UT Southwestern researchers found, among other results, rare variants of a gene responsible for reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) among African-Americans. Further research showed that moderate decreases in LDL-C, early in life, could have a greatly beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease. Basic research efforts include investigation of the molecular control of circadian rhythms, embryonic development, reproduction, and protein structure. Funding from federal agencies, foundations, companies and private donors provide approximately $427.3 million per year to fund about 5,800 research projects.