Understanding how a protein called Rap1a affects cholesterol levels in the liver
Hepatic Rap1a in cholesterol homeostasis
This research explores how a specific protein in the liver, Rap1a, helps control cholesterol levels, especially for people with high cholesterol and heart disease risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093371 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into how a protein called Rap1a in your liver might help manage cholesterol, which is important because high cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Our work suggests that activating Rap1a could lower levels of a harmful type of cholesterol called LDL-C. We also found that common cholesterol-lowering medicines, called statins, can sometimes reduce Rap1a's activity, which might make them less effective. By understanding this process better, we hope to find new ways to improve how we treat high cholesterol.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with high cholesterol, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or adult-onset diabetes mellitus who are at risk for heart complications.
Not a fit: Patients without high cholesterol or a risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new medications or strategies that more effectively lower harmful cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
How similar studies have performed: This proposal is based on new findings from the research team's laboratory, suggesting a novel approach to regulating cholesterol.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ozcan, Lale — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ozcan, Lale
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.