Genetic clues to how blood flow in arteries increases or lowers heart disease risk
Official title: Endothelial-Mediated Genetic Risk for Vascular Disease
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11449195 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how natural human genetic differences affect how arteries respond to blood flow, which may help explain why some people develop vascular disease beyond cholesterol levels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $778,582 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL180762-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449195 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who may contribute blood or tissue samples for genetic and endothelial studies.
✕Less likely to help
If you do not have or are not at risk for ASCVD, you may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project looks at how our genes influence the way endothelial cells react to different patterns of blood flow that can protect against or promote artery disease. By linking genetic variants to changes in gene regulation under flowing blood, it aims to uncover new biomarkers and targets for prevention. The findings could lead to better risk prediction and new ways to prevent or treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by focusing on endothelial responses to shear stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to better risk assessment and new interventions that target how blood flow affects the lining of arteries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that blood flow patterns and genetics influence endothelial behavior, supporting potential impact of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romanoski, Casey E — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Romanoski, Casey E
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.