Work

The LipoGlo reporter system for sensitive and specific monitoring of atherogenic lipoproteins

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Apolipoprotein-B (ApoB) is the structural component of atherogenic lipoproteins, lipid-rich particles that drive atherosclerosis by accumulating in the vascular wall. As atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, there is an urgent need to develop new strategies to prevent lipoproteins from causing vascular damage. Here we report the LipoGlo system, which uses a luciferase enzyme (NanoLuc) fused to ApoB to monitor several key determinants of lipoprotein atherogenicity including particle abundance, size, and localization. Using LipoGlo, we comprehensively characterize the lipoprotein profile of individual larval zebrafish and collect images of atherogenic lipoprotein localization in an intact organism. We report multiple extravascular lipoprotein localization patterns, as well as identify Pla2g12b as a potent regulator of lipoprotein size. ApoB-fusion proteins thus represent a sensitive and specific approach to study atherogenic lipoproteins and their genetic and small molecule modifiers.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11259-w

Authors: James H. Thierer, Stephen C. Ekker, Steven A. Farber

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Embryology, Mayo Clinic

Language: English

Topic: Cholesterol and Lipid Metabolism

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,200