Finding genetic causes and treatment targets for carotid artery narrowing
Leveraging the Genetics of carotid stenosis for identifying novel risk factors and therapeutic opportunities
This project uses veterans' genetic data and medical records to find why carotid arteries narrow and help people at risk of stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Philadelphia VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11130972 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses veterans' genetic information and VA medical records to find patterns linked to carotid artery narrowing. Researchers apply natural language processing to VA clinical notes to identify people with carotid stenosis and then run large-scale genetic analyses to find risk genes and biological pathways. They compare carotid disease genetics to those of coronary and peripheral artery disease to find what is unique to narrowing in the neck arteries and to highlight possible drug targets. The work uses data from the VA Million Veteran Program and clinical records rather than new procedures for participants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are U.S. veterans enrolled in the VA or the Million Veteran Program, especially those with diagnosed carotid stenosis or cerebrovascular disease who agree to use of their genetic and medical record data.
Not a fit: People who are not veterans, are not enrolled in VA research, or who do not share genetic or medical record data would likely not be able to participate or receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better prediction of who will develop carotid artery narrowing and point to new treatments to reduce stroke risk.
How similar studies have performed: Large genetic studies have already found useful biology and drug targets for coronary and peripheral artery disease, but similar genetics work focused specifically on carotid stenosis is newer and less established.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Philadelphia VA Medical Center — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Damrauer, Scott Michael — Philadelphia VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Damrauer, Scott Michael
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.