Angela M. Zivkovic, PhD | University of California Davis; Joanne K. Agus, PhD; Brian V. Hong, PhD
Competition Sponsor: National Academy of Medicine
Awardee Year: 2025
HDL is more than just “good cholesterol”—it’s a key to long, healthy lives. While early research linked low HDL cholesterol to heart disease, the story has become more complex. Extremely high HDL levels are now associated with increased mortality and dementia, revealing that total cholesterol transport alone doesn’t capture HDL’s true role. These particles are essential for brain health, metabolism, immunity, and protection against chronic and infectious diseases. Centenarians tend to have high HDL concentrations, suggesting their importance in longevity. However, HDL’s complexity and small size have made them difficult to study—until now.
We’ve developed an innovative method to isolate and analyze HDL with unprecedented precision, unlocking their potential to transform health. HDL reflect fundamental biological processes like oxidative stress and inflammation, making them powerful indicators of overall health. More importantly, harnessing HDL’s natural potency offers an alternative to expensive medications, which are not accessible to everyone and often come with side effects. Instead, dietary and lifestyle interventions can optimize HDL function in a way that is both cost-effective and equitable.
By understanding HDL’s role in disease prevention, we can create targeted solutions that don’t rely on pharmaceuticals but rather empower individuals to take control of their health. Revolutionizing disease prevention starts with unlocking HDL’s full potential—paving the way for sustainable, personalized strategies that improve health outcomes and promote longevity for all.