# Identification of Novel Genes/Pathways That Regulate Atherogenesis

> **NIH NIH R01** · NORTHEAST OHIO MEDICAL UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $515,277

## Abstract

Project Summary
Project Summary: Hypercholesterolemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, the most common
cause for coronary artery disease (CAD). Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that
lowering plasma LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and/or enhancing HDL functionality are effective approaches
to lower the incidence of CAD. The liver plays a central role in maintaining bile acid (BA), triglyceride (TG) and
cholesterol homeostasis by coordinating regulation of a number of genes and signaling pathways. Activating
transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a member of the ATF/cAMP response element-binding (ATF/CREB) family of
transcription factors, and is shown to inhibit inflammatory response in macrophages. So far, the role of hepatic
ATF3 in regulating cholesterol or bile acid metabolism is completely unknown. Our preliminary studies have
shown that hepatic ATF3 regulates plasma cholesterol levels likely by coordinating plasma cholesterol uptake
by the liver and BA metabolism. As a result, hepatic ATF3 may regulate the development or regression of
atherosclerosis. In this project, we will use both gain- and loss-of-function approaches to test this hypothesis.
Our studies may help identify hepatic ATF3 as a novel regulator of cholesterol and bile acid metabolism and
atherosclerosis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10199006
- **Project number:** 5R01HL142086-04
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHEAST OHIO MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Yanqiao Zhang
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $515,277
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10199006

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10199006, Identification of Novel Genes/Pathways That Regulate Atherogenesis (5R01HL142086-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10199006. Licensed CC0.

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