PCSK9 is a member of the subtilisin serine protease family with an important role in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism.1 Mutation in the PCSK9 gene is associated with autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia which is characterized by an increase in LDL cholesterol levels.2 PCSK9 overexpression in wild-type mice doubles the plasma total cholesterol, possibly through acceleration of the degradation of the LDL receptor.3,1 PCSK9 mRNA is detected in various tissues such as liver, kidney, lung, spleen, jejunum, ileum, colon, and muscles with the highest expression in the liver.4 Human PCSK9 precursor is 692 amino acids in length with an estimated molecular weight of 74 kDa. This proprotein is self-cleaved to form a mature protein of 63 kDa in the Golgi.5WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
