STARD4
Description
The STARD4 (StAR related lipid transfer domain containing 4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 5.
STARD4 is a soluble protein involved in cholesterol transport. It can transfer up to 7 sterol molecules per minute between artificial membranes. STARD4 may regulate cholesterol levels in many cells, including in the liver. It has been specifically linked to the movement of cholesterol to the endoplasmic reticulum. The protein is associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets. Increases in the protein relate to cell stress. High levels of STARD4 increase the synthesis of bile acids and cholesterol esters in liver hepatocytes. Reductions in cholesterol synthesis by cells increase STARD4 levels while StarD4 declines in mice fed a high cholesterol diet. Increases in levels of either master gene regulator SREBP-1a or SREBP2, which both promote the production of proteins involved in cholesterol synthesis, increase StarD4 levels in mouse liver. Conversely, increased STARD4 increases active SREBP2 levels.
STARD4 is also known as -.
