Multiple functions of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein

M. Mahmood Hussain*, Paul Rava, Meghan Walsh, Muhammad Rana, Jahangir Iqbal

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

214 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) was first identified as a major cellular protein capable of transferring neutral lipids between membrane vesicles. Its role as an essential chaperone for the biosynthesis of apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing triglyceride-rich lipoproteins was established after the realization that abetalipoproteinemia patients carry mutations in the MTTP gene resulting in the loss of its lipid transfer activity. Now it is known that it also plays a role in the biosynthesis of CD1, glycolipid presenting molecules, as well as in the regulation of cholesterol ester biosynthesis. In this review, we will provide a historical perspective about the identification, purification and characterization of MTP, describe methods used to measure its lipid transfer activity, and discuss tissue expression and function. Finally, we will review the role MTP plays in the assembly of apoB-lipoprotein, the regulation of cholesterol ester synthesis, biosynthesis of CD1 proteins and propagation of hepatitis C virus. We will also provide a brief overview about the clinical potentials of MTP inhibition.

Original languageEnglish
Article number14
JournalNutrition and Metabolism
Volume9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ApoB
  • CD1
  • Cholesterol
  • Lipoproteins
  • MTP
  • Triglyceride

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