Apolipoproteins are protein components of plasma lipoproteins. The human apoA-I gene encodes a single chain, 243 amino acid protein which promotes cholesterol efflux from tissues to the liver for excretion. Apolipoprotein A-I is the major protein component of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in the plasma. It can function as a co-factor for lecithin cholesterolacyltransferase (LCAT), which is responsible for the formation of most plasma cholesterylesters. The human apoA-II gene encodes the second most abundant protein of HDL particles, where it influences plasma levels of free fatty acids (FFA). The human apoA-IV gene encodes a 396 amino acid preprotein, which after proteolytic processing is secreted from the intestine in association with chylomicron particles. ApoA-IV is a potent activator of LCAT in vitro. The human apoA-V gene encodes a 366 amino acid protein that is believed to be an important determinant of plasma triglyceride levels.
