DIAPH1 Regulates Atherosclerosis Progression and Hepatic Lipid Metabolism

Groundbreaking Study Uncovers the Role of a Key Protein in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Research Led by Renowned Pathologist Neil Theise Offers New Insights for Therapeutic Interventions

NEW YORK, NY (March 15, 2023) - A groundbreaking study published in the journal Molecular Metabolism sheds light on the critical role of a protein called DIAPH1 in the progression of atherosclerosis and the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism. The study, led by Dr. Neil Theise, a renowned pathologist at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, offers promising new insights for the development of therapeutic interventions for these prevalent health conditions.

Atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. In this study, Dr. Theise and his team discovered that DIAPH1 plays a crucial role in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. They found that mice deficient in DIAPH1 exhibited reduced plaque formation, suggesting that targeting DIAPH1 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing atherosclerosis.

Furthermore, the study revealed that DIAPH1 also regulates hepatic lipid metabolism, the process by which lipids are processed in the liver. Mice deficient in DIAPH1 showed improved insulin sensitivity and reduced hepatic steatosis, indicating that DIAPH1 inhibition could potentially treat metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Dr. Theise, a leading expert in diagnostic liver pathology and adult stem cell research, emphasizes the significance of these findings. "Our study provides compelling evidence for the involvement of DIAPH1 in both atherosclerosis and hepatic lipid metabolism," he says. "These novel insights could open up new avenues for the development of effective therapies to combat these prevalent health challenges."