FOG2 protein types and small-vessel heart disease
FOG2 isoforms in Coronary Microvascular Disease
This work looks at how two different versions of the FOG2 protein in heart muscle cells help keep the heart's tiny blood vessels healthy for people with coronary microvascular disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311941 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will map how the two forms of the FOG2 protein in heart muscle cells control genes that promote or block growth of the heart's small blood vessels. Researchers will study how FOG2 interacts with HIF1a using lab-based protein interaction tests and gene-reporter assays and will define where each FOG2 form binds across the genome. They will test how heart muscle cells with different FOG2 forms send signals to nearby vascular cells using cell culture systems and in vivo models. The team aims to identify which FOG2 form supports healthy microvasculature and to highlight targets for future treatments for coronary microvascular disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with coronary microvascular disease—people who have ischemic symptoms or chest pain but no major coronary artery blockages—would be the group most likely to benefit from follow-up trials.
Not a fit: People whose ischemia is caused by large-vessel obstructive coronary artery disease or whose chest pain is non-cardiac are unlikely to benefit directly from this molecular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new drug targets or therapies to protect or restore the tiny coronary blood vessels that cause chest pain and ischemia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show FOG2 is important for coronary vessel development and maintenance, but focusing on specific FOG2 isoforms and their interaction with HIF1a is a new and only partially explored approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guerraty, Marie a — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Guerraty, Marie a
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.