How ANGPTL3 controls HDL ('good' cholesterol) and enzymes that process blood fats
Regulation of Endothelial Lipase and HDL Metabolism by ANGPTL3
Researchers are exploring whether the liver protein ANGPTL3 changes an enzyme called endothelial lipase in ways that make HDL ('good' cholesterol) more or less protective for people at risk of heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248034 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team studies a liver protein called ANGPTL3 that can block enzymes which remodel HDL, the 'good' cholesterol. They use mice engineered to carry ANGPTL3 variants that only affect one enzyme at a time and cross them with mice prone to atherosclerosis to see how HDL and artery plaques change. In lab experiments they will examine how ANGPTL3 interacts with endothelial lipase to destabilize or inactivate it. The results aim to show whether changing ANGPTL3’s effects can keep HDL protective and reduce artery disease risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with or at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially those with abnormal cholesterol profiles or known ANGPTL3-related genetic changes, are the types of patients who might benefit from later therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: People without lipid abnormalities or those with advanced, irreversible cardiovascular disease are less likely to receive direct benefit from these preclinical findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new therapies that protect HDL function and lower the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that lower ANGPTL3 have already reduced cholesterol and triglycerides in people, but the specific effects on endothelial lipase and HDL remodeling are mainly untested and are being explored in animal and lab studies.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davies, Brandon Scott Joseph — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Davies, Brandon Scott Joseph
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.