How cells control release of lipoprotein lipase
Lipoprotein Lipase Through the Secretory System
Learning how cells fold and store the enzyme that lowers blood triglycerides to help people with high triglycerides and diabetes.
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-11235195 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is folded and why much of it stays trapped inside cells instead of being released. They will examine the helper protein LMF1 to see how it helps LPL form correct bonds and exit the endoplasmic reticulum. The team will also track vesicles that store ready-to-release LPL and watch how insulin signals trigger their movement and secretion. These experiments use cell models, protein biochemistry, and advanced imaging to reveal the molecular steps that control LPL availability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with high triglycerides, familial LPL-related lipid disorders, or insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes would be most relevant to future clinical applications.
Not a fit: People without lipid or insulin-related problems are unlikely to see direct benefit from this mechanistic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to increase active LPL in the blood and lower triglyceride levels, reducing heart disease risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies have linked LMF1 to LPL maturation, but the detailed mechanism and the insulin-triggered vesicle release pathway are largely unexplored.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neher, Saskia — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Neher, Saskia
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.