How a blood-vessel muscle gene (GRAF3) protects arteries from plaque and high blood pressure
Atheroprotection by smooth muscle selective RhoGAPs
This work looks at whether differences in a gene called GRAF3 help keep arteries flexible and lower the chance of heart attack and stroke for people with or at risk for atherosclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125946 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project explores whether the SMC-selective gene GRAF3 controls blood vessel stiffness, inflammation, and plaque stability in ways that protect against atherosclerosis. Researchers will study cells and animal models to understand how GRAF3 alters smooth muscle contractility, extracellular matrix, and calcification programs. They will combine that lab work with human genetic analyses and large, diverse cardiovascular datasets to see how GRAF3 variants relate to blood pressure and heart disease outcomes. The goal is to link molecular mechanisms to real-world patient risk and outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with high blood pressure, known or suspected atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or people willing to share genetic information and medical records for research.
Not a fit: People without vascular disease or those unwilling to provide genetic or health data are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to prevent or treat atherosclerosis and high blood pressure by targeting GRAF3-related pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal experiments and human genetic analyses have linked GRAF3 to lower blood pressure and protective artery effects, but targeted therapies in patients have not yet been developed.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Joan M — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Joan M
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.