Investigating how a liver gene affects cholesterol levels and heart disease differently in men and women
Official title: Sex-Specific Roles of L-PK in Cholesterol Metabolism and Atherosclerosis
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11000307 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a liver gene affects cholesterol levels and heart disease risk, especially in men and women, to find new ways to help manage cholesterol-related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $565,304 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167670-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000307 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with high cholesterol levels or a family history of heart disease, particularly those who may benefit from sex-specific treatment approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues related to cholesterol metabolism or atherosclerosis may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of a specific liver gene, liver pyruvate kinase (L-PK), in cholesterol metabolism and its impact on atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart disease. By using a combination of genetic, molecular, and clinical data from various mouse models, the study aims to understand how variations in this gene may influence cholesterol levels and the risk of developing heart disease. The findings could lead to new therapeutic targets for managing cholesterol-related conditions, particularly focusing on differences between sexes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cholesterol management and reduced risk of heart disease, particularly tailored to individual patient profiles.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding genetic influences on cholesterol metabolism, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chella Krishnan, Karthickeyan — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Chella Krishnan, Karthickeyan
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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.