2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): To identify a genetic basis for heterogeneity in responsiveness of plasma lipids to plant sterol use, and to identify which regulators of cholesterol metabolism associate with the genetic factors identified. The long-term goal is to predetermine who will and will not respond to plant sterols as functional food ingredients. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): Conduct a randomized clinical trial of individuals that respond to dietary plant sterols with an increase or a decrease in plasma lipids, and identify genotypic traits for lipid regulator systems including NPC1L1, ABCG5, ABCG8, SR-BI, CETP, HMG CoA R, APOE, CEL, and PCSK9 that associate with the degree of plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol responsiveness to plant sterol administration. 3.Progress Report: The purpose of this research is to identify a genetic basis for heterogeneity in responsiveness of plasma lipids to plant sterols and to identify regulators of cholesterol metabolism which are associated with these genetic factors. Adult volunteers have been recruited and enrolled in a feeding study. Volunteers were given a plant sterol enriched spread or a placebo spread for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected after the intervention to determine cholesterol absorption and processing. Differences in cholesterol metabolism will be associated with differences in cholesterol or lipid related genes. Analysis of genes associated with cholesterol trafficking are being initiated. Data analysis are ongoing.