Modified FGF1 protein to lower blood fats and protect arteries
Official title: Fibroblast growth factor 1 prevents hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11235157 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project develops a modified natural protein (FGF1) to lower blood fats and help people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome avoid artery-clogging plaque.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $520,374 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL160927-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11235157 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or high LDL cholesterol who are at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
People without metabolic disease, children, or those whose high cholesterol comes from rare genetic disorders may not see benefit from this line of research in the near term.
What this research studies
Researchers are working with a lab-made version of FGF1 called FGF1ΔHBS that keeps the protein's helpful metabolic effects but reduces its tendency to cause excessive cell growth. In mouse models of diabetes, this modified FGF1 nearly reversed fatty liver and showed promise for improving blood fat levels. The team will study how the treatment changes adipose tissue, lipid profiles, and plaque formation in arteries and explore related pathways such as ApoE. The goal is to create a safer way to prevent or slow atherosclerosis linked to metabolic disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a safer treatment that lowers harmful blood lipids and reduces heart attacks and strokes for people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Related studies in animals have shown that FGF1 and engineered non-mitogenic variants improve metabolism and liver fat, but human testing is still limited.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tan, Yi — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Tan, Yi
Related research
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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.