Insights into steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR)-dependent cholesterol transfer in mitochondria: evidence from molecular modeling and structure-based thermodynamics supporting the existence of partially unfolded states of StAR

The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) is the major entrance for cholesterol in mitochondria under acute stimulation. Under such circumstances, dysfunctional StAR activity can ultimately lead to lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH). A complete understanding of the StAR's molecu…