Finding new ways to protect against artery disease
Official title: Identifying novel atheroprotective mechanisms
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-10942481 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | September 29, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $381,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL175166-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10942481 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for atherosclerosis or those already diagnosed with the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cholesterol accumulation or atherosclerosis may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stamatikos, Alexis — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Stamatikos, Alexis
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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.