterol trafficking

J Storch, Z Xu - Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular and …, 2009 - Elsevier
J Storch, Z Xu
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, 2009Elsevier
Cholesterol is an important precursor for numerous biologically active molecules, and it
plays a major role in membrane structure and function. Cholesterol can be endogenously
synthesized or exogenously taken up via the endocytic vesicle system and subsequently
delivered to post-endo/lysosomal sites including the plasma membrane and the
endoplasmic reticulum. Niemann–Pick C (NPC) disease results in the accumulation of
exogenously-derived cholesterol, as well as other lipids, in late endosomes and lysosomes …
Cholesterol is an important precursor for numerous biologically active molecules, and it plays a major role in membrane structure and function. Cholesterol can be endogenously synthesized or exogenously taken up via the endocytic vesicle system and subsequently delivered to post-endo/lysosomal sites including the plasma membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum. Niemann–Pick C (NPC) disease results in the accumulation of exogenously-derived cholesterol, as well as other lipids, in late endosomes and lysosomes (LE/LY). Identification of the two genes that underlie NPC disease, NPC1 and NPC2, has focused attention on the mechanisms by which lipids, in particular cholesterol, are transported out of the LE/LY compartment. This review discusses the role of the NPC2 protein in cholesterol transport, and the potential for concerted action of NPC1 and NPC2 in regulating normal intracellular cholesterol homeostasis.
Elsevier