Apolipoprotein Proteoforms and Heart Health
Official title: Apolipoprotein Proteoforms: Exploring Their Relationships with Cardiometabolic Health and Coronary Heart Disease Events
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11417166 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant aims to understand how different chemical changes to apolipoproteins relate to cholesterol, obesity, insulin resistance, and risk of heart disease in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $696,045 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL175942-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11417166 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for or with cholesterol disorders or coronary heart disease who could contribute blood or tissue samples and associated clinical data.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without cholesterol issues or heart disease may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Researchers at Northwestern University will study how post-translational modifications of human apolipoproteins influence cholesterol metabolism and the development of atherosclerosis. They will analyze how these proteoforms differ between blood and artery plaque and how they relate to body fat and insulin resistance. The project uses laboratory analyses of proteins, lipids, and patient data to connect molecular changes with cardiovascular risk. Findings could identify new biomarkers or targets to reduce coronary heart disease events.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better prediction of heart disease risk and new ways to prevent or treat CHD by targeting APO proteoforms.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest APO proteoforms differ in plasma versus plaque and may relate to adiposity and insulin resistance, indicating a promising but evolving field.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilkins, John Thomas — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Wilkins, John Thomas
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.