Investigating how a specific receptor affects cholesterol levels in the liver
Official title: Role of Retinoid X Receptor Alpha in regulating PCSK9 transcription in the liver
Funded at NYU Long Island School of Medicine · NIH-11038045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called RXRα affects cholesterol production in the liver, especially for people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), to help find new ways to manage cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | NYU Long Island School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mineola, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $559,301 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135630-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who are at risk for elevated cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without liver disease or those who do not have issues related to cholesterol metabolism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of Retinoid X Receptor Alpha (RXRα) in regulating the production of PCSK9, a protein that influences cholesterol levels in the liver. By studying how RXRα interacts with other nuclear receptors, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to increased cholesterol and LDL-C levels, particularly in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The approach includes using animal models to observe the effects of RXRα depletion and overexpression on cholesterol metabolism. The findings could provide insights into new treatment strategies for managing cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting PCSK9 for cholesterol management, indicating that this approach has potential based on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
NYU Long Island School of Medicine
Mineola, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miao, Qing — NYU Long Island School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Miao, Qing
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.