Recent Advances in Lipoprotein Research

TOPICAL COLLECTIONS

Guest Editor

Soumaya Ben-Aicha Gonzalez

Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute

Dr. Ben-Aicha has a BSc in Biotechnology from the University of Barcelona, Spain plus a Masters of Applied Clinical Research in Health Sciences from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain. After finishing her PhD in Medicine studies at the Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau-Institut de recerca-Program ICCC, she moved to the Imperial College London as a postdoctoral researcher. Her field of action focuses on the therapy of ischemic heart disease and thrombosis. She investigated through preclinical animal models of hypercholesterolemia (a common cardiovascular risk factor in CVD) and performed analysis of non-invasive imaging technologies and determinations at molecular and histological level. She has also contributed to several projects in gaining experience and knowledge in thrombosis. Since then, she moved to the Imperial College London and is currently working on the role of the immune system in CVD. In all those settings she analysed the role of the lipoproteins and extracellular vesicles as potential therapeutics. As proof of this, she has a substantial peer-reviewed publication record for her stage. Moreover, many abstracts due to her efforts have been accepted and published in different recognized national and international congresses. She has also obtained recognition in the works presented at courses and conferences including Frontiers in Cardiovascular Biology Young Investigator Award 2018 and 2020, best communications at the Sociedad Española de Cardiología (SEC) 2019, Special Mention Award in Spanish Society of Arteriosclerosis 2018, and European Society for Clinical Investigation 2018.

Collection Overview

Lipoproteins are central to lipid transport, cellular homeostasis, and systemic metabolism, with profound implications for cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, and inflammatory conditions. Advances in molecular biology, structural biochemistry, and systems-level analyses have expanded our understanding of lipoprotein diversity, functionality, and regulation, moving beyond traditional classifications toward a more nuanced view of particle heterogeneity, composition, and biological roles.

Despite significant progress, key challenges remain. These include incomplete characterization of lipoprotein subclasses and their functional relevance, limitations in analytical and imaging techniques for precise quantification and structural resolution, and gaps in understanding the dynamic interplay between lipoproteins, genetics, diet, and disease states. Moreover, inconsistencies in experimental methodologies and clinical measurements continue to hinder cross-study comparability and translational progress.

This collection aims to bring together original research articles, methods articles, and review articles that highlight the breadth of contemporary lipoprotein research, encompassing fundamental biology, translational insights, and clinical applications.

By integrating diverse topics, this Collection will provide a cohesive resource for researchers and clinicians, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerating innovation. Overall, it will serve as a platform to standardize methodologies, highlight novel discoveries, and identify future research directions, ultimately advancing both fundamental understanding and clinical translation of lipoproteins.