How blood vessel and immune cell metabolism shapes artery disease
Insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating vascular and immune metabolism in vascular diseases
This project looks at how changes in energy use inside artery-lining cells, artery muscle cells, and immune cells affect people with atherosclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11245748 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine the cells that line blood vessels (endothelial cells), the muscle cells in vessel walls (smooth muscle cells), and immune cells that collect in arterial plaques. They will focus on how shifts in cell metabolism and small regulatory RNAs called microRNAs change cell behavior and plaque stability, using lab-grown cells, animal models, and human tissue or blood samples. The team will test whether these metabolic pathways make plaques more likely to grow or rupture. The goal is to identify metabolic switches that could become targets for new treatments or diagnostics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease or carotid plaque, who can provide blood or tissue samples during clinical visits or procedures would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without atherosclerosis or those with unrelated health problems are unlikely to see direct benefits from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to stabilize plaques and reduce heart attacks and strokes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown that microRNAs and cellular metabolism affect vascular cells, but turning those findings into tested treatments for patients remains an early and active area of research.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suarez, Yajaira — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Suarez, Yajaira
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.