Synthesis and secretion of plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein by human hepatocarcinoma cell line, HepG2.

We have examined the synthesis, secretion, and functional and physical characteristics of a lipid transfer protein synthesized by a human hepatocellular carcinoma line. We found that this protein shares immunochemical determinants and many other properties with the lipid transfer protein, LTP-I, which has been purified from human plasma. We conclude that the human liver cell line, HepG2, synthesizes and secretes LTP-I. Thus, hepatocytes may be the source of LTP-I in human plasma.