Understanding why your blood lipid levels run in families and affect heart disease
Official title: Whole genome sequences in individuals to comprehensively characterize the genetic mechanisms of dyslipidemias
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11402690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are using big genome sequencing to understand how inherited genetic differences influence your blood fats and heart disease risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $627,935 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL142711-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease who are willing to contribute genomic data and blood lipid measurements.
✕Less likely to help
People without interest in genetic research or without access to genomic data interpretation may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to map how genetic variations influence plasma lipid levels by analyzing whole genome sequences from many people. It combines sequencing data with new bioinformatic methods to find genetic regions that affect lipids and heart disease risk. The study also looks at large genomic features called structural variants and how they contribute to lipid biology. By modeling both single-gene (monogenic) and overall (polygenic) risk, the work seeks to improve our understanding of who is at higher risk for coronary disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to better prediction of heart- disease risk based on genetics and guide personalized prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have linked genetic variation to lipid levels, but this project aims to integrate multi-omics data and large cohorts for deeper insight.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koyama, Satoshi — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Koyama, Satoshi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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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.