Role of SR-BI in regulating lipoprotein structure and metabolism.

The scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) is a cell surface lipoprotein receptor that mediates physiologically relevant selective cholesteryl ester uptake from high-density lipoprotein (HDL). SR-BI appears to be required for the maintenance of reverse cholesterol transport, normal HDL levels and HDL structure by means of hepatic-selective HDL-cholesterol and phospholipid uptake in mice. SR-BI can also promote the selective uptake of cholesteryl ester from apoB-containing lipoproteins; however, unlike the effect of SR-BI on HDL-cholesterol, the effect on low-density lipoprotein is limited in vivo. Furthermore, SR-BI plays a protective role against atherosclerotic development. A pharmacological agent that increased reverse cholesterol transport by targeting SR-BI could become a powerful tool for prevention of or therapeutic intervention in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.