How ABCA1 helps move cholesterol onto HDL particles
Mechanism of ABCA1-mediated CEC to lipidated HDL particles
This research looks at how the ABCA1 protein helps cholesterol move onto HDL particles to protect people with or at risk for heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171539 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how the ABCA1 protein makes specific contacts with HDL and its proteins (APOA1 and APOA2) to move cholesterol out of cells. They will use structural methods like high-resolution cryo-EM and laboratory cholesterol efflux tests to see how small HDL particles and APOA2 change APOA1’s shape and function. The work is laboratory-based and uses purified proteins and cell models within a larger program project. Findings aim to explain how HDL protects arteries, with particular interest in implications for people with diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is lab-based and currently does not enroll patients, but future clinical studies informed by these findings could involve people with heart disease or diabetes.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment changes or those without cardiovascular risk are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify new ways to boost protective HDL function and reduce heart disease risk.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown ABCA1 and HDL are important for cholesterol removal, but the specific role of lipidated HDL and APOA2 in engaging ABCA1 is a newer idea being tested here.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davidson, W Sean — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Davidson, W Sean
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.