Finding new ways to protect against artery disease

Identifying novel atheroprotective mechanisms

['FUNDING_R01'] · CLEMSON UNIVERSITY · NIH-10942481

This study is looking at how certain proteins in your blood vessel cells can help get rid of cholesterol from your arteries, which might help prevent heart disease, and it aims to find new ways to treat this condition that affects many people.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCLEMSON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CLEMSON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10942481 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how certain proteins in vascular smooth muscle cells can help remove cholesterol from arteries, potentially preventing atherosclerosis, which is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. The study focuses on two specific transport proteins, ABCA1 and ABCG1, to understand their roles in cholesterol removal and whether increasing their expression can protect against artery disease. By examining how these proteins interact with cholesterol, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies for treating atherosclerosis. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for heart disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for atherosclerosis or those already diagnosed with the condition.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cholesterol accumulation or atherosclerosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes for patients with atherosclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting cholesterol transport mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could lead to meaningful advancements in atherosclerosis treatment.

Where this research is happening

CLEMSON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.