CETP

CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein) is a hydrophobic glycoprotein consisting of 476 amino acids residue that, in general, facilitates the transfer of neutral lipids (such as cholesteryl and triglycerides) among lipoprotein particles. The chemical structure of CETP takes on a shape of a boomerang in which a long hydrophobic tunnel with openings at either end allows lipids to be exchanged between donor and acceptor lipoproteins in a non-aqueous phase. Study results suggest that CETP facilitates the transfer of cholesteryl esters from HDL to LDL and VLDL resulting in the lowering of HDL levels and raising of LDL and VDL levels, which might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.