Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein Cleavage-Activating Protein (SCAP)

Sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) is an integral membrane protein that acts as a sterol sensor and regulates the activation of SREBPs, which are transcription factors controlling lipid synthesis. When cholesterol levels are low, SCAP escorts SREBPs from the ER to the Golgi for processing and activation. High cholesterol levels cause SCAP to bind Insig proteins, retaining it in the ER and preventing SREBP activation. SCAP is a therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.

SCAP inhibitors prevent SREBP activation by blocking SCAP's ability to transport SREBPs from the ER to the Golgi, or by promoting SCAP's binding to Insig proteins, thereby retaining it in the ER.