SR-BI的分子结构及其表达调控

小鼠B族Ⅰ型清道夫受体是目前已确认的唯一真正介导细胞与高密度脂蛋白作用的膜受体,主要在肝脏和固醇生成组织中表达,并受促激素、胆固醇、饮食以及药理等因素所调控。该受体介导高密度脂蛋白-胆固醇酯的选择性吸收,是调节胆固醇逆转运的唯一靶点,在高密度脂蛋白代谢和胆固醇运输中起重要作用。该基因缺陷对不同的组织具有不同的影响。它有可能作为一个新的治疗靶点来预防和治疗动脉粥样硬化性心脑血管疾病。对其分子结构、表达调控及相关研究作了详细介绍。     

Scavenger receptor class B type I is expressed in cultured keratinocytes and epidermis. Regulation in response to changes in cholesterol homeostasis and barrier requirements.

Cholesterol is a key lipid in the stratum corneum, where it is critical for permeability barrier homeostasis. The epidermis is an active site of cholesterol synthesis, but inhibition of epidermal cholesterol synthesis with topically applied statins only modestly affects epidermal permeability barrier function, suggesting a possible compensatory role for extraepidermal cholesterol. Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) is a recently described cell surface receptor for high density lipoproteins (HDL) that mediates the selective uptake of cholesterol esters from circulating HDL. In the present study, we demonstrate that SR-BI is present in cultured human keratinocytes and that calcium-induced differentiation markedly decreases SR-BI levels. Additionally, the cell association of [(3)H]cholesterol-labeled HDL decreased in differentiated versus undifferentiated keratinocytes. Furthermore, the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis with simvastatin resulted in a 3-4-fold increase in both SR-BI mRNA and protein levels, whereas conversely, addition of 25-hydroxycholesterol suppressed SR-BI levels by approximately 50%. SR-BI mRNA is also expressed in murine epidermis, increasing by 50% in parallel with cholesterol requirements following acute barrier disruption. Because the increase is completely blocked by occlusion with a vapor-impermeable membrane, changes in epidermal SR-BI expression are regulated specifically by barrier requirements. Lastly, using immunofluorescence we demonstrated that SR-BI is present in human epidermis predominantly in the basal layer and increases following barrier disruption. In summary, the present study demonstrates first that SR-BI is expressed in keratinocytes and regulated by cellular cholesterol requirements, suggesting that it plays a role in keratinocyte cholesterol homeostasis. Second, the increase in SR-BI following barrier disruption suggests that SR-BI expression increases to facilitate cholesterol uptake leading to barrier restoration.     

Regulation of SR-BI-mediated selective lipid uptake in Chinese hamster ovary-derived cells by protein kinase signaling pathways

Scavenger receptor, class B, type I (SR-BI) mediates binding and internalization of a variety of lipoprotein and nonlipoprotein ligands, including HDL. Studies in genetically engineered mice revealed that SR-BI plays an important role in HDL reverse cholesterol transport and protection against atherosclerosis. Understanding how SR-BI's function is regulated may reveal new approaches to therapeutic intervention in atherosclerosis and heart disease. We utilized a model cell system to explore pathways involved in SR-BI-mediated lipid uptake from and signaling in response to distinct lipoprotein ligands: the physiological ligand, HDL, and a model ligand, acetyl LDL (AcLDL). In Chinese hamster ovary-derived cells, murine SR-BI (mSR-BI) mediates lipid uptake via distinct pathways that are dependent on the lipoprotein ligand. Furthermore, HDL and AcLDL activate distinct signaling pathways. Finally, mSR-BI-mediated selective lipid uptake versus endocytic uptake are differentially regulated by protein kinase signaling pathways. The protein kinase C (PKC) activator PMA and the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin increase the degree of mSR-BI-mediated selective lipid uptake, whereas a PKC inhibitor has the opposite effect. These data demonstrate that SR-BI's selective lipid uptake activity can be acutely regulated by intracellular signaling cascades, some of which can originate from HDL binding to murine SR-BI itself.     

