BCR protein in blood vessels: links to heart disease and type 2 diabetes
A Novel role of Endothelial Breakpoint Cluster Region Protein in Vascular Health and Disease
Researchers are exploring whether a protein called BCR in blood vessel cells helps HDL protect arteries and supports healthy blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250069 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, this research looks at how a protein named BCR in endothelial (blood vessel) cells helps HDL (the “good” cholesterol) reduce inflammation, repair vessels, and influence blood sugar. The team uses lab-grown human endothelial cells, genetically modified (floxed and BCR-null) mice, and nanoparticle delivery to put back normal or altered BCR into vessel cells to see what changes. They will measure atherosclerosis, vessel repair/angiogenesis, and glucose regulation in those models. The goal is to connect what happens in cells and mice to processes relevant to heart disease, peripheral artery disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes or people at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are the most relevant groups who could be future candidates for therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Because this is preclinical work in cells and mice, people seeking immediate treatment or those without vascular or glucose-related conditions are unlikely to gain direct benefit now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost HDL-related vascular protection or target BCR to prevent artery disease and improve blood sugar control.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies support that HDL and its receptor SR-BI and adaptor PDZK1 protect blood vessels, but the role of BCR in this pathway is a new finding and remains preclinical.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mineo, Chieko — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mineo, Chieko
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.