The LDL-receptor-related protein ??? portrait of a multifunctional receptor

Abstract

The LDL-receptor-related protein is a multifunctional clearance receptor that removes remnant lipoproteins and proteases from the extracellular space. In the absence of functional receptors, mouse embryos fail early in development, probably as a result of a failure to clear protease/antiprotease complexes from the surface of the invading trophoblast. A receptor-associated protein blocks the binding of all ligands and appears to function as a rapid regulator of receptor activity.