Lipoprotein receptors: beacons to neurons?

Lipoprotein receptors were originally considered simply as cellular transporters for cholesterol and other lipids. This view is rapidly changing. Signaling functions have recently been recognized in several members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene family. These Apolipoprotein E receptors are highly expressed in the developing and in the mature nervous system, in which they regulate crucial developmental processes and might also participate in synaptic neurotransmission.