A copper transporter change that may protect your arteries
Cu importer CTR1 Cys189 oxidation in atherosclerosis
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · CHARLIE NORWOOD VA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11247539
Looking at whether a small chemical change to a copper-transporting protein in blood-vessel cells can help protect people with or at risk for atherosclerosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CHARLIE NORWOOD VA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11247539 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will study a protein called CTR1 that moves copper into the lining of blood vessels and whether a specific chemical switch (oxidation at Cys189) affects cell aging, inflammation, and a form of cell death linked to artery disease. They will run lab tests on human artery cells, examine samples from atherosclerotic plaques, and use animal models to track copper levels, mitochondrial health, and inflammatory signals. The team will compare these lab and tissue findings with disease markers to connect the mechanism to real-world atherosclerosis. The aim is to learn if changing CTR1 behavior can reduce vessel inflammation and slow plaque buildup.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, or who are at increased risk for plaque buildup — particularly older adults and Veterans — would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Individuals with non-atherosclerotic vascular conditions, acute emergency cardiac events, or unrelated health issues are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new ways to reduce artery inflammation and slow plaque growth, lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory and animal studies show that copper levels influence plaque and that copper chelation can reduce atherosclerosis in mice, but this specific CTR1 Cys189 oxidation mechanism is novel and has not been tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES
- CHARLIE NORWOOD VA MEDICAL CENTER — AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FUKAI, TOHRU — CHARLIE NORWOOD VA MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: FUKAI, TOHRU
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.