Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Albany Medical College received a $586,474 Project Grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837), awarded June 15, 2026, with completion targeted for February 28, 2030. The research project, titled "Targeting Lipolytic Sterol Signaling to Foster Favorable Foam Cell Modulation and Atheroprotection," will deliver fundamental scientific research investigating mechanisms to modulate atherosclerotic lesion formation and progression. Specifically, the funded research will examine how lipid droplet-associated hydrolase (LDAH) mobilizes cholesterol and oxysterol stores within foamy macrophages to activate protective liver X receptor (LXR) signaling pathways, with the objective of identifying novel atheroprotective strategies that promote lesion stabilization and reduce inflammatory responses without the lipogenic side effects associated with synthetic LXR agonists.

The project will generate research products including lipidomic and transcriptomic analyses of macrophage and atherosclerotic tissue samples, mechanistic findings regarding sterol mobilization and LXR pathway activation, and preclinical evidence supporting LDAH as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease prevention. These research outputs will contribute to the NHLBI's broader portfolio of basic and translational cardiovascular research designed to advance understanding of atherosclerosis pathogenesis and identify innovative intervention strategies for preventing and treating heart and vascular diseases.