This project, a collaborative effort involving researchers from Malmö University, Lund University, and Aarhus University, investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) particles in relation to their structure. These particles, central to cholesterol transport, hold significant potential for therapeutic applications in cardiovascular disease.
The focus is on rHDL particles incorporating amyloidogenic ApoA-I variants, which exhibit superior cholesterol efflux capacity compared to those with wild-type ApoA-I. By examining these variants, the project aims to uncover how their structural features enhance their ability to modulate inflammation—a critical factor in atherosclerosis progression.
The project integrates advanced structural characterization techniques—cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)—with functional assays. The functional studies will be conducted at Malmö University and will be used to assess how the rHDL particles impact inflammatory responses in macrophages and endothelial cells. Concurrently, structural characterization will take place at Lund University and Aarhus University, leveraging cryo-EM and SAXS expertise.
By integrating structural techniques such as cryo-EM and SAXS with functional assays, this project bridges the gap between structure and function. The findings aim to pave the way for the development of HDL-based therapeutics that address both cholesterol metabolism and inflammation, offering new strategies for tackling atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases.
For further information about this HALRIC pilot project, please contact:
Rita Del Giudice, Malmö University
rita.del-giudice@mau.se
