Hepatocyte TMEM141 in Lipoprotein Metabolism

Project Summary Project Summary: Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (ASCAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that results mainly from hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. Elevated plasma ApoB-containing lipoproteins, particularly LDL-C, are known to promote the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Transmembrane protein 141 (TMEM141) is a membrane protein with unknown biological functions. Our preliminary studies have shown that hepatic TMEM141 protein levels are changed under metabolic stress. Genetic loss of hepatic TMEM141 causes changes in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. In this project, we will use genetically modified mouse models together with state- of-the-art techniques to investigate whether and how hepatocyte TMEM141 regulates lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis.