How a liver enzyme (L‑PK) affects cholesterol and artery disease differently in men and women
Sex-Specific Roles of L-PK in Cholesterol Metabolism and Atherosclerosis
Researchers will see whether a liver enzyme called L‑PK changes cholesterol levels and artery clogging differently in men and women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235185 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work combines human genetic data with lab experiments in mice and cultured liver cells to study L‑PK’s role in blood lipids and fatty liver. The team will raise or lower L‑PK in the liver and measure effects on mitochondrial function, triglycerides, and cholesterol. They will also compare male and female responses to find sex-specific differences. Human genetic signals will be linked back to L‑PK activity to help point toward treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with high cholesterol, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or who are at risk for atherosclerosis — especially those interested in how sex may change treatment effects — would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without lipid or liver problems, or whose disease arises from unrelated causes, are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new sex-specific ways to lower cholesterol, treat fatty liver, and prevent atherosclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work indicates that changing L‑PK can reduce liver fat and improve insulin sensitivity, but applying these findings to humans and confirming sex-specific effects is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chella Krishnan, Karthickeyan — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Chella Krishnan, Karthickeyan
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.