Article by Laboratory Researchers Published in Progress in Lipid Research
An article by laboratory researchers has been published in Progress in Lipid Research (impact factor 14.9), a leading international journal dedicated to research on lipids and metabolism. The paper, “Structure-guided dissection of the genetic variations within human LPA locus and its role in the development of cardiovascular diseases,” examines key genetic factors underlying cardiovascular risk
The study focuses on the genetic variability of the LPA locus and its impact on plasma levels of lipoprotein(a), an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The authors analyze structural features of the LPA gene, including copy number variation of the KIV-2 domain and single-nucleotide polymorphisms, which determine Lp(a) concentration and apolipoprotein(a) isoform size.
The article highlights the clinical relevance of Lp(a) diagnostics, as its circulating levels are largely genetically determined, poorly responsive to conventional therapies, and strongly associated with individual cardiovascular risk. Special attention is given to emerging therapeutic approaches based on antisense oligonucleotides and siRNA, which have demonstrated substantial reductions in Lp(a) levels in clinical studies.
Authors:
Ivan Antipenko, Anna Stepanova, Maxim Shkurnikov, Kianoush Jeiran, Ancha Baranova, Alexander Tonevitsky
The article is available online.