This invention is related to the field of PCSK9 biology and the composition and methods of use of small molecule ligands for modulation of PCSK9 biological activity. In particular, the invention provides compositions of small molecule compounds that modulate circulating levels of low density lipoproteins by altering the conformation of the protein PCSK9. Binding these small molecule ligands to PCSK9 alters the conformation of the protein, modifying the interaction between PCSK9 and an endogenous low density lipoprotein receptor, and can lead to reduced or increased levels of circulating LDL-cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol levels are associated with increased risk for heart disease. Low LDL-cholesterol levels may be problematic in other conditions, such as liver dysfunction; thus, there is also utility for small molecule ligands that can raise LDL levels.
本发明涉及 PCSK9
生物学领域以及用于调节 PCSK9
生物活性的小分子
配体的组成和使用方法。特别是,本发明提供了通过改变蛋白质 PCSK9 的构象来调节循环中低密度脂蛋白
水平的
小分子化合物组合物。将这些小分子
配体与 PCSK9 结合可改变该蛋白的构象,改变 PCSK9 与内源性低密度脂蛋白受体之间的相互作用,并可导致循环中的低密度脂蛋白
胆固醇水平降低或升高。低密度脂蛋白
胆固醇水平高与心脏病风险增加有关。低密度脂蛋白
胆固醇水平过低可能会对肝功能障碍等其他疾病造成困扰;因此,能提高低密度脂蛋白
水平的小分子
配体也很有用。