The cellular function of SCAP in metabolic signaling

Metabolic diseases: blocking fat and cholesterol production The complex cellular functions of a membrane protein that influences fat and cholesterol levels have been reviewed by researchers in South Korea. The main role of this protein, SCAP, is to move certain transcription factors between organelles within cells, allowing them to regulate the synthesis of triglycerides (fat molecules) and cholesterol. Seung-Soon Im and co-workers at Keimyung University School of Medicine in Daegu reviewed studies of the numerous signalling pathways that influence SCAP activity, and of insulin-induced genes that bind to SCAP and inhibit its function. Genetic studies have shown that blocking SCAP in mice can reduce the development of diabetes, fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis. Several drugs for these metabolic conditions have been shown to indirectly inhibit SCAP activity, and therefore drugs that directly target SCAP should be a focus of future research.