Understanding which HDL particles protect the heart
Multi-disciplinary Approaches to HDL Structure, Assembly, and Functional Heterogeneity
This project aims to figure out which HDL particles help people with diabetes avoid heart disease by studying how HDL forms and removes cholesterol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171525 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati and collaborators are examining how the HDL protein ApoA1 and the transporter ABCA1 create different HDL particles and which ones remove cholesterol from artery cells. They will use calibrated ion mobility spectrometry to measure the size and number of HDL particles and test cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) in blood samples from people, with special focus on diabetes, alongside complementary animal and molecular studies. Multiple labs with complementary expertise will combine biochemical, imaging, and molecular approaches to link specific HDL subspecies to cardiovascular risk. The team aims to map the molecular steps that make HDL protective and to show how diabetes alters those processes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diabetes or people at high risk for cardiovascular disease who can provide blood samples and participate in follow-up at the University of Cincinnati or partner sites would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without diabetes or those not at cardiovascular risk, and anyone seeking an immediate treatment change, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce better blood tests to predict heart disease risk and point to new treatments that boost the protective forms of HDL in people with diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows cholesterol efflux capacity relates to heart disease risk, but pinpointing the exact HDL subspecies that provide protection is a newer and still-developing area.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davidson, W Sean — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Davidson, W Sean
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.