Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Lipids (or fats) have numerous biological functions. They are an important component of cell membranes, they can supply energy to cells, and they can affect biological functions in cells. Lipids that are obtained through diet, as well as some of the lipids that can be made in different tissues, are transported in the blood of all mammals by large structures known as lipoproteins. Well known lipoproteins include LDL (or the "bad cholesterol"), and HDL (or the "good cholesterol"). Lipids in the bloodstream can be broken down by a group of enzymes known as lipases. This breakdown results in the formation of "hydrolysis products". The hydrolysis products include fatty acids. The hydrolysis products can be delivered from the bloodstream to cells. In turn, this can result in cells having altered functions. My laboratory's research is on a type of cell found in the body called a macrophage. Hydrolysis products cause macrophages to convert into fat-filled cells called foam cells. The process is detrimental and not well understood. However, we have found that some proteins and genes change in response to hydrolysis products. We suspect that these changes are involved in foam cell formation. The funding from NSERC will allow us to better understand this process. Our studies will provide a better understanding of how lipids contribute to foam cell formation, and how this process may be delayed.