Projects
Nuclear receptors and artherosclerosis
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Current therapeutic regimens are primarily based on the use of statins and aimed at decreasing plasma cholesterol. Despite their proven effectiveness and widespread use, the incidence of CVD remains high, implying that there is an urgent need for additional therapeutic strategies. Recent work has provided evidence that several nuclear receptors (e.g. LXRs, FXR, and LRH-1) play important roles in controlling cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, macrophage functioning and vessel wall biology. These are, therefore, potential therapeutic targets for treatment and prevention of CVD.
Partners: Academic Medical Center (AMC) Amsterdam, Leiden University, MSD, Radboud University Nijmegen, and University Medical Center Groningen
Full project title: Nuclear receptors as targets for anti-atherosclerotic therapies