高密度脂蛋白受体(SR-BI)和胆固醇逆转运

近十几年来对小鼠的B类I型清道夫受体(SRBI)的研究,发现它是一种高亲和力的高密度脂蛋白受体,主要在肝脏和类固醇源性组织中表达。该受体能介导胆固醇酯的选择性吸收,在高密度脂蛋白(HDL)的代谢和胆固醇的“逆转运”中起重要作用。动物实验证明SRBI的表达可减少动脉粥样硬化的发生。如果SRBI对人有相似的作用,它将成为一个好的作用靶点用于临床心脑血管疾病的治疗 。     

Selective uptake of HDL cholesteryl esters and cholesterol efflux from mouse peritoneal macrophages independent of SR-BI

Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) mediates the selective uptake of HDL cholesteryl esters (CEs) and facilitates the efflux of unesterified cholesterol. SR-BI expression in macrophages presumably plays a role in atherosclerosis. The role of SR-BI for selective CE uptake and cholesterol efflux in macrophages was explored. Macrophages and HDL originated from wild-type (WT) or SR-BI knockout (KO; homozygous) mice. For uptake, macrophages were incubated in medium containing 125I-/3H-labeled HDL. For lipid removal, [3H]cholesterol efflux was analyzed using HDL as acceptor. Selective uptake of HDL CE ([3H]cholesteryl oleyl ether - 125I-tyramine cellobiose) was similar in WT and SR-BI KO macrophages. Radiolabeled SR-BI KO-HDL yielded a lower rate of selective uptake compared with WT-HDL in WT and SR-BI KO macrophages. Cholesterol efflux was similar in WT and SR-BI KO cells using HDL as acceptor. SR-BI KO-HDL more efficiently promoted cholesterol removal compared with WT-HDL from both types of macrophages. Macrophages selectively take up HDL CE independently of SR-BI. Additionally, in macrophages, there is substantial cholesterol efflux that is not mediated by SR-BI. Therefore, SR-BI-independent mechanisms mediate selective CE uptake and cholesterol removal. SR-BI KO-HDL is an inferior donor for selective CE uptake compared with WT-HDL, whereas SR-BI KO-HDL more efficiently promotes cholesterol efflux.     

Serum amyloid A is a ligand for scavenger receptor class B type I and inhibits high density lipoprotein binding and selective lipid uptake

Serum amyloid A is an acute phase protein that is carried in the plasma largely as an apolipoprotein of high density lipoprotein (HDL). In this study we investigated whether SAA is a ligand for the HDL receptor, scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), and how SAA may influence SR-BI-mediated HDL binding and selective cholesteryl ester uptake. Studies using Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing SR-BI showed that (125)I-labeled SAA, both in lipid-free form and in reconstituted HDL particles, functions as a high affinity ligand for SR-BI. SAA also bound with high affinity to the hepatocyte cell line, HepG2. Alexa-labeled SAA was shown by fluorescence confocal microscopy to be internalized by cells in a SR-BI-dependent manner. To assess how SAA association with HDL influences HDL interaction with SR-BI, SAA-containing HDL was isolated from mice overexpressing SAA through adenoviral gene transfer. SAA presence on HDL had little effect on HDL binding to SR-BI but decreased (30-50%) selective cholesteryl ester uptake. Lipid-free SAA, unlike lipid-free apoA-I, was an effective inhibitor of both SR-BI-dependent binding and selective cholesteryl ester uptake of HDL. We have concluded that SR-BI plays a key role in SAA metabolism through its ability to interact with and internalize SAA and, further, that SAA influences HDL cholesterol metabolism through its inhibitory effects on SR-BI-mediated selective lipid uptake.     

Scavenger receptor BI and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 in reverse cholesterol transport and atherosclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The appearance of scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in macrophages and liver implicates these transporters in different stages of reverse cholesterol transport. This review focuses on the role of SR-BI and ABCA1 in reverse cholesterol transport in the context of atherosclerotic lesion development. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies indicate that hepatic expression of ABCA1 and SR-BI is important for the generation of nascent HDL and the delivery of HDL cholesteryl esters to the liver, respectively. Although macrophage SR-BI and ABCA1 do not contribute significantly to circulating HDL levels, the perpetual cycle of HDL lipidation and delipidation by the liver ensures the availability of acceptors for cholesterol efflux that maintain cholesterol homeostasis in arterial macrophages, thereby reducing atherogenesis. In addition to its established role in the selective uptake of HDL cholesteryl esters, there is now evidence that hepatic SR-BI facilitates postprandial lipid metabolism, and that hepatic secretion of VLDL is dependent on ABCA1-mediated nascent HDL formation. Thus, remnant and HDL metabolism are more intimately intertwined in hepatic lipid metabolism than has previously been appreciated. SUMMARY: Recent advances in the understanding of the role of ABCA1 and SR-BI in HDL metabolism and their atheroprotective properties indicate the significant potential of modulating ABCA1 and SR-BI expression in both arterial wall macrophages and the liver for the treatment of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.     

