Understanding how sex differences in genes affect heart and metabolic health
Epigenetic sex determinants of cardiometabolic disease and prevention
This research explores how genes on sex chromosomes influence obesity, heart and metabolic conditions, and how people respond to statin medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168928 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that men and women often experience obesity and related heart and metabolic conditions differently, and they can also react differently to common medications like statins. This project looks at specific genes found on the X and Y chromosomes that might explain these differences. By studying these genes, we hope to understand how they affect fat tissue and how the body processes statin drugs. Our goal is to uncover why these sex-specific genetic factors lead to different health outcomes and drug responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients interested in the genetic basis of cardiometabolic diseases, obesity, or statin drug responses, particularly those contributing to research on human cell lines or tissue samples, might find this relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not find this basic science research directly beneficial in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more personalized treatments for cardiometabolic diseases and better ways to predict how individuals will respond to medications like statins, based on their sex.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has identified specific sex chromosome genes that influence adiposity and statin side effects, providing a foundation for this novel investigation into their epigenetic mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reue, Karen — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Reue, Karen
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.