OSBPL7 (oxysterol binding protein like 7) is a lipid-binding protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane that regulates cellular cholesterol homeostasis and autophagy. Primary function: OSBPL7 controls cholesterol efflux through ABCA1-dependent mechanisms 1 and regulates lipid metabolism in endothelial cells 2. Mechanism: The protein binds oxysterols and cholesterol 2, interacts with autophagy-related proteins including GABARAPL2 and LC3B 2, and associates with metabolic regulators like AKT1 2. Disease relevance: A novel OSBPL7 c.651_652del variant confers 17-fold increased odds for hypercholesterolemia in Malaysian populations 3. Small-molecule OSBPL7 inhibitors increase ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux and prevent renal function decline in proteinuric kidney disease models 1. OSBPL7 expression is elevated in cholangiocarcinoma tissues and blood of cancer patients, suggesting potential as a metastasis marker 4. Common variants near OSBPL7 are associated with eczema susceptibility 5. Clinical significance: OSBPL7-targeted therapeutics represent promising approaches for treating kidney disease, hypercholesterolemia, and potentially other disorders of cholesterol homeostasis.