Proprotein Convertase 9/PCSK9: cDNA Clones

PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase 9, is a serine endoprotease that is highly expressed in the liver, intestine, and kidney. PCSK9 promotes the degradation of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) by inducing receptor degradation in the lysosome following its internalization. PCSK9 regulates the amounts of LDLR in the circulation and hence, modulates cholesterol levels. Nonsense or loss-of-function mutations in PCSK9 are associated with decreased plasma LDL cholesterol levels.