A blood-vessel enzyme (PKM2) and high blood pressure
Vascular Pyruvate Kinase M2 in Hypertension
This project looks at whether an enzyme in blood-vessel muscle cells called PKM2 drives the structural vessel changes that worsen high blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247983 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how the PKM2 enzyme in vascular smooth muscle cells changes cell metabolism and contributes to blood vessel remodeling linked to hypertension. They will use mouse models (including mice lacking a key angiotensin receptor in vessel muscle cells), lab-grown vessel cells, and molecular tests to track PKM2 activity and shifts toward glycolysis. The work focuses on how angiotensin II signaling through the AT1 receptor affects PKM2 and vessel structure. Results will show whether PKM2-related pathways could be targets to prevent or reverse harmful vessel changes in hypertension.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with hypertension, especially those with signs of vascular remodeling or who remain at high cardiovascular risk despite blood pressure medications, would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People without high blood pressure or without vascular disease are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new add-on treatments that prevent or reverse harmful blood vessel remodeling and reduce heart attack and stroke risk in people with high blood pressure.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and basic studies show metabolic shifts matter in cardiovascular disease, but specifically targeting PKM2 in hypertension is a relatively new, mostly preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- University of South Florida — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eguchi, Satoru — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Eguchi, Satoru
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.