Structure， Function and Clinical Application of the Apolipoprotein D

Abstract: Apolipoprotein D (apoD) is a 29-kDa glycoprotein that was initially isolated from human plasma high density lipoproteins fraction. It is an atypical apolipoprotein and was subsequently identified to be a member of lipocalin family by structural analysis. Several small hydrophobic molecules were identified as potential ligand for apoD， such as cholesterol， progesterone and bilirubin. Wide distribution of the apoD gene in the tissues of several chordates suggests the functional importance of its corresponding protein. Recently study reveals that ApoD has received attention as prognostic marker for various cancer development and neurological diseases. All of these indicate that apoD is likely to be a multi-ligand， multi-functional protein.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2008.01.0011