Creating a new type of antibody to stop harmful cell growth in blood vessels
Official title: Development of a novel intracellular targeting nanobody that blocks Cx43-mediated pathological proliferation
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10988891 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with heart problems by creating tiny antibodies that can stop certain proteins in cells from causing harmful growth, which could help prevent issues like stent failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $236,833 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL168614-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988891 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be patients undergoing procedures that risk excessive smooth muscle cell proliferation, such as stent placements.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cardiovascular conditions not related to smooth muscle cell proliferation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing small antibodies known as nanobodies, which can enter cells and target specific protein interactions that lead to harmful cell growth in smooth muscle cells. The project aims to disrupt the interaction between connexin 43 and cyclin E, which is linked to the progression of cardiovascular diseases. By targeting this interaction, the researchers hope to create a new therapeutic approach to prevent complications such as stent failure caused by excessive cell proliferation. The study involves designing and testing these nanobodies to assess their effectiveness in treating cardiovascular conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that specifically prevent harmful cell growth in blood vessels, improving outcomes for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using nanobodies is relatively novel, similar strategies targeting specific cellular interactions have shown promise in other areas of research.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnstone, Scott R — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Johnstone, Scott R
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.