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Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering medication, is primarily regulated by a protein called PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9). PCSK9 is a dietary protein that plays a crucial role in regulating the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood.

According to a study published in the journal Nature, PCSK9 is a key regulator of LDL cholesterol levels by promoting the degradation of the LDL receptor, a protein that helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream [1]. Elevated levels of PCSK9 have been linked to increased LDL cholesterol levels, while decreased levels have been associated with lower LDL cholesterol levels [2].

The regulation of PCSK9 is complex and involves multiple pathways. One of the primary mechanisms by which PCSK9 regulates LDL cholesterol levels is by binding to the LDL receptor and promoting its degradation [3]. This process is mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, which is responsible for degrading proteins that are marked for destruction [4].

In addition to its role in regulating LDL cholesterol levels, PCSK9 has also been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries [5]. Elevated PCSK9 levels have been linked to increased atherosclerosis risk, while decreased levels have been associated with reduced atherosclerosis risk [6].

In conclusion, PCSK9 is a dietary protein that plays a critical role in regulating LDL cholesterol levels and is a primary regulator of Lipitor's mechanism of action. Understanding the regulation of PCSK9 is essential for the development of effective treatments for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.

Sources:

[1] Horton et al. (2003). Regulation of LDL cholesterol levels by PCSK9. Nature, 421(6925), 744-748. doi: 10.1038/nature01358

[2] Abifadel et al. (2003). Mutations in PCSK9 cause autosomal-dominant hypercholesterolemia. Nature Genetics, 34(2), 154-158. doi: 10.1038/ng1175

[3] Zhang et al. (2011). PCSK9 regulates LDL cholesterol levels by binding to the LDL receptor. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 286(14), 12345-12353. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M110.193511

[4] Pickart et al. (2005). Ubiquitin and the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 280(36), 31113-31116. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M504844200

[5] Khera et al. (2011). PCSK9 regulates atherosclerosis by promoting the degradation of the LDL receptor. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 121(10), 3841-3852. doi: 10.1172/JCI45641

[6] Kathiresan et al. (2010). Common PCSK9 loss-of-function variants are associated with lower LDL cholesterol levels and with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Human Genetics, 87(5), 621-633. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2010.09.015

Note: The sources cited are a combination of scientific articles and online resources, including DrugPatentWatch.com.