Understanding how dysfunctional HDL cholesterol contributes to heart disease
Official title: Human Atherogenesis with Underlying Dysfunctional HDL-Free Cholesterol
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11023079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of cholesterol called HDL might actually play a role in heart disease, especially in people who have high levels of it, and it's using mice to help figure out how this works so we can find better ways to treat heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $673,341 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163535-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023079 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with high levels of HDL cholesterol who are at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low HDL cholesterol or those without any cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). It focuses on how HDL functions in transferring free cholesterol from arterial-wall macrophages, which may be more predictive of ASCVD than HDL-C levels alone. Using a mouse model that mimics human high-HDL conditions, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the paradox of high HDL levels correlating with increased ASCVD risk. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for better managing heart disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that more effectively reduce the risk of heart disease in patients with high HDL cholesterol.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding HDL function can lead to breakthroughs in cardiovascular treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pownall, Henry J. — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Pownall, Henry J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating how DNA damage and repair mechanisms are altered in ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
This study is looking at how problems with DNA repair might contribute to conditions like ALS and frontotemporal dementia, and it’s testing ways to fix these issues in cells from patients to help develop new treatments.
-
Cefazolin Inoculum Effect and MSSA Bacteremia: A Rapid Test to Guide Therapy
A study to understand how a high bacterial load affects cefazolin treatment for serious Staphylococcus aureus infections and to test a quick lab method that helps doctors choose the best antibiotic.
-
Cefazolin Inoculum Effect: How this test could improve care for MSSA bloodstream infections
This project tests a quick lab test to find a specific cefazolin resistance pattern in MSSA blood infections so doctors can choose safer, more effective treatment.
-
Vascularized niche with local immune protection to transplant insulin-producing cells for Type 1 diabetes
A new approach aims to transplant insulin-producing cells inside a vascularized pocket with local drug delivery to keep them alive and functioning without full-body immune suppression.
-
How brain connections guide visual choices in ADHD
A research study aims to understand how specific brain pathways help people with ADHD make visual decisions, using non-invasive methods in primates.
-
Why some Klebsiella pneumoniae infections resist key carbapenem antibiotics
This project looks at why certain Klebsiella pneumoniae infections resist carbapenem antibiotics and how those infections affect adult patients.
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.