How cells recycle LDL receptors to help control cholesterol
Cholesterol Regulation Through Retriever-Dependent LDL Receptor Recycling
Researchers are looking at a cellular recycling system that controls LDL receptors to find new ways to lower 'bad' cholesterol for people at risk of heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11326296 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses high-resolution structural models and laboratory experiments to understand how the Retriever protein complex helps recycle LDL receptors on cells. The team combines cryo-electron microscopy, biochemical tests, and experiments in cells and animal models to map how Retriever works with partner complexes (CCC and WASH) and how mutations affect cholesterol handling. By pinpointing the molecular steps controlling LDL receptor recycling, researchers aim to reveal targets where new drugs or genetic approaches could boost LDL clearance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with high LDL cholesterol, familial hypercholesterolemia, or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who are willing to donate blood or genetic samples or take part in future clinical follow-ups would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Because this is laboratory-focused discovery work, patients seeking immediate new treatments are unlikely to gain direct benefit in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for therapies that lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of atherosclerotic heart disease.
How similar studies have performed: The investigators recently published the first high-resolution Retriever structure, so this builds on new structural discoveries though translating that knowledge into treatments remains untested.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burstein, Ezra — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Burstein, Ezra
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.