HDL receptor scavenger receptor BI: a multi-purpose player in cholesterol and steroid metabolism in mice and man

Scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) is a multi-functional receptor that plays an essential role in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and prevention of atherosclerotic lesion development. It mediates the selective uptake of cholesteryl esters from high-density lipoprotein (HDL) by the liver, the final step in the RCT pathway. In addition, it has been implicated in binding and uptake of native apolipoprotein B (apoB) containing lipoproteins and the bi-directional transport of cholesterol between cells and HDL. Recent studies have also indicated that SR-BI is essential for adrenal steroidogenesis by facilitating the uptake of cholesterol from HDL by the adrenal and that deletion of SR-BI leads to an increased susceptibility to arterial thrombosis and an altered platelet response.


Most studies on SR-BI have been performed in mice and for long it was questioned whether SR-BI was also important for cholesterol metabolism in humans. Recently, however, heterozygote carriers of a functional P297S mutation in the SR-BI gene were identified in the Netherlands in whom it for the first time could be demonstrated that also in humans SR-BI is essential for HDL metabolism, adrenal glucocorticoid output, and platelet function.


In conclusion, SR-BI is a multi-purpose player in cholesterol and steroid metabolism in mice and man that might have potential as a therapeutic target for treatment of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis.