EGFA-GPA chimeric protein

The EGFA-GPA chimeric protein is an engineered fusion protein designed to sequester Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9) on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). It consists of the epidermal growth factor-like repeat A (EGFA) domain of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) fused to the extracellular N-terminus of glycophorin A (GPA), a major RBC-specific membrane protein. By displaying the EGFA domain on the surface of RBCs, the protein acts as a circulating 'sink' for PCSK9, preventing it from binding to and accelerating the degradation of hepatic LDL receptors. This mechanism increases the availability of LDL receptors to clear low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from the plasma, thereby lowering cholesterol levels. Developed as a hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy, this approach aims to provide a long-term, potentially one-time treatment for chronic hyperlipidemia and associated metabolic conditions such as obesity.

Other names

EGFA-glycophorin A chimeric proteinEGFA-GPA