Agents to modulate high-density lipoproteins

There is great interest in developing new modes of therapy for atherosclerosis, particularly involving the modulation of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), to treat coronary heart disease and stroke. Our lab is engaged in the design, synthesis, and characterization of peptides aimed at improving the function of high-density lipoproteins (HDL).  A sizable body of evidence has established that HDL is protective against cardiovascular disease. HDL particles exist in constant dynamic flux and vary in diameter from 5–13 nm, undergoing “remodeling” by virtue of proteins that mediate the influx, efflux, or modification of lipids and cholesterol within the particles. We are employing chemical, biophysical, biological, and proteomic approaches to gain an understanding at the molecular level of the network dynamics involved in HDL biogenesis and function, and how our peptides work at the molecular level to modulate HDL function.