The cellular function of SCAP in metabolic signaling

Exp Mol Med. 2020 May;52(5):724-729. doi: 10.1038/s12276-020-0430-0. Epub 2020 May 8.

Abstract

Sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) cleavage activating protein (SCAP) is a key regulator of SREBP maturation. SCAP induces translocation of SREBP from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus, allowing it to regulate cellular triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Previous studies have shown that suppression of SREBP activation in SCAP conditional knockout mice reduced the accumulation of intracellular triglycerides, which eventually causes the development of metabolic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance. However, despite the significance of SCAP as a regulator of SREBP, its function has not been thoroughly discussed. In this review, we have summarized the function of SCAP and its regulatory proteins. Furthermore, we discuss recent studies regarding SCAP as a possible therapeutic target for hypertriglyceridemia and hyperlipidemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / chemistry
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics*
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Intracellular Space
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / etiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / metabolism
  • Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • SREBP cleavage-activating protein