ADAR RNA editing and coronary artery disease: a pathway to new therapies
Official title: ADAR mediated RNA editing is a causal mechanism in coronary artery disease
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11400018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist-led study at Stanford investigates how changes in RNA editing by ADAR enzymes may drive coronary artery disease and how targeting related pathways could lead to new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $165,996 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL167699-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400018 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for or with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who consent to genetic and cellular studies or participate in related translational research.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not directly benefit if their data does not reveal actionable mechanisms or if therapies are not yet available.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a process called RNA editing, controlled by ADAR enzymes, might cause inflammation and contribute to clogged arteries. Using human genetics and lab models, researchers aim to uncover exactly how ADAR-mediated edits influence vascular cells and the development of CAD. They will explore whether blocking a key RNA sensor, MDA5, could stop harmful processes and point toward new therapies. The work builds on prior findings that genetic variation affecting RNA editing increases CAD risk and seeks to translate those clues into potential interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new targets for drugs to prevent or treat coronary artery disease.
How similar studies have gone: This approach builds on prior genetic and editing studies suggesting a causal link between RNA editing and CAD, with translational potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weldy, Chad S — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Weldy, Chad S
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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.