LDL receptors
low-density lipoprotein receptors specific receptors for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) found in coated pits on the surface of mammalian cells. The coated pits are internalized, forming coated vesicles from which LDL receptors are recycled back to the plasma membrane while LDL particles are transferred to lysosomes, where they are degraded, releasing free cholesterol, phospholipids, and amino acids. Genetic defects in LDL receptors are responsible for familial hypercholesterolemia.
Medical dictionary.
2011.