Lipoproteins and apolipoproteins are essential components involved in lipid transport and metabolism in the body. They play a crucial role in transporting hydrophobic lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, within the aqueous environment of the bloodstream and tissues. They are important therefore for maintaining lipid homeostasis, cellular function, and overall health. Lipoproteins are spherical complexes composed of lipids and proteins and their primary function is to transport lipids, which are insoluble in water, through the bloodstream to various tissues and organs. Lipoproteins consist of a hydrophobic lipid core, predominantly consisting of triglycerides and cholesterol esters, surrounded by a hydrophilic shell composed of phospholipids, free cholesterol, and proteins termed apolipoproteins. Lipoproteins are usually classified according to their density, which is determined mainly by the proportion of lipids to proteins. The main classes of lipoproteins include: 1) Chylomicrons, the largest and least dense lipoproteins. They are synthesized in enterocytes, the absorptive cells lining the inner surface of the small intestine and function to transport dietary lipids, primarily triglycerides, from the intestines to the liver and peripheral tissues. Chylomicrons are rich in triglycerides and contain apoB-48 as their primary apolipoprotein; 2) Very-Low-Density Lipoproteins (VLDL), produced by the liver, with VLDL particles transporting endogenous triglycerides synthesized in the liver to adipose tissue and muscles for storage or energy utilization. VLDL contains apoB-100 as its primary apolipoprotein; 3) Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL), particles containing a higher proportion of cholesterol esters and transport cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues. Elevated levels of LDL are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. ApoB-100 is also the primary apolipoprotein on LDL particles; 4) High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL), which transport excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver for excretion, a process known as reverse cholesterol transport. HDL particles contain various apolipoproteins, including apoA-I and apoA-II. The proteins associated with lipoprotein particles are the apolipoproteins, which provide structural stability, solubility, and recognition sites for cellular receptors. Different apolipoproteins have distinct roles in lipid processes. ApoB-100 is the primary apolipoprotein on VLDL and LDL particles. It plays a key role in recognizing LDL receptors on cells, facilitating the uptake of cholesterol by peripheral tissues. ApoB-48 is found on chylomicrons and facilitates lipid transport from the intestine. ApoA-I is the main apolipoprotein found in HDL particles and plays a central role in reverse cholesterol transport. It promotes the efflux of excess cholesterol from cells and its transport to the liver for elimination. Found on several lipoprotein classes, ApoE is involved in the clearance of remnants of chylomicrons and VLDL by interacting with receptors (LDL receptors) on liver cells. It also mediates the uptake of lipoproteins by peripheral tissues. Finally, ApoC proteins (C-I, C-II, C-III) are found on various lipoproteins and regulate lipoprotein metabolism by influencing enzyme activity, such as catabolism by lipoprotein lipase which hydrolyses triglycerides. Thus, lipoproteins act as vehicles for transporting lipids throughout the body, and apolipoproteins play crucial roles in stabilizing these particles, aiding in recognition by cellular receptors, and regulating lipid metabolism. We offer a wide product range of research tools for studying lipoproteins and apolipoproteins, including Clusterin antibodies, Serum Amyloid A antibodies, Apolipoprotein D antibodies, Apolipoprotein E ELISA Kits, and Clusterin ELISA Kits. Explore our full lipoproteins and apolipoproteins product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Apolipoproteins and Lipoproteins product ranges.