Fat around blood vessels and how it affects blood vessel health
Perivascular Adipose Tissue (PVAT) as a Central Integrator of Vascular Health
This work looks at how the fat wrapped around arteries influences blood pressure and overall blood vessel health in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11229797 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study the fat that surrounds blood vessels (perivascular adipose tissue, or PVAT) by examining its fat cells, precursor cells, immune cells, and nerve inputs to see how they work together. They will test how physical stresses like stretch and high pressure change PVAT function and how a high-fat diet that causes hypertension affects these processes. The project combines laboratory models (including animal and tissue experiments) with studies that connect findings to adult human blood vessel health. The aim is to build a detailed picture of how PVAT helps control vessel tightening and blood pressure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults (21+) with high blood pressure or at risk for hypertension who are willing to provide clinical information or tissue samples if asked.
Not a fit: People who are children, have conditions unrelated to blood vessels, or who need immediate treatment rather than research participation are unlikely to get direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat high blood pressure by targeting the fat around blood vessels.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and tissue studies have shown that PVAT can influence vessel tone, but applying those findings to human treatments is still an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watts, Stephanie W — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Watts, Stephanie W
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.