How fat cells help mature the enzyme that clears blood fats (LPL)
A central role of SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD in LPL maturation in adipocytes
Scientists are studying how a cellular cleanup system in fat tissue helps the enzyme that breaks down blood fats (LPL) mature and work properly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11293392 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team will use lab-grown fat cells and animal models to watch how the SEL1L-HRD1 protein complex and cellular recycling pathways (autophagy) handle the making and disposal of the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) enzyme. They will block or change ERAD and autophagy components to see when LPL folds correctly, forms aggregates, or gets cleared, and they will use imaging and proteomics to find the proteins involved. Genetic tools, microscopy, and protein-level analyses will map the pathway that prevents harmful LPL aggregates and maintains normal fat-cell function. The work aims to trace step-by-step how problems in these systems could lead to abnormal blood fats.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with high triglycerides, familial lipid disorders, or other conditions linked to abnormal lipoprotein metabolism would be most likely to benefit from future therapies based on this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to lipid metabolism or blood-fat regulation are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat high blood-fat conditions by correcting how fat cells process the enzyme that clears blood fats.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies by the team have shown ERAD and autophagy cooperate to handle misfolded LPL and form CERFs, but the detailed molecular mechanisms remain largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qi, Ling — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Qi, Ling
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.