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Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein

Meaning

Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein (MTP) is a critical intracellular lipid-transfer protein located in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes and enterocytes. Its fundamental function is to catalyze the loading of triglycerides, cholesterol esters, and phospholipids onto the nascent apolipoprotein B (ApoB) polypeptide chain. This action is absolutely essential for the assembly and secretion of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, namely chylomicrons from the intestine and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) from the liver.