Dissecting the Impact of Dietary Protein on Macrophage mTOR Signaling and Atherosclerosis
Description: Project Narrative Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases remain the leading causes of death in the United States. The high saturated fat, cholesterol, and refined carbohydrate intakes associated with a Western-type diet is considered a major cause of atherosclerosis. However, we discovered that high protein intake could also be involved in the adverse vascular health effects of a Western-type diet. In this proposal, we will discern the mechanism of how dietary protein impacts immune cells that are involved in forming atherosclerotic plaques. This work has important public health implications, because it may lead to new dietary guidelines. Currently, high protein intake is considered healthy and has become popular. Our work also has the potential to uncover new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Funding type: research
Funder scheme: R01
Start date: 2022-04-01
End date: 2027-04-30
Investigator: BETTINA MITTENDORFER
Institution: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
Funded outputs count: 38
Funder award ID: R01HL159461
OpenAlex ID: G9000894923