The LDL receptor gene family, apolipoprotein B and cholesterol in embryonic development

Abstract

In recent years, a number of genes that are involved in cholesterol synthesis, its systemic or intercellular transport or lipid metabolism in general have been found to play important roles during embryonic development. In this article, we present a brief overview of these genes, their molecular functions as we understand them to date and our current interpretation of possible mechanisms by which genetic deficiency states might affect the development of the embryo, in particular the formation of the central nervous system.