Lower plasma levels and accelerated clearance of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and non-HDL cholesterol in scavenger receptor class B type I transgenic mice

Recent studies have indicated that the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) may play an important role in the uptake of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesteryl ester in liver and steroidogenic tissues. To investigate the in vivo effects of liver-specific SR-BI overexpression on lipid metabolism, we created several lines of SR-BI transgenic mice with an SR-BI genomic construct where the SR-BI promoter region had been replaced by the apolipoprotein (apo)A-I promoter. The effect of constitutively increased SR-BI expression on plasma HDL and non-HDL lipoproteins and apolipoproteins was characterized. There was an inverse correlation between SR-BI expression and apoA-I and HDL cholesterol levels in transgenic mice fed either mouse chow or a diet high in fat and cholesterol. An unexpected finding in the SR-BI transgenic mice was the dramatic impact of the SR-BI transgene on non-HDL cholesterol and apoB whose levels were also inversely correlated with SR-BI expression. Consistent with the decrease in plasma HDL and non-HDL cholesterol was an accelerated clearance of HDL, non-HDL, and their major associated apolipoproteins in the transgenics compared with control animals. These in vivo studies of the effect of SR-BI overexpression on plasma lipoproteins support the previously proposed hypothesis that SR-BI accelerates the metabolism of HDL and also highlight the capacity of this receptor to participate in the metabolism of non-HDL lipoproteins.     

Highly purified scavenger receptor class B,type I reconstituted into phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol liposomes mediates high affinity high density lipoprotein binding and selective lipid uptake

The murine class B, type I scavenger receptor mSR-BI is a high and low density lipoprotein (HDL and LDL) receptor that mediates selective uptake of cholesteryl esters. Here we describe a reconstituted phospholipid/cholesterol liposome assay of the binding and selective uptake activities of SR-BI derived from detergent-solubilized cells. The assay, employing lysates from epitope-tagged receptor (mSR-BI-t1)-expressing mammalian and insect cells, recapitulated many features of SR-BI activity in intact cells, including high affinity and saturable (125)I-HDL binding, selective lipid uptake from [(3)H]cholesteryl ether-labeled HDL, and poor inhibition of HDL receptor activity by LDL. The novel properties of a mutated receptor (Q402R/Q418R, normal LDL binding but loss of most HDL binding) were reproduced in the assay, as was the ability of the SR-BI homologue CD36 to bind HDL but not mediate efficient lipid uptake. In this assay, essentially homogeneously pure mSR-BI-t1, prepared by single-step immunoaffinity chromatography, mediated high affinity HDL binding and efficient selective lipid uptake from HDL. Thus, SR-BI-mediated HDL binding and selective lipid uptake are intrinsic properties of the receptor that do not require the intervention of other proteins or specific cellular structures or compartments.     

High density lipoprotein (HDL) particle uptake mediated by scavenger receptor class B type 1 results in selective sorting of HDL cholesterol from protein and polarized cholesterol secretion

High density lipoprotein (HDL) mediates reverse transport of cholesterol from atheroma foam cells to the liver, but the mechanisms of hepatic uptake and trafficking of HDL particles are poorly understood. In contrast to its accepted role as a cell surface receptor, scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-BI) is shown to be an endocytic receptor that mediates HDL particle uptake and recycling, but not degradation, in both transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells and hepatocytes. Confocal microscopy of polarized primary hepatocytes shows that HDL particles enter both the endocytic recycling compartment and the apical canalicular region paralleling the movement of SR-BI. In polarized epithelial cells (Madin-Darby canine kidney) expressing SR-BI, HDL protein and cholesterol undergo selective sorting with recycling of HDL protein from the basolateral membrane and secretion of HDL-derived cholesterol through the apical membrane. Thus, HDL particles, internalized via SR-BI, undergo a novel process of selective transcytosis, leading to polarized cholesterol transport. A distinct process not mediated by SR-BI is involved in uptake and degradation of apoE-free HDL in hepatocytes.     

