How blood flow affects artery lining cells' cleanup
Official title: Impact of hemodynamics on efferocytosis in endothelial cells
Funded at Georgia State University · NIH-11235123 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether different patterns of blood flow change how artery-lining cells clear away dead cells, which could matter for people with or at risk for artery plaque.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $351,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162958-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11235123 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with or at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who can donate blood or tissue samples, especially those near Atlanta, would be the most relevant participants.
✕Less likely to help
Those without artery disease risk factors or people who cannot travel to the research site are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused project.
What this research studies
This work uses lab models of artery lining cells exposed to different types of blood flow—low/disturbed flow, steady high flow, and helical flow—to see how those forces change the cells' ability to remove dying cells (efferocytosis). The team will use controlled flow systems and cellular assays, and may confirm findings using animal models or human-derived samples. Results will be connected to processes that drive atherosclerotic plaque buildup in arteries. The goal is to explain how blood flow patterns contribute to artery disease and point to targets that could protect arteries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to prevent or lessen artery plaque by preserving or boosting the artery lining's ability to clear dead cells.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows flow patterns affect endothelial health and that failed clearance by immune cells worsens plaques, but directly linking flow to endothelial efferocytosis is a relatively new area.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia State University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Zufeng — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Ding, Zufeng
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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.