How cell metabolism and gene switches help regrow blood vessels
Metabolism and Epigenetic Regulation are Couples in Transdifferentiation and Vascular Regeneration
['FUNDING_R01'] · METHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11119012
Testing whether shifting cell metabolism and gene control can turn scar-like cells into blood-vessel cells to help people with poor blood flow.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | METHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11119012 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would hear that researchers are studying how inflammatory signals and metabolism change the way genes are used inside cells. They focus on converting fibroblasts (scar-forming cells) into endothelial cells that line blood vessels, using lab-grown cells and models of tissue ischemia. The team looks at how shifts in glycolysis and epigenetic modifiers enable this 'transdifferentiation' and whether that restores blood flow in damaged tissue. Their work combines molecular lab experiments with models that mimic poor circulation to find ways to promote vascular repair.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with tissue ischemia, such as peripheral artery disease or areas of poor blood flow after a heart attack, would be most likely to benefit from therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that are not caused by poor circulation or where vascular growth is not the problem (for example, purely genetic or inflammatory diseases unrelated to ischemia) are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new therapies that restore blood flow in ischemic tissues by converting local cells into blood-vessel cells.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and animal studies have shown that inflammatory signaling and metabolic shifts can push fibroblasts toward endothelial-like states, but benefits in people have not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- METHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAI, LI — METHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: LAI, LI
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.