How chylomicrons affect blood vessel lining cells

Chylomicrons and endothelial biology

NIH-funded research New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11249125

This project looks at how fat-carrying particles from food (chylomicrons) interact with the cells that line blood vessels and may contribute to artery plaque and heart disease risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11249125 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From a patient perspective, the team will study how blood-vessel lining cells take up chylomicrons and what happens to those fats inside the cells. They will look at specific proteins on the cells that grab these particles and track whether fatty material is sent into the artery wall or packaged into tiny vesicles. The researchers will compare vesicles from treated versus untreated cells and test effects in living models to see if this speeds plaque buildup. Their experiments include changing lipoprotein size and parts of the carrier protein to see how that affects uptake and delivery to artery tissues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with or at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease—especially those with high triglycerides or abnormal lipoprotein profiles—would be the most relevant group for this line of research.

Not a fit: People without cardiovascular disease risk factors or with conditions unrelated to lipid-driven artery disease are unlikely to get direct benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new ways to prevent or reduce artery plaque caused by dietary fats and point to targets for medicines or tests to lower heart-attack risk.

How similar studies have performed: Related studies have shown that LDL uses endothelial receptors and early data support endothelial uptake of chylomicrons, but the specific role of chylomicron-derived vesicles in promoting plaque is a newer area under active study.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.