Mouse Niemann-Pick C1-like protein 1,NPC1L1 ELI

Plays a major role in cholesterol homeostasis.

Is critical for the uptake of both phytosterol and cholesterol across the plasma membrane of the intestinal enterocyte.

Is the direct molecular target of ezetimibe, a drug that inhibits cholesterol absorption (By similarity).

The protein may have a function in the transport of multiple lipids and their homeostasis, and may play a critical role in regulating lipid metabolism.

Acts as a negative regulator of NPC2 and down-regulates its expression and secretion by inhibiting its maturation and accelerating its degradation (By similarity).

{ECO:0000250, ECO:0000269|PubMed:14976318, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15173162, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15671032}.