Understanding genetic factors affecting cholesterol levels in diverse populations
Official title: Whole genome sequences in ethnically diverse individuals to comprehensively characterize the genetic mechanisms of dyslipidemias
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10978305 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes affect cholesterol and fat levels in the blood, which can help us find new ways to manage heart health for people with high lipid levels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $697,700 |
| NIH project number | 2R01HL142711-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978305 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds who have abnormal lipid levels or a family history of dyslipidemias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any lipid abnormalities or genetic predispositions to dyslipidemias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic mechanisms behind dyslipidemias, which are abnormal lipid levels that can lead to heart disease. By utilizing whole genome sequencing from approximately 600,000 ethnically diverse individuals, the study aims to identify novel genetic variations that influence plasma lipid levels. The approach combines genomic data with bioinformatics to better understand how these variations affect cholesterol and other lipids in the blood. This comprehensive analysis will help in developing personalized strategies for managing lipid-related health risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the risk of coronary heart disease for many individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using whole genome sequencing to identify genetic factors related to various health conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Natarajan, Pradeep — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Natarajan, Pradeep
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding why your blood lipid levels run in families and affect heart disease
Researchers are using big genome sequencing to understand how inherited genetic differences influence your blood fats and heart disease risk.
-
Understanding genetic causes of high cholesterol across diverse populations
This project looks at whole-genome DNA from people of many ethnic backgrounds to find genetic changes that influence blood lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels.
-
Asprosin and miRNA Profiles in Young Women with Metabolic Syndrome
This study tests whether certain blood biomarkers, including asprosin and six microRNAs, differ between young women with metabolic syndrome and healthy peers.
-
Home-based cardiovascular health screening for people turning 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or 75 in Uppsala
This trial tests whether giving people a home blood pressure monitor, a dried blood spot kit, and a questionnaire can find more cardiovascular risk factors than usual care.
-
Group visits to help manage high cholesterol
This project will try group medical visits for adults with dyslipidemia to see if they improve care, lifestyle habits, and access to primary care.
-
Fixed-dose pitavastatin/ezetimibe for adults with dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome
This will try a fixed-dose pitavastatin/ezetimibe pill in adults with dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome to see if it lowers LDL cholesterol and is safe over 48 weeks.
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.