SCARB1 antibody

Background of SCARB1 antibody

Scavenger receptors have been studied primarily for their ability to bind and internalize modified lipoproteins. They have been found in the development of atherosclerosis and other macrophage-associated functions. Scavenger receptors also function as pattern recognition receptors for a wide variety of pathogens. This finding indicates a potential role in host defense. SR-BI belongs together with CD36 to the class B scavenger receptor family.
SR-BI is a multiligand membrane protein existing in various organs such as the liver and various cell types such as endothelial cells, macrophages, brain cells, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells. SR-BI has been found as a receptor for phospholipids, free and (lipo)protein-bound ApoE, lipid-bound ApoA-I, HDL, hypochlorite-modified LDL and more. In liver, the PDZK-1 (and possible other PDZ domains) of SR-BI has been found to be essential for cell surface expression and, hence, reverse cholesterol transport. In the brain, the presence of SR-BI seems to be involved in the uptake of oxidatively modified lipoproteins and beta-amyloid protein complexed with ApoE, suggesting SR-BI to be an important tool for studies on neurodegenerative disorders. In the testis, SR-BI is expressed in two somatic cell types: Leydig cells and Sertoli cells. SR-BI functions at least partly as a phosphatidyl serine receptor (PSR), enabling Sertoli cells to recognize and phagocytose apoptotic spermatogenic cells at all stages of differentiation.