Researchers at the University of Missouri have made a groundbreaking discovery by revealing the structure of ApoB100. This crucial protein acts as a molecular exoskeleton around LDL (“bad” cholesterol) particles in the bloodstream. Using advanced cryo-electron microscopy and artificial intelligence, researchers Zachary Berndsen and Keith Cassidy were able to create detailed, high-resolution images of this complex protein structure, which had previously eluded scientific understanding.
The discovery was made possible by significant infrastructure investments at the university, including state-of-the-art microscopes in the Electron Microscopy Core and the Hellbender supercomputer system. Such a breakthrough could lead to more targeted treatments for high cholesterol and heart disease, potentially reducing the side effects of current medications like statins. Moreover, it could enable more specific testing methods for cholesterol levels.
The research has personal significance for both scientists, who have family histories of heart disease. Together, they hope their work will bridge the gap between basic science and practical health benefits for the general public.