Cholesterylester transfer protein (CETP) is a plasma protein that converts high density lipoprotein (HDL) into intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL). Its exact mechanism of action is still uncertain. Apart from converting HDL to IDL, it also appears to mediate uptake of HDL by the liver. Blood plasma is the liquid component of blood, in which the blood cells are suspended. ... A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin, showing coloured alpha helices. ... High density lipoproteins (HDL) form a class of lipoproteins, varying somewhat in their size (8-11 nm in diameter) and contents, that carry cholesterol from the bodys tissues to the liver. ... Intermediate density lipoproteins are a class of lipoproteins formed from the degradation of very low density lipoproteins, constituted essentially of triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters. ... The liver is one of the largest internal organs of the human body. ...

Genetics

The CETP gene is located on the sixteenth chromosome (16q21). Figure 1: Chromosome. ...

Role in disease

Rare mutations leading to increased function of CETP have been linked to accelerated atherosclerosis. In contrast, a polymorphism of the CEPT gene leading to lower serum levels has also been linked to exceptional longetivity (Barzilai et al 2003).

Pharmacology

As HDL has a protective function in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, and certain disease states (such as the metabolic syndrome) feature low HDL, pharmacological inhibition of CETP is being studied as a method to improve HDL levels (Barter et al 2003). Specifically, the small molecular agent torcetrapib has been shown to increase HDL levels (alone and with a statin) and lower LDL (when co-administered with a statin) in a 2004 study (Brousseau et al). Cardiovascular disease refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart and/or blood vessels (arteries and veins). ... Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical disorders that affect a large number of people in a clustered fashion. ... Torcetrapib (CP-529414, Pfizer) is a drug being developed to treat hypercholesterolemia (elevated cholesterol levels) and prevent cardiovascular disease. ...

References

• Barter PJ, Brewer HB Jr, Chapman MJ, Hennekens CH, Rader DJ, Tall AR. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein: a novel target for raising HDL and inhibiting atherosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2003;23:160-7. PMID 12588754.
• Barzilai N, Atzmon G, Schechter C, Schaefer EJ, Cupples AL, Lipton R, Cheng S, Shuldiner AR. Unique lipoprotein phenotype and genotype associated with exceptional longevity. JAMA 2003;290:2030-40. PMID 14559957.
• Brousseau ME, Schaefer EJ, Wolfe ML, Bloedon LT, Digenio AG, Clark RW, Mancuso JP, Rader DJ. Effects of an inhibitor of cholesteryl ester transfer protein on HDL cholesterol. N Engl J Med 2004;350:1505-15. PMID 15071125.

External links

• OMIM 118470 (CETP) and OMIM 607322 (CETP deficiency)