Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SREBF2 gene. SREBP-2 is a member of the sterol regulatory element-binding proteins family of transcription factors.

Function[edit | edit source]

SREBP-2 is a basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) transcription factor that regulates cholesterol homeostasis by controlling the expression of a range of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. It is a key player in the regulation of lipid metabolism, particularly in the synthesis and uptake of cholesterol and fatty acids.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The SREBP-2 protein is synthesized as a precursor that is attached to the nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum. In the presence of sterols, SREBP-2 is cleaved to a soluble form that enters the nucleus and activates the transcription of genes with sterol regulatory elements (SREs) in their promoters.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the SREBF2 gene have been associated with hypercholesterolemia. Overexpression of SREBP-2 can lead to increased cholesterol synthesis, while decreased expression can lead to reduced cholesterol synthesis.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]



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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD