Researchers identify protein that interferes with the body's ability to get rid of 'bad' cholesterol A team of researchers at the University of Alberta has uncovered a long-sought link in the battle to control cholesterol and heart disease. The protein that interferes with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors that clear "bad" cholesterol from the blood was identified in findings recently published in Nature Communications by Dawei Zhang, associate professor of pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. Excess LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis--a narrowing and hardening of arteries--and ultimately, heart attack. We have known for many years that these receptors could be cleaved, but nobody knew which protein was responsible. There had been several attempts around the world but nobody else was successful."