How a protein in immune cells may protect arteries from plaque
Role of PKC Epsilon in Atheroprotection
Researchers are looking at whether a protein called PKC‑epsilon in immune cells helps calm artery inflammation and reduce plaque in people at risk for heart attacks and strokes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albany Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294184 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses specially bred mice that lack PKC‑epsilon only in their immune (myeloid) cells and puts them on a high‑cholesterol regimen to produce artery plaque, then compares those mice to normal mice. They measure plaque size and composition, immune cell activity in plaques, and levels of specialized pro‑resolving lipids that help turn off inflammation. By linking how immune cells process oxidized cholesterol to the production of these resolving signals, they aim to identify how PKC‑epsilon promotes healing of artery inflammation. Findings could point to new ways to promote inflammation resolution and reduce atherosclerosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (for example, high cholesterol or previous heart attack or stroke) would be the most relevant group for related future research.
Not a fit: People without atherosclerosis or with health issues unrelated to artery plaque are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets for therapies that boost the body's ability to resolve artery inflammation and reduce plaque, lowering risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies have suggested PKC‑epsilon influences inflammation and plaque, but translating this mechanism into proven human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Albany, United States
- Albany Medical College — Albany, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lennartz, Michelle R — Albany Medical College
- Study coordinator: Lennartz, Michelle R
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.