Figure 7.

Schematic summary of signal transduction by CRP on PCSK9 expression and function in HepG2 cells. CRP activated p38MAPK pathway, which increased the binding activation and expression of nuclear HNF1α, leading to the PCSK9 expression in HepG2 cells. As a secreted factor, PCSK9 directed the LDLR degradation, preventing the LDLR recycling to the membrane and LDL uptake. CRP, C‐reactive protein; LDL low‐density lipoprotein; LDLR, LDL receptor; PCSK9, pro‐protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9; MAPK, mitogen‐activated protein kinase; HNF, hepatocyte nuclear factor.