Uncovering how our cells process cholesterol

Scientists at NTU Singapore, led by Assoc Prof Yasunori Saheki from the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, have found how human cells process cholesterol, aiding in research in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Maintaining normal cholesterol levels within the body is essential for various processes, including the brain’s development and daily functions, such as repairing and maintain cells in our hearts. 

The cells in our body either produce cholesterol or acquire it through our diet and maintaining the appropriate levels and distribution of cholesterol within our cells is crucial, as failure to do so can lead to various diseases, including heart attacks and dementia.

The NTU team will be conducting further research to explore how to adjust the activities of key proteins within damaged cells to help them better regulate cholesterol, possibly leading to therapies that could one day help with dementia and heart attacks.