The HDL receptor SR-BI: a new therapeutic target for atherosclerosis?

Although high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism is a crucial process for cholesterol homeostasis and coronary heart disease, therapeutic approaches for selective modification of plasma HDL levels are not currently available. The discovery of well-defined cell-surface HDL receptors should provide new avenues for treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In fact, SR-BI, a recently identified receptor for selective HDL cholesterol uptake, is relevant for physiological processes (for example, HDL metabolism, steroidogenesis and biliary cholesterol secretion) and pathophysiological conditions (for example, atherosclerosis) in animal models. If SR-BI has similar activities in humans, it might represent a new therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.     

High density lipoprotein uptake by scavenger receptor SR-BII

Scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI) mediates selective uptake of high density lipoprotein (HDL) lipids. It is unclear whether this process occurs at the cell membrane or via endocytosis. Our group previously identified an alternative mRNA splicing variant of SR-BI, named SR-BII, with an entirely different, yet highly conserved cytoplasmic C terminus. In this study we aimed to compare HDL uptake by both isoforms. Whereas SR-BI was mainly ( approximately 70%) localized on the surface of transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells, as determined by biotinylation, HDL binding at 4 degrees C, and studies of enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged SR-BI/II fusion proteins, the majority of SR-BII ( approximately 80-90%) was expressed intracellularly. The cellular distribution of SR-BI was not affected by deletion of the C terminus, which suggests that the distinct C terminus of SR-BII is responsible for its intracellular expression. Pulse-chase experiments showed that SR-BII rapidly internalized HDL protein, whereas in the case of SR-BI most HDL protein remained surface bound. Like its ligand, SR-BII was more rapidly endocytosed compared with SR-BI. Despite more rapid HDL uptake by SR-BII than SR-BI, selective cholesteryl ether uptake was significantly lower. Relative to their levels of expression at the cell surface, however, both isoforms mediated selective uptake with similar efficiency. HDL protein that was internalized by SR-BII largely co-localized with transferrin in the endosomal recycling compartment. Within the endosomal recycling compartment of SR-BII cells, there was extensive co-localization of internalized HDL lipid and protein. These results do not support a model that selective lipid uptake by SR-BI requires receptor/ligand recycling within the cell. We conclude that SR-BII may influence cellular cholesterol trafficking and homeostasis in a manner that is distinct from SR-BI.     

Caveolin-1 negatively regulates SR-BI mediated selective uptake of high-density lipoprotein-derived cholesteryl ester.

The class B, type I scavenger receptor (SR-BI) mediates the selective uptake of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesteryl esters and the efflux of free cholesterol. SR-BI is predominantly associated with caveolae in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The caveola protein, caveolin-1, binds to cholesterol and is involved in intracellular cholesterol trafficking. We previously demonstrated a correlative increase in caveolin-1 expression and the selective uptake of HDL cholesteryl esters in phorbol ester-induced differentiated THP-1 cells. The goal of the present study was to determine if the expression of caveolin-1 is the causative factor in increasing selective cholesteryl ester uptake in macrophages. To test this, we established RAW and J-774 cell lines that stably expressed caveolin-1. Transfection with caveolin-1 cDNA did not alter the amount of 125I-labeled HDL that associated with the cells, although selective uptake of HDL [3H]cholesteryl ether was decreased by approximately 50%. The amount of [3H]cholesterol effluxed to HDL was not affected by caveolin-1. To directly address whether caveolin-1 inhibits SR-BI-dependent selective cholesteryl ester uptake, we overexpressed caveolin-1 by adenoviral vector gene transfer in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with SR-BI. Caveolin-1 inhibited the selective uptake of HDL [3H]cholesteryl ether by 50-60% of control values without altering the extent of cell associated HDL. We next used blocking antibodies to CD36 and SR-BI to demonstrate that the increase in selective [3H]cholesteryl ether uptake previously seen in differentiated THP-1 cells was independent of SR-BI. Finally, we used beta-cyclodextrin and caveolin overexpression to demonstrate that caveolae depleted of cholesterol facilitate SR-BI-dependent selective cholesteryl ester uptake and caveolae containing excess cholesterol inhibit uptake. We conclude that caveolin-1 is a novel negative regulator of SR-BI-dependent selective cholesteryl ester uptake.     

