LR11/SorLA and its role in cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases account for the highest morbidity worldwide. LR11 (also called SorLA), an LDL receptor family member characterized as a sorting receptor, was initially identified in the brain and has a causative role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. However, LR11, and its circulating shed isoform, sLR11, are also associated to cardiovascular diseases and risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as obesity and diabetes. In the current narrative review, we discuss that elevation of plasma sLR11 levels can result from different forms of vascular injury, but also plays a role in subsequent vascular remodeling. We provide an overview of the mechanisms whereby LR11 promotes vascular remodeling and thereby atherosclerosis and how it could be involved in obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, we discuss the possibilities of (s)LR11 as a biomarker and therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases.