How a blood fat called lipoprotein(a) affects heart and blood vessel health
Phenotypic consequences of lipoprotein(a)
This project looks at how high levels of lipoprotein(a), a genetic blood fat, are linked to heart disease and other health problems in people from diverse backgrounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258004 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is bringing together many patient groups and existing research cohorts to measure lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) using validated lab tests, especially in African, Polynesian, and South American populations. They will combine those measurements with genetic information and lots of health data to map which diseases and conditions are linked to Lp(a). The goal is to predict possible side effects of new drugs that lower Lp(a) and to find new conditions that might benefit from Lp(a) reduction. If you are in a participating cohort, you might be asked to provide a blood sample or allow your existing health records and genetic data to be used.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with elevated Lp(a) or people from underrepresented ancestries (African, Polynesian, South American) who are part of participating cohorts or willing to provide samples and data.
Not a fit: People without elevated Lp(a) or whose care is unrelated to cardiovascular risk may not see direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors know who is most likely to benefit from Lp(a)-lowering treatments and anticipate possible adverse effects.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic studies and early drug trials that lower Lp(a) have shown promise for reducing cardiovascular risk, but broad, diverse mapping of Lp(a)'s effects across many conditions is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Avery, Christy Leigh — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Avery, Christy Leigh
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.