Scavenger receptor class B type I reduces cholesterol absorption in cultured enterocyte CaCo-2 cells

Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) mediates selective uptake of cholesteryl esters from HDL as well as efflux of cellular free cholesterol to HDL. It is unclear whether the receptor is involved in intestinal cholesterol absorption. We addressed this issue by studying [3H]cholesterol flux in differentiated CaCo-2 cells incubated at their apical side with mixed taurocholate/phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol micelles. Biotinylation and HDL binding experiments showed predominant apical expression of endogenous and overexpressed SR-BI. Mixed micellar cholesterol saturation affected the magnitude and direction of cholesterol flux with significant net uptake only from supersaturated micelles and net efflux from unsaturated micelles. Incubation with micelles that depleted cellular cholesterol resulted in a decrease of SR-BI protein, whereas incubation with cholesterol-loading micelles resulted in a significant increase of SR-BI protein. Apical cholesterol uptake by CaCo-2 cells was increased in the presence of a SR-BI-blocking antibody and by partial inhibition of SR-BI expression with small inhibitory RNA. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of apical SR-BI did not affect cholesterol uptake but stimulated apical cholesterol efflux, even to supersaturated mixed micelles. Partial inhibition of SR-BI with small inhibitory RNA reduced apical cholesterol efflux. Our data argue against a direct role for SR-BI in micellar cholesterol uptake. However, SR-BI might be involved in cholesterol absorption by facilitating cholesterol efflux to micelles.     

Scavenger receptor BI mediates the selective uptake of oxidized cholesterol esters by rat liver

High density lipoprotein (HDL) can protect low density lipoprotein (LDL) against oxidation. Oxidized cholesterol esters from LDL can be transferred to HDL and efficiently and selectively removed from the blood circulation by the liver and adrenal in vivo. In the present study, we investigated whether scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) is responsible for this process. At 30 min after injection, the selective uptake of oxidized cholesterol esters from HDL for liver and adrenal was 2.3- and 2.6-fold higher, respectively, than for native cholesterol esters, whereas other tissues showed no significant difference. The selective uptake of oxidized cholesterol esters from HDL by isolated liver parenchymal cells could be blocked for 75% by oxidized LDL and for 50% by phosphatidylserine liposomes, both of which are known substrates of SR-BI. In vivo uptake of oxidized cholesterol esters from HDL by parenchymal cells decreased by 64 and 81% when rats were treated with estradiol and a high cholesterol diet, respectively, whereas Kupffer cells showed 660 and 475% increases, respectively. These contrasting changes in oxidized cholesterol ester uptake were accompanied by similar contrasting changes in SR-BI expression of parenchymal and Kupffer cells. The rates of SR-BI-mediated selective uptake of oxidized and native cholesterol esters were analyzed in SR-BI-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. SR-BI-mediated selective uptake was 3.4-fold higher for oxidized than for native cholesterol esters (30 min of incubation). It is concluded that in addition to the selective uptake of native cholesterol esters, SR-BI is responsible for the highly efficient selective uptake of oxidized cholesterol esters from HDL and thus forms an essential mediator in the HDL-associated protection system for atherogenic oxidized cholesterol esters.     

