High-density lipoproteins (HDL, or Good Cholesterol) are heterogeneous nanoparticles that remove cell cholesterol via a complex process termed reverse cholesterol transport (RTC). HDL protect against cardiovascular disease, inflammation, stroke and other major diseases. Understanding distinct functional properties of HDL subclasses and their remodeling during RCT is necessary to improve HDL quality, and is the current thrust in search for novel diagnostic tools and therapies to complement statins, fibrates and other lipid-lowering drugs. Our work will provide the molecular basis necessary for this effort. Our long-term goal is to elucidate the energetics-structure-function relationship in lipopo- teins to better understand and control the molecular mechanisms of lipid transport. This project is focused on the structural stability and functional remodeling of plasma HDL and their main protein, apoA-I. ApoA-I forms a structural scaffold on HDL and directs HDL metabolism by activating plasma factors. ApoA-I destabilization can cause amyloidosis.
In Aim 1, we will test the new structure-based mechanism of apoA-I adaptation to the increasing lipid load in HDL during cholesterol transport. We will use an integrated approach combining established biophysical and biochemical methods with innovative techniques such as field-cycling NMR to characterize HDL surface dynamics. This will be complemented by Aim 2: functional studies of cell cholesterol efflux to lipid-poor apoA-I and to nascent HDL at the critical early steps of RCT.
Aim 3 will test the new structure- based mechanism of apoA-I destabilization and misfolding in systemic amyloidosis. Our studies will provide a structural and dynamic framework necessary for understanding functions of over 60 HDL-associated proteins in health and disease, guide the search for HDL with improved properties for future use as diagnostic markers and personalized HDL-based therapies for cardiovascular disease, and help identify therapeutic targets for apoA-I amyloidosis, a devastating disease for which there is no treatment.
This research will determine how the protein constituents of high-density lipoprotein (a. k. a. Good Cholesterol) adapt to the increasing lipid load during cholesterol removal from the body. This research will also help deter- mine how to block the pathogenic misfolding of these proteins. The results will help find therapeutic targets and design new therapies for major human diseases, including atherosclerosis, diabetes and amyloidosis.
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