Understanding how genes control LDL receptor levels
Official title: Molecular Regulation of LDL Receptor Expression
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11001240 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different genes affect the levels of a protein that helps remove bad cholesterol from the liver, which is important for understanding heart disease risk, and it’s for anyone interested in how genetics can impact heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $557,315 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167733-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001240 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or those with elevated LDL cholesterol levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any genetic predisposition to high LDL cholesterol or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the regulation of LDL receptor (LDLR) expression in the liver, which is crucial for assessing the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The team will explore how various genetic variants influence LDLR levels and how certain transcription factors interact with specific regions of the LDLR gene. Using advanced techniques like CRISPR, they aim to identify key enhancers that modulate LDLR expression and contribute to ASCVD risk. This could lead to a better understanding of genetic factors affecting heart health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by targeting LDL receptor regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in understanding genetic regulation of cholesterol levels, making this approach promising yet still innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Emmer, Brian T — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Emmer, Brian T
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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.