Beyond cholesterol metabolism: The pleiotropic effects of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Genetics, mutations, expression, and perspective for long‐term inhibition

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has a crucial role in lipid metabolism, particularly due to its function in low‐density lipoprotein receptor degradation. Gain‐of‐function genetic mutations of PCSK9 result in autosomal dominant familial hypercholesterolemia, characterized by high levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and clinical signs of early atherosclerosis. In recent years, PCSK9 has become an important...