Calgary

October 21, 2023

Calgary # CholesterLock # iGEM Calgary presents CholesterLock, a novel proof of concept for an alternative high cholesterol medication. It employs synthetic biology to develop a fusion protein that targets NPC1L1, a lipid transporter protein found in the lining of the small intestines. NPC1L1 is involved in absorption of both cholesterol, and saturated fats which are used in the downstream synthesis of cholesterol. Our fusion protein consists of an Immunoglobulin G fragment, a linker, and a hedgehog family protein fragment bound to cholesterol, which is meant to inhibit NPC1L1 by blocking the site of cholesterol intake, preventing absorption. ...