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LDL Receptor

Meaning

The LDL Receptor (LDLR) is a cell-surface glycoprotein found ubiquitously on nucleated cells, with the highest expression in the liver, serving as the primary mechanism for clearing cholesterol-rich Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) particles from the circulation. This receptor-mediated process is essential for maintaining plasma cholesterol homeostasis and preventing the buildup of atherogenic lipids in the arterial walls. Defective LDLR function is the underlying cause of familial hypercholesterolemia.