Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9: a new target molecule for gene therapy

Cell Mol Biol Lett. 2012 Jun;17(2):228-39. doi: 10.2478/s11658-012-0006-7. Epub 2012 Feb 7.

Abstract

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged as a novel target for controlling plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. At present it is clear that the major classes of commonly prescribed lipid-lowering medications increase serum PCSK9 levels and fail to protect a significant percentage of patients from cardiovascular events. Therefore development of new LDL-C lowering medications that either do not increase circulating PCSK9 levels or work through inhibition of PCSK9 expression and protease activity is a highly desirable approach to overcome hypercholesterolemia. Since there are several agents which are being evaluated in human preclinical and clinical trials, this review summarizes current therapeutic strategies targeting PCSK9, including specific antibodies, antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and other small-molecule inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Anticholesteremic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Genetic Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense / therapeutic use
  • Proprotein Convertase 9
  • Proprotein Convertases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Proprotein Convertases / genetics*
  • Proprotein Convertases / metabolism
  • RNA Interference
  • Serine Endopeptidases / genetics*
  • Serine Endopeptidases / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense
  • PCSK9 protein, human
  • Proprotein Convertase 9
  • Proprotein Convertases
  • Serine Endopeptidases