Gene switches that control inflammation in healing and blood vessel disease
The epigenetic regulation of inflammation in tissue repair and vascular disease
This work looks at how epigenetic 'switches' in immune cells change inflammation during healing and in people with blood vessel problems like atherosclerosis and aneurysms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127623 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team studies how epigenetic 'switches' in immune cells control inflammation that can help or harm healing after injury and in vascular disease. They combine animal experiments with tests on blood cells and tissue taken from patients with atherosclerotic disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, COVID-19, or recovery from sepsis to find shared patterns. The researchers measure gene regulation, metabolites, and other biomarkers to identify pathways that drive harmful inflammation. Findings are intended to point to new diagnostic markers or drug targets that could be tested in future patient trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or patients recovering from COVID-19 or sepsis who can provide blood or tissue samples.
Not a fit: People without vascular disease or those seeking immediate treatment changes should not expect direct clinical benefit from participating in this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biomarkers and therapeutic targets to reduce harmful inflammation and improve recovery in people with vascular disease or severe infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and human-sample studies, including work from this lab, support a role for epigenetic control of immune cells, but translating these findings into proven therapies is still early and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gallagher, Katherine Ann — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Gallagher, Katherine Ann
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.