Grant: Operating Grant

One of the principal research interests of our laboratory over the last decade has been the investigation of the mechanisms by which a specific protein, the ABCA1 transporter, plays a key role in the formation of HDL. During the previous funding period (CIHR grant MOP 15042, 2006-2011), our group has documented several novel mechanisms, including the identification of a binding site on the cell surface, created by the ABCA1 transporter. This site allows the formation of HDL (hence, the term "HDL Biogenesis") and permits the removal of cholesterol, the first step in reverse cholesterol transport. This mechanism, reverse cholesterol transport, is the way by which the body removes cholesterol from cells and prevents build up, leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease. We believe that a complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying the regulation of HDL biogenesis will lead to novel information concerning the early stage of HDL formation that may have important implications in the translation of the basic research in this field to the development of clinically relevant assays and biomarkers of HDL function, as well as novel HDL-based therapies.