How the protein PLA2G12B affects ApoB 'bad' lipoproteins and heart disease risk
Defining the role of PLA2G12B on apoB-containing lipoprotein assembly, plasma levels, metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk
This project looks at whether PLA2G12B controls how triglyceride-rich ApoB lipoproteins are made and whether changing it could lower heart disease risk for people with lipid-driven atherosclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300206 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying a protein called PLA2G12B that helps load triglycerides onto ApoB-containing lipoproteins, the particles that can promote artery clogging. They will use mice and lab-grown human liver and intestinal cells to see how losing or altering PLA2G12B changes the amount and composition of these lipoproteins. The team will measure blood lipid levels and plaque buildup in animal models and compare those findings with effects seen in human cells. The work aims to connect basic molecular steps in the liver and gut to blood fat levels that matter for heart attack and stroke risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with high triglycerides, familial lipid disorders, or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease would be the most relevant candidates for follow-up clinical work informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose heart disease is not driven by lipid abnormalities or whose condition is unrelated to ApoB-containing lipoproteins are less likely to benefit directly from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work may point to new ways to reduce harmful triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How similar studies have performed: This is a relatively new approach: preliminary mouse and human cell work from the investigators shows that altering PLA2G12B changes lipoprotein triglyceride content and reduces atherosclerosis in mice, but it has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farber, Steven a — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Farber, Steven a
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.