Menopause-Associated differences in Transporter Complex HDL’s composition and function (MATCH) -study
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Project description
The MATCH study focuses on generating new information about the relationship between the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle and menopause. Each individual has a diverse array of HDL particles of varying sizes and slightly different structures in their bloodstream. The HDL particles consist of fats and proteins, and they carry RNA molecules that can act as signalling molecules or regulatory factors between tissues and cells. In the MATCH study, we are interested in the proteomic, lipidomic, and RNA composition of the HDL particle and potential changes related to menopause or female sex hormone levels.
The HDL particle is intriguing because its function or dysfunction can impact health by regulating, for example, inflammatory responses or the efficiency of removing excess cholesterol from blood vessels. The role of HDL as a carrier of regulatory RNA molecules can influence cellular metabolism. These small, non-protein-coding RNA molecules also circulate in the bloodstream attached to extracellular vesicles and other protein complexes. Different carriers are likely to collide with each other in the bloodstream and can exchange RNA, protein, or lipid components among themselves.
All cell types in the body can release regulatory RNA molecules into the bloodstream and, conversely, uptake such molecules. When taken into a cell, regulatory RNAs can alter cellular function.
The MATCH study is based on data from the ERMA and EsmiRs research projects. The research is conducted at the Gerontology Research Center within the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥.
