Genes linking blood fats to heart and blood vessel disease
From genetic association to function: pleiotropic novel genes and variants linking lipid metabolism and cardiovascular diseases
This project looks at genes that connect blood cholesterol and other lipids to heart and blood vessel diseases to find new targets for future treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323887 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses large human genetic datasets to pinpoint genes and DNA variants tied to both blood lipid levels and multiple cardiovascular diseases. They focus on genes active in the liver and then study how those gene changes alter biology using cells and laboratory models. The researchers will prioritize the most convincing genes and map the molecular steps that lead to disease or protection. That roadmap is intended to help turn genetic findings into targets for new medicines for conditions like aortic stenosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and peripheral artery disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with high cholesterol, coronary or other atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or aortic stenosis — and those willing to share genetic or blood samples — would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes or those with conditions unrelated to lipid biology are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this basic genetic research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets and pathways that lead to non-surgical medical treatments for several cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Human genetics has already produced successful therapies (for example PCSK9-based cholesterol drugs), but many newly linked loci are untested and this program applies those proven genetics-to-target approaches more widely.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rader, Daniel James — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Rader, Daniel James
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 below.