We are always interested in collaborating with other researchers, and in recruiting patient-participants for our studies.
Translational research in reverse cholesterol transport
We focus on identifying the genetic and molecular factors that underlie variation in cholesterol efflux in two large, multi-ethnic population-based cohorts: DHS and MESA (supported by NHLBI R01). We use FPLC-profiling and other methods to further phenotype the efflux trait and focus on drivers of efflux in humans.
Cholesterol efflux is a direct reflection of reverse cholesterol transport, a key atheroprotective pathway, and impaired efflux is associated with increased ASCVD risk. We established in the Dallas Heart Study that baseline differences in the anti-atherogenic process of cholesterol efflux are relevant to incident ASCVD risk in humans. Intriguingly, correlation with HDL composition was weak, suggesting that cholesterol efflux represents a novel lipid trait distinct from HDL.
The mechanisms underlying variation in cholesterol efflux remain unknown. We focus on identifying the genetic and molecular factors that underlie variation in cholesterol efflux in two large, multi-ethnic population-based cohorts: DHS and MESA (supported by NHLBI R01). We use FPLC-profiling and other methods to further phenotype the efflux trait and focus on drivers of efflux in humans.
We are interested in collaboration with other investigators and can serve as a core lab in measuring cholesterol efflux from human serum/plasma.
Extremes in HDL-C
We have initiated an extreme lipids repository at UT Southwestern to recruit those with extreme elevations in HDL-C for further deep lipid phenotyping and genotyping (supported by NHLBI K24). This repository will also allow genotyping and deep phenotyping of multiple lipid traits at both extreme high and low ranges.
We are interested in recruiting individuals with extreme HDL and other lipid levels for this repository.
Although high HDL-C levels are presumed to be protective from ASCVD, extreme elevations ≥ 90th% are associated with increased CV mortality.
Although some of this association is confounded by environmental habits such as alcohol ingestion, the association persists despite adjustment for lifestyle factors. In addition, extreme elevations in HDL-C can represent dysfunctional HDL with impaired efflux and other functions and may also identify genetic mutations that confer increased ASCVD risk.
Thus, we are keenly interested in identifying such individuals prospectively to investigate the molecular basis of dysfunctional HDL at such extreme levels.
Epidemiologic research on HDL, other lipids, and novel atherosclerosis biomarkers
We are studying the associations of HDL-related markers to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other phenotypes. These investigations involve assessment of multiple parameters related to HDL, including cholesterol concentrations, particle size and number, protein levels, and associated functions.
Typically we use the Dallas Heart Study and other large cohorts to refine how these parameters associate with various clinical phenotypes, especially with respect to gender, race/ethnicity, and cardiometabolic status. The analyses are primarily conducted by Colby Ayers, population science statistician and database manager affiliated with the Dallas Heart Study. These efforts are supported by internal support, AHA funding, and NHLBI K24.
We encourage medical students, residents, fellows, and other clinically-oriented trainees/faculty to approach us for engaging in these projects. Typically 3-4 projects are ongoing at any time, primarily driven by trainees at UT Southwestern.