Could G6PD enzyme deficiency raise the risk of clogged arteries and heart disease?
G6PD Deficiency and Atherosclerosis
This project will learn whether a common enzyme deficiency called G6PD changes protective B cells and raises the chance of artery-clogging heart disease for people with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295379 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses a humanized mouse that carries a common human G6PD mutation to model how G6PD deficiency affects artery plaque formation. They compare plaque development and immune cell profiles, focusing on B-1b cells and the protective IgM antibodies that recognize oxidized cholesterol. The researchers will link these animal findings to existing human epidemiologic signals about G6PD deficiency and cardiovascular risk. The goal is to understand if G6PD-driven changes in B cells help explain higher heart disease risk so future human-focused tests or therapies can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a known G6PD deficiency and individuals with or at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease would be the most relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: People without G6PD deficiency or those whose heart disease is caused by unrelated conditions may not directly benefit from this project's findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat atherosclerotic heart disease in people with G6PD deficiency by targeting protective B-cell responses.
How similar studies have performed: Epidemiologic studies have suggested a link between G6PD deficiency and cardiovascular risk and preliminary mouse data are supportive, but human-directed interventions based on this mechanism remain untested.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcnamara, Coleen a — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Mcnamara, Coleen a
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.