Can HDL therapy stop atherosclerosis in its tracks?

The structure-function relationship of enhanced cardioprotective apolipoprotein A-I mutants in high density lipoprotein nanoparticles (Miss Sophie Lau)

Supervised by Professor David Middleton, a PhD student is investigating how the microscopic composition of high density lipoproteins (HDLs) contributes towards atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries become furred up by fatty plaques. A diet high in fat and cholesterol is a main cause of atherosclerosis. ‘Bad’ fats, or LDLs, overload cells with cholesterol and plaques build up. ‘Good’ fats, or HDLs, prevent plaques from forming. HDL particles contain a protein called apoA-I, and it is known that changes in apoA-I can give rise to form of HDL that prevent the build-up of atherosclerosis. In this project, the student will use cutting-edge physical techniques to investigate the biology behind how changes in apoA-I proteins lead to changes in the composition of HDL. As a result, they may better understand how apoA-I proteins affect HDL size, shape and their ability to carry cholesterol. This research will help us understand how modified HDL could be used to treat atherosclerosis and may reveal new potential treatments for this disease.