Hepatic overexpression of idol increases circulating protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 in mice and hamsters via dual mechanisms: sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 and low-density lipoprotein receptor-dependent pathways.

Objective: Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is degraded by inducible degrader of LDLR (Idol) and protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), thereby regulating circulating LDL levels. However, it remains unclear whether, and if so how, these LDLR degraders affect each other. We therefore investigated effects of liver-specific expression of Idol on LDL/PCSK9 metabolism in mice and hamsters.

Gene delivery by combination of novel liposomal bubbles with perfluoropropane and ultrasound.

Microbubbles and ultrasound have recently been investigated with a view to improving the transfection efficiency of non-viral gene delivery systems. However, microbubbles are unstable and their targeting ability is insufficient for clinical use. To circumvent these problems, we developed novel polyethyleneglycol (PEG) modified liposomes (Bubble liposomes) containing perfluoropropane, which is an ultrasound imaging gas.