Understanding how a protein complex helps regulate cholesterol levels
Official title: Cholesterol Regulation Through Retriever-Dependent LDL Receptor Recycling
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11166264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Retriever helps recycle LDL receptors, which are important for removing bad cholesterol from your blood, and it hopes to find new ways to manage cholesterol levels that could help people with heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $700,338 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL179813-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11166264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with elevated LDL cholesterol levels or those at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal cholesterol levels and no risk factors for cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein complex called Retriever in the recycling of LDL receptors, which are crucial for clearing LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. By examining the structural features of Retriever and its interactions with other proteins, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that control cholesterol homeostasis. This could lead to new insights into how elevated LDL cholesterol contributes to cardiovascular diseases. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of cholesterol regulation and potential new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding cholesterol regulation through similar molecular approaches, indicating potential for impactful findings in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burstein, Ezra — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Burstein, Ezra
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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.