This gene is a member of the paraoxonase family and lies in a cluster on chromosome 7 with the other two family members. The encoded protein is secreted into the bloodstream and associates with high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The protein also rapidly hydrolyzes lactones and can inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a function that is believed to slow the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Alternatively spliced variants which encode different protein isoforms have been described, however, only one has been fully characterized.,PON3,Cancer,Signal Transduction,Endocrine & Metabolism,Drug metabolism,Neuroscience,Neurodegenerative Diseases,Dopamine Signaling in Parkinson's Disease,Cardiovascular,Lipids,Lipoproteins/Apolipoproteins,PON3