LRP-1/CD91

LRP-1, designated CD91, is a giant endocytic and signaling receptor of the LDL receptor family, synthesized as a roughly 600 kDa precursor that is cleaved into a large extracellular alpha chain and a transmembrane beta chain. Its extracellular ligand-binding clusters recognize dozens of cargoes, including alpha2-macroglobulin-proteinase complexes, apoE-enriched lipoproteins, tPA-PAI-1 complexes and matrix metalloproteinases, which are routed to lysosomal degradation. LRP-1 also transduces signals through its cytoplasmic NPxY motifs, modulating PDGF receptor signaling, cell migration and vascular permeability. Abundant on endothelium, smooth muscle, neurons and macrophages, the receptor has documented roles in atherosclerosis, amyloid-beta clearance and tissue fibrosis.