# RNA-binding proteins in atherosclerosis

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 2020 · $380,715

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Perturbations in cholesterol homeostasis are major contributors to cardiovascular disease and associated
comorbidities. The objective of this proposal is to define the role of RNA-binding proteins in cholesterol
metabolism and atherosclerosis. Interactions between RNA-binding proteins and non-coding RNAs may affect
transcriptional outputs at specific genetic zip codes, either locally or across multiple chromosomes.
Reinforcing this premise, our preliminary studies suggest that the transcriptional coactivator and RNA-binding
protein Raly interacts with the noncoding RNA LeXis to modulate the expression of cholesterol biosynthetic
genes. Capitalizing on this novel insight, we aim to investigate the contributions of RALY in sterol metabolism.
In Aim 1, we define the physiologic role of Raly in cholesterol metabolism and contributions to atherosclerosis
development. We will test out hypotheses by studying mice with tissue specific deletion of Raly or mice
transduced with gain- or loss-of-function adenoviral vectors. In Aim 2, we will investigate the mechanisms by
which RALY influences gene expression. Utilizing unbiased genome wide approaches will map potential Raly
binding sites, its influence on chromatin architecture and decipher its cooperative and hierarchical relationship
with transcriptional modulators. These studies are expected to shed fundamental insight into mechanisms
controlling metabolic regulation while exploring novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9888406
- **Project number:** 5R01HL139549-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** Tamer Sallam
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $380,715
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-04-01 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9888406

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9888406, RNA-binding proteins in atherosclerosis (5R01HL139549-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9888406. Licensed CC0.

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