How a protein called Olfm2 affects artery plaque and cholesterol handling
Official title: Novel Mechanisms Underlying the Development of Atherosclerosis
Funded at Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital · NIH-11264853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether lowering a protein named Olfm2 can reduce artery plaque and improve cholesterol balance for people at risk of heart attack and stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006161-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11264853 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people with coronary artery disease or those at high risk for atherosclerotic events (for example, high cholesterol or prior heart attack), particularly Veterans receiving care at VA centers.
✕Less likely to help
People without atherosclerosis or with health issues unrelated to artery plaque or cholesterol metabolism are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a protein called Olfactomedin 2 (Olfm2) that researchers found increases in artery muscle cells during plaque buildup. They study Olfm2 using genetically modified mice fed high-fat diets, lab experiments on cells, and analysis of human plaque tissue to see how Olfm2 alters cholesterol storage and the ACAT1 enzyme. Mice without Olfm2 showed smaller, more stable plaques and higher HDL cholesterol, suggesting a protective effect. The team will map how Olfm2 controls ACAT1 and lipid droplets to identify new ways to limit plaque growth and prevent dangerous plaque rupture.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that lower artery plaque and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies targeting cholesterol-storage enzymes like ACAT1 have shown benefit for plaque formation, but targeting Olfm2 is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Shiyou — Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chen, Shiyou
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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.