Understanding how lipoprotein lipase is processed and secreted in cells
Official title: Lipoprotein Lipase Through the Secretory System
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10984999 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special enzyme called lipoprotein lipase (LPL) works to lower fat levels in the blood, which can help prevent heart disease and diabetes, and it's for anyone interested in understanding why some of this enzyme doesn't make it into the bloodstream and how it can be better released when we eat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | December 21, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $381,158 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163352-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984999 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with elevated triglyceride levels or those at risk for heart disease and diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with triglyceride levels or are not at risk for heart disease or diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biology of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), an enzyme that helps lower triglyceride levels in the blood, which are linked to heart disease and diabetes. The study focuses on why most LPL produced in cells does not reach the bloodstream, examining how some LPL misfolds and is retained within the cell, while others are stored in vesicles and require specific signals for release. By exploring the role of Lipase Maturation Factor 1 (LMF1) in LPL processing and the mechanisms behind LPL secretion in response to insulin, the research aims to uncover critical insights into lipid metabolism and its regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing triglyceride levels and reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lipid metabolism and the role of enzymes like LPL, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neher, Saskia — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Neher, Saskia
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.