Cross-inhibition of SR-BI- and ABCA1-mediated cholesterol transport by the small molecules BLT-4 and glyburide

Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and ABCA1 are structurally dissimilar cell surface proteins that play key roles in HDL metabolism. SR-BI is a receptor that binds HDL with high affinity and mediates both the selective lipid uptake of cholesteryl esters from lipid-rich HDL to cells and the efflux of unesterified cholesterol from cells to HDL. ABCA1 mediates the efflux of unesterified cholesterol and phospholipids from cells to lipid-poor apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). The activities of ABCA1 and other ATP binding cassette superfamily members are inhibited by the drug glyburide, and SR-BI-mediated lipid transport is blocked by small molecule inhibitors called BLTs. Here, we show that one BLT, [1-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-3-naphthalen-2-yl-urea] (BLT-4), blocked ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux to lipid-poor apoA-I at a potency similar to that for its inhibition of SR-BI (IC(50) approximately 55-60 microM). Reciprocally, glyburide blocked SR-BI-mediated selective lipid uptake and efflux at a potency similar to that for its inhibition of ABCA1 (IC(50) approximately 275-300 microM). As is the case with BLTs, glyburide increased the apparent affinity of HDL binding to SR-BI. The reciprocal inhibition of SR-BI and ABCA1 by BLT-4 and glyburide raises the possibility that these proteins may share similar or common steps in their mechanisms of lipid transport.     

Apolipoprotein A-II modulates the binding and selective lipid uptake of reconstituted high density lipoprotein by scavenger receptor BI

High density lipoprotein (HDL) represents a mixture of particles containing either apoA-I and apoA-II (LpA-I/A-II) or apoA-I without apoA-II (LpA-I). Differences in the function and metabolism of LpA-I and LpA-I/A-II have been reported, and studies in transgenic mice have suggested that apoA-II is pro-atherogenic in contrast to anti-atherogenic apoA-I. The molecular basis for these observations is unclear. The scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) is an HDL receptor that plays a key role in HDL metabolism. In this study we investigated the abilities of apoA-I and apoA-II to mediate SR-BI-specific binding and selective uptake of cholesterol ester using reconstituted HDLs (rHDLs) that were homogeneous in size and apolipoprotein content. Particles were labeled in the protein (with (125)I) and in the lipid (with [(3)H]cholesterol ether) components and SR-BI-specific events were analyzed in SR-BI-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. At 1 microg/ml apolipoprotein, SR-BI-mediated cell association of palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine-containing AI-rHDL was significantly greater (3-fold) than that of AI/AII-rHDL, with a lower K(d) and a higher B(max) for AI-rHDL as compared with AI/AII-rHDL. Unexpectedly, selective cholesterol ester uptake from AI/AII-rHDL was not compromised compared with AI-rHDL, despite decreased binding. The efficiency of selective cholesterol ester uptake in terms of SR-BI-associated rHDL was 4-5-fold greater for AI/AII-rHDL than AI-rHDL. These results are consistent with a two-step mechanism in which SR-BI binds ligand and then mediates selective cholesterol ester uptake with an efficiency dependent on the composition of the ligand. ApoA-II decreases binding but increases selective uptake. These findings show that apoA-II can exert a significant influence on selective cholesterol ester uptake by SR-BI and may consequently influence the metabolism and function of HDL, as well as the pathway of reverse cholesterol transport.     

High density lipoprotein metabolism in low density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice

The LDL receptor (LDLR) and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) play physiological roles in LDL and HDL metabolism in vivo. In this study, we explored HDL metabolism in LDLR-deficient mice in comparison with WT littermates. Murine HDL was radiolabeled in the protein (¹²⁵I) and in the cholesteryl ester (CE) moiety ([³H]). The metabolism of ¹²⁵I-/[³H]HDL was investigated in plasma and in tissues of mice and in murine hepatocytes. In WT mice, liver and adrenals selectively take up HDL-associated CE ([³H]). In contrast, in LDLR^−/− mice, selective HDL CE uptake is significantly reduced in liver and adrenals. In hepatocytes isolated from LDLR^−/− mice, selective HDL CE uptake is substantially diminished compared with WT liver cells. Hepatic and adrenal protein expression of lipoprotein receptors SR-BI, cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), and LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) was analyzed by immunoblots. The respective protein levels were identical both in hepatic and adrenal membranes prepared from WT or from LDLR^−/− mice. In summary, an LDLR deficiency substantially decreases selective HDL CE uptake by liver and adrenals. This decrease is independent from regulation of receptor proteins like SR-BI, CD36, and LRP1. Thus, LDLR expression has a substantial impact on both HDL and LDL metabolism in mice.