Scientists identify protein essential for cholesterol absorption from intestine.

2004 MAR 15 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- In a major advance in understanding the intestinal pathway for cholesterol absorption and the mechanism of action for Zetia (ezetimibe), scientists at Schering-Plough Research Institute (SPRI) have identified and characterized a long sought protein critical to intestinal cholesterol absorption.

In an article published in the journal Science, Schering-Plough scientists report on the identification of the protein, named NPC1L1, as playing an essential role in the ezetimibe-sensitive cholesterol absorption pathway.

Cholesterol levels in the blood are largely controlled through two sources in the body: the liver, which synthesizes (produces) cholesterol, and the intestine, where cholesterol is absorbed into the blood stream.

"By demonstrating the function of the NPC1L1 protein, scientists at SPRI have made a …