How liver enzyme teams make ApoB-containing fat particles that raise triglycerides
Role of Multi-enzyme Complex in ApoBCL Secretion
['FUNDING_P01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11249203
Researchers will look at how groups of liver enzymes create and release ApoB-containing fat particles that can raise triglycerides and heart disease risk for people with high triglycerides despite LDL-lowering treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11249203 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project at UT Southwestern focuses on how enzymes in different parts of liver cells work together to make fatty acids and package them onto ApoB to form VLDL, the triglyceride-rich particles linked to heart disease. The team will map physical interactions among key enzymes (like ACL, ACC, FAS, ELOVL6, SCD1, and GPAM) and study how post-translational changes control their activity using molecular and biochemical lab methods, cell models, and likely animal and human-derived samples. By defining where and when these enzymes interact and how that affects VLDL secretion, researchers aim to find specific steps that new drugs could target to lower harmful ApoB-containing lipoproteins.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with high triglycerides or elevated ApoB/VLDL levels despite statin or PCSK9 treatment, or those with clinical hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular risk, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose cardiovascular risk is driven only by LDL cholesterol that is already well controlled, or people with unrelated conditions, are less likely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets to lower triglyceride-rich ApoB particles and reduce heart attack and stroke risk in people with residual risk despite current LDL-lowering therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that SREBP-1c and individual lipid-synthesis enzymes influence fatty acid and VLDL production, but characterizing a coordinated multi-enzyme complex and its post-translational control is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HORTON, JAY D. — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: HORTON, JAY